The Alphas Wonder Land Phoenix Mountain Book 9

Rex led us deep in the woods. To an old, abandoned barn.

When we walked in, we were greeted by a warm welcome.

“GREG! LET HIM GO!” I yell.

“GREG!!”

Rex's Beta had Sawyer pinned on the floor, trying to kill him.

“YOU RAT RED BASTARD!!” Greg growls.

Rex grabs him by the back and throws him into other pack members. He throws a finger at him. “ENOUGH!” He growls.

I run to Sawyer on the ground. “You ok?”

He wipes the blood off his nose as I help him up. “I could take him. I was just…letting him think he had the upper hand.” He stands and winces as he stretches his back.

“Stop. He could have killed you.” I brush him off and fix his hair.

“Please. He doesn’t have the balls.” He says as he looks over my shoulder.

“You wanna test that, asshole!” Greg pushes on Rex.

Rex pushes him back. “Knock it off! Right now!” Rex growls louder.

Greg flares his eyes at Sawyer then turns to Rex. “He's a fucking red, Rex! You trying to get us killed?”

“He’s with Damica. She’s trusts him, so I do. If I do then you fucking have to. They just want to talk. Now, calm the fuck down.” Rex gets right up in his face.

“He’s with Dam? Dami, is that true?” Greg looks at me.

“Yes, he’s with me. Please, we won’t hurt you.” I cross the floor to Rex and Greg. “We have news.” I turn to Sawyer and nod.

Rex stands beside me. “What news?”

****

“Let me get this straight. You had a wolf, but your DNA cured it. You have no wolf powers, but you have a venom that can cure anything. Do I have that right?” Rex leans on a barn pole with his arms crossed.

I walk around the floor. “Yes, that’s what I’m told. I’m a wolfless shifter. I can help you Rex. Help all of you.” I walk up to him. “But we need your help first.”

“What could you need from me?” Rex says.

“Intel.” Sawyer says. He finishes tying up laces from sneakers he was given. He stands and walks to Rex. “I need numbers. Weapons, positions, bases. Anything you can give me on the Falcons. Who’s in charge, what their reach is. Who’s their targets. I also want allies. How many you have and how you operate.” Sawyer puts his hands on his hips.

Rex scowls. “You don’t want much, do you?”

“If you want back up, I need this info. I’m not sending my men in blind.” Sawyer eyes Rex.

“You want to send people here.” Rex points to the floor with a snarky look on his face.

Sawyer nods. “Affirmative, Mirror guy.”

“Rex, the other side is worried that Zander and River will cross over.” I put my hands on his arm. “They pose a real risk. One of your pack opened a mirror for them.”

Rex closed his eyes and opened them again. “Ethan. He was captured a few months back. They must be using him now.”

“Yeah.” Sawyer fixes his tshirt. “And that’s a huge deal killer for not invading.”

I look at Rex. “We also know that you’re in a tight spot here. Don’t you want to stop the Falcons?”

“I do. Unless it’s a completely stupid idea.” He pushes off the wall. “Do you even know what you’re up against?”

Sawyer scratches his head. “I’m still wrapping my mind around it, but basically there’s two of us and if they’re anything like us, it’ll be a bitch, but we have one thing they don’t.”

“What’s that?”

Sawyer nods to me. “Her.” He gets this look on his face like he just came up with a plan.

I kind of smile. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

He walks over and runs his hands down my head to my cheeks. “Because, little fox. You…are our secret weapon.” He grins.

He turns to Rex. “I need scouts. 4 to 5. We leave at first light.”

“Excuse me? Who are you to order me and men?” Rex scowls.

Sawyer gets in his space. He has to look up to Rex, but that doesn’t phase him at all. “I’m the guy that holds your golden ticket out of this hell, so shut up and gather my flyers.” He looks Rex up and down. “And maybe try being a little more appreciative.”

Sawyer eyes him again, then grabs my hand. “Let’s go.” He pulls me away from Rex and we head for the door outside.

I walk along beside him, quietly. When we’re outside and far enough away, I lean to him. “You don’t have to be so aggressive.”

