Joining Our Packs

Chapter One Back Home

When we make it out of the mountain we immediately beeline for the pack. There is no time for introductions or explanations as we start running. The tension is easily felt in the air. Everyone is moving quickly and quietly while staying alert. Morale is down on our side because of Carter’s condition and the rogues don't seem at all fazed by the turn of events.

The journey home seems to take way longer than the trip into battle. At last, I can see the border of the pack. As we grow near I fight an internal battle between staying with my mate or going with my brother. I know now is not the time to bring Isaiah into the pack house, not when Cassie's mate is in such bad shape. Her powers could go crazy at any moment. I'm also aware that I can't leave rogues unattended at the border. I stop outside the border quickly shifting into my human form and turning to face my mate and his pack. A low growl rumbles from his throat. His men instantly lower their gazes.

“Wait here,” I instruct.

Marcus crosses onto our territory with Carter in his arms and I run to catch up. Maintaining a steady lope beside him as he angles toward the clinic.

“Keep me updated on his condition I will try to get the situation here settled.” My pleading eyes meet my brother's and he nods never breaking his stride.

Our cousin Hayden carries Alex sticking closely to Marcus. The Silver Crest's warriors pass by me many talking in hushed tones as they head for the packhouse.

I turn again moving in the direction of the guard station. ‘How do you explain rogues staying outside the pack lands?’

“f**k explaining they have no right to question us anyways,” Acacia states with a roll of her eyes.

I shut her out ignoring her comment. She loves her sarcasm and likes people to know we're not the typical she-wolf.

“Hey boys,” I greet stopping by two of the guards. “Marcus will be able to explain further once the situation has been diffused some but for now we're on neutral territory with Alpha Isaiah’s pack and they will be sitting up camp here. Inform the next rotation.” I don't stick around to hear what they have to say I grab a spare set of shorts and a tee from the pile slipping them on while I walk back to face my mate.

I need to learn all I can to make this work. His eyes hungrily roam over me in the large tee that brushes my thighs and the shorts that I've rolled at the waist so they sit more snuggly. Another low growl reverberates through him when I stop just out of his arm's reach.

“We need to talk,” I say capturing his gaze and crossing my arms over my chest. I turn walking further from his men and the guards before stopping at a safe distance for our conversation to remain private. When I stop I can feel his breath on the back of my neck he's incredibly close.

“What did you want to talk about?” Isaiah questions his hot breath tickling my sensitive skin.

“I need to know what exactly was in that syringe so I can relay it to the doctors.” Carter first then I can get to know my mate.

“Liquified silver and wolfsbane. Both of which your gamma guessed. There were nearly three doses of each.” His voice is low as if his words can end us before we begin.

“If he dies I will kill you myself,” I promise to face him head-on.

“I understand, I'm sorry little mate. I will do everything in my power to gain your trust.” Isaiah vows his voice becoming gravelly as it mixes with that of his wolf.

“I will be waiting to see that.” I counter bumping his shoulder. I walk past him ignoring the sparks the action caused and open my link with Marcus.

“Marcus, let the doctors know there were nearly three lethal doses of silver and wolfsbane injected.”

His growl invades my mind. “That much wasn't necessary.”

“I know, Carter is strong let's leave it to our doctors.”

Marcus cuts the link and I square my shoulders refusing to let anyone see me as weak. These rogues will not see me cry.

***

It’s been hours since Marcus blocked our link. During that time I’ve helped get the rogues settled outside the border while avoiding my mate. Most of them aren’t too bad and the beta Kyle seems knowledgeable, I’ve run all plans past him. Although Levi stuck behind with us I haven’t seen much of him. He’s been hanging near his mate and I refuse to go near the she-wolf.

“Amelia,” Marcus’ voice rings in my head.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

“Carter is stable. Cassie is handling it as well as can be expected. How are things on the border?” I breathe a sigh of relief knowing Carter is still alive.

“They’re tense but the pack is settled. I’m going to go shower and head up to the clinic.” I inform him and then cut the link.

I don’t bother telling anyone from the rogue pack I’m leaving. I see Levi hanging near his mate as I go to leave and we lock eyes. “I’ll be back I’m going to check on Carter,” I link him.

I make my way into the packhouse avoiding our visiting Alphas and head to my room.

The hot water feels wonderful on my tense muscles and I wish I could stay under the water longer washing away the events of the day. When I awoke this morning I was excited to watch Cassie become Luna of Silver Crest and be part of the marking ceremony. Now, my heart aches knowing my mate is the cause of all her pain and all my brother's suffering. Dragging my body from the shower I quickly dress in jeans and a tee shirt throwing my hair in a messy bun. My sneakers adorn my feet as I run out the front door and to the pack clinic. Marcus stands outside of the last door in the long hall talking to the pack doctor. They both look up as they hear me approach.

“How’re things looking?” I ask the doctor taking in the solemn mood.

“Not good Amelia, he is stable but his vitals are low. His wolf isn’t healing him and his human body can’t handle the poison.” The doctor explains looking exhausted.

“Is there anything we can do?” I push. ‘This can’t be it’ I think to myself.

“Only time will tell.” She says backing down the hall.

Marcus opens the door and we step inside, Cassie sits in a stiff-looking chair her tear-streaked face pressed to Carter’s hand as she cradles it between hers. Her eyes snap up when we enter and I run to her side pulling her into my arms.

“It’s going to be okay Carter would never leave you or the baby,” I tell her trying to console her as her body shakes with each suppressed sob.

Isaiah’s POV

My mate hates me and she has every right to. She hasn’t spoken to me since she told me she would kill me if her brother died and I believe her. She had not wavered in her promise. I had tried to end the battle without casualties and I failed.

Her brother and Alpha is likely to die. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone. I spent so much time hating the Silver Crest alpha for taking my brother from me. I release that now he had done nothing wrong. If I were in his shoes and my mate had been in the same situation I would've done everything to protect her. I will do anything to protect her.

“Go to mate,” Ishmael tells me interrupting my thoughts. I've been beating myself up while I walk around the small clearing she set my pack up in. She is nowhere to be seen.

“She’s gone,” I tell him.

“I want mate.” He pouts.

“Me too she hates us though.”

“Her wolf doesn’t hate us.” My alpha wolf says trying to maintain some hope that he will get his mate.

Unlike him, I know the human side can and will deny the mate bond if the circumstance is right regardless of the wolf. That’s what scares me the most.