For the Love of The Guardian

Different Paths

The sun laid itself to rest in a spectacle of color and brilliance. Those who witnessed it’s display would talk about the beautiful display that the sun put on for it’s patrons. Meanwhile, Sarah couldn’t have asked for a better distraction. She excused herself from the table and made her way from the pack house. The others around the table moved to the front lawn to watch the colorful display. Liam and Sarah shared a brief exchange, the longing to hold each other one more time filled their bones. His soft nod in her direction was all she needed to confirm the time. She took a ragged breath and with closed eyes forced herself from the room.

A warm tear escaped her eye as she jogged to the shop. The sound of her feet thudding softly on the dry ground, her only solace in the moment. She carefully opened the mechanics door, the lights in the shop were off and the room was dark. She knew this shop like the back of her hand, so sliding about the space int he dark was easy for her. She moved beyond lifts and carts, until she came to the bay that once held the beast of car Ruby. In it’s place stood a motorcycle she had dreamed of assembling with her father. She hadn’t realized he had been hard at work making her dream a reality.

Her long fingers gripped a card that sat across the seat, another tear escaping her eyes.

My dearest daughter,

I know the future is uncertain, but know that I have faith in you. You are the warrior princess that we need to fight this curse. Trust your gut, your wolf and your heart.

Love, Dad

Slowly she moved to lift the gate in front of the garage, watching as the sun had set enough to make the space darken beyond the doors. With a slow exhale, she silently rolled her heavy bike from the shop. She didn’t miss the pack and bed roll her father had already packed for her. In the morning she would check to see what all was packed, but currently she had no time for such a pleasantry. They would be looking for her soon, and she needed to be gone by then.

Carefully, she walked back into the shop to close the bay door and lock up. The door clicked softly behind her, as she moved to walk around the front of the shop. Her eyes scanning the area as she moved toward the space she’d left her ride.

“Going somewhere?”

Sarah’s skin crawled at the sound of the male’s voice. It was thick with arrogance and she should have known he would have followed her. “None of your business.” Sarah continued to her ride, watching his form appear from the shadow of the trees.

“Oh, female. You are my business.” His smug look could be felt in the coming darkness.

“Negative.” Her voice was short and curt, she didn’t have time for this.

“You don’t get it, do you? I will win this.”

Sarah hadn’t realized how close he was until his hands were on her. She didn’t mess with words and arguments, she’d had enough of him. Her hands lifted as she spun about quickly. Her eyes filled with purple smoke and she briefly saw the fear in his eyes, it was enough to make her smile. She pressed her hands against his chest and pressed them flat. She felt her energy flow from deep within the core of her soul and out through her fingertips. A smug smile lifted to her face as she watched his body fly several yards back and land with a thud to the hard floor.

“Do not touch what isn’t yours.” Sarah’s voice was laced with the growl from her wolf, and again she could smell the fear that came from the male. She didn’t wait for him to get up  before turning away. Quickly she mounted her ride and felt the vehicle rumble and roar to life. His voice was muddled in the background as she let the back wheel spin in place, kicking dirt up behind her and all over him. Quickly the tire caught traction and she took off down the dirt road and away from her pack.

She’d driven the pass through the mountains many times during her time in school, this time was the hardest. Her mind raced back to just a few hours ago, when she knew it was the last kiss Liam would place on her lips for some time.

“Are you sure that’s the quickest route?” She had asked with uncertainty, her eyes moving over the map in her father’s office.

“Absolutely.” Eli had been helping her plot her trek across the mountains and gave his two cents on the quickest route over.

“That’s a little too close to Blue Blood lines then I would like to go.” Sarah chewed on her lip as she slid a black strand behind her ear.

“You could always go through here. There’s a pass between Blue Blood and Winter’s Cross lands. It’s used mostly by tourists that are going to stay at the lake.” Eli’s fingers moved over a small road that moved from the lake into the mountains. The road went through the middle of the lumber lands, but it was a public road and packs didn’t notice drivers on it. It was her best chance to go without being noticed to Interstate 45.

“Looks like that’s my route.” Sarah carefully snapped a photo of the map with her phone and then rolled it up.

“All set?” Henri had walked into his office, Liam close behind him.

“Yes, sir.” Sarah bowed her head with respect to her Alpha. He may have been her father, but this was a task from her Alpha and she would not treat him without the respect for that.

