Chapter 2

The next week was spent clearing land and dealing with families who didn't want to move.

I'm exhausted, and if Clint's appearance is a reflection of my own, then I look like shit. But 10 miles of flat land is now cleared and ready for New Builds. The new Packhouse and Family homes are about two miles to the east of Alpha's house. The old packhouse will be split between Omegas and any visitors the pack has. 

The old pack hospital and schools will be torn down and rebuilt on a larger scale. But the locations are central so that they will be rebuilt in the same spots. Scott has been throwing around ideas for the farther territories. Viable businesses to increase pack revenue even though we don't technically need it.

Emmett and him actually had a row over it. Scott wants the Royal pack to be the wealthiest, so other packs respect us completely. Emmett said to earn wolf respect; we need to be the strongest. Clint and I jumped in, siding with both. We need to do everything better than other packs, or we won't be viewed as strong royals. We settled on a few restaurants, a shopping mall, and a huge hotel. Riverstone is the largest pack now with its 1,304 members. And they deserved more accommodations.

Typically Luna and I handle Pack training since Clint is in the outer territories frequently. Although I am a brutal trainer, Luna has me beat. Each week she chooses two females. Over the week, she emotionally and physically beats them down before building them up on the last day.

Over the years, our pack members have gotten a fierce look in their eyes due to Luna's training. Something that doesn't hold true for the outer territory wolves. But they will soon learn.

"Heather and Tracy, head to my corner," Luna yells, striding through the pack members with her head held high. Ace and I chuckle slightly at the unmated males who watch her ass. Yeah, they wish.

Last month Luna participated in an amateur MMA competition and demolished wolves from all over the southern states. These young pups lusting after her would never be able to handle Luna. Shit, Alpha doesn't even manage that woman. My heart clinches a little, remembering why Luna needed to blow off that extra steam at the competition.

Apparently, the Goddess had visited Luna again, and the news wasn't good. Something was extraordinary about the boys. Their bloodline is so strong that it left Luna infertile. Luna didn't even tell Alpha all the details. The Goddess had forbidden it. But Luna had utterly wrecked the house over it.

"Alright, Riverstone, let's get started. Chase, front and center. Today everyone is having a one on one against me. I will be rating you so, don't hold back," I call out to the waiting wolves.

Chase goes down quickly. He is overly confident but lacks any actual skill. He uses power and puts no thought into his attacks.

"2 out of 10, Chase. Give me 300 pushups. We are off to a terrible start," I growl as I stare my fellow pack members down.

"Do not forget the Vamps want us dead. It's been quiet since the battle with Leonard, but that can change in an instant. The Vampire Lord is ancient and isn't in a rush. His plan will be cunning and dangerous. And you are NOT ready," I roar. Their faces morph as they think over my words.

The next hour I exhaust my muscles as I defeat wolf after wolf. Finally, Ethan moves forward with a smirk.

Last year he became Jason and Jackson's personal guard after I trained him into the ground. Luna had wanted to repay his undeniable/unwavering loyalty, and Ethan indeed proved worthy of the title.

"The Princes's Personal Royal Guard." The day Alpha had given him the title officially, the kid had wept. He had sworn an oath that bound his life to the twins. Almost like a mate bond, but his emotional attachment was limited. He could feel their fear, anger, and pain but nothing more. But he was tied to them until they both passed or he was murdered.

"Alright, Riverstone, pay attention," I growl, sinking into an attack crouch. Ethan quickly loses his smile as we both let our primal instincts kick in. I taught the boy to always draw blood and to attack as if I am truly an enemy.

He lunges first, catching my thigh with his extended claws. I fake a punch and kick out his knee. We both growl and lunge again at the same time. We fight confidently and relentlessly. We both have broken noses and bloody bodies when Ethan finally makes me submit. The training field fills with cheers as we lay exhausted on the ground.

As we groan back to our feet, my eyes meet a smiling Alpha and Luna. "Found anyone that fits the requirements," Emmett asks, laughing at my face.

I point to the wolves not doing pushups. Thirty-two warriors made the elite cut. For two years, I have spoken to Emmett about creating a group of Royal Elites. In the past, every Royal family had a special group of warriors that they considered elites. He had finally agreed, and today they unknowingly had tryouts.

"Well I hope you chose well. You will be leading them on their first mission tomorrow," Alpha says, meeting my eyes with a serious tone.

Lance- what's going on

Alpha- office five minutes

I nod. Heading to get cleaned up at Scott's. Worry courses through me. Is it the vampires? Hunters? A new pack of rogues?

Ace- I don't care what it is. Let's tear their heads off.

Lance- that's the plan.

After I scrub off the dirt and blood, I head next door. The whole crew is waiting in the office, and the tension is thick.

"What's going on," I say with a slight growl. I scan the room to check that all my loved ones look safe.

"Our first call as Royals," Luna says, meeting my eyes and glancing at Emmett.

