81. Understanding

81. Understanding
Glen

Shit, shit, shit! I hurried to end the call. But by the time I was successful Antonio had already taken care of the two guards. He created another rip for us to go through.

I hopped out of the window and turned around to help Cindy. Reiss was already helping her.

"Watch your step," he warned as she swung both her legs out of the room. 

"This isn't my first time sneaking out of a window." Cindy giggled. "I know how not to fall on my ass."

"Do you mind if I help as well?" I said, gazing at both of them to relay that the question wasn't just for one person. 

Cindy shrugged as both of us held one side of her and lowered her to the ground. Seeing her beautiful face light up when her feet finally touched the ground made me smile. The initial jealousy I felt upon seeing him interact with her romantically gradually began to fade. We were both capable of supporting her and fulfilling her emotions - and physical - needs. Neither of us had to step in the way of the other's affections. Maybe this is what Anthonio met when he encouraged me.

I reached out and wrapped my arm around her shoulder, pulling her in for a kiss on the head. She stared at me with eyes emitting fake anger. "What was that for?"

“You just looked really adorable there, I couldn’t help it.”

She rolled her eyes but I didn’t miss that little smile.

There was no more time to waste. We headed straight for the cars, Allister stopping to close the gate behind us. There was no telling whether there were more guards that were on their way. 

I opened the car door and stopped.

“Hey guys, I’m sorry. I should have had the common sense to put my phone on silent. We could have gotten away scott free if it wasn’t for me.”

Reiss shrugged. “Maybe.” He headed for his vehicle. “At least I know the next time we do this not to invite you.”

Allister snorted while I pointed at him. “Alpha Reiss, that’s… fair.” I couldn’t even fake being offended.”

Allister patted my shoulder. “You didn’t do all that bad. Take today as a lesson. As an Alpha, this won’t be the first time you’ll have to do something like this.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

“It was your dad that called, right? Alpha Colt?”

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“I would be worried too if my kid was in ‘enemy’ territory.” He gazed off into the distance. “But I already messed up my chance at having a family.”

After taking in his expression, I remembered the argument I had with the only man I thought of as my father growing up. I lowered my head, a sense of regret consuming me. 

With one final smack on my shoulder, Allister went after Reiss. Cindy reached out the window and tugged on my arm. “Glen, get your ass in here! We have to go!”

“Crap!” I settled inside and shut the door. 

Reiss and Allister pulled out first, racing down the way we came. Soon, we were heading down the road as well.

As I watched the scene outside the window, I leaned against the glass. I wondered, did we pull it off? Did we get what we needed? If we failed then doesn’t that mean we might never get another chance?

“Glen,” Antonio’s soft voice pulled me out of my mind.

“Hm? What is it?”

“Don’t worry about the guards. They won’t remember anything.”

“Is it because of that spell you casted?” Cindy leaned forward, fingers curled around his headpiece.

“Three spells to be exact. Mind manipulation isn’t something I take pleasure in, but it has to be done.”

“You did it for a good cause,” Cindy reassured him with a soft smile. “We wouldn’t have been able to do this if it wasn’t for you.”

Her words put a small smile on his face. He reached behind him and placed his hand over hers, caressing the back of it with his thumb.

“Thank you, love.”

Summer

I twisted back and forth. There were hands, so many hands. Then there was light. 

Two faces. I knew these faces, but why couldn’t I remember their names?

Then there was darkness again. I was screaming, begging to be let out. They fed me something. I was so hungry I ate it. Then I felt drowsy.

The next time I woke up there were two men. However, these ones were different. I didn’t know them. They lifted me and brought me somewhere. It was also large and dark but it was better than the cage. The one carrying me gently placed me down next to a bag of tools. Then the door was locked and I drifted in and out of consciousness. 

The cold, the cold. The noise. Someone was coming. Then there was lift again.

“Ahhh!” I bolted up. My fingers tightly gripped the sheet. Although blurry, I knew for sure that I was in my own bedroom. There was no darkness, only posters of my favorite shows, my computer in the corner, and my mom sitting beside me.

“Summer, what happened?” She brushed hair out of my face. “You were groaning in your sleep. I was just about ready to call your mother and bring you back to the clinic.”

Realizing where I was, my breathing slowed down to soft pants. “I’m fine, Mom. Mama is busy with work, let’s not bother her over a nightmare.”

“It’s not a bother at all, sweetie.” She caressed my cheek. “She would want to know if you aren’t feeling well.”

I shifted my gaze then returned it to her. 

“Can I take a walk around the territory? I need some fresh air.”

Mom frowned. “I don’t know. Some of those wolves from that degenerate pack are here. They’re in the gymnasium but I wouldn’t put it past them to find a way to slip by unnoticed. I don’t know what Alpha Reiss is thinking, letting them stay here.”

“I will stick to the main street,” I insisted. “I’ll ask Emery to come with me, she’ll keep me safe. You know she never denies a request from the girls. Besides, it would make me feel better.”