“Very good. We should head to dinner.” Henri motioned for Eli to follow him, leaving the couple in the middle of his office.

“You’ll be careful, ya?” Liam asked her, his fingers gently moving her hair from her eyes.

“Absolutely.” Sarah half smiled, “You’ll come find me?”

“As soon as I can.” Liam brought his arms about her waist and pulled her close.

A throat cleared from the doorway, breaking up their moment. Sarah sighed and rested her head against his chest, the comfort of his scent relaxing her muscles.

That last moment in his arms had brought her such a comfort, she didn’t know if it would be enough for the days that were ahead of her. The moon glistened on the water, like glass reflecting it’s creator. She followed the dirt road that would lead to the cabins that were scattered about the lake side. This was a common money maker for Lunar Blood and Azure Rise in the summer. The cabins were just starting to open and the occupants would be few and far between.

The roar of her ride through the cabin community would be the talk of the tables at breakfast. The rumble wasn’t something she could hide, and she really didn’t care. The vibration of the motorcycle on her legs made her feel alive. Her father had pressed that traveling in wolf was faster. It hadn’t made sense until he spoke with her about the job ahead of her.

“He’s a professor at the university, Sarah. He has information we need.” Henri had began to explain to her what her mission was, as they sat in his office.

“I get that, I don’t get why I can’t travel in wolf and move quickly.”

“Because, appearances must be kept.” Henri spoke calmly, his body moving about his office as he gathered a few things. “He’s an associate of Eli’s, and while he knows of our kind I would like him to now know who you are. Your safety is first, and if my information is correct, he will know if the other packs in the world are also suffering the same loss we are.”

“Loss?” Sarah asked as she took the map from her father’s hands.

“No female wolves.”

Sarah only nodded, the weight of what she was now sitting deeper in her stomach.

Appearances had to be kept up. That’s all Sarah could think as she tried to enjoy her time on the motorcycle. The purple paint was custom created just for her, with just the slightest hints of blue and pink metallic flecks hidden within it’s rich purple base. The chrome handles and black seat brought the accents together and really made her ride look more like a work of art than just a ride. The ride around the lake was worth it, as her wolf settled down and her mind was no longer retracing her day repeatedly. She was set to the task at hand, and the drive to her destination was still three days out.

———————————————

Liam followed his Alpha into his office, dinner had ended and everyone had said that Sarah went to bed early. He laughed at Zane’s failed attempts to tell everyone that Sarah had left the compound, the bruises on his face and ego telling a different story. His father had tried to pull him aside, but Liam had closed the door before it opened. He didn’t want his father in his life, just like his father hadn’t wanted him.

The secret they kept quiet was that Liam was born from a woman who was not their Luna. He was not a legitimate heir to the Alpha seat, and his father didn’t really want him anyway. He had been dropped at the pack house when he was 4 years old, left to be raised by strangers. He was shipped off at eight years old to a boarding school and that was the last time he lived under the same roof as his father. He drove himself to success and to live a life that wasn’t dependent on the man that sired him but never wanted him.

“I know this is hard for you.” Henri spoke calmly to Liam, a peace between the two of them finally starting to settle.

“Yes it is.”

“Now comes the harder part. Sarah is headed to Koshen University to speak with a professor.”

Liam’s eyes grew wide as he looked to his new Alpha.  “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because, I know you are going to search for her to the ends of the world when you are done with your task.” Henri smirked, “I’d feel better knowing you were able to reach her quickly.”

“So, what is so important about this person in Eckenro?”

“Mrs. Jameson, is the last elder of Azure Rise. She left for Eckenro before I became Alpha, and has owned a farm out there ever since. I am hoping she can give some insight on how to handle our current elder assembly.”

“Murder isn’t an option?” Liam exhaled, his teeth grinding as he thought about the plans the elders held for his female.

“Not currently.” Henri admired his openness in the situation. “Liam, I want you test your communication with Sarah while you are away from her.”

Liam’s head spun about, cracking at the sudden twist.

“Push the limits. I believe there is something between the two of you that is unlike we have ever seen before.”

“Alpha, I…”

“I know the connection you have is different. The one I have with her Mother is different also. She is the key to so much more than just breaking a curse.” Henri sighed, his eyes filling with sorrow, “She needs to be protected at all costs, which is why I need you to hurry to Eckenro and then find her.”

