FIFTY-TWO
**-Scott’s POV-**
We’re running through the woods, not understanding why her scent is sometimes so incredibly strong but for the past 10 minutes or so it fainted. I stand still for a moment, frustrated sniffing the air. My wolf is restless, and I can’t blame him. How can things go wrong so insanely fast? One moment we were happily living together, getting to know each other and before I could get used to that, something happened again.
It’s strange how I lived happily alone for so long but as soon as she entered my life, I can’t imagine living alone again. I need that girl. She’s stubborn, but also very sweet, innocent ánd strong. She maybe doesn’t realize it herself, but I feel that her Luna-aura is awakened. Indy gets stronger every day, the more she bonds with her wolf and us - her mates - the stronger she will get.
*There! Do you smell it too?* I suddenly hear Ryan’s voice in my head. Yes, I do. There it is again, her sweet strawberry scent. I stare at Ryan and he knows me too well, we immediately start running towards where her scent comes from. We’re two bright wolves, moving as one. We have a lot in common, but right now we have only one priority: finding the one we love, finding our mate. She’s where we live for, although she maybe doesn’t realize that fully yet.
My paws are running as fast as they can, almost floating in the air. I feel the wind rushing through my fur, breathing in the cold evening-air. The cold air is a bit burning in my lungs, but I don’t care. I know she needs us, I can feel she’s in danger. With every step we take, I feel our bond growing. Not only the one with Indy, but I somehow feel the bond between me and my brother growing too. I quickly look sideways, seeing Ryan’s wolf running at the same speed as mine. It’s like looking in a mirror, not only physically, but also mentally. I can feel his urge to find our mate, his fear of losing her. It’s identical to mine…
It gives me even more power to run, I accelerate even more. Faster, faster, faster!
I let her scent overwhelm my body, I breathe it in with every step I take. I know we are close. I slalom around the trees, my wolf knows exactly where to run. And as soon as I see the big rock wall in front of me, I feel she’s there too. Ryan and I jump together, skipping the last few meters between us and the place where our mate is, exactly on time to see our beautiful mate walking over to Beta Jeff, with her hands on her back. It looks like she’s cuffed or something. It’s fuel to my anger.
I growl as loud as I can, feeling the ground tremble beneath my paws, where I just landed. Ryan joins my growl and he’s blocking Indy’s path, being a protective barrier between her and Jeff. I see in the corner of my eyes how Indy’s is holding on to Ryan’s fur and I immediately feel relieved, she’s safe now.
I turn my focus to Beta Jeff and I can see he’s as white as a sheet, probably peeing his pants now. I keep growling, stepping closer to him, showing my teeth. I don’t rush it though, I want to see him quiver in fear. I want him to see what death looks like. But before I can blink twice, I see a woman standing next to him and they both disappear. What the fuck!!
I immediately shift back to my human form and I quickly scan the area. “What the fuck happened! Where is he? Who was that woman?” I’m baffled, not knowing what to do now.
Ryan has also shifted and he’s holding Indy tightly in his arms. I see her cheeks turn red, visibility feeling uncomfortable around his naked body due to the situation. I soften, just by seeing her. But the strange thing is that I don’t feel a single jealousy right now. I’m just glad she’s safe, and there’s only one person I trust fully outside myself: Ryan. I know he will give his life to save our mate, it’s silly how it all makes sense now.
“I don’t know, man. It’s very strange. He was here, I saw it too!” Ryan says, also confused.
Now there’s no immediate threat anymore, I walk over to Ryan and Indy. Ryan let go of her and I take her into my arms as well. I hug her tightly, sniffing her neck. Oh, I missed her so much! I release my grip and stare Indy into her eyes. “You have to tell us everything you know, everything that happened. But first: let’s go back to the packhouse.”
Meanwhile, Ryan has already mindlinked the main warriors and Storm appears behind us. “Alpha’s! Is everything OK?”