“Yeah, I do.” He stops and pulls me into him. “It’s an Alpha thing. He needs to know where he stands here. He may have your affections, but I have your heart. I need to make that clear.” I runs his hand behind my hair.

“Oh, so, you’re showing off and chest bumping because you’re jealous.” I get into his face with a playful smile.

“Damn right, I’m jealous. You’re a knock out. I can’t help it if my wolf gets his back up.” He smiles and pulls me into a kiss.

I push him back. “Don’t worry about Rex. I meant it when I said he’s like a dad. He’s no threat.” I run my hand across his jawline.

He leans into me. “I hope so. I don’t want to have to fight him again. He hurts.”

I shake my head. “You are really too cute.”

“And you love me for it.” He nods.

I get close to his lips. “Yes, I do.”

He kisses me deep and I melt into his arms.

He pulls back just a bit. “I do have one burning question.”

“What's that?” I brush my lips on his.

“Why the hell is this place blue?!” He turns and looks around

I giggle and point up. “It’s because of that.”

We look between the trees.

“You’ve got to be shitting me?” He says as his eyes widen.

“Nope. The moon here is blue.” I smile.

“All the time?” He asks.

“Yep.” I answer.

He steps to get a better look. “And you don’t feel any different?”

“How am I supposed to feel?” I ask.

He turns and shrugs. “I don’t know. Antsy, a little frustrated. Maybe a tad crazy.” He walks back to me.

“I mean, crazy is normal for me, but no. I feel fine.” I say.

“So weird.” He looks at the ground.

I look at the moon. “I mean, it does get to you after a while. I used to enjoy the moon once a year, but seeing it all the time is like having Christmas everyday. The novelty wears off quick.”

He raises his head. “You can see the moon?”

“On our side? Yeah. I just thought it was a natural thing, but I guess it’s something more?”

He nods. “It’s special. Only shifters can see it. The moon is a time where we find the person we spend our whole lives with. It’s not all the time. Could take one moon or several, but somewhere out there, is a fated person just for you. I never believed it, but who knows. Maybe there is someone crazy enough to get with me.” He turns his head to me.

“Fated?” I ask.

“Yeah. The one single person on the whole planet that will take all your bullshit and love you regardless. The moon finds that person and guides them to you. You create a mate bond. You’re mine and I’m yours, forever.” He walks close to me.

I back up and lean on a tree. “That sounds…romantic. One person just meant for me? Who would love me for me?” I smile.

“The one person who makes you feel like you can take on whole armies to right whatever wrong. Makes you feel like even the largest giant is so small you’d crush him to get to her.” His whispers as he closes the gap and presses his body on mine. “The one person in the entire world who is so beautiful, you want to cry. Your biggest desire is to wake up and go to sleep with only her smile in your mind. The one you’d do anything just to kiss.” His breath became shallow and face was so close.

“Do you think you’ll find this woman?” I whisper.

He slowly nods. “I think she’s close.”

“How close?” I feel my heart flutter and my skin warms as his fingers brush up my arms.

“So close I can taste her.” His eyes turn to slits and he licks his lips.

“What will you do when you find her?” His lips tickle mine.

He grabs my nape. “Pray.” His mouth consumes mine and he kisses me with so much passion, I almost can’t take it.

My middle heats and my skin crawls with sparks. I grip his t-shirt and he scoops an arm under my but, picking me up. My legs wrap around his waist and he kisses me against the tree.

“It’s the White moon here.”

We break apart and turn to Rex who walked out of the barn.

“The what?” Sawyer asks as he puts me down.

Rex points up. “The moon. Once a year it turns white. It has the same affect, but it’s apparently slightly different.” He stuffs his hands in his pockets and joins us.

He motions his finger between us. “You two think you might be?”

“I don’t even really know what that means.” I blink at him.

Sawyer smiles. “Well, do you think you could handle my crazy, red ass around you all the time?”

I eye him. “You walked with me into another dimension. I think it’s safe to say we're both just crazy enough for each other.”

