~Zahara~ “Where are the elders' spies?” “I left them in the cells.” “Do you think that was wise?” “What else would you have me do, mother? They had to be somewhere they couldn't contact the elders, and it’s best if they stay out of sight.” “Watch your tongue. You may be the Alpha, but I’m still your mother.” My head is pounding, and the loud voices are not helping the situation. I move slightly, and there is nothing but hard ground under me. Wherever I am, I’m sure it is not even close to being comfortable; forget about luxury. I try to move my arms, but they are tied at the wrist. I go to move my legs, but they are tied at the ankle. “I wouldn’t bother; you won’t be able to get free.” I adjust my body so I’m lying on my side. I don’t make a sound while I do so, even though I’m in a good amount of pain. “Nothing to say? You weren't so tight-lipped when you were telling me how much you’d rather die than be with me.”
~Laslo~ I didn't return to Zahara; I couldn't. I couldn't face her, knowing she knew my secret, a secret I had hoped would die with me. The night of the party, my intent wasn't to force myself onto Zahara. I had wanted to talk to her and just give her the opportunity to get to know me. I don't know why I did what I did, but I am thankful I was stopped before it went too far. I wonder how she realized it was me. I kept my scent hidden and stayed behind her the entire time. I didn't think anyone had any idea that it was me that night. It would have been a major scandal had it gotten out that a future Alpha forced himself on a she-wolf or attempted to. I took great care to make sure that it became a dead issue. It helped when Zahara didn't make any type of report. I always assumed it was because she didn't have anything to go on. The sun comes up quickly as I run through the woods. I know I can't stay away forever. I have to make sure everything is running s
We make it there in record time. A warrior is at the backdoor of the packhouse, holding out shorts for myself and Lennox. We grab the shorts, placing them on as we walk. We are led up the stairs and to an office that has been torn apart. My warriors made good work looking for any and everything that could be hidden here. “Cory?” I look up and into the eyes of a man I haven’t seen in a long time. He could have been a second dad to me if he had been given the opportunity to do so. He was always sent away on diplomatic missions, and I always suspected that was because it was found out that he was trying to help me with food, chores, and anything else he may think I needed. “Beta Cyrus.” He grabs me and engulfs me in a bear hug. I haven’t laid eyes on him for so long, and he was truly missed. “When I heard you were gone, I hoped that wasn’t true. I hoped that you had gotten away from your horrible family and found a better life for yourself.” Cyrus
~Laslo~ I left the ladies alone after that. I just couldn’t stomach arguing with either of them anymore. I spent a few hours making sure everything was taken care of at the satellite location and getting in contact with my people at home. I needed to make sure everything was still running smoothly. Hopefully, it won’t take long to get Zahara to get on board and then I can bring her back as the Luna. In the meantime, I will have to go back home to keep up appearances and make sure everything is okay.Alpha, we just got word that Elder Langston has been on the premises. What is he doing there? Has he been to the cells?No, it seems the cells have been untouched, but he is asking about you and his people. I sigh. I wasn’t ready for this yet, but I guess it’s good that I get to dictate the narrative.Make the call….better yet, make it a video call. Let’s go ahead and get this over with. Hopefully, we can get him to go home quickly. I make my way to the SUV we have in
Time went by fast but slowly at the same time. I tried to sleep and eat, but the anxiety of what's to come took over. I'm beyond ready to start this because I will have my mate back when it's over. I will be able to breathe again once I get my mate back. I head downstairs and out the door to meet with everyone else. Lennox is waiting for me with Elder Langston, Beta Cyrus, and a bunch of our warriors. We have a plan and are ready to go with it. It will take us about 45 minutes to get to the area of caves. We plan to travel in three groups and come from different angles. The plan is to take the site with as little bloodshed as possible. The only blood I want spilling is Laslo's, and I want to take care of it myself. We divide into groups, and half of us in each group shift into our wolves. The rest of us get on all-terrain vehicles to back us up. They will stop a bit away from the area and pick up anyone who tries to flee. We start to run, and I
~Laslo ~ “We’re under attack.” “FROM WHO?!” I growl out, shaking the cave and causing dust and pebbles to rain on our heads. “I…..I….I’m nnn…nnot sssssssure.” Pathetic! I push past the weak wolf with the intent of seeing what the hell is going on. I turn to Zahara, seeing her bent at the waist and breathing heavily. “We will finish this later.” I head down the hall and watch people running back and forth in front of me. I have no idea who is attacking, but I plan to find out. “Laslo!” I see my mom at the cave entrance, and she looks distraught. “What the hell is going on, mom?” She looks outside the cave, at me, and back again. “It’s Ash Band. They found us.” I growl ferociously, and those around me still look fearful. “Take care of Nona and Zahara. I will handle this; it won’t take long.” I can’t believe that weak fucker actually found me and came out here. What did he expect would happen if we met
~Zahara~ Laslo left the room quickly, and that propelled me to try to get out of these restraints. I have to get myself free before Laslo comes back, or I’m sure that he will try to finish what he started. I don’t know how long he’ll be gone, so time is of the essence. I twist and pull, trying my hardest to loosen up the ropes around my wrists. These ropes seem to be expertly tied. The ropes are as tight as when I first got there. Damn, I wish I had Aria right now. I could be out of this quickly by just extending a claw and slashing the ropes. I shake that thought out of my head and focus on the task at hand. The hallways are filled with the sounds of people crying and screaming. I want to know who’s attacking. Maybe it’s actually my pack; if it is, I know I will be out of here soon. If it isn’t my pack, I need to get free, so I can defend myself if needed, but these damn ropes won’t budge. GRRRRRRR! I can hear screams, ‘stop
~Cory~ Laslo came at me quickly, throwing his fist at my face, but I was able to dodge it. That didn’t deter him, as he threw an elbow back and was able to connect with my ear. We kept going like this; Laslo coming at me and me dodging his attacks. Laslo quickly became angered and shifted into his wolf. I spent some time fighting his wolf in human form, and that seemed to anger him even more. I have never been in a position to fight back or to defend myself before, Laslo always having an advantage over me. Now I know who I was always meant to be, and that isn’t someone who is supposed to be a punching bag. Once I shift into my wolf, things get more interesting. Laslo is coming at me again and again while I try my hardest to cut him off. I want to end him, but I don’t want it to be quick. There is no enjoyment if he isn’t able to fight back a bit. Laslo is fighting back. He continues to swipe at me, and each connection is a new sting. I can feel