The Alpha's Runaway

Chapter Eighteen

When I next woke, I was back in my human form, lying in a bed in the pack hospital. I could hear voices nearby, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. Reluctantly opening my eyes, I found Grant sitting by my bedside, watching me with a worried expression. Lance, Henry, and Jess sat in the corner of the room, talking in hushed voices.

“Hey. How are you feeling?” Grant asked gently.

“I’m okay. What happened?” I asked, trying to sit up. Pain shot across my back and I grunted before lying back again, “Why haven’t I healed?”

“The wounds on your back were pretty bad. Even with your accelerated healing, the pack doctor said it would take another two hours to fade.”

“And the rogues? They’re all dead?”

“One escaped. Lance tried to catch them but they got away. We don’t know how they got past our border. It shouldn’t have been possible.”

“Unless they had a witch helping them.” Lance said grimly.

“They were targeting us the entire time.” I told them.

“What do you mean?” Henry came to the other side of my bed.

“One of the rogues said Hidden Grove is coming.”

“Dad is coming?” Jess asked, confused and alarmed, “Are you sure? How did he even find us?”

“Bryce.” Henry answered, his eyes growing wide with realization, “The home invasion must have been a cover up. They made it look like a random crime. They must have beaten him and forced him to give up our new identities.”

“But why attack Harvest Moon?” Grant shook his head.

“He would have been able to trace us to Brookings. When we disappeared from town, he must have assumed we went to Harvest Moon. It’s the largest pack and in his mind, would offer us the most protection. The rogues must have reported seeing Addie fight the day you guys were there. That led the rogues to Shadow Peak and Silver Woods.” Henry explained.

“This is insane.” I said, unable to wrap my brain around it, “How did he even find Bryce? There was no trail connecting us to him. He made sure of that. And why hire rogues to find us? He always used pack members to search for us before.”

“That was close to your pack territory though.” Lance said, “Even your father would think twice about sending pack members so far away from his territory in order to find you. Now that he knows where you are, though…”

“He knows where we are.” I repeated, horrified.

“We need to run.” Henry said firmly, “They’ll chase us, leave the rest of the pack alone.”

“Do you really believe that after what happened to Bryce?” Jess scoffed incredulously.

“Jess is right. Even if we left, they’d attack the pack to find out where we went.” I said, looking at Grant and Lance, “I’m so sorry. This is what we were afraid of. Everyone is in danger because of us. This is our fight. We shouldn't have involved you.”

“It’ll be okay, Addie.” Grant attempted to reassure me, “This doesn’t change anything. This just means your father is coming to us, instead of us going to him. Now you can confront him in our territory.”

“Grant, before we were the only ones at risk. Now, Silver Woods is in danger. We don’t know if Dad will bring Quinn with him, which means he might not be there to have our backs when we tell Hidden Grove what Dad did. We don’t even know if Dad is bringing the pack. If he used rogues to find us, he might use them to attack.” Henry shook his head.

“Whatever happens, we’ll face it.” Lance said firmly, “No matter what, he won’t be able to attack us at full strength. We’re too far from his home territory, and rogues aren’t as well trained as pack warriors. We’ll talk to Harvest Moon and Shadow Peak. After being attacked by your father’s rogues, they’ll be glad to offer any help.”

“You want to risk three packs instead of one?”

“I’d rather fight to protect my mate and her family! We are not going to turn you three over to that monster!”

“I agree.” Grant said grimly, “I’ll call Mason and Alex.”

“Ask them for help.” I nodded, “But tell them everything. We are the reason their packs were attacked. We’re not going to hide anything from them. That includes the rest of Silver Woods. We won’t join the pack if they do not want to accept us. We are not going to force them to get involved.”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded, as did Jess and Henry.

“Okay.” Grant agreed reluctantly, “We’ll address the pack tomorrow before the full moon rises and I’ll talk to Mason and Alex after. There’s no point in asking them for help if our own pack doesn’t want to fight.”

The others nodded and Jess took my hand, squeezing it.

“We’ll be just outside if you need us. Henry and I are going to stay within range so you can heal faster.” She said.

I nodded, and she, Lance, and Henry walked out, shutting the door behind them.

Grant brushed my hair out of my face and pressed his lips against my forehead.

