Chapter 20

Everyone was quiet as we looked at the map that Jackson drew of the caves.

“Son this won’t do. No one can read this.” the Alpha stated “I’m sorry but it’s been so long that this is the best I can do with the amount of time given.”

“Well I guess either we give him more time or we take him with us.” One of the warriors said.

“What? No, It’s too dangerous. We are almost certain obtaining him is her main objective.” I exclaimed.

“She’s right, until we know more we need to make sure Jackson is as safe as possible so we have more of a chance of drawing Jillian out when we’re ready.” the Alpha agreed.

“First things first, where are the caves even located?” Christian asked, pointing at the map of the property and surrounding areas that was forgotten on the table in front of us.

After a few hours of debating and planning we eventually got almost everything figured out.

Jackson was able to make a more readable map of the cave systems and where they’re located, we got everyone separated into groups and assigned a role to prepare for the upcoming battle and we were able to plan an escape route if things turned sour. In 2 days we are sending four of our best fighters to check out the caves; in case Jillian is in fact there.

Although I believe we all secretly hope we’re wrong. That she’s not that close and that the threat has passed. But we know it’s not, this is nowhere near over. Not yet at least. Other pack members will continue overseeing the training and preparations, while others will help all the elderly, children, and those physically/mentally unable to fight, move to other territories until this is over. Christian, Jackson, and I were all going to stay here as a form of bait. And let me tell you, that thought is terrifying. However, if we wanted any chance of luring Jillian into a trap, we were needed on-hand at any time.

“Okay does everyone understand their roles?” The Alpha asked as the meeting came to a close.

There was a chorus of ’Yes Alpha’s and then everyone was dismissed.

“Do you think this will work?” I asked, once we made it back to the common area “If everything goes to plan then I see no reason why it would fail.” Christian responded.

“I agree. All we can do now is wait and hope.” Jackson said, nodding in agreement.

“Well what should we do in the meantime?” Christian asked, after a few beats of awkward silent tension.

“We could play video games.” Jackson offered.

I pouted hearing this. “But I’m bad at video games.” I signed.

Both boys just laughed at me and led me to the couch anyway.

“Well then you can watch and cheer me on.” Jackson said, smiling at me after the gaming system was all set up.

“Yeah Leana, cheer for him. He’s gonna need all the help he can get.” Christian said with a smirk.

“Is that a challenge?”

“Absolutely. 20 bucks says I win.”

“Bet.”

And for the next hour or so I watched them play some game where they battled each other one on one. Both of them were very good and they actually tied 3 times before one of them finally won.

“YES!”

“NO!

They both yelled out at the same time.

“I am now 20 dollars richer. My prize, good sir.” Christian said, holding out his hand dramatically towards Jackson.

“No way. Rematch, double or nothing.”

“You’re on.”