The Alpha's Runaway

Chapter Thirteen

Over the next two days, Gwen and I spent every spare moment in the library. We only came out for training, meals, and sleep, the latter of which was only because our mates threatened to physically drag us away from the books. Despite the hours of research, we still had nothing to show for it. We would leave for Harvest Moon territory in under an hour.

I was just about to give up when something caught my eye, “Gwen! I found something!” I said excitedly before reading from the book, “Triplets born to an Alpha are rare, occurring once every few centuries. Known as Triskelion wolves, little is known about their unusual powers.”

“That’s it!” She abandoned the book before her and hurried to my side, looking over my shoulder, “What else does the book say?”

“While Triskelion wolves have existed since the dawn of the werewolf race, the first recorded Alpha-born triplets to exhibit such powers were born into the Blood Moon pack during the Middle Ages.”

Gwen’s eyes widened in surprise, “The Blood Moon pack? Are you sure?”

“Yeah, why?”

“That’s the pack Harvest Moon originated from. They split from Blood Moon back when England and the US shared the Oregon territory.”

“Well that’s lucky. What are the chances they’ll have something on Triskelion wolves in their library?”

“I’m almost certain they will. It may not be as extensive as the Blood Moon’s archives but, if the separation is peaceful, packs tend to make copies of all records so both halves can retain knowledge when they divide.”

I jotted down notes on a scrap piece of paper. Just as I finished, I heard the door open.

Grant poked his head into the room, “Ready to go?”

“Yeah.” We quickly put away the books we were using and headed toward the foyer where Lance, Jess, Henry, and Charlie were waiting.

“Take care of my mate.” Charlie told Grant and Lance as we walked outside, putting the bags into the trunk.

“Always. Take care of the pack.” Grant responded, before turning to Henry, “Cam, can you take over my training group for the next two nights?”

“Yeah, I’ve got it.” Henry nodded.

“Be careful.” My brother told me as I gave him and Jess a hug.

“When am I not careful?” I quipped, giving my siblings a small smile.

Henry smiled back and shook his head, “I’m being serious. You and Gwen are the responsible ones. It’s your job to keep those two in check.” He gestured to Grant and Lance.

“He’s right, you know.” Lance chimed in, grinning, “Relax, Cam. We’ll only be gone for two nights.”

“Yeah, I know. Just take care of my sister and try not to burn the place down the second you get there.”

A mischievous glint shone in Lance’s eyes, “No promises.”

We got into the car and drove toward the freeway. During the two hour drive north, Gwen and I shared what we discovered.

“What does that mean?” Lance asked when we finished, “What powers do Triskelion wolves have?”

“We don’t know. The book doesn’t say.” Gwen answered. She had brought it with us, flipping through it.

“Hopefully Harvest Moon will have some answers.”

“Will we have enough time?” I asked, “It took us weeks to put a label to what we are. We only have a day to figure out what it means.”

“This time we know what we’re looking for. We’re not looking for a random collection of powers. We’ll look into the records during the middle ages for Alpha-born triplets. It should point us in the right direction.” Gwen reassured me.

“Would Mason be able to help us? I’m sure he or another of the higher ranks will know what to look for.” Grant chimed in.

“He might. We can trust him enough to tell him what we’re looking for.” Lance informed us.

“Harvest Moon has been attacked by rogues recently. We might want to keep Laura’s involvement to a minimum. If they find out she was a rogue before coming to Silver Woods, they might not be willing to help us.” Gwen suggested.

“So what? We keep my powers and my past a secret?” I asked.

She nodded, “For now.”

“Wouldn’t they be able to tell from my scent?”

“You don’t smell like a rogue wolf. I’m not sure how, but you’ve somehow retained the scent from your old pack. If we’re going to ally against the rogues, we’re eventually need to tell Mason.” Grant said, “He won’t be happy that we lied.”

Lance shook his head, “Mason has a mate. He will understand. We’re doing this to protect them. It’s only temporary. We can tell them as soon as we figure out what Triskelion wolves are and why the rogues keep attacking packs in this region.”

I nodded, “Okay.”

I spent the rest of the drive listening to Grant and Lance describe the Harvest Moon pack. Alpha Mason was Lance’s older cousin. He and his mate, Talia, were in their late twenties and had a young pup. Apparently, the two packs have always had a close alliance.

When we finally pulled up to the packhouse, I immediately got out of the car, stretching my stiff legs. A man and a woman, who I assumed were Mason and Talia, came out to greet us.

