Chapter 0155

I showered and spread out my books to make sure that I am as far ahead as I can be on my work,

since I know I won’t be getting anything done this weekend.

I woke up early, well, my usual time and was both relieved and lonely finding my room completely

empty of my friends. The revolving door of protectors the last few weeks with everything going on

meant there was a constant presence, whether outside my door at the Beta house or camped on

the sizable couch that showed up in my packhouse bedroom after the threat was delivered last

week and everyone stayed with me.

I’m still trying to wrap my emotions around my friend's behavior. They know very well that I ama

great fighter, but treat me like a porcelain doll. They claim to trust me, but have secret conversations

without me over their mindlink. I know they care for me, but the looks of fear and uncertainty thrown

my way make me anxious.

I shower quickly and head down to grab a bite to eat before my patrol shift starts. I'm met with

Gamma Brett and Oliver standing at the island having alow conversation that quickly stops once

they notice my presence. Oliver hands me another shake but walks away. I reach for his arms as he

walks by me. He stops but doesn’t turn his head.

“Thank you.” I whisper, indicating the shake.

He takes a deep shuddering breath, then steps out of my grasp and heads for the stairs, clearly just

off his shift. 1 take my own calming breath before turning to Gamma Brett who just watched the

whole situation in silence.

“Ready?” Is all he asks. And I nod in response.

If that interaction is any indication of how tonight is going to be, then I may skip out on the ball all

together. Sierra would understand, hopefully.

Especially if the twins are similar. | Patrols were the same. We have found nothing out of the

ordinary along the coastlines and the doubled up patrols across the isthmus that connects our

territory to the mainland. Everything and everyone that comes and goes is now thoroughly checked

and vetted before coming onto our territory.

I think best when I run, and I have found that even actively participating in patrols and concentrating

on what we are being taught, my brain processes information so much better and I have come up

with a theory as to why we haven’t found anything yet, but the threat wasn’t clear and there wasn't

any indication that whoever sent it would even be back. I just don’t understand what the severed

fingers mean and what is the significance of the silver?

What are you thinking so hard about over there?

Gamma Brett asks, a little amusement in his tone.

Theories.

Really? Care to share?

Not sure they are worth sharing, honestly. Just jumbled thoughts. Probably things everyone else

has already thought of and planned for.

I don’t know why I am being so vague. It’s weird talking to him when normally I would be hashing

my ideas out with the guys. They are my equals, I’m just a kid to Gamma Brett. He’s more than

likely just asking to help me learn a lesson of some kind, like any trainer.

You know you can talk to me right? Or Kyle or Gwen or Ava. You seem to have shut everyone out,

not just the boys.

I take a deep breath, knowing he's right, but too stubborn to admit it out loud.

I don't think we are going to get anything until after the guys leave for training. Even with all the

extra training and patrols, we are losing five of our best fighters when they head to the Royal Pack.

Whoever is behind this has to be waiting for something.

That’s the next big transition for the pack, it’s logical. But I also feel like it’s too obvious at the same

time. Maybe tonight at the mating ball? There are a ton of people from other packs that are here,

maybe then? But’ I’m sure that you have all thought that through and taken precautions, otherwise

we wouldn't be having the mating ball.

Unless you’re using the ball as bait to get the culprits out into the open. Which is sketchy by the

way. And what is so special about the two fingers that were sent and the silver powder that was

clearly the weapon. It kind of makes my brain hurt.

I snort an unamused laugh and get a strange look from Marnie. She must have just realized she’s

being left out of the conversation.

“You know it’s not fair to give inside information to her just because she’s the favorite and can shift

and mindlink right?”