Chapter 147

Chapter 147

I scoffed again for probably the hundredth time as I walked back to our tents. He had become even more arrogant and full of shit. Who did he think he was, talking to me like I was nothing? He really had some nerve.

My wolf was annoyed with our mate, and I was even more annoyed with Jeremiah for completely different reasons. My wolf was upset that he didn't follow us out, while I was furious because of the way he spoke to me in there—like I was beneath him, like he didn't expect me to speak my mind.

I'm sure he thinks I'm still the same weak Astrid from years ago. I was a warrior now, and nobody was ever going to treat me like some weak little princess again. I was my father's daughter, and he better believe that!

Ayla distracted me from my thoughts when she grabbed my arm from behind. "You must be having some really deep thoughts there. You didn't even hear me calling you. Astrid, are you sure you're okay? I cannot imagine how stressful this must be for you, knowing he's here."

I sighed. Ayla was my friend, and she was right—it was stressful. But I didn't want this reaching my father. He would lose it and force me back home, which was the last thing I needed.

I looked at Ayla. "This is exactly why I'm stressed out. Now that everyone knows Alpha Jeremiah is here, this news might reach my father. The worst part is, it probably already has." We started walking together slowly. "I want to prove to my father, my pack, and to Jeremiah that I'm stronger than they think. I am not going to let this mate bond nonsense make me look weak again!"

Ayla nodded. "I am so proud of you, Princess. You are strong, and I believe in you. I will help out in any way I can." She smiled at me before continuing. "Look, do you really think your father doesn't already know Alpha Jeremiah is here? Your father knows everything. If he was worried or didn't trust your strength, you wouldn't even be here."

That honestly made me feel a lot better. I smiled at Ayla. She was a very wise woman. She was right—my father was a very powerful man, and nothing ever got past him. He probably knew everything that was taking place here, from the meetings to all the political leaders present.

I was going to prove him right. His daughter was strong, and Alpha Jeremiah being here wasn't going to stop me.

"What do you think Romario's motive is?" I asked Ayla. "I feel like there's something bigger going on—bigger than just wanting power and control."

She raised an eyebrow at the sudden change of subject, but she replied, "He sounds like a very greedy man, so I wouldn't be surprised if it really was just an obsession with power."

We got to the bigger tents where food was being served. I grabbed an apple. I really wasn't feeling hungry—there was a lot on my mind, especially this whole Romario rogue issue.

"Ayla, that's too cliché. This man is obviously working with someone else, and there's more to this. I can feel it in my bones."

"Sometimes cliché is the answer. Sounds too simple, I know, but most times it doesn't even need to be more complicated than that," she said, grabbing a plate full of meat—literally just chicken and lots of pork.

I shook my head at her. "I don't know, but I guess we'll find out soon," I said as Asher called us to the table.

We sat down with our food as we listened to what he had to say. I hoped he had come up with some sort of strategy for this whole situation.

"So, one of Romario's men was sighted two miles from the village. Zalem and Chase are tracking them. However, they are going to need backup. We believe he is not alone. If we catch even one of them, then we might be able to get some answers. Does anyone want to volunteer before I start picking out people myself?" he said matter-of-factly.

I immediately put my hand up, and so did Ayla, plus two others—Nicola and Sam. I knew Ayla wanted to make sure Chase was okay, and probably Sam too. I wanted to get answers firsthand myself.

I thought Asher would be a little skeptical about the Alpha's daughter going on a mission like this, but instead he nodded his head. "Good. Just the right number. You will also be joining five of Alpha Jeremiah's men, including three of Alpha Rajeeve's men as well."

My heart dropped. I hated hearing Alpha Jeremiah's name, but I was glad he wasn't coming. I could deal with working with his men—that wouldn't be a problem.

Ayla raised a finger. "When do we leave, Commander?" she asked.

I looked at her, not expecting her to be so enthusiastic about heading into danger.

Asher folded his arms. "Now. The others are waiting outside. You capture the rogue—even one of them is enough. Capture them alive and return as soon as you have them. You are required to do just that. No extra side missions—is that understood?" he said, looking directly at me.

We all nodded. It's not like I was planning on doing anything else, but for some reason Asher had never trusted me to follow orders.

We walked out, ready to go. Alpha Jeremiah's men and Alpha Rajeeve's men were waiting patiently, introducing themselves. We joined them with our bags.

As I got into the truck with Ayla, Sam, Tucker, and Jacob—who were Jeremiah's men—we were all mixed together so we could get to know each other better for the mission.

Tucker was about to close the door when Jeremiah suddenly showed up and sat in the front.

Ayla looked at me with a frown.

I was beyond annoyed, but I decided to stay calm. The mission was more important.