Mason looked a lot like Lance, with the same build and vibrant green eyes. Talia was pretty, with raven hair, pale skin, and sterling gray eyes. The couple smiled warmly, and after exchanging pleasantries with Grant, Mason embraced his cousin.

“It’s good to see you.” Lance greeted.

“I only wish it were under better circumstances.” Mason responded, “I hear you found your mate.”

“I did. This is actually her sister.” Lance nodded at me, “Laura, the future Luna of Silver Woods. And this is Gwen, our Third’s mate.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Talia smiled, “Grant tells us you two are quite the historians.”

“Gwen is the historian.” I dismissed, “I can only aspire to be as good as she is.”

“Well, if you need any help while you’re here, feel free to ask. Out of curiosity, what are you looking for?”

“Anything regarding Triskelion wolves.” Grant answered.

“Triskelion wolves?” Mason questioned, “I’ve heard of them but I don’t remember what they are. Have you met any?”

“We have. Three rogues who passed through our territory. They don’t seem like a threat to us, but I’ll feel more comfortable knowing more about them.”

“I hope they’re not associated with the rogues who have been attacking lately. If so, it doesn’t look good.”

“I’m sure between us and the Shadow Peak pack we’ll be able to track the group attacking everyone.” Grant reassured him.

“I hope so. Come on. Alex and his Beta won’t be here until just before dinner. You can get settled in your rooms and we’ll show you to the library.”

Mason ushered us inside.

-Grant-

I didn’t see Laura and Gwen again until we gathered in the dining room for dinner. I quickly introduced them to Alex and his Beta, Micah. Alex was twenty-one years old and had just ascended to his position six months prior. Although still new to the role, he was just as intelligent and collected as myself and Mason.

Two omegas brought us our food, while a third poured wine into everyone’s glasses. When he reached us, Laura shook her head.

“May I just get water, please?” She asked politely.

As the omega nodded moved past her, Alex regarded her curiously, “You don’t drink, Laura?”

“I’m underage.” She explained hesitantly.

“So?” Mason asked goodnaturedly.

Laura drew breath to respond, then paused. She seemed at a loss for words.

“Don’t pressure her.” Talia chided, “If she doesn’t want to drink, she doesn’t have to.”

“Yeah, you have to respect her choice. Even if it means she’s not as fun as the rest of us.” Lance joked, grinning.

Gwen swatted his arm, “Since when does drinking have anything to do with fun?”

At the same time, Laura responded evenly, “I don’t know. We were all sober when I kicked your ass. That was pretty fun.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“I like you.” Mason pointed at Laura, “You don’t take s**t from anyone.”

Laura allowed a small smile in response. She remained quiet for the rest of dinner. Gwen and Lance came into mine and Laura’s shared room later that night to discuss the research into the Triskelion wolves. They still hadn’t found anything. Throughout the entire conversation, Laura stared off into space with an unreadable expression. Finally, Gwen asked, “Laura, are you okay?”

My mate hesitated, then looked at us with a dull expression and shook her head.

“Is this about my comment at dinner?” Lance asked, “It was only a joke.”

“My father…” She started slowly, her voice devoid of emotion, “... was an abusive drunk. That is why I don’t drink. Even though I know it doesn’t mean I’ll take after him, I’ve never touched alcohol. I don’t associate it with fun. I associate it with pain.”

The room fell silent as shock and horror tore through us. Then, Gwen whacked Lance on the back of his head as hard as she could.

“OW!”

“Apologize!” She demanded fiercely.

“I was going to!” He said defensively before looking at Laura, “I had no clue. I never should have said what I did. I am so sorry.” He said sincerely.

“There’s no way you could have known. It’s not something we talk about.”

“Still. It was insensitive.”

She shrugged, “I’m actually really tired. I think I’m going to get some sleep.”

Gwen and Lance nodded and quickly said good night before leaving for their own rooms.

Laura’s movements were almost mechanical as she got ready for bed. She still didn’t say a word. Climbing into bed, she turned her back toward me.

My heart broke for her. Rage accompanied that pain, and I could feel my wolf’s agitation, craving for revenge. How dare someone lay a hand on my mate! What kind of man would strike his own children?

I reached out and caressed her arm. She turned to face me, and her expression softened. She pulled me down until I laid next to her and snuggled close. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling my anger dissipate as I breathed in her scent. Neither of us said a word, and eventually, we drifted off to sleep.