When I Find You

Chapter 15: Remain Calm

Julian

    I left Ava after helping her up to her bedroom window. I didn’t want to leave, but for once I had no power. This was her choice to make and I had to support her even if it killed me to do so. Michael and I ran fast to the forest never looking back, but I felt her eyes on us. Her beautiful big blue eyes, that remained the same since we were kids; so full of curiosity and wonder. 

    When we were outside the castle perimeters, we shifted into our wolf. We needed to get to the safety of our pack and fast; not stopping to look back at my beautiful mate that I once again said goodbye to, but only for now. I wish I could link with her, but our mating must stay as a secret. I refused to risk her safety due to my selfishness. I love her too much to do that. She will be back. I know it. She has to come back. 

    Michael and I reached my limo and shifted back into human form. I always kept spare clothes and I’m thankful for that this moment. Michael and I both dressed in the limo and the driver quickly sped off. I truly have no idea how we got away with what just happened. If we had been caught, or the queen discovered who I was, my head would be dismembered from my body. Andrea did her magic, literally, to get me into the masquerade ball so that I can see Ava. She looked beautiful in her red gown that night that only happened 48 hours ago. I wanted to take it off of her right when I saw her at the bar; drinking scotch. That was a sight to see and a perfect one at that. Most of the women I have known prefer the fruity drinks, but not Ava. 

    “We can’t wait forever, we need to strike soon.” Michael broke me out of my thoughts. 

    “I know, but we’re not strong enough yet.” I looked at Michael who was looking out of the window. I know he wanted to rescue his sister, but I also had an army that need my attention and skills. I can’t risk the slightest chance of being weak. I am stronger, but the warriors are not. 

    The rest of the car ride was accompanied by silence. My mind went back to Ava and how I felt her panic. I wanted to ease her suffering, but I was unable to. I know the Ancestors were powerful and all-knowing, but my entire life has been about finding the mate they have chosen for me and now that I had her, I once again had to lose her. As an Alpha, I am used to thinking big. However, this one time I wanted to think small. What are their motives? Why do they think this is my chosen path? Why has there been so much sadness in my life? I was so close to happiness and then it was gone again, just like the night of the fire. 

    We arrived to the pack house. My men and women were waiting outside for me. Their faces were filled with worry and I did my best to keep my posture confident as possible. I was chosen as alpha because I knew how to stand strong in the most unfortunate situations; I was able to handle my personal battles while handling the battles among the people I lead. I was not weak, but I also knew how to show mercy and kindness, a trait I am well familiar with because of Ava’s father.

    My beta, Vince, walked closer to me to stand on my right side; Michael was on my left. I know they wanted an update, but I didn’t know what to say. I know I needed to put on a strong face, but I was hurting truth be told. 

    “I know you all want answers. I know we all feel that we need our Luna for strength and to align our packs…” I paused, looking at Michael. “But we also need her safe, and healthy. She is at the castle with Queen Vivian. We must work together to bring her home. Please try and understand as this is a difficult time for me being separated from my mate, and all of you, who do not have your Luna here to comfort you. We will find a way to come together.” I finished looking at each of my warriors, proud to be the leader of this pack. 

    I looked to Vince, “My office.” I linked to him. 

    He led the way into the pack house. I followed him up the curved stairs and we went left, down the hallway, another left, finally making it to my office door. This house felt colder without Ava and I knew I’d have to work all night just to avoid going to the castle. May even need a stiff drink or 5 just to remain calm without her. 

    Vince opened the door and I walked straight to my desk. We had much to discuss revolving the pack and potential supporters of our cause. I wanted to tell Ava about it, but I’m not sure I had the time, I’m not even sure if she would be okay with it. I felt conflicted about this simple truth and I didn’t like it. 

    “Alpha, we got word on those supporters, Their story checks out. Our packs were not the only ones to suffer from the fire. They want to help bring Queen Vivian down. She is unfit to rule and unfavorable to mercy.” Vince spoke. 

    Vince is my younger brother and now my beta. We all thought he was adopted because of his blonde hair and green eyes, unlike the rest of us. My mother told us it’s because he was born on a Lunar Eclipse and that made him special. I could not confirm or deny the story at the time, given that I have yet to meet another child born on a Lunar Eclipse, but although his hair does not match the rest of us, doesn’t mean the other features on his face resemble another. He still very much looks like the Greymoon brothers. 

    “Vince, you don’t have to call me alpha. You know this.” I shook my head. “Who exactly confirmed their claims?” I continued.

    “Renee did. She made them drink the honest potion after she scanned them for any crystals that may hinder the spell. We know that we need to be more careful, now, more than ever. Our Luna must be safe when it is time to rescue her from the wicked Queen.” Vince stated.

    “What of our warriors? How soon can we strike so that the odds rule in our favor?” I asked.

    “Julian, no matter how much we train our men, the odds will continue to waiver at 50/50 without Luna Ava. I can ask Dr. Stately again, but his numbers come out the same. It’s a game of chess, and without your queen, you will never be able to take down another. It’s just how to rules work.” Vince was looking down, I know he hated telling me what I didn’t want to hear, but he became my beta because he was not afraid to tell me the truth. 

    “Oh no!” I yelled. 

    Vince stood up, “What is it?” 

    “Vince lock the doors. Do not let me leave this house. Do you understand me?”

    “Yes alpha, What is it? What’s going on?”

    Even being this many miles away, I can still feel Ava which was a relief. This meant I would know if she was hurt. But the feeling Ava had in this moment was making my wolf come to the surface. I wanted to run out of this place and get to her and fast! I needed to quench her thirst and I could not do it from here. 

    My hands were turning into paws and my tail was forming. I was about to shift into my wolf and I needed to be stopped. I needed Vince to follow my directions. I told him to lock my door and keep it guarded by the best of the best. I knew it would pass, but not tonight; no tonight the pack house needed to be locked down because tonight, I was the predator.    

    Vince nodded his head to all of my commands. I know he needed to know what was going on, but I needed to make sure I was stopped and that I didn’t show up to Ava until it was time for the Queen to meet The Revolters. 

    I looked to Vince, who attempted to stay calm as I barked orders. I was almost shifted to my wolf when he was at the door, to close and lock it. 

    “She’s in heat.” I concluded.