Chapter 28

Another clap of thunder rattles the house, squeezing my eyes shut I wait for the tension to leave my body. As a little kid I was terrified of thunderstorms but thankfully I grew out of it, which confuses me why I'm so troubled tonight. It doesn't help that I need to sneak out of not only the house but the pack. My heart is beating so hard in my chest, and every time I catch the lighting strike through the window limbs seize up.

After calming Victoria down and insisting that I would handle everything we went back into the living room pretending like nothing happened. Thankfully everyone was too preoccupied with Troy's birthday to notice the slight shift in my mood. The rest of the evening went by way too fast for me, and the weight of the note in my pocket grew heavier with each passing second.

Quentin offered a room in the pack house for anyone that didn't want to make the late trip back home, but I could see the uneasiness that came with the thought of leaving their packs by themselves for any longer. I insisted Jasper stay for the night because based on the dark circles under his eyes he hasn't gotten a good nights sleep in a few days. In the end Jasper was stubborn and left shortly after my family promising that he would call me tomorrow.

Now I lay in bed wide awake watching the lighting flash through the window while Quentin snores lightly from behind me, his arms wrapped securely around my waist keeping me flush against his bare chest. I mulled over my options all night, and ultimately decided not to tell Quentin about the note. Whoever gave it to Victoria insisted that I was the only person who could do this, and for an unknown reason I trust this stranger.

I carefully lift Quentin's arm off of me slipping out of bed and tip toeing into the bathroom, quietly shutting the door behind me. Earlier I snuck some clothes into the bathroom and hid them at the bottom of one of the drawers. Luckily the window in the bathroom is large enough for me to climb out of, so all I need to worry about is Quentin waking up before I make it out of the territory.

Learning from my past mistakes I scribble out a short note explaining that I'll be back soon and to not worry. I don't want to give too much details because of how adamant this mystery rogue was that I was to only one to know about this. Changing out of my pajamas I slip on the black pants, hoodie, and boots. The storm clouds will provide me enough cover, but it's getting past patrols that will be the real challenge. I have about a minute time frame to slip across the border during the shift change, and even than it's getting out of sight before the new warriors takes over.

Hoisting myself onto the window sill I check to make sure the coast is clear before sliding my legs out first until I'm dangling from open second story window. I let go feeling the rush of air as I fall to the ground rolling as I land to ensure I don't break any bones, and wait a few moments to make sure I didn't wake Quentin up. I sigh in relief after hearing nothing other than the rumbles of thunder echoing through the trees.

Pulling my hood over my head, I sprint off into the forrest heading for the western border while making sure to stray from the trails so I don't run into any warriors. I have to be extremely careful because if I get caught by any of the warriors they won't be able to stop me, but they will notify Carl who will make sure I don't get too far. I know he hates when I run off without telling anybody, but if it'll help save an entire pack of innocent people than it's worth pissing him off.

I hide behind a large tree trunk while watching the few warriors stationed to run the parameter shift back into their human forms readying to switch with the next group. The rain continues to pour concealing most scents, which is the only reason I'm going to be able to sneak out undetected. Whoever wrote that note methodically thought out each aspect of the plan, so much so that it makes me wonder how they would know how to consider these things.

Stepping forward I wait until the warriors are just out of eyesight to sprint towards the pack line, praying to the Moon Goddess the entire time that Quentin hasn't woken up yet. A sense of relief mixed with dread courses through me as I cross the invisible line into neutral territory because I've managed to sneak out completely undetected, but I still have to travel to a unfamiliar pack in order to warm them of the dangers looming over them.

* * *

My fur is completely soaked by the time I make it to Mystic Rivers Pack. The first half of the journey was a breeze since I knew the area, and the terrain was flat with a few hills. The problem was the neutral territory surrounding Mystic Rivers Pack because let's just say they got their name for a reason. If I wouldn't have already been drenched due to the rain, falling into multiple streams and ponds would have done it.

