Chapter 9

"So, one person each goes and investigates each area. We can cover more ground that way," Apsel voiced while stuffing his mouth with his third muffin.

I leaned back in my chair, shaking my head, "No. That would put each of us at risk, we have a better chance at fighting off hunters if we're together."

"It'll take us forever though."

"So? It's only three in the afternoon and it's Saturday, we have tonight and tomorrow. Relax."

Obsidian let out a breath and grabbed the map, he was scanning over it, seemingly engrossed with what he was reading. I looked away, Apsel becoming my focus point again as he began whining about us heading out later. I knew he was lazy, but I had no idea he was this lazy and stubborn. Dealing with him last night and now is making me want to scream at my father, but I knew better than that. I would simply make his coffee extra bitter or put hot sauce in his dinner. Either way, I could get my revenge without getting grounded. 

As I was going over revenge ideas in my head, I hadn't realized that Obsidian had begun talking. When I heard my name being called, I had no idea where we were at in the conversation. Obsidian gave me an exasperated look, telling me to pay attention next time since this weekend was my idea. I flipped him off, earning a facepalm by Lin.

"Apsel and Lin will go over area two, looking for any clue of a hunter's presence. Remember, make sure you aren't being watched or followed. It could quickly turn into a life or death situation if you don't pay attention. I'll look over area three with Sylvia, I highly doubt we'll need to look at area four and five unless we don't find anything today. Now, let's take another hour break and head back out at four."

I nodded at his idea, to be completely honest, I was exhausted from our search this morning. We didn't reach the hotel until eleven, making it almost six hours of us running around the woods. To have another hour to go up and maybe take a nap or just rest was a blessing. Apsel didn't agree with that plan either, but at this point, he didn't have a choice. I made a small note in my mind to tell my father about how he had acted once we returned. I don't want him as one of my warriors if he's this lackadaisical all the time. 

"Well, since we have that figured out, I'm going to rest for the remaining hour," I yawned. 

I didn't give anyone a chance to say another word, I didn't have any more energy in me to deal with more complaints. Dealing with Apsel has been like dealing with a child, if I had wanted to babysit this weekend, I would have brought my nephew along. Hell, he's more behaved than Apsel. I guess, this is one of the downsides of a parent spoiling their child, they don't know how to work hard. If Apsel truly cared for this pack and wanted to become the king, he would be all over this plan. He probably would have thought of it before I did, but he didn't, because he doesn't care for the pack like I do. Why my father thought he could be an option for a king was beyond me. 

I decided to clean the burn on my arm, knowing there was most likely specks of silver still sitting on my skin. Once done, I glanced at the clock to see I could take a forty-five-minute nap and hopefully, be awake this evening for our next search. I curled up under my covers and allowed sleep to take over, pulling me into the peaceful darkness.

As Obsidian went over the plan once more, I couldn't help but feel the anxiety bubbling up within me. I always refused to believe in gut feelings, but something was begging me to not do this tonight. I shoved the thoughts away though, needing to make this a priority. Besides, if anything bad happens, I'll make sure Obsidian, Lin and even Apsel make it out safe and sound. Despite Obsidian not being part of my pack, I still wanted to keep him safe. It was my idea to come out here, not his, he was doing me favor but agreeing to come along. It's my job to make sure everyone stays safe, even if it means I get hurt. 

"Alright, let's go!" Lin cheered, grabbing Apsel's shirt as she dragged him in the direction of area two.

Obsidian furrowed his eyebrows, "Why is she cheering exactly?"

"It's Lin, she'll cheer over you taking a shit in the toilet," I replied as I shoved a Cheeto into my mouth.

"And where did you get a bag of Cheetos?"

"Stole it from some woman's purse, I was hungry and left my wallet in the hotel room."

He pursed his lips and silently nodded as we began our adventure into the forest. "You know, that isn't right," he suddenly voiced.

I rolled my eyes, "And you're the person to be talking about what's right?"

"Yes, I'm a very honest man."

"Yeah, okay. Like you wouldn't take the opportunity to steal food if you're hungry and have no money."

He easily dismissed me, "No. I'd shift and hunt for food."

"Still stealing."

"No, it isn't."

"Uh, yeah it is. You're stealing from mother nature, she didn't tell you to take her rabbit."

He sighed, "You're weird."

"I know, it's one of my amazing qualities. So, what made you want to actually speak to me?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Shrugging, I shoved another Cheeto into my mouth. "I don't know, you barely spoke a word to me before and then this morning you actually laughed."

"No, I chuckled a little bit, there's a difference. And I figured, we should try to get along until this whole thing is over. Once we finish off these hunters, it's back to enemies. So, don't get too comfortable there, princess." 

"I'm not, clearly if I'm questioning you."

"Smart." 

I nodded, "How far are we?" 

He pulled out the map, "About half a mile." 

