19. Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Nineteen
Nyx
No one says a word until we're nearly back at the border and Alpha Orson's wolves vanish from sight.
I don't know about these guys, but I'm one hundred percent convinced that he is a dangerous snake. The way his men tried to stand over us, their eyes constantly moving back to me with recognition—it was them. Cade was telling the truth.
And speaking of… what the heck was that back there?
At first, I thought it was Maverick touching my back. But he wouldn't make such a gentle gesture. Grabbing my arm made more sense, and part of me wants to run away from my responsibilities because after that, I'm even more confused.
I can't deny the pull I feel toward Cade. From the moment we locked eyes in the cell, I was conflicted—I just never realized because of my anger. But the more we spoke, the harder it was to view him as the enemy. And now… after seeing the confirmation with my own two eyes that it was Alpha Orson's pack that killed Tyler, it validates his accusations. Suddenly, I'm more inclined to believe all the other things he said too.
But still… The whole being an ancestor of the Goddess Ophelia thing is a touch overwhelming.
Why me? I can barely function at the best of times, and now I'm expected to what? Save the world?
Life was hard enough with the prospect of being a luna to two packs. But three? How will I manage that? It's not like I can just say 'hey guys, everyone move to Shadow Creek and we'll live in one big house' . Alphas are territorial, and none of them are going to be willing to follow me. But how do I travel between three packs—four if I include my home. There's no way I'm abandoning my hometown. All my friends and family are there. And Lena… she's going to move to Summer Valley with Beau. The idea of moving felt a little less stressful when I had a friend with me—when I had one mate. But I don't have any mated friends moving to the other packs.
"How did it go?" Beau asks, walking up to Lex.
The other wolves notice our return, gathering around as they wait for information. A few exchange heated, anxious glances but most are stoic.
"Exactly what we expected," Lex confirms, eyes darting to me. "He's definitely responsible."
I search for Alpha Daxton, finding him as he brings up the rear behind us. "He killed Tyler," I say, watching as he nods, a somber look on his face.
"Yes," he responds. "And he will pay for it."
A silence falls over the group, unnerving me as not a single sound comes from any of the fifty-odd wolves. Alpha Daxton's tone is serious—deadly. And I realize this is it… what we have been training for. There is a war coming after all… just not the one we expected.
The sun is just starting to set when we arrive back in Shadow Creek. It feels so good to be home.
We emerge from the woods by the training field, and to my surprise, there's a small group of people waiting.
Luna Grace is the first one I see, followed by Lena, who jumps up and down in excitement. Then when they move out of the way, my heart starts to race.
"Mom! Dad!"
I rush forward, leaving everyone behind as I cross the grass in record time, launching myself off the ground into my dad's awaiting arms.
"Oh, we're so glad you're okay!" Mom gushes, rubbing my back as my feet dangle off the ground. When Dad puts me down, her hands cup my face, physically inspecting me. I place my hands over hers, tears welling in my eyes.
Even though everything worked out somewhat okay , there was a large part of me that was convinced I was never going to see them again.
I finally let them go by the time the other wolves reach us, and I quickly pull Lena into a hug, before I let her run over to Beau.
"Are you okay?" Luna Grace asks softly, putting her hand on my shoulder.
My eyes drift lower, spotting her two young children dancing around her legs. They peer up at me with big, round eyes, and I'm choked up again. Like usual, Alpha Daxton left them behind to deal with my bullshit, and it hits me hard that his family constantly suffers the consequences of his duties.
"Yeah…" I mutter, quickly wiping a tear away. "I'm fine— thank you ." I say, insinuating more than just a polite response to her question, and she gives me a warm smile in understanding.
Lex steps up beside me, putting one arm around my shoulder, while shaking my Dad's hand with the other. To my astonishment, Maverick appears on my other side, also offering his hand.
I decide it's time to formally announce him to them. "Mom, Dad… meet my second mate—Maverick."
There's a look of disbelief in their eyes, as well as Lena's as she stares over at me with a giant silent gasp at the claim. Oh, babe… you have no idea what else is coming.
"Pleasure to meet you… officially ," Dad says, gripping his hand firmly. Neither of them comment on the grenade I just dropped, and while things are out in the open, I take a deep breath and turn around.
"And this is Alpha Cade from the New Moon Pack," I start, pausing while I gather and compose myself for the next words. "It appears he's also my mate."
