Chapter 30: Running Again.

The journey to the mallapers pack was quite long; it was indeed far from us. Getting to the pack, I felt intimidated. This pack is more developed and bigger than ours. I see why my father wants a relationship with them.

I was received by some guards and was taken to the palace. I tried to keep my gaze straight, but I could not help looking at the beauty that surrounds this pack. deciding to improve my pack like this, I put it in mind to ask the king after solving their problem. I mean, what problem could a pack like this have?

I was received with respect, and the feeling of acknowledgement I got made me more determined to become the pack leader. The palace looks like a big family home; it was divided into quarters, and everyone was busy working to ensure everything was in order. I was taken into the Alpha's chamber, where he awaits me. I thought it was going to be a meeting among the other pack's Alphas, but he was the only one there. Maybe I got here earlier.

The king stood as he came closer, and we shook hands as he led me to the council room.

"Welcome to the mallapers pack; I hope your journey wasn't stressful.". 

"Of course, it was stress-free, and I must say your pack is a beautiful one". The king raised his hands in surrender and said,We try".

We both laughed as we sat down. The king's face became serious as he spoke.

"Our kingdom is in need of your help. Rogues have been threatening our kingdom over a mine that isn't theirs. I want to release the mine to them, but I fear they won't back off; they might want more. What do you suggest we do".

Sending the king's desperation, I thought of what I could do to win his favor.

"It looks bad for a kingdom to surrender its treasury to the rogues; we have to fight back. Your pack is known for its greatness; it will be a shame to hear you surrendering your treasury for peace.

The king shifted closer as he whispered, "The thing is that I discovered the treasury; it's not the kingdom's own; fighting for it will reveal secrets, and they will get to know about it.

"Oh, okay, then let's give them the Treasury first. I will help with the negotiations. If they threaten us again, we will join forces and fight them back and get the Treasury back. That's like killing two birds with a stone". I said I was hoping I caught his attention.

The king clapped his hands in wonder, "Why didn't I think of that before? You are a genius; sure, let's do that". I was relieved that the king accepted it.

The king then ordered food to be brought in. Concerning the solution I have given, I might need to spend some days here, which I agreed to as I intend to speak to him about investing in our pack as well. I smiled as I saw the feast of food before me. We ate, and I was taken into the room to rest. As I was being taken to my room, I passed a quarter where I assumed the palace workers were. I saw a person who resembled Lola briefly. I tried tracing her, but she had gone. I assumed it was my delusion; there's no way Lola will be here. I went into my room to sleep it off.

****Lola's Pov.

It's been days, yet I have heard nothing from Sarah; she didn't give permission for the palace, and I was beginning to panic. What if she has been taken by the rogues? The issue of kidnappings has spread, as five people were reportedly missing.

I got to the palace, and today's work was hectic as I had to cover Sarah's work again. My legs were swollen, and I was really tired. I wanted to go home and rest. As I tried sneaking away to rest, I caught sight of him. My heart skipped as I realized they had found me; he was here for me. I ran before he could see me as I hid behind a tree. Why is he here? Has he found out about me? I kneeled down as I burst into tears. I was doing fine already; why did he have to come here? I was interrupted by one of the workers who was passing.

"Are you fine, Lola?". She said this as she came closer to me.

I wiped my tears as I nodded my head "Yeah, I'm fine, just pregnancy hormones".

"It seems we have a guest in the palace; who is he? I asked her.

"Ohh, that, he is from a faraway pack for business with the king; he will be here for a few days; he looks so handsome though", she said as she looked on dreamily.

I stood and left her there. I need to leave the palace before my secret is exposed; there is no way we won't bump into each other in the palace. It seems I haven't found a place to stay after all. I sighed as I remembered what I went through before I was accepted here. Am I going to live my life from pack to pack or as a lone wolf all in the name of hiding?

I left my job without telling anyone and headed home straight. I was surprised to meet Kira and Alex at home. It seems I interrupted something. Kira looks surprised to see me this early, and I had to tell her what happened. Kira stood as she looked frightened.

"Why is there a guest in the palace that I'm not aware of? The king is up to something else, and he is not telling us that pack is far enough; why did someone have to come from there".

I looked at her helplessly as she paced around.

"Did he see you?"

"No, I'm not sure. I ran before he could see me". I said as I stammered.

"You have to stay away from the palace for a while".

I screamed as I interrupted her.

"No, Kira, you don't understand. I can't stay here any longer. What if he gets to know about me and wants to take me back? I have to protect my child, Kira.

"This place isn't safe for me anymore", I whisper as I realize my voice is getting higher.

There was a minute of silence between us until Alex spoke.

"She can come with me, you know". We raised our heads as we looked at him.

"My place is safe, and there are rarely any pack issues; you get to live among humans and live a life there."

Kira looked reluctant as she spoke. "But she is pregnant; she can't stay over there alone, and we don't know how good that place is".

"She will get better care over there; there are better health facilities there, Kira; I can take care of her also; and she gets to focus on her dream also."

It actually sounds like a good idea, but I still felt somehow about it. I looked at Kira's face for some advice; her expression was blank as we stared into each other's souls.