Hiding under a tall pine tree I shift back to my human form ringing out the excess water from my clothes before putting them back on. There is no better way to approach the pack considering the amped up security, so I'm just going to approach slowly so they know I'm not a threat. The warriors on patrol should see me in enough time to alert Evan and Katherine, the Alpha and Luna of Mystic Rivers pack. Katherine took over the pack from her father about ten years ago after he passed away, so I'm going to use that information to my advantage.

"I just need to speak with Evan and Katherine!" I announce to the handful of warriors who created a human wall along the border. The note said that they are the next target but never exactly specified by whom, yet guaranteed that lives would be lost without intervention. Katherine was extremely apprehensive to pick a side during the showdown after Crescent Pack's attack and her mate, Evan, looked livid at what he saw, so I'm hoping with a little more convincing I can get them to let us help them.

"Tessa Quinn?" Katherine appears out of the tree line by herself. Her natural dark curls fall loosely down her back, and her light brown eyes reveal just how freaked out she is by my sudden presence. "What are you doing here? Did something happen?" She walks right to the edge of the pack line but makes sure not to step even an inch over it. The warriors don't leave her side keeping a watchful eye on not only me but also the tree line behind me.

"Not yet." Shaking my head, I pulling my hood down pushing the hair out of my face. It's best to get straight to the point, and the rain easing to a light drizzle makes it easier for me to look her in the eye. "I got information that your pack may be the next target, and I want to come warm you and hopefully convince you to work with us." I don't want her to feel as though she is picking sides because I think that's why she didn't do so back at Crescent Pack. From what I have heard she is more of a kill them with kindness person who despises violence.

"What?" Her eyebrow draw together in confusion, and one of the warriors eyes glaze over, mind linking someone. I know how insane this must look to her with me showing up alone in the middle of the night, but time is of the essence right now. "Tessa I'm sorry but we already agreed we weren't going to inject ourselves into this fight. Our pack has done nothing wrong, and I'm not going to risk their lives for someone else." Her words are harsh but I can see where she is coming from. This pack has been in her family for generations, and has had a relatively clean record with little to no enemies, but this fight is much larger than pissing off the wrong people. This is about getting justice for those who lost their lives for absolutely no reason while stopping those who were behind it from continuing their carnage.

"Katherine I know we don't know each other that well, but i wouldn't be here at this time of night if I didn't think it was an emergency. I'm afraid what they will do if you continue to declare yourself as neutral. I'm just trying to look out for you guys." She's about ten years older than me, so I know she remembers the reign of terror that was Dark Mountains Pack during Blake's control. I'm afraid that she isn't understanding that the council isn't going to come to their aid if the rogues do attack, nor does she comprehend how destructive and devastating a attack is.

"We don't need your help." Even stomps out from the trees, marching over to Katherine and stands in front of her as if to shield her from me. Evan's black curls are all ruffled atop his head so I probably woke him out, which makes me wonder what Katherine was doing up all by herself. Evan stares me down with his piercings dark brown eyes, and I have to resist the urge to roll my own at his egotistical behavior. He's known for letting his Alpha title go to his head, and having a booger bark than bite.

"Your pack members lives are at risk!" I reinforce, my patience wearing thin. I didn't travel all the way here in the middle of the night to just run back with my tail tucked between my legs because Evan used his big scary Alpha voice. Where was this attitude when we all found out the council had betrayed us. He needs to learn that the world doesn't evolve around him, and his packs safety should be his one and only priority right now.

"Because of you!" He screams pointing his finger at me. I suck in a breathe at his accusation. It feels like a punch to the gut hearing what I've been telling myself for so long from another person. "We know about your mother." He spits and his words burn like acid. I swallow the lump in my throat pushing passed the initial pain allowing the confusion to take over. What the hell is he taking about? My mother has nothing to do with any of this.

"What are you talking about? My mom died fifteen years ago. She has nothing to do with this." I squeeze my hands into fist to hide the fact they are shaking in anger because blowing up won't get me anywhere. How dare he bring up my mother especially after I just told them their pack was in danger. I'm trying to help them and he hurtles the topic of my mother around like it's some kind of joke.