I let out a groan, regretting that I hadn't brought any water, I was killing myself doing this. Of course, area three has to be in a spot where it's mostly uphill, doing anything uphill is a workout, even if you are fit. I hope by the end of this, my butt will be more toned, or my legs will be, there has to be some physical benefit to this. 

"Did you hear a scream?" Obsidian suddenly asked, stopping.

I silently listened and once I heard it, I took off towards where Apsel and Lin should be. I knew Lin's screams, they were either excited ones or terrified ones and this was terror. I didn't have to look behind me to know Obsidian was close by, I could feel his presence on my back. My lungs were burning and so were my tired legs, but I didn't stop. The urge to protect my pack members gave me the push I needed so I wouldn't collapse. 

"We aren't going to get there in time in human form," Obsidian called out.

I bit the inside of my cheek, "I can't shift."

"What do you mean, you can't shift?"

"My wolf is too strong for me to control, even my dad can't get her to relax."

"I'll help you if you lose control."

I looked behind me, "You promise?"

He nodded, "I promise."

I took a deep breath and jumped, it only lasted a second before I was landing on the ground on paws. Beside me was Obsidian's large wolf, he looked at me and nodded, telling me it would be alright. I could feel my wolf's anger beginning to grow, causing me to become even more nervous. However, I reminded myself that I needed to stay calm if I wanted to save Lin and Apsel. 

As we climbed up a hill, I could see them, they were both in wolf form now, baring their teeth at several hunters. I couldn't believe how many were there, it's as if they were waiting for us. I looked at Obsidian only to see he was confused as well. 

How did they know we would be here?

Obsidian growled and lunged off the hill and onto one of the hunters, his teeth sinking into the man's throat. I quickly followed, killing a second hunter as Lin and Apsel seemed to get the hint. We were easily cutting through them, it was too easy though, as if they weren't even fighting. I stopped and stared at them, my fur bristling as I searched for signs of a trap. My heart stopped when I saw it, there were several bomb-like items sitting in bushes. You wouldn't notice them if you weren't looking for them, they were small and dark, almost blending in with the ground. Without thinking, I grabbed Apsel and threw him out of the small clearing. Next was Lin, they both barked at me, but I ignored them. When I looked at Obsidian, he tilted his head, not understanding what I was doing. I heard the small ticking, warning me these bombs were going to go off soon. I sprinted towards Obsidian, throwing all my strength into him as I shoved him past the two bombs closest to him. 

He looked around, noticing the hunters had backed off, disappearing out of harm's way. I motioned towards Lin and Apsel right as the bombs went off, throwing me into unconsciousness.

"Wake her up, it's time to get to work."

"She won't shift?"

"No, she has too much wolfsbane in her system. It should keep her calm for a while."

"Alright."

I didn't have a chance to open my eyes when someone suddenly kicked me in the ribs, causing me to cough as the air was forced out. I let out a small moan against the pain but forced myself to wake up. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I could see three men watching me, all dressed in army like clothing. 

"Where am I?" I demanded, pulling myself into a sitting position.

I winced as a sharp burning licked at my wrists, making me aware of the chains around them. I frowned and looked back at the men, trying to wrap my mind around all of this. The tallest man smirked as he walked towards me, his eyes holding an evil glint. 

"You, my dear, are in the spot you've been looking for." 

I gulped down my fear, knowing I needed to be brave in this situation. "How did you guys know?"

"We have an insider, we made a deal with them. But that doesn't concern you, you won't be around for too long. However, I'm planning on doing anything to you right now. Your friend here is far more fun."

I furrowed my eyebrows and looked over, everything froze when I saw Obsidian chained up with a cloth in his mouth. He wasn't awake by the looks of it, his body was slumped against the wall and blood was covering part of his face. 

"But I pushed him...." I whispered.

The man laughed, "Not far enough, your other two friends managed to escape but he had tried going back towards the explosion."

"Why would he...." I trailed off as I looked at myself. I was covered in dirt and silver like powder, my entire body ached, and small cuts decorated me. Looking back up, I took another glance at Obsidian in shock. 

"So, what are you two? Lovers?" The man questioned as he sat down.

I shook my head, "No, not even close."

"I see. It's weird that someone who doesn't love you would go back in to try and grab you. We shot him before he could get to you though. Speaking of which, Lance, wake him up."

Another hunter, who I'm assuming is Lance, walked over and slapped Obsidian across the face. I heard him groan as he started to come to, his eyebrows knitting together. He blinked a few times before he realized where he was and why he was staring at me chained up.

"Ah, so you're the mighty alpha I've heard a few speak about, Obsidian."

He looked at the man before me, his eyes darkening with rage. He didn't even try saying anything as he watched everyone in the room, already taking in any information he could. I also remained silent, my fogged mind still not fully comprehending what had happened. 

"Well, let's get this party going. I need answers and you two will give them to me," the man sneered.