A few people gasp in surprise, while Lena finally breaks with a "Holy shit!" .
"Lovely to meet you," Cade says warmly, grabbing Dad's hand before he can offer it, who appears to be in shock, and giving him a huge shake. He then picks up Mom's hand and places a small kiss on her knuckles. "Your daughter is very intriguing. I look forward to getting to know her better."
I can see everyone looking between the three alphas nervously, trying to figure out what is going on. I can't bring myself to face them, so I instead turn to the one person who can probably calm me at this moment. When Luna Grace locks eyes with me, her face softens, an amused smile appearing.
"We have a lot to discuss," she murmurs warmly.
The two kids whip past me, running straight to their father, who picks them up at the same time—one in each arm. Alpha Daxton carries them over to Luna Grace, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
"I just need to debrief everyone then we can head home."
She nods, stroking Leon's arm. The future alpha has his head resting on his father's shoulder, and for a moment, I envy him—to be young and innocent again, free from the knowledge of all the evil in the world. For now, at least.
Alpha Daxton's voice appears in my head as he mind links the entire pack, requesting they make their way to the field.
There's a small chill to the air, and even though we got changed just before we exited the woods, I can't help but shiver in my summer clothing. Given the number of us, it was quicker to shift in the woods, rather than the change rooms inside the facility.
"Here," Cade says, the feeling of something warm being draped over my shoulders.
"Thank you," I mutter sincerely, wrapping myself in the material as I thread my arms through the sleeves.
Lex leans down to my ear, giving me a soft kiss on my jawline. "I just need to speak to Knox before your pack arrives. I'll be back in a moment."
"Okay," I answer, smiling. "I'll be here."
I watch him and Knox break away from the group, heading toward the facility. Turning back to my parents, I'm stunned to find them in deep conversation with Cade, the two of them laughing at one of his ridiculous jokes. Maverick has moved away and is now speaking to his own members, so I awkwardly stand to the side, feeling like a fourth wheel.
"Nyx, join us," Cade says warmly, holding his hand out to me.
When I place my hand in his palm, I instantly feel a calming presence wash over me. I wait for him to let go, but instead, he threads our fingers, holding my hand as he continues chatting to my parents.
"Yes, it was a surprise to me as well," I hear him tell Mom and Dad. "But we had a feeling she was the one. Though, I do feel a little guilty for whisking her away without notice."
My eyebrows shoot up, as do Dad's. I can't believe he's admitting to them what he did, or the fact that my dad isn't punching him in the face. It's the tone—the lunatic has a way of providing information in a chilled way. I see Mom glance over at me, watching me carefully. I avoid looking at her for too long, too stunned to say anything.
Before long, the sound of footsteps and chatter grows louder as people make their way to the field. As I stare at the forming crowd, my heart beats excitedly as I spot Reese and Sarah holding hands. When he spots me, he gives a big wave, his grin matching hers.
"Apparently, they have been going at it like rabbits," Lena mentions quietly, pushing into my arm. "Sarah had to call out of work a few times."
"You're kidding," I laugh. "Our Reesey?"
She grins. "My money is on Sarah falling pregnant first."
"I'll take that bet," I mumble, my eyes lighting up as I tell her about Marie's medicine. I wonder if the witch would give me some for my own personal supply. Lena would love it.
When the rest of my pack arrives, Alpha Daxton stands at the front, updating them on recent events—including the fact that Maverick and Cade are also my mates. He also makes a point of telling the pack that we know who attacked Tyler, and when I glance around, I find his parents easily. They watch on quietly with watery eyes, but as Alpha Daxton promises them that they will get their retribution, they nod, cheeks glistening with fallen tears.
I feel eyes on me constantly, but no one says anything thankfully. I stick close to my parents, linking arms with Mom, as Dad stands protectively on my other side. The other alphas are at the front with Alpha Daxton, and when the pack is excused, I make my way over.
Alpha Wyatt smiles at me as I approach, giving me a pleasant nod. "Hopefully, I'll see you again shortly," he says.
"Are you leaving?" I ask, bewildered. It's dark now, so I would have assumed that they would stay the night.
"Yes, I need to get back to Eve," he answers. "I don't like leaving her alone, especially since Orson knows about our news."
I nod, understanding completely. "Give her our congratulations. I'm sure we'll see you soon."
"Goodbye, little Nyx," he grins, ruffling up my hair, much to my annoyance. "Keep these assholes on their toes."