"She might of died, but you lived. How is your mission of carrying on your father's legacy going?" A pain radiates through my skull as I attempt to process what he's saying. None of it is making any sense, but I have a feeling I know why. Eric steps into view from the left, and the warriors move so he can come forward. I should of known he would be sinking his hooks into them considering they are neighboring packs.

"What?!" I chuckle humorlessly at his words. No one has any record of who my father is and barely any records about my mother, so I'm having a hard time understanding what Evan's going on about. "Katherine I don't have time to talk about non sense, and I know you want what is best for your pack. I'm not asking you to admit that one side was in the wrong. I just can't stand around and watch another pack lose themselves when I could have done something to prevent it. We can help." I'm pleading by the end of my speech. Her eyes soften momentarily, but it's ruined by Eric's obnoxious voice.

"I must say your spiel is quite convincing, but do enlighten us on where your mate is." He crosses his arms across his chest, a smirk taking over his features. "You can act all naive in front of others but we all know the truth, and after everyone else finds out good luck on keeping your mindless minions." He cackles, a sinister look passed through his stone cold blue eyes.

"Listen I don't have time to sit around and talk in circle, but I have absolutely no clue what you are going on about. My mother was a baker at Black Moon pack until she was killed in a rogue attack fifteen years ago. My fathers identity has been a mystery for the entirety of my life, so I don't know who you think he is but you are wrong." I can't help but snap at Eric. Out of the corner of my eye I see Katherine tug on Evan's sleeve to discreetly get his attention.

"Your mother was a Dark Mountains whore who jumped from warrior to warrior until she got knocked up with you. The only reason there is no record is because your daddy didn't want you and ask Blake to kill her, but she ran before they had the opportunity. I guess in the end he got what he wanted now that your mother is six feet under, but it's a shame the job was only half done." Heat spreads through my veins like venom my brain goes numb to any sense of reason. A part of me that was reasonable when dealing with my anger crumbles as I lunge towards the border line.

"Don't you ever speak about my mother again. I don't know where you got that information, but you are making a fool out of yourself right now." My wolf itches at the back of my mind wanting to be let out, and it takes what's left of my self restraint to hold it in. Katherine is my only hope at the moment.

"From Luna to Luna the debilitating pain of losing pack members isn't worth keeping your pristine reputation. It's gut wrenching to look into their eyes and tell them that you couldn't save their loved one."  Bile rises in my throat remembering the echoing sobs from mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers when I had to break the news to them. The worst was the ones who made it to the hospital only to pass in the night and taking away what little hope the family had left.

"My pack didn't do anything wrong." She looks so torn. The world is burning around her, but everything she's been taught is to pretend the fire isn't raging closer to her and hope someone else extinguishes it before it's too late.

"No one did. It's not about whether a pack did or didn't do anything. It's about doing what's right. Do you want your kids growing up in a world where those who are meant to protect do the exact opposite? What are you going to tell them when they ask why you didn't do anything when you had the chance?" I'm pushing her to her limits by using what if's as a bargaining chip. I can see her eyes cloud with fury which only confuses me more.

"Your family is the problem. Ever since Della showed up our entire structure has gone to shit. Leave!" Tears pour down her face, and she turns her back to me hiding her face in Evan's chest. I hit a nerve somehow and it back fired.

"I'm on neutral territory, and I don't have to go anywhere. We are all rogues right now! Don't believe that the council is going to come in and save you because they are the ones who are going to stab you in the back. What more do you need?" I take another step towards the border making sure not to cross the line. If we want to get technical right now, no pack lines can be enforced since their is no one to enforce them. Luckily for them I respect every pack as their own identity with or without a council.

"Leave!" Evan shouts. A vein in his neck  protrudes out in anger, and his face turns a fierce red as he sends daggers at me with his eyes.

"No." I'm not leaving until I know they are going to be safe. Eric takes it upon himself to step out of the border and onto the neutral territory. My body goes rigid as he slowly approaches me, and my wolf stays on edge calculating his every move.

