Chapter 117

[ 1,052 words ]

The Nightshade pack

117: 117.

The Nightshade pack Kade

The front entrance is quiet for the first time all day.

I stand on the patrol ridge overlooking the tree line, arms folded across my chest as I scan the forest.

The scent of dozens of wolves lingers in the air from the first pack that arrived earlier.

Now all I can smell is damp earth, pine, and my growing concern.

The scouts reported steady movement from our stranger, along with some unusual behavior.

Whoever he is, he moves like he’s got all the time in the world.

He stops to admire the nature around him, takes frequent breaks for meals or just to rest, yet he moves with a purpose.

It’s puzzling.

My wolf hates it.

He knows the male is playing with us and doesn’t like the thought.

I glance around at the woods, half expecting to see Theo with the calm, solid looks he gets after succeeding in a mission.

They should be back by now.

The simple fact that they aren’t lets me know something hasn’t gone to plan.

My wolf shifts restlessly beneath my skin.

Every day, I find out something new about our bond.

When Aria is not with us, it’s like a bone-deep urge flares up, pushing me to get back to her, to know that she’s okay, to see it with my eyes, though I can feel it.

But when one of our band is missing… It’s a different kind of emptiness, like a table missing a leg, off balance.

The forest rustles.

The birds and insects are going silent in response to the new creatures in their wake.

I track the movement as the fair-sized group approaches.

The Nightshade pack.

Several figures emerge from the trees.

Elliot leads his pack.

The Alpha looks tense even by his standards.

He leads nearly forty wolves through.

Behind him are submissives, children, elderly pack members, warriors, and enforcers.

Everyone looks exhausted from the journey.

“Everything went well?” I ask when he gets closer.

“Good. No issues on our travel,” he replies.

I lead him inside, letting Dex know to take my place as we enter.

“Are there any that need medical attention?”

“One of our elders has some chronic pain, and we have two pregnant females I’d like to get looked at.”

“Amber, Lila, and Jack, come on up here,” Elliot calls.

The two pregnant females are accompanied by their mates, and the elderly man is helped along by a male who could be his grandmother.

“This is Kade, he is the bandmate of Alpha Ronan, Elliot introduces.

Hearing myself introduced as the Alphas band mate instead of an enforcer, yeah, that’s still weird.

“We’re going to take you to the infirmary to be checked over before you get settled. Your own pack healer is welcome to join you to get acquainted with our healing team.”

Elliot nods, and a young female steps up and introduces herself as Cadence.

I notice Marcus up ahead and wave him over.

The burly enforcer jogs over to greet Elliot.

“I have three I’d like you to show to the infirmary, plus a healer to introduce to Kiara.”

“Sure. Follow me,” he says with his signature smile that never fails to put people at ease.

I guide them through the tunnels to the level just below the ground level.

“We’ve cleared out the entire wing for you, and we’ll leave it up to you to choose where everyone stays,” I say.

“You’ll find fresh sheets and towels inside each room as well as some simple furnishings. If anyone needs extra storage or cribs for small children, you can put in an order with our woodworkers.”

Elliot inclines his head and allows his pack to choose their quarters.

While they are getting settled, Elliot pulls me aside.

“Has the little hunter returned?

“Not yet.”

His jaw clenches.

“No?”

I shake my head.

“The team hasn’t returned, but we’re not past the point of worry yet.”

Frustration flashes across his face.

“Damn it.”

Some of the crazy sparks in his eyes, and I understand the reaction.

Ransom has become a bit of an obsession for the Alpha.

We’ve all seen it.

At first, I thought it was teasing brought about by his distrust of Hunters, but as I watched the interaction, there was a sort of passion behind it.

Something dark, urgent, dangerous.

I don’t think Ransom knows just what type of predator has locked onto him.

“We’ll give them till the end of the day,” I say.

“I’ll join whoever you send to track them.” Elliot’s tone leaves no room for questions or alterations.

For a moment, neither of us says anything.

Then I force myself back into host mode.

Worry won’t help anybody.

“Once your people get settled, bring them to the room hall, and we’ll have them meet with everyone else.”

Elliot nods, his wolf prowling in his eyes.

The next hour disappears in controlled chaos.

Two more Alphas arrive with their packs, and the mountain comes alive with children running through the corridors, rowdy juveniles, chatty elderly, and general caution, but good camaraderie as we work to make everyone feel comfortable in their temperate home.

One thing sits above the rest, though, the feeling of safety that comes with being together.

The assurance and strength of numbers.

Rooms are assigned.

Bags are carried.

Children are rounded up.

Roles are divided and scheduled.

Eventually, things begin settling.

The newcomers finally start looking less like refugees and more like pack members.

“Dinner in an hour,” Ronan announces.

“Bring everybody to the dining hall.”

Even with the activity of the day, my mind is racing.

Many things need to be done to build a sustainable life for us here.

Growing, foraging and hunting food.

Maintaing a balance between security and training.

And above it all, facing a war drawing is like a moon draws in the tides.

“Hey, have you seen Quinnie?

Felix asks.

“No,” come to think of it.

I haven’t seen her since last night’s dinner.

“I’ll go check for her.”

My wolf lets out a put-out noise, not liking her sudden absence.

She is usually in the center of things.

I frown.

Heading down to the hall where our rooms are located, I decide to stop there first knowing she takes counseling patients there sometimes.

My hand is raised to knock when suddenly the door opens.

But it isn’t Quinnie behind it, it’s Sebastian.

I freeze.

He freezes.

Then my nose registers the scent of sex and Quinnie and him.

My wolf bares his teeth at the thought of this male with our family.

“You fucking sack of shit,” I snap, my anger taking full control of my faculties.

Sebastian steps out of the room, closing the door behind him, like I’m the threat to Quinnie, and anger pounds harder.

“I warned you not to fuck with my Quinnie, and yet here you are.”

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