Chapter 59
Diamond
When we heard Jade and Hunter were gone things took a turn for the worst. There was arguing and shouting all around. Nobody knew why they suddenly took off.
"We have to go after them," Jewel's said. I couldn't agree more.
"You realize that if we go after them and Hunter has gone after Phoenix we'll be walking right into a war. A war that we aren't even prepared for," River said. It got quiet after that. Everyone was thinking over what was said. River was right. We weren't prepared. Phoenix's pack was strong. Even though we were the chosen ones Jewel's and I had yet to find our mates. Crystal and Sapphire still clearly needed lots of practice. The only other with a power was Jade and she had disappeared. It was no denying that we were vulnerable. Our only hope was Ruby. Given the state of things when we left it was unlikely that she could do much to persuade him. However, I still remained optimistic. I was always taught to never underestimate the power of mates, friendship, faith and trust.
"There won't be a war. Phoenix has Ruby and that's enough to make him think twice. I know things didn't look good between them when we left but he cares about her. He has to," I said the last part more to myself.
"Let's say he does care about her. Do you really think she'll be able to get over what he's done to her? They are mates but it doesn't mean they have to be together. She could reject him and no one would blame her. He's an ass," Diego said.
"You shouldn't be so quick to judge Diego. She may not be able to change him. But maybe she can bring out the best in him. Maybe she can help him to see the man he was all along," Crystal replied before anyone else could. The way they looked at each other was like they shared some unknown secret. I could see that they were already falling for one another. I only hoped my mate would one day look at me that way, that we would share something so strong nothing would be able to break it.
"Listen all of this is getting us nowhere. If we're going after them we're running out of time. We only have a theory as to where they might have gone, but no proof. Hunter is a rogue. If he doesn't want to be found chances are he won't be. If we waste time the scent will be gone. Then we're stuck. I for one am not in the mood for a wild goose chase," River said. I could tell something was bothering him. I didn't know him that well, but it was usually clear to me when someone was having an internal battle and I believe he was.
"I agree. I contact my pack and you contact yours. Gather as many men as you can. Also any good female fighters that are willing. Since my pack is the closest I'll send for my best trackers. They'll be here by nightfall. It will take a few days for us to pull it all together. As long as we know where they've gone we can by ourselves some time. Hunter is going to need all the help he can get. I'll have no regrets about bringing Phoenix down," Diego said.
"But what about the people whose lives will be lost? Do you even care?" Sapphire said to Diego.
"What do you suggest we do? This war is going to happen with our without us. The only difference is this way you have chance to help save you sister and her mate. I don't know what'll happen to Ruby without Phoenix, but he brought this on himself when he decided to put his filthy hands on my mate. I'm sure Hunter feels the same. Not to mention the fact he attacked me, had me drugged and fucking imprisoned like some animal. He knew this would happen. He just didn't know that all of us would band together against him." It was an ugly but undeniable truth. Phoenix had to know how upset Diego and Hunter would be. That they would want to retaliate. Sapphire didn't say a word but her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears as River pulled her close to comfort her. I knew what she was thinking. All the girls did. We were all thinking the same thing trying to keep from breaking down. We were the chosen, created and sent by the Moon Goddess to save our kind. Yet we were about to engage in another war that we should have been able to prevent. For the first time in my entire life, I felt like a failure. I felt weak, powerless, and vulnerable. I had to shake the negative thoughts out my head. I reminded myself that we weren't put here to fail. All of this was happening for a reason. We would make it through this somehow. Hopefully Ruby wouldn't have to lose her mate in the process. We would do whatever had to be done to make sure that we saved as many lives as possible. No matter what side we were on. This was a test. One designed to test us in the most painful way, but I was determined not to fail.