“Where are Charlie and Gwen?” I asked.

“Charlie went to the border to find out how the rogues got into our territory. Gwen went to consult with some witches she knows to see if they used black magic.”

I nodded, taking his hand in mine.

“Would you have run like Henry said?” He spoke so quietly I almost missed it.

“No. I told you, I’m not going to run anymore. I’m terrified because chances are innocent people will be hurt but no matter what, I’m staying. Whether the others stand with us or not, Henry, Jess, and I are going to face our father.”

He nodded, “Whatever the pack decides, Lance, Charlie, Gwen, and I will stand with you. We’re not leaving your side.”

“I love you.” I said, kissing him.

“I love you too.”

The next night, the entire pack gathered on the training field. We stood on the steps leading into the house, and finally, Grant nodded at me. I stepped forward, addressing the crowd.

“Those of you whom I’ve met know me as Laura Daniels, your future Luna. This is not the entire story. My real name is Addison Payne. I am the daughter of Alpha Alan Payne of the Hidden Grove pack. My brother, sister, and I are known as Triskelion wolves. We are faster and stronger than the average wolf. We have gathered here tonight so my siblings and I can join your pack. By joining Silver Woods, we will enhance your own abilities. However, we will also put you in danger.”

An indistinct murmur rose from the crowd.

“I’m sure all of you are aware of Hidden Grove’s reputation. It is the oldest, largest, and strongest pack in the nation. My father is charismatic. He is feared by those outside his borders, and while he is not the greatest alpha, he managed to stay in power longer than he should. He is cruel and vindictive. The moment we were able to shift, my older brother, Quinton sent us away to protect us. We spent two years running from our father before meeting your Alpha and discovering our powers. The recent rogue attacks in the area were the result of my father searching for us. After the most recent attack yesterday, he now knows we are here.

“My father is coming and he will stop at nothing until we are once again in his clutches. We plan on fighting. I, personally, cannot spend another day living in fear. However, I am not willing to risk innocent lives. In the last month, I have grown to love this pack and your Alpha. I cannot, in good conscience, put you in danger.”

Grant stepped up, “I will stand with my mate. It is my wish that the Payne triplets join the pack but given the circumstances, the choice is yours.”

“What happens if they walk away?”

I scanned the crowd, searching for the speaker. I found Mina toward the front, standing with Keira and another girl I had yet to meet.

“We are not entirely sure. It is possible that if my father knows that we left and knows where we are heading, he will most likely leave you alone. But if he learns that Grant and Lance are my and Jess’ mates, he won’t stop.”

Anger flashed across her face, “Why haven’t you rejected them yet? You’re supposed to protect us! You are putting all of us at risk!”

People in the crowd muttered in agreement, and Mina continued, “Reject them and turn them over to their father. Do your duty to your pack.”

Grant tensed and Lance looked furious. The other girl looked from Grant, to her friend, and back before stepping forward.

“Our Alpha is doing his duty.” She said forcefully, glaring at Mina, “He and his family have led this pack since it was established, and they have taught us to be selfless and kind. Grant Wyndham is our Alpha. He didn’t have to give us a choice, but he did because that is who he is. We have been taught that everyone has value, and everyone is an essential member of our pack. These people are no different. Never mind the fact that they have powers and can enhance our own. We all know that a mated wolf is stronger than an unmated one, especially Alphas. Our future Luna has already shown us she is willing to put us first. We can’t abandon her.” The girl turned to face me, “I will stand with you, Luna. It would be an honor to have you join the pack.”

Mina and Kiera were livid, but bit by bit, the rest of the pack accepted us.

I hadn’t realized I stopped breathing until the last pack member promised to help fight.

“Thank you.” I said simply. It felt insufficient and yet there was no other way to convey how I felt.

“It’s time.” Grant said gently, leading me, Jess, and Henry down the steps.

The full moon shone overhead, and I shifted. I glanced behind me to see the entire pack in their wolf forms. Grant nodded toward me and I faced the woods before taking off.

The last time I’d run like this was with Bryce, when he started training us. It was the first time I felt free.

A cool wind swept over my fur. It felt like my feet were barely touching the ground as I ran. Slowly, I felt the bond between myself and the pack form, until Grant’s voice echoed in my mind. “Welcome to Silver Woods.”