Hidden Lake’s secret

Chapter Six.

Chapter Six.

Aria

I woke up abruptly to my alarm going off. I groaned, sat up, rubbed my face and picked up my pillow to flop it onto Cassidy’s head. “Wake up! We have to get ready for training.” I pause for a moment. “Training with our mates.” I drag out the end in a taunting way; as Cass peeks her head out from beneath my pillow. She flashes me her perfect smile. “They're supposed to be the strongest around, and you’re going to be their Luna, so you’d better get your butt in gear.” She taunts me right back.“And if your mate is going to become your Alpha, don't you think our pack will get stronger?”I shoot her a knowing glance “Besides, I’d really like to get an idea as to what kind of training I’ll be doing in the future.” I sigh, get up and head to the bathroom to wash my face and get ready for our mandatory early morning training.

I finish up in the bathroom, and head over to my closet. I dig around in a pile of clean clothes that I’m too lazy to fold, and pull on a sports bra and a tight tank top. Cass finally gets up and drags herself to the bathroom for her morning routine. I hear the shower kick on, and start fishing around again for some matching socks. But before I could could finish getting dressed, there was a knock at the door. I grab the first pair of shorts I could find, and almost trip trying to pull them on to answer the door. “Hang on!” I yell. “I’m co…” I stop mid sentence when a very familiar scent reaches my nose. There’s no way, I think to myself. He doesn't even know what room is mine. I open the door and sure enough there in front of me, is Garret. How is this happening!? I internally yell. He flashes me a perfect smile, and I subconsciously move to let him in.

-“Who cares why it’s happening? He’s here now” Snow purrs. Oh Goddess, I can’t handle you right now! I think before I block her out. I cant help but stare at him for a moment before regaining composure. “What are you doing here?” I question him.

“Just coming to walk my beautiful mate to training.” He says with confidence leaning against the closet door, eyeing me up and down. I feel like prey and I’m not sure if I like it, but my body in betraying me.

I can feel a blush creeping its way to my cheeks and I pull my gaze away from him to look anywhere else. Just as I open my mouth to speak, the bathroom door swings open and I watch with horror as a half naked Cass comes out in only a towel jamming out to Goddess only knows what! Why me? I groan inwardly. Garret glances over towards the bathroom when he hears the door and his face pales before he quickly turns away in embarrassment. Cass’ eyes go wide when she realizes that I’m not the only one in the room anymore. She turns around to run back into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her in one fluid motion.

“Oh! Uh… Jeez, I’m so sorry Aria. I didn't realize she was still here.” Garret stammers.

I cover my face with my hands. Ugh! what kind of weekend is this turning out to be? I sneak a peek at him through my fingers. He looks like a child sulking down at the ground. I can’t help but to chuckle at him. He looks up at me and grins nervously. “I think I’ll go now. Maybe you could meet Ethan and I in the kitchen and we can walk you and Cass to training once you’re ready?”

I pull my hands down from my face dramatically, “Yeah, I think thats a good idea.” I laugh in response as I walk him back to the door, “See you in a few.” I say quickly, shutting the door before he has a chance to respond.

I run back to the bathroom and fling the door open. Cass jumps up from the edge of the bathtub. “Aria! I swear I didn't know he was there. I was listening to music, I didn't hear… Oh my Goddess!! I’m so embarrassed!” She rambles off her apologies. “Oh no! He’s going to tell Ethan!” She wails.

“It’s alright, Cassidy. I know it wasn't on purpose. I’m not mad, and I doubt Ethan could stay angry at you. Get dressed, we’re actually meeting both, the Alpha and Beta in the kitchen. They want to walk us to training today.” I respond. If anything I’m nervous that I’m going to be a disappointment to my mate now that he’s seen Cass, even if she was covered with a towel. Ugh! I hate the way he makes me feel self conscious.

I grab my shoes, and head downstairs, with Cassidy right on my heals. A minute later, we walk into the kitchen to find the guys were already there. They were facing away from each other with their arms crossed. Garret must’ve told Ethan what happened. And right on cue, as Cass enters the room, Ethan scoops her up possessively.

“It’s not fair.” He breaks the tension with a whine fit for a toddler. “How come my Alpha got to see you before me?”

Cassidy sticks out her bottom lip and pouted, trying to tug herself from his iron grasp. “He didn't see anything,” She says quickly, “and I ran back to the bathroom at light speed.” She adds, attempting to console him.

“Seriously man, as soon as I saw towel, I looked away.” Garret assures him.

Ethan lets out a defeated sigh. “Okay, yeah, I believe you guys. But the next person to see my Goddess in a towel, had better be ME!” He growls back.

After everyone has calmed down, we all grab a piece of fruit to snack on and lace our shoes up before exiting the pack house. I pretend not to notice Garret’s obvious hints that he wants to hold my hand, but surprisingly, he doesn't just take it. He didn't hesitate at all last night, so what changed? Ethan and Cass are practically glued together and I’m losing confidence but I smile up at him to try to seem less awkward. Garret flashes me a nervous grin, and as we come up to the training grounds, he and Ethan head to the front of the group with their warriors.

Cassidy and I watch with the rest of our pack as my father introduces Alpha Garret and his people. They discuss a little about the plans for training today. To begin with, we’ll watch a couple of his warriors spar to get an idea of just how they fight. I hope I can keep up, but their fighters are large, and intimidating. I’m not afraid of getting hurt, so much as nervous about embarrassing myself in front of my mate. What if he's not impressed by my abilities and skills? I don't want him to think he's been paired with a weak Luna.

Cassidy elbows me in the ribs, and I realize that I had spaced out and his first 2 fighters have already poised themselves to fight. Alpha Garret is about to blow a whistle when a much louder alarm sounds and Cass looks at me with wide eyes.