Liam nodded in understanding. He already felt the desire to find his mate and get to her quickly. “Will she be mad that I know where she is?”

“Nah,” Henri chuckled, “She’ll know that you know. I’m sure she already feels the peace of knowing you are coming for her.”

Liam smiled, the sudden realization that he could feel her peace as it washed over her body. She may not realize why she had it, but he did and he was ready to leave and get back to her.  “I already spread word that I have to attend to an issue on a job and that my stay is cut short.”

“Good, are you traveling by vehicle or wolf?”

“Wolf, I need to move as quickly as possible.”

Henri moved to the hall closet and came back with a small pack. “I used this when I was hunting for Jhera. It’s leather and solid, it will serve you well.” He opened it and tossed in a roll of bills. “You’ll need to make sure you can blend in as best as possible.”

Liam took the pack in his hands, the wear of the leather and the smell of age came off it. He nodded firmly to his Alpha and lifted the empty pack to his shoulder.

“There is an empty cave about a thirty minute walk into the woods directly North of the house. You can change there if you want, then follow the edge of the pass through the mountains. The river will lead you to the interstate and then Eckenro is just a little Northwest from there.”

Liam nodded in understanding, then dipping deep into his pocket he pulled out a cell phone. “Keep this. I am sure my father has been tracking my where abouts with it.”

“Really?” Henri took the phone carefully.

“Yes. He’s never trusted me and never wanted me. He’s manipulative and he doesn’t like what he can’t manipulate.” Liam watched the expressions shift on Henri’s face. “I’m the illegitimate child of a random she-wolf. The Luna hates me and I’ve never been close to my half brothers or father. I am thankful for the chance to be of service to you, Alpha.” Liam bowed low.

The humble display brought a knot into Henri’s throat. It was uncommon for a strong male to bow that low, even to an Alpha. Yet here was this male showing his allegiance to him. “Liam, I can’t explain why, but I trust you with my daughter’s life. Fulfill your duty to your Alpha, then take care of your mate.”

Liam rose to his full height, standing a good five inches over Henri, his broad shoulders nearly rivaled Erick for stance. “Yes, Alpha.” His eyes flashing with hints of gold, as he moved quickly from the room.

He moved like a man on a mission, from the apartment, down the stairs and from the home. He could smell his brother’s scent long before he reached the woods edge. “Do you need something, brother.” His tongue laced with disdain for the male.

“Are you going after that female?” Zane’s anger at his brother bleeding through his tone.

“Of course not. I have to head to Jonestown. Job issues.” Liam was never forward with issues on the job, so it was no surprise when he didn’t give him details.

“You should tell father.”

“Your father already knows. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go.” Liam turned to leave, feeling his brother following him even more. “Zane, go away.”

“No, I want to see this job of yours.”

Liam had reached his peak and was over it. He turned and growled, his eyes flashing gold as he stared at his half-brother. He didn’t miss the smell of ammonia and fear that rolled off the male. “You should go change before you decide to report back, appearing before him in that manner would be disapproving.” Liam smirked at the reaction he got from the old male.

Liam watched as Zane rushed back to the house. He’d never garnered that response from his brother before, but he had never been so fed up with his behavior. He had to hurry and get his mission done so he could get to his mate. His arms already longing for her. He didn’t wait for the cave to change, he quickly disrobed and shoved his garments in the leather bag. His body shifting promptly after he tied the pack shut.

His dark gray fur rolled down his body in waves, just as his bones and muscles reformed. He felt taller, yet couldn’t explain how. The white hair that scattered across his breast seemed to shine brightly in the moonlight. His head craned back to the pack house, the soft lights from the upper apartments still glowing. His head reared back in a howl to his Alpha. With a swift motion he brought his muzzle low to pick up the pack and move from the forest edge. His thick claws dug deep, kicking up clumps of earth, as his ears guided him to the sound of rushing water. The river shined like molten silver as it flowed toward the lake in the distance.

Sarah, I will come for you. Liam reached out with his soul, his body feeling her peace as he dug deeper. It would be nearly five days until he reached Eckenro, yet he needed to reach it sooner. He pushed himself, he pushed his wolf. They both moved in agreement, as they both hungered for their mate in the darkness of the night.