Chapter 30: Training Day (Part 2)

Zak’s POV

When Tori first arrived at the training ground that morning something inside of me felt off. Something screaming at me to check on Tori. That something wasn’t right and Ash also seemed to notice.

‘Mate looks tired’ whispers Ash, concern lacing his voice.

‘Yeah. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea’ I move to say back. My eyes now on Jake and Alex. Both spotting Tori off within the distance. Their gaze now one of concern. My mind quick to mind link them before Tori physically showed up.

‘Hey, is it just me or does Tori look a little unwell?’ I question to both Jake and Alex.

Jake’s eyes now on me as he moves to answer back. ‘No, he definitely looks off. I mean, he looked slightly off this morning before leaving the room and it only seems to have gotten worse. Vox is literally pacing within my mind. He keeps calling for his mate.’

‘What do you think it could be?’ I ask. Ash’s concern rising the closer Tori got.

‘I’m not sure. But for now we should try and go slow with him. Because if I know Tori, Rune’s probably already concerned and Tori’s just ignoring it’ admits Jake truthfully. Alex quick to nod his head just as Tori finally arrives. My eyes now on him as I move to speak up.

“You ready little mate?”

“Ready” answers Tori.

Tori’s skin a little flushed. My mind now back on Vox. Poor guy, it must be hard to see one’s mate looking like this. I mean sure, he’s also mine and Alex’s mate but it only seems to be Vox who’s affected by Tori right now, I muse. My eyes still on Tori.

Ash still watching from behind my eyes. Ash’s concern for Tori rising but knew better than to tell Tori no. A rule that each of us had. Never, ever use one’s rank against the other unless you absolutely had too. Only then could you do that.

Alex and Tori soon starting with hand to hand combat. Each of us unaware that we were currently being watched.

Lilyanna’s POV

I’m still royally pissed from losing against Tori during our challenge. Like seriously, how could Tori’s wolf be bigger and quicker than my Willow. I mean, it’s practically unheard of. Especially for a Gamma. He should have been weaker. A runt, cries my mind in rage.

Having woken up earlier that day did I decide to go for a little walk. Willow still mad as she grumbles. Not taking the loss well. My feet slowly taking me towards the direction of the training ground.

My eyes quick to notice how slow Tori was being. A smirk rising. Knew it. He’s too weak to be OUR Luna. Yesterday’s challenge was just a fluke, I muse again. A plan now formulating within my mind.

My mind now thinking of all the things I could possibly do to Tori to finally get him gone once and for all. The Rogue King coming to mind. As he seemed to like power so very much. Or maybe even the Elders. My mind even going back to that of Alpha Aaron from the Shadowridge Pack who seemed to be rather interested in Tori the first time he came to our pack.

My ears quick to pick up the sound of frantic yelling. My eyes now on Tori who seemed to have collapsed upon the field.

“TORI!”

Curious as to what happened does Jake move to cradle Tori within his arms. Willow growling at Jake for touching anyone other than us. As we should be Luna, not Tori. My mind officially making up it’s mind on how to get rid of him as I move to walk away, not wanting to be seen or worse caught. Jake’s voice still calling out to Tori even as I continued on my merry way.

Aven’s POV

I’m currently standing along the edge of Ambersky Pack when I suddenly notice the scene before me. The young male that I had been sent to watch having collapsed upon the ground. My mind now on Luke. My own mate. My Alpha.

The Elders having taken him as collateral to ensure that I follow their direct orders. A part of me knowing that what I was doing was wrong and if my father, King Helios, was still here that he would scold me for hurting others. For I was a Prince to the Midnight Throne. And it was my duty as it’s future ruler to help protect those in need.

Yet, my father wasn’t. And neither was my home. The Elders having made sure to eliminate it along with everyone inside. Having sent Kian Green, the Rogue King, to exterminate my land and my people. A monster bent on power. And as Elves we’re tasked with protecting the different realms with our powers. Powers that he sought to take for himself.

My hands now bawling into fists. My anger towards Kian rising. Having destroyed Luke’s pack during his quest for power. Luke once a proud Alpha of the Crystalmoon Pack and now the last living heir. Neither of us now having a home to go back to.

Both of us outcasts. And my once source of happiness now gone. Taken from me without cause. My phone buzzing as I move to see who it was. Ellis. Of course. The oldest member of the Council always checking in. His name flashing across my screen.

Ellis: Time’s running out for you Prince Aven. Unless you want Alpha Luke dead you best do what we tell you to do.

Then, as if to prove his point does he move to send me a picture of Luke. Luke currently in wolf form. Desmond now wrapped in silver chains as he laid motionless within a damp cell. My heart twisting in pain for my mate.

Desmond, cries my mind as I try not to cry myself. My mate at the mercy of killers. My thoughts now on the boy they so desperately wanted. My hands quick to type back.

Aven: Why do you want him so badly? He’s only a boy.

Ellis: That’s none of your concern. Do as your told or otherwise Luke here dies.

Hesitating upon seeing his words do I try and fight the need to listen as Elves typically lived long and prosperous lives but without Luke to complete it I would rather die than wait another few hundred years for another new mate to show up. Sighing I finally cave and move to text back.

Aven: Fine. You win. What do you want me to do next?

Ellis: Good boy. As for your next task, we want you to find away into their pack. Become Tori’s friend. We want information on his wolf, as his wolf is different from most and thus want it for ourselves.

Aven: …. Okay. But can I please talk to Luke first?

Ellis: No.

Aven: But why? I’ve been here almost a month now. And I’ve done everything that you’ve asked me to do. I’ve kept tabs on the boy and even sent you photo’s. So why can’t I talk to Luke?

Pressing the send key I knew I was pressing my luck with them but the words I said to them were true. Having been stationed there for almost a month and without any kind of contact from my own mate made me jealous. For I deserved to hear my mates voice and if they wanted me to keep helping them then they would do as I asked them to do.

My phone now buzzing as I move to answer it softly.

“Hello?”

“Make it quick. Otherwise you’ll never see him again” comes the gruff voice of Ellis. Ellis moving to hand his phone over to someone on the other end. The sound of shuffling can be heard until a warm, rich voice moves to speak up next.

“Hello?”

“Luke? Oh my god, is it really you?”

“Yes mate”

“Oh god… Luke. Please tell me if you’re okay. Please? I can’t bare not knowing while I’m here”

“I’m fine mate. Look I don’t have much time before I’m forced back into my cage. Just promise me that you’ll stay safe for me, please? I can’t bare to lose you too”

“I promise”

“Good.” Then without another word do I hear the sound of growling and a yelp before silence. The sound of shuffling now echoing within the phone until Ellis moves to speak again.

“Do as your told Aven or else”

At the mention of “or else” does the line go dead. Tears I didn’t know I was holding back soon falling from within my eyes. Fear now running through me at the thought of losing Luke. Now stuck between a rock and a hard place and with no one else to turn to for help.