Rejected

I try to call out to her through the pack link, but I am not sure she heard me and there was no response. I am three blocks away from the pack house and decide to open up my link further, calling out in desperation, but the only person who picked up on the link is Kyle.

‘She’s gone and so are the rogues.’

My heart begins hammering in my chest, immediately knowing what she has done and praying I am not too late to fix what I have broken. I reach the pack house and Kyle is already out front with two of our patrols, discussing the grid layout for them to begin their search for the missing rogues.

“These wolves are dangerous and may have one of our own with them. Be vigilant and do not hesitate to defend yourselves.” His eyes quickly shift toward me, a look of worry taking over him when he sees my posture.

“Kyle, we need to go after her. She can’t do this alone.” He looks at me disbelievingly while slowly walking down the stone steps.

“She set them free, alpha. They threatened our people and she just…set them free.” I place a hand firmly on his shoulder and smile.

“They threatened, yes…but they could have easily killed Rose, Edmund and Margaret. They had more than enough time and the opportunity and means, but instead they incapacitated them. I didn’t want to see it at first either, but Nadia was right. Not one of us would hesitate to do what was necessary for the ones we love. I want you to pull one more patrol and have them here in 15. We are going to track her down and help her.” I can feel Kyles disapproval radiating from him, but I will not be swayed.

“Alpha, you are in no shape to be tracking down rogues and certainly not strong enough to take on a sorceress.” I snarl at him in warning and he quickly bows his head with his neck bared in submission. I hurry inside to get appropriate clothes and shoes on then return to the front of the pack house to find the three patrols that I requested, but also more than a dozen other pack members, Edmund being among them.

“What is this? Edmund, why are you here?” He straightens his posture, looking more like a soldier than most of my patrols.

“Alpha, Nadia risked her life to save my family and now she is risking it again for the families of strangers. I will not let her go in alone. I stand with her, come hell or high water. Each of the men and women at my side mirror my respect, love and loyalty to her. If you will not be going to her aid, we will move forward without you. With all due respect alpha, this pack needs her.” I feel an overwhelming sense of pride in knowing that my pack is willing to selflessly sacrifice for the sake of not only Nadia, but her noble cause.

“Alright men, we are tracking Nadia and five rogues. They are NOT a threat to us. We are going to help these wolves bring their families to safety and if any of you do not agree with this mission,” My eyes lock onto Kyle. “then leave now.” Fully expecting Kyle to leave, I feel my heart overflowing when every wolf, including Kyle, bows their heads with a fist on their chest. If ever there were a question about my men’s loyalty, this would be all the answer needed. We head out, following the scent of the rogues to the north and hoping we can catch up before they reach their destination.