Goddess of the Forest

Chapter VI

The time for the warriors to head out on their mission was drawing near, Jackie and I were helping Dad pack some supplies. Waylon and Bennet tagged along, making light jokes to try and keep the mood positive.

“Come on guys, cheer up! It’ll only take a day or two!” Waylon was always trying to make people smile, its what will make him a good beta in the future. We helped finish loading their trucks, then gathered in front of the packhouse, the other warriors trickled in. Some yawning from a midday nap, some walking with their mates and children.

Dad walked to the front and cleared his throat, the hushed murmurs immediately stopped all eyes went to my dad. “Thank you all for being brave enough to go with us as we try to find the rogues that have trespassed on our territory. I’m so proud to call you my pack. The plan is to go as far as we can in the trucks, we can conceal our scents a little better and will stand less off a chance of losing our element of surprise. Once we can no longer drive, we’ll split into our groups with Marcus and Zyler leading. We will find these wolves and drive them away from us. Warriors, say your goodbyes to your loved ones and we’ll head out in 10 minutes. Goddess watch over us all.”

Even though they had gone on missions before for far more than just a group of rogues, the mood was somber. The air felt heavy and the men and women leaving that night looked like they were heading into war. Finally it was time for them to head out, dad hugged me quickly and then he embraced Jackie, kissing her sweetly. Waylon and Bennet even looked misty as their dad gave them hugs.

“We will keep in contact with our mindlink, everyone will report to their loved ones every 12 hours, Jackie will get updated with the GPS of the two groups when we split.”  Dad then whistled sharply. “Alright lets move out.”

The warriors all climbed into their vehicles, dad looked through the windshield and smiled at us once more before they all drove down the mountain. We stood there watching until we could no longer see the taillights in the distance, blocked by the trees. Soon, we all started to head back to our cabins.

“Di, I know you’re still just learning what it is to be an alpha, but until your dad gets back I’m going to need your help.” Jackie wrapped an arm around me and kissed my forehead.

“I’ll do whatever is in my power to do. I’m going to lock up the packhouse then head back home, you don’t have to wait up for me.” I gave her a small smile and she returned it, nodding and walking the short distance back.

I sighed heavily, everything that’s happened in the last 13 hours weighing on my mind. As much as I tried to shake the feeling that something was about to happen, I couldn’t ignore the little voice in the back of my head….mainly because it was Leto.

“You know I could always just leave. I don’t even know whats going to happen, I can just feel that something is coming.” She huffed indignantly.

“I’ve been on edge almost all day because of you, just once I’d like some peace and quiet and a chance to be alone with my own thoughts.” I couldn’t even muster any sass, I was so tired from the day I just wanted to lock the doors to the packhouse and head home to my nice soft bed.

I walked up onto the wraparound porch and got out my keys, searching for the right one. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck raise and I kind of felt like I had eyes on me. I looked around and didn’t see anyone, didn’t smell anyone either. I shrugged and finished locking the door, turning to head back to the cabin I came face to face with someone I didn’t expect to see.

“Zyl..” Before I could yell out, I felt a tiny pinprick in my arm, then I felt so warm. My vision started going black and all I could see was him standing over me.

Zyler.