“Rogues!” My father yells. I hear Garret calling for his fighters. Everyone in my pack knows what to do when the alarm sounds, but it’s been so long that we’ve been attacked. Some of our men stand shocked until my father starts calling out instructions. within moments, everyone was moving to where the attack came from. I look over at Garret again, and I wish I could mind link him. “Aria, Cassidy! Get any omegas and weaker wolves inside!” My father mind links us, and I force myself to tear my eyes away from my mate.

We start running back towards the pack house, shifting in the process. Normally we’d take the time to undress, but we tore through our clothes without hesitation. We have to protect our pack. Our Alpha is depending on us, and I will not let him or my pack down. We’re only about 5 minutes away when we hear snarling and growling coming from the direction were headed. -“How did they get this close to the pack house?” I mind link Cassidy. They shouldn't have been able to get through our defenses.

Snow and Sky are pushing themselves hard to get back as quickly as possible. I can feel her concern. I also know she absolutely didn't want to leave our mate. But he’s an Alpha, and protecting our people is what is most important right now.

-“I don't know! It shouldn't be possible!” Cass links back. “Something is wrong”

I agree with her silently. This SHOULDN’T be possible. What is going on? We haven't had a break in our defenses for as long as I can remember. Within seconds we see where the commotion is coming from. There’s a large black wolf, whose scent I don't recognize, lunging for a smaller sandy colored wolf that I would know anywhere.

I panic and mentally push Snow to move faster. She leaps into the air, grabbing the rogue by it’s shoulder, and twisting her body, throws it to the side. She jumps in front of the sandy wolf and lets out a vicious growl. Another rogue comes out from the trees and charges toward Sky. She doesn't give it the chance to attack before she lunges forward, dodging it’s jaws, and biting down hard on it’s hind leg. She shakes her head violently, breaking and dislocating the limb.

The two rogues whimper and run away. We don't follow. Instead we look around to make sure it’s safe. That seemed way to easy and I still feel like we’re being watched, but we don't see or smell any other wolves around, so we shift back. The sandy wolf has also shifted back, and I threw my arms around her. “Mom!” I exclaimed “I was so worried.” I gripped her hard until she starts groaning. Even at her age, she’s still strong. She doesn't hesitate to fight a threat, and would lay her life down for her people.

“Aria, I’m fine. Thanks to you and Cassidy. Can you let up a little?” She gasps out.

I loosen my hold on her “Is everyone else alright? Did everyone get inside? There are no casualties?” I press, blowing her up with questions.

My mother shakes her head. “Everyone is fine. Those were the only two wolves I saw in this area. Where is your father and our guests?” She asks.

“We were just starting the training when the alarm went off. He sent Cass and I to make sure everyone here was safe. I’m not sure how many rogues there are. But the two we just encountered weren't very tough, so I’m sure that they're fine.” I say, mostly trying to convince myself. I glance back at Cassidy, who seems to be thinking the same thing.

“Mom,” I start. “We’re gonna go back. Please go inside and ensure everyone else stays indoors, too.” Cass hums in agreement, and my mother nods in compliance.

“Of course my dear, you two go make sure those mates of yours are ok. And check on your father as well for me?” She asks.

“Will do mom, we’ll let you know.” I yell to her as Cass and I begin to run back. I shift midair, and can sense that she did the same. We take off at top speed. I’m not particularly worried, but Snow needs to see that her mate is unharmed, and whether I like it or not, I’d like to know as well.

-“I’m sure they’re fine.” Cassidy mind links me.

-“Dad, where are you and the others?” I mind link him.

-“Near the southern border it seems as though the rogues planned to attack both packs.” He responds. “Alpha Garret and Beta Ethan crossed back into their territory. They said they would return once their people were safe.”

I grimaced to myself and Snow pushes herself to her max to get to the border. By car it takes a couple hours, however in wolf form, we can make it there in about 30 minutes. It’s a straight shot if you run through the woods. I fill Sky and Cassidy in on what’s happening. Sky lets out a small whine and pushes ahead of me, her size giving her an advantage. I know she’s scared for her mate.

We arrive at the southern border and there are still some lingering fights. Several rogues lay dead in the dirt. I look around and see a large brown wolf snarling threateningly at a much smaller grey colored wolf. The wolf looks around and must realize that it can't win. It takes off and the rest catch on, and flee with it. The brown wolf doesn't bother to chase after it and walks over to us. He nuzzles against Snow, then Sky.

-“I’m glad you two are safe.” Dad links us. How are your mother and the rest of the pack?”

-“They're ok. Mom was fighting two rogues when Cass and I got there. We chased them off. Mom had already secured the pack house.” I link back.

I look around, and after a moment I spot what I was searching for and run over to a book bag tied to a tree branch. There are dozens of them spread out over our pack lands. You never know when you'll need to shift back, and most of the time being naked isn't opportune. Once behind the tree, I shift and pull the bag down. Inside are a couple pairs of mens gym shorts, and a couple t-shirts. I dress quickly and tug at the hem of the shirt. Not really what I thought I’d be wearing when seeing my new mate’s home for the first time, but it’s better than showing up in my birthday suit.

-“Since we’ve eliminated the threats here, I’m going to check on the rest of our fighters. I need to ensure that anyone injured is taken to the pack hospital.” My father declares. “Stay. Safe.” He adds firmly, before he takes off toward home.

Cass shifts back, and she quickly throws the clothes on. We’re both aware that this pack doesn't know us and were waltzing onto their territory in the middle of a rogue attack, but that’s why we’re not allowing our wolves out. Hopefully if we come in human form, we won't come across as threatening and they wont immediately attack us. Our ultimate best case scenario is that we find our mates before anyone else finds us.