4

Once Alaric arrives, we stand there at the tree reading the note.

…………………………………………………………………………..

If you continue to look for the missing females, we will kill them all. You thought your queen was so special, well…. We found our own special beast. She has the same purple markings as the queen. So last warning stop looking for the females, or they die and we will take the queen and her abomination bastard prince.

…………………………………………………………………………….

I look over to see Alaric is barely holding on. His dragon is angered by the threat and disrespect for his wife and son.

“Don’t worry Alaric, we will find these bastards. First, we have to find the rat and fast. My pack will come stay here for protection.”

He nods his head in agreement.

“Oh, and bro, you can be the one to tell her. I just got the bald spot on my back side to regrow.” I laugh and run back towards the castle.

We both come out the clearing exhausted, and dreading having to discuss the threat with Liza. She was our light in the dark, the peace in the middle of a war, and our saving grace. There in the front we could see some of the Alphas have already begun to arrive, so the talk would have to wait. We quickly ran to welcome the guests.

I spotted my beta Johnathan and quickly grabbed him in a hug.

“Glad you are here. We need to discuss an urgent matter,” I look around and whisper, “privately.”

I nod to Alaric who slips me the note unseen from any would be prying eyes.

“All silver moon pack warriors follow me.” I linked my pack as we headed in the woods.

Once everyone caught up to the spot Alaric and I stood just moments ago, I began.

“I know the scent is unbearable, however what you are told out here stays between us and Alaric. I was out here just moments ago, and it pains me to admit but I dozed off and someone left this note on this very tree. Whoever wrote this note did so in the blood of a wolf. We have reason to believe it is the same people who are taking our females.” I paused allowing the information to sink in as every gasped in horror.

They know what this meant, we had a traitor among us.

“This note said if we didn’t stop the hunt for the missing females, well they will take the queen and prince. It also states they have their own female that is like Liza. Which means whatever their plan for the females isn’t a good one. We will go up there,” I said pointing to the spot above the waterfalls, “pass the note around and hope we can catch a scent. I need volunteers to search for the source of the stench. We will also provide the queen and prince with security. They are to not be out of our sights unless they are with Alaric.”

As soon as I finished several hands flew up, I nodded my thanks, and they quickly took off in search for the foul odor. The rest of us quickly went to the cliff above the waterfalls taking in the scent left on the knife and note. Sadly because of the odor we weren’t able to catch a scent, so we all went in hunt of the source of said odor.

After several hours not being able to find anything my delta Jesse entered the link.

“Alpha, I believe we found something. Just behind the waterfalls. There is a cave filled with different tunnels. We found large canisters filled with feces and what appears to be blood. It’s the same scent by the trees.”

We all quickly met him and entered the tunnels. Wait, I knew these tunnels. Everyone in the royal family did. This was where we use to hide the women and children during the great war. Thus, giving more proof this was inside job. Who would betray us?

“Johnathan! Run get Alaric. Tell him to bring Ansel as well. ASAP!”

I stand there trying not to vomit from the smell, and at the same time figure out who’s behind this. Then it hits me hard, all of those dreams that I couldn’t escape.

“Liza…”

I patiently wait, knowing this might be our only hope right now. Since all the pieces are falling into place.

Still nothing…

“Liza!” I say a bit more forceful.

With the note and everything else, I will admit, I’m starting to panic.

When I was about to try again the brat replied.

“You called Dom?” She sang.

She knows this pushes my buttons, but it’s also what keeps me going. Sure, the dynamic between us, well to outsiders, looks like we screwing. We would never do that to Alaric. She’s more like the bratty little sister that knows she will always win an argument, and will always use it.

“Still mad at me for taking charge when she took Aero?”

“Damn straight….” She paused. “I’m busting your balls grumpy. What did you need?”

“It’s time.” I solemnly replied.

“Where?” She sighed out.

“We have to tell him; this cannot stay a secret. But, him and I have our own to tell you. This cannot wait. Get here fast; however, leave Aero with Jesse. He just came back with Johnathan.”

Everyone finally made it back to the waterfall entrance. I knew the sounds would drown our voices from prying ears. I knew this was the right thing to do. Now more than ever. Everything was lining up too perfectly. For awhile I couldn’t make sense of anything. Not until the note and barrels popped up.

“Ok everyone, listen up. What I am about to discuss stays here. Understood?” I started in my Alpha tone.

“Crystal!” My pack shouted in unison.

“Ok, Liza. Alaric and I need to show you something. Promise not to lose your cool.”

“Just show me. Fine, I promise.” She replied when she seen the no bullshitting around look, I threw her.

I handed her the note and began.

“Tonight, while I was running some steam off, I dozed off here. I woke by this putrid smell. That’s when I seen the note. It said if we don’t give up the search, the females die. But it also said they would take you and Aero.”

I paused giving her time to soak in the information before finishing.

“Alaric, there is a reason I called Liza here tonight.”

“NOoo!” She yelled.

“I will tell him, please.”

I nod in understanding and allow her to begin.

“Alaric, I know we said no secrets between us. Just know I didn’t tell you sooner because of the missing wolves. I know how close your family had been to them before the great war. But….” She stopped to collect herself.

“Dominic and I… well… we sort of…”

Another pause. I could tell she was worried Alaric was going to kill us.

“Eww Alaric, come on asshole. Really? Gross.” I yelled out in total disgust at the thoughts I accidentally heard of his.

“No, we didn’t fuck!”

“Oh gosh no baby! We’ve been having the same dreams. Of the same wolf. But separate parts. You’re a sick man Alaric Baine!! He is like a brother sicko!”

“I didn’t put the pieces together until being in the tunnels. I wasn’t able to make heads or tales out of my dreams or Liza’s. Now, however, it’s clearly not dreams. But a vision from the wolf.”

“I don’t understand. How did you come to that conclusion?” He asked skeptically.

Well, looks like no shortcuts can be made now. I need everyone here to fully understand.

“I have to start at the beginning…”