I nod. “Yes, Storm. Thanks. Escort us back to the packhouse and inform the patrols about the situation. I want the numbers of patrols doubled for the next 24 hours! We will talk later.”
“Yes, sir.” Strom simply replies.
He hands over a short, but I shake my head. “Give it to Ryan, I will shift back. Ryan is taking care of Indy the way back.” I look to Ryan and he nods.
I shift back to my wolf while Ryan puts on the shorts. He then lifts Indy and we’re starting to walk back to the packhouse.
---
**The next day**
We agreed that Indy can’t walk alone anymore, anywhere. It’s either me or Ryan that will accompany her through the packhouse. I will not allow her to walk outside, until we found Beta Jeff and that mystery woman.
Indy told us everything about yesterday and it keeps me thinking. That lady was obviously no werewolf, and she was talking about other species over the world. I mean, I knew we can’t be alone, but we’ve been living in this area for so long without seeing others that it feels unreal to think about.
I’m glad that Fiona was here all night and I could see that they have a very strong bond too. Indy was way more comfortable the moment Fiona was there for her. Because of Fiona’s pregnancy, she left the moment Indy fell asleep, Fiona can use her rest now.
I peek over my laptop and stare to a sleeping Indy. She must be tired, she explained her healing to Raki and how much it costs her. She needs her rest now, so Ryan and I agreed that I will work from her room until she wakes up while he takes care of the situation with Jeff.
I’ve spoken to the Elders too. Lucien is coming over to explain things. I’m not sure what she’s referring to, but she sounded very steadfast. She said it was needed to come over and have a talk. I stare at my watch and notice it’s almost 10:30. Should I wake her? She could use some food too, to strengthen.
I walk over to the bed and watch Indy sleep. Her blonde curls are covering the side of her face, her mouth a bit open. Her long, dark lashes are resting on her cheek and I feel my heart swell up with love. I walk around the bed and lay myself behind her. I cuddle against her warm body and I inhale her sweet scent.
I feel Indy moving beneath my touch and she whispers: “Good morning..”
“Hey my love, have you slept well?” I ask her.
She’s not responding but making comfortable noises and I chuckle. “I missed you, Indy. I’m so glad you’re safe now!” I plant soft kisses against her neck and I notice something different.
“Hmmm… so weird, but it’s almost like I can smell cherry’s too. You smell a bit... different.” I say to her.
It’s like she’s stung with a bee: Indy jumps out of bed and she’s staring at her feet. “I - uuhh.. I think I’m going to have a shower! Yes, I will do that... “
She hurries towards the bathroom and locks the door. I frown and say to myself: “... well, that was weird.” I step out of her bed and mindlink an Omega to bring some brunch. When she’s done showering, I’m certain she wants to eat something.
I mindlink Ryan too: *She’s awake.. Maybe you want to say hello?*
*Thanks for informing me! I’ll be there in a sec.*
Almost immediately I hear a knock on the door. “Well.. that’s a quick second.” I say while I walk to the door. I open it and stare into the worried face of Lucien. “Good morning, Elder Lucien!” I say enthusiastically. “I wasn’t expecting you before lunch!”
Lucien is completely ignoring me and storms into the bedroom. “Where is she? Is my sweetheart OK?”
I smile, after Indy and Lucien found out that they’re family, they talk a lot and became very close. “She’s fine, actually: she’s showering now. I can bring you something to drink?”
She seems relieved. “No, I’m fine.”
“Good. Ryan can be here any time now.”
I sit back into the chair and try to get some work done. But I can’t shake the feeling that something is off and needs some explanation. Not specifically ‘bad’ off, but just: different. I guess I have to wait for what Elder Lucien has to say. I sigh. It's time to end the chaos. It's time for some answers. It's time to grow as a pack but also as mates. I hate the fact that we couldn't take a break since we found Indy, I truly believe we deserve some - we *need* some! And I don't care if I have to move heaven and earth: I'm going to make sure we get some rest.