"Three northern packs are having pups stolen. All the pups are male and all are 8-10 years old," Alpha growls grabbing Luna's hand.

"17 have been taken. The majority have been reported missing from White Crest Pack, and last night the Alpha's son was taken. Their trackers are coming up with nothing," Luna says, rubbing circles onto Alpha's hand

"Time to send in the bloodhound," Clint chuckles, and Scott busts out laughing at my expense.

I growl at the same time as Alpha. "This is not the time for jokes," Alpha roars, causing all of our heads to drop except Luna's. Being the link to the Goddess makes Luna immune to all commands. She can also command everyone, including Alpha, the Alpha King.

"I will only take the top ten of the new Elites. We need the others here. Anything else, Alpha," I say with my head still down.

"Yes, according to Alpha wolf, Lord Stefan lives in Canada 60 miles north of the pup-nappings. He believes the vampires are finally making a move," Emmett says lowly, staring at his mate with open protectiveness.

We all growl at the threat to Luna and Moira. My blood boils at them being put in danger, yet again. Even after four and half years, guilt still consumes me. I will never forgive myself for their kidnapping. I should have watched Luna go in. I should have also checked on them the very next day.

Lance- Ryan, Paul, Steven, Mat, Clark, Zena, Raven, Tiff, Todd, Clayton. We have our first royal mission. Pack your bags; we fly out tomorrow.

Elites- yes, gamma

"The team is packing Alpha. I will ruin whatever he is planning," I growl, standing up. Luna gives me a side hug, and Alpha nods at me before tugging her back into his side.

NEXT DAY

The flight to North Dakota was four hours long and the whole team was antsy. Ace was growling up a storm in my mind hating every minute that we were in the air.

Lance- As the Elite Team, we have to get used to flying Ace.

Ace- Wolves weren't meant to fly!!!!!

I roll my eyes at him. He is just as stubborn as me, so arguing is pointless. I can tell the other warriors are having similar conversations with their wolves. I put up a wall trying to get some shut-eye for the last two hours.

Slight turbulence jolts me awake. The elite warriors look like scared little kitties, and I chuckle at them. When we are finally allowed to grab our carry-ons and leave, the warriors scurry from the plane with their tails tucked.

White Crest Pack members immediately greet us and lead us to waiting cars. The WC wolves seem skittish and uneasy. Their wolves reek of fear and anxiety.

Lance- Elites all senses on alert.

Elites- Yes Gamma

I roll my eyes. I hate that I finally accepted a title.

"Nice to meet you, Gamma Lance. My name is Evan. I am the Beta of White Crest," a dark-haired male says while shaking my hand. He is the only wolf not reeking of fear and uncertainty. Ace perks up instantly when he shakes my hand. A faint scent of lilac and rose wafts my nose.

Ace- Mate. Lance, our mate. He was near our mate.

Lance- calm down. She is probably in his pack, Ace. We finally found her.

I take deep breathes, striping every last trace of her scent from the air. She smells like an elegant bouquet. Ace growls approvingly at the scent.

Ace- so fresh, so beautiful

With just her scent, she has us pining for her. "We are truly thankful to the Royal Elites for coming to help us. You probably already know, but the Alpha's son, Mark, was the last taken. The whole pack is truly on edge," Evan says, thinking I'm listening or that I care for his babbling.

"Yes, we are aware. When we arrive on the property, we will do a border run. I need to gather intel, and the warriors need to let their wolves out after that flight. Notify your patrol. Please take our luggage to where ever you are housing us," I say, hoping to end his small talk.

"Um. ..sure. You will be staying in the Alpha's home, and your warriors will be in the guest wing of the packhouse," Evan says, taken aback by my blunt tone. I don't need his praise or gratitude until our job is done.

"Sounds good. I will speak with your Alpha after I run the border with your patrol. What have your trackers been able to find," I say, sparing him a slight glance.

Ace- border run. NO. FIND. MATE

Ace growls viciously in our head.

Lance- we have to do our job, Ace. We are Royals now. We will find her. Do not worry.

Ace paces in our mind, growling continuously at my decision. Finally, he lays down and puts up a wall.

"Nothing Gamma. Absolutely no scent trace and all the pups were taken from their homes. They were all in their beds," Evan says while analyzing my body language.

"From their homes," I growl while searching his face. I have never heard of so many wolves disappearing, and never have I heard of them disappearing from their homes.

"Yes. None of the parents saw or heard anything," Evan answering turning away from me to look out the windshield.

Lance- Alpha.

Emmet- yes, Lance

Lance- did you know the pups were taken from their very beds as they slept.

Emmett- No...... and they have no scent trail????.

Lance- not according to the Beta. But Alpha, these wolves are giving me a weird vibe. Extremely skittish. They are stressed and afraid.

Emmett- their heir, is missing Lance. Riverstone would be the same if the boys went missing.

Lance- not like this.

Emmett- find them, Lance.

Lance- yes, Alpha.