He laughs and wraps his arm around my neck. “Ok. Let’s survive this and then we can talk about this fated thing.”

“I think that’s a good plan.” I smile at him.

“Rex…”

A pained voice came from the trees.

I turn my head just as Reggie slammed his body into a tree.

“Reggie!” I’m confused, but run to his aid. He’s holding his side and sweating bad. His breathing is labored. His shirt is covered in blood.

He takes off his dark glasses to reveal white pupils. “Hello, child. Fancy seeing you here.” He coughs.

I try to support him by wrapping his arm around him.

“Reggie, what are doing here?” Rex ran up and grabbed his other side.

“He’s been shot.” I look at Rex.

Reggie forces a chuckle. “Oh. I just thought our little friend here could use some help.” He coughs again.

“Reggie, what? You knew?” I question. I’m so confused.

“Child, bombard me with your questions after we remove the bullet in my gut, shall we?” He eyes me.

Sawyer looks to Rex. “What do you need?”

Rex looks to the behind the barn. “Grab a bucket and get water from the creek over there. Put it on the fire. Get it boiling.”

“On it.” Sawyer leaves.

“Doc!!” Rex yells as we carry Reggie into the barn.

After everything was sterilized, Doc went to work.

I held Reggie’s head in my lap as he laid on the floor. “What are you doing here, Reggie?” I ask him as I wipe the sweat off his brow.

His pink button down is open. He grits his teeth as the Doctor digs the bullet out.

“ARGH!” He clenches. He fights the pain. “Looking for…a nice…vacation spot…” He pants.

“Reggie. That’s not funny.” I scowl.

He looks up and smiles his bright smile. “I thought…it was…”

“What happened?” I ask him as the sound of a bullet hitting a steel bowl rings out.

“Just a few stitches and you’ll be good. You’re lucky.” Doc says.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t…at all…in fact, I was too slow.” Reggie looks at him.

“What do you mean?” I wipe his head again.

He slowly adjusts himself as Doc stitches him up. Rex brings a bottle of whiskey.

Reggie takes it. “Thanks, mate.”

“No problem.” Rex says.

Reggie takes a big gulp from the bottle.

“Give me that.” Doc says. “This is going to hurt.” He pours the alcohol on the wound.

Reggie screams and squeezes my hand. His legs kick at the pain. His breaths coming out as whines at the end.

The Doc puts bandages on him and cleans him up. “I’m afraid unless you have healing powers, you’re down for a while.”

“Bullocks.” Reggie mutters.

We help him to his feet and lead him to a table in the middle of the barn. He sits down and Rex places a cup in front of him. Reggie pours a shot and pounds it back. “Oh, that’s good. Please tell me someone has some green.” He looks around the room. “No one? Well, this resort is not getting my 5 star rating.” He leans back in his chair.

“Reggie.” I pull up a chair beside him. “What…happened?” I say insistently.

“Like I said child, I heard you needed help, so I rushed here like a grand butterfly on a hippogriff to aid you in your quest.” He smiles.

Sawyer arches a brow. “A what now?”

I shake my head. “Sawyer Dawn, this is Reggie. A friend from Washington. On our side. He’s an unnatural reflection.”

Sawyer leans on the table. He eyes him. “You know about this place. How?”

Reggie smiles. “Figures our Damica would attach herself to you. You’re just as crazy as she is!” He laughs.

“Answer the question.” Sawyer grits.

Reggie brows go up. “An angry red head. That’s not typical, is it?” He chuckles.

Sawyer points to him. “You are two seconds away from finding out just how angry I can get, now spill!”

Reggie leans to me. “Someone needs a mellow stick bad.” He smiles and turns his head to Sawyer. “Well, my angry elf, I know about this place because I have friends in high places. Very high places.”

Sawyer narrows his eyes. “What friends?”

Reggie leans on the table and stares into Sawyers eyes. “I can kill people, but without me there would be no people. I was born long ago and will someday die. I can cause fire and am a magician with water. I have more brothers than any person. There is very little that can stop me. What am I?”