"Admit defeat and go home to your pathetic excuse of an Alpha." That does it. He can spew insult towards me left and right, but Quentin is off limits. It's too late his head snaps to the side, the slap resonates around us. Inside I'm freaking out, but I keep my cool on the outside not letting them see how terrified I am right now. I'm completely out numbered with no one knowing my exact location, so I'm on my own if this gets ugly.

"Now you've done it." He sneers spitting blood onto the ground by my feet. The hair on the back of my neck rises at the loud clap of thunder that bellows through the forrest. Eric may be old but he's quick because I don't even realize he pulled his arm back until I'm laying on the ground and my cheek is throbbing.

"You son of a bitch!" I groan rolling onto my side to push myself back up, but Eric kicks me in the stomach before I can get up. Gasping for breathe I clutch the wet leaves squeezing my eyes shut. With the wind knocked out of me I barely notice the rain start to beat down on us again.

"You couldn't keep your fucking mouth shut, and now Quentin's going to be mateless as well as parentless." Eric grabs my hair tossing me towards the border line as some of the Mystic Rivers warriors step forward ready to pounce. My head smacks against the ground causing the world to spin around me, but I can't let this continue. I told Quentin I would be back soon and I not going to break my promise, pushing myself onto my elbows I moves away putting a small amount of distance between me and Eric along with the warriors.

"Don't come crying to us when you are surrounded by the bodies of those you loved. You are no better than they are by being complaisant." I wheeze out my lungs still burning from the kick by Eric. Katherine looks around at everyone around her surveying the area one last time before turning and walking away.

"Get rid of her." Evan commands to the warriors nodding his head towards Eric before sending me one last deadly glare. In the moment the first warrior steps over the pack line the world around me slows down. The loudest clap of thunder rumbles the grounds as a familiar black wolf comes into view flying over my head and landing right in front of my feet. Jasper lets out the most ferocious growl that stops everyone dead in their tracks including Katherine and Evan who spin around in shock.

Jasper doesn't stop snarling as he stands off to over ten warriors along with Eric. You can feel the power radiating off of him in waves that makes even me want to bow in submission. His authority is undeniable, and their is no doubt in my mind that he comes from a long line of Alphas and Betas. His presence his a relief but also concerning, yet I'm too hurt to worry about it all right here and now. Standing up on my wobbly legs I clutch the nearest tree for support. Jasper sends another warning growl at the warriors who shudder in response, and he takes a few steps back until he is standing next to me.

There is no way I can shift and run the whole way home without passing out. The impact my head made with the forest floor definitely gave me a concussion leaving me quite lightheaded. The winds bowls around us as the storm continues to rage on leaving me with only one option. Walking over to Jasper I run my fingers trough his fur and tap on his shoulder indicating that I need him to crouch down. Thankfully he gets the message and does exactly that waiting until I'm securely on his back before turning and tearing off into the forest.

The reality of what is going to happen to Mystic Rivers Pack in the next few days starts to settle in leaving me sick to my stomach. I tried so hard to persuade Katherine, but it seems Eric has already spewed his narrative enough to convince them to see his way. Eric bring up my mother and insulting her based on falsehoods boils my blood, yet terrifies me at the same time. I have a sick feeling this is only the start of his dreadful games.

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Song: When the Truth Hunts You Down by Sam Tinnesz

I want to thank you guys because this book has hit over 7,000 reads! You all are so incredibly supportive all while keeping me grounded and focused. I don't know what I would do without you, and I know I say it all the time but these books wouldn't be where they are without you so thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm really excited for you guys to see the next few chapters, and very curious to see what you all think about what happened in this chapter. I didn't mean for the chapter to turn out so long, but I surely wasn't going to cut it off! Anyways I have to go get some sleep, Goodnight or Good morning depending where you are. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and if you did don't forget to vote and comment! Stay safe, healthy, and home. Until next time.

~Stella Gordon