“Jacob, any word on Caspian? Are his men on route?” My father calls out over the noise. I look around the office, but can’t see Alex.
“He sent a few of his best guards as soon as word of the attack reached him. He’s busy organising another team as we speak,” Jacob replies.
“Angel!” I turn around when I hear Alex’s frantic voice. She rushes up to me.
“What’s going on? What attack is Jacob talking about?” I’m so confused and the chaos in the office is getting louder and louder.
She grabs my hand and pulls me through the crowd and away from the office. We head to her bedroom and she pulls me inside, closing the door behind me before heading towards her bed where a suitcase sits half packed with clothing.
“There was an attack on one of our neighbouring packs, many were injured and a few were killed. The South Plains Pack’s Alpha is Seth, your father’s cousin. He’s only just turned eighteen and the Alpha position was recently handed down to him. We believe that the rogues took this as an opportunity to overthrow him and his pack and take their land. Seth’s pack held them off and the rogues retreated, but we don’t think the fight is over. They’ve already hit three territories in the east, we didn’t think they’d be brave enough to hit your father’s allies, but apparently they are. Your father and I are setting up a team, we don’t know how long we’ll be away - maybe just a few days - but you need to stay here, Angel. Jacob will be here and Caspian will be sending men too. We have to work together, it’s the only way to force these rogues away.” She hastily digs through drawers as she packs the suitcase.
“Why doesn’t Johnny just send men? Why do you both have to go? Surely it is in the best interests of this pack that their Alpha and Luna stay and protect us?” The panic in my voice has Alex pausing, she turns and looks at me with a sad expression.
She rubs her soft hands against my cheek affectionately, “I know you’re worried, sweetie, but there isn’t anywhere safer for you than right here. The reason your father is Alpha of one of the strongest pack in the South is because of the way he works. His pack mates respect him and would give their life for his, and he himself will give his life for any of his men. Not many possess such loyalty, Angel. When our pack goes to war, your father wants to be right there leading his pack. I’m his mate, Angel. I need and want to be right by his side.” She gives me a small smile and I nod my head. I don’t want them to go, I don’t even want to think about them being in danger.
One of the pack members collects the bags from Alex and takes it to the car. My father stands on the patio issuing out orders to members who are going with him and to the ones who will be staying behind.He stands stiffly, his tone leaving no doubt about the authority he holds as Alpha. He turns towards me and his shoulders drop. The movement is so small but I notice it, when he opens his arms for a hug, I don’t delay. I rush forward and wrap my arms around his waist, holding onto him tightly.
“Everything’s going to be okay, baby girl.” His voice breaks through my connection as he links with me.
“I don’t want you guys to go,” I link back. Hating myself for sounding so weak.
I feel his body shake as he chuckles, then he wraps his arms a little tighter around me.
“We’ve fought far worse battles, Angel. A few rogues thinking they can destroy our allies won’t stand a chance against us. You ever want to talk, just call out for one of us. Our connection will always be open for you, Angel.” He speaks out loud this time, placing both hands on my shoulders and forcing me to look up into his eyes. “You don’t realise how hard it is for me to leave you behind, but I know you will be safer on our territory. You have to promise me that you’ll keep our pack link open. I need to make sure you are okay 24/7, there’s no more reasons or secrets for you to feel the need to block us from linking with you. Please do this for me, Angel,” he pleads with heavy eyes, I can’t help but nod. He kisses my cheek and hugs me again.
“Be safe, okay? Look after Mom too. I love you, Dad,” I whisper, before moving away from the embrace.
“Love you too, baby girl.” He smiles and then turns, continuing to shout out orders to a few nearby men.
Turning away, I search for Talon. I check the bottom floor and come up empty handed. I then head to my room first, since he’s more than likely to be there than in his own, but there’s sign of him there though either. I head to the bathroom and hear shuffling in his room. I open the door linking to the twins bedroom and find him looking in his closet.