Sawyers brows slam together. “What?”

“It’s a riddle.” I press my lips together and think. “No people…born long ago…” I look at Reggie. “A cosmic being.”

Reggie gets a huge smile on his face. “Very good.”

Sawyer slams his hands on the table. “You’re a cosmic dick!”

“Who me? No. Far from it. I mean, I’m impressive, but to call myself a God…it’s almost laughable.” Reggie laughs.

“Dami. I’m killing him. Right now.” Sawyer growls.

I hold up my hand. “Sawyer…Just relax.” I turn to Reggie. “Ok. So a real life cosmic being told you to come here? Reggie, that’s too crazy. Even for you.”

“It’s true.” Sawyer sighs and hangs his head.

“Pardon me? Cosmic beings are not real, Sawyer." I tilt my head and give him a confused look.

His eyes tell me he’s serious. “Yes…they are. Which one is it, Reg? That bitch Fate? Please tell me you’re working for Eternity. I’d so love to jump this table and snap your neck.”

“Sawyer. This is nuts!” I chuckle nervously. “Gods cannot be real.”

“Destiny.” Reggie admits.

Sawyer pushes off the table. “Fucking figures.” He turns around. “So what? He sends you with his sick fucking jokes? Is that it?”

“Reggie? What’s going on?” I’m totally not believing him right now.

He nods. “Destiny does predict certain things. Yes, he can create nightmares for our amusement. He does so with reason.”

Sawyer rushes the table. “What possible reason could he have to create this bullshit?!”

“Sawyer, please…” I try to get him to stop.

“Child. It’s fine. Our Alpha is irritated. Let him be.” He leans on the table. “Everything happens for a reason, Red. You are no exception. You’re here to learn. Try new things. Experience the unexplained. Damica is your guide to your soul. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can pull the stick out of you buttocks and chill out.” He tilts his head and glares at Sawyer.

Sawyer studies him hard. “Who are you?”

Reggie grins and pulls something from the neck of his shirt. “Just a side kick that’s going to help you save both worlds.” He swings the red crystal from the chain around his neck.

Sawyers jaw goes slack. “You’re a sorcerer.” He realizes.

Reggie ticks his brow. “Indeed.”

Sawyer turns and scrubs his hand down his face. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” He mumbles.

“A what? Reggie?” My head really hurts.

“A sorcerer. High sorcerer to be exact. I’ve been commanded to keep my eye on you, child. To protect you from death, but give you space enough to grow and learn. Like our Alpha, you have a duty to find yourself. Together, you will solve the ultimate riddle.”

“What riddle?” I ask.

He leans close to my face. “What come next?” He grins and bounces his brow.

“So, you know Azriel?” Sawyer asks.

Reggie scowls. “Yes. How is Az these days?”

“Just as nuts as you.” Sawyer crosses his arms. “Ok. What’s the plan?”

Reggie leans back in the chair. “You tell me.”

Sawyer rubs his scruffy jaw. “We need Intel. We also need a plan of escape to get back.”

“I can help get your information, unfortunately, my cross over has been found out and smashed. I don’t think the Falcons like when people walk out in front of their patrols.” He laughs and holds his side. “I tried to divert their bullets, but one got by me. I barely escaped with my life. I need the crystal cave.” He looks to Rex.

Rex nods. “I can provide escort.”

Reggie looks at me. “It’ll be two days. Once I refresh my crystal, I’ll come back. Until then, please, for the love of God, find me some green.” He pleads.

I giggle. “I’ll try.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “Thank you for helping me. You’re a good friend.”

“Don’t get me killed and I’ll feel the same.” He hugs me back.

“Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.” I look to Sawyer and smile. He nods in response.

He pulls back and slaps the table. “Ok. Shall we get this parade marching?”

“Reggie, you need rest.” I say.

“Nonsense. It'll take more than a little bullet to put me down.” He stands and wobbles on his feet. “Oh…um…maybe a little more sit down will help.”

Sawyer leans on the table. “This better not get crazier or I'm losing my shit all over Wonderland.”