Chapter 23-

James:
We had split up into two teams today. For the past few days, we have had hunting parties get dangerously close to our borders. When the bell sounded at the worst possible time this evening one of our alarms had been tripped. This is something we need to get control of and quick, the fear I felt when I got home and Ember wasn’t there was indescribable, I can’t lose her or any other member of my pack. One team was sent to set traps along the outer edge of the border and make sure everything was reinforced. The second team the one I headed up with Lucas was to find where the hunters were coming from and see what we were up against. Only about ten miles from our border there is a new settlement being built, I believe this is where they are coming from. It felt great to work with my brother again although our relationship is still strained, and I can’t help but feel like he is holding things back from me. We get a lot of useful information today and can form a plan of action during the council meeting tomorrow, thankfully the settlement looks small enough that it doesn’t pose as big of a risk to us as the ones before have. Still we will need to be vigilante and figure out what we need to do to protect our families. Just as we are about to set off for home both Lucas and I stop dead in our tracks frozen with fear and anguish. I feel Ember’s distress. Something is going on at home and I feel her fear so strongly. Without speaking both Lucas and I set off at an insane pace. While running and fearing for my mate I am also settled with a deep sense of sadness without even speaking to my brother I know he felt her too. I know they are connected. The thing that I’ve wanted to deny, was hoping wouldn’t happen has. The horrible truth settles into me that Lucas and I are both mated to Ember. We will have to work all this out and I’m filled with dread. We will have to deal with that later for now I need to get to her, and make sure she is okay. I can’t lose her; I won’t.
Lucas:
I’m running home alongside my brother, both of us racing to our distressed mate. Hopefully now he will realize that I haven’t been trying to take something from him but that she truly belongs to both of us. I know it in my core when we both react so strongly to Ember’s distress and that without even talking, we each know that the other felt it even from this distance. Our connection with her is strong. I know she has been feeling my sadness and longing and now we both feel her. Usually even with fated mates which is rare in itself it takes years to develop the bond enough to feel each other’s presence and feelings. I knew right when I saw her that she is something special. The need to be with her and protect her from whatever is making her feel so scared drives my legs faster than I’ve ever run before. I had no idea the storm that was waiting for us at home.
Ember:
I feel them both before I hear the guards call out to me. When I open the door, I jump to hold onto them, I need the comfort of their closeness. We all release a collective sigh I believe theirs is due to seeing me safe and mine is the comfort and safety they both bring. I know they will find whoever did this to Ava and make them pay. “Is everything safe?” I ask them. “For now, little phoenix. We found some hunters setting up too close for comfort, but we will figure out what needs to be done and you will be protected; always.” James strong confidence makes me believe that no matter what he will shield me. “I have something I need to tell you, it’s about Ava. She was attacked after you left. I think it was a pack member, the marks on her… they were not made by a hunter. She was…” My throat closes as I try to get the information out. I see Lucas tense and it feels like he knows what I’m about to tell them. Tears run down my cheeks and Lucas’s gentle hands wipe them away, his other hand still holding mine. “It’s okay honey, you can tell us.” I see James jaw clench and I’m surprised his teeth haven’t shattered but he doesn’t say anything about the open display of affection. I find strength in both of them and I squeeze both of their hands that hold mine. “Ava was raped and brutally beaten. She still…still hasn’t woken up yet. I sent three of the guards to find her when she didn’t show up at the bunker. She was also bitten, making me believe that a pack member is responsible.” I’m trembling when I finish. “I should have realized she was missing sooner. I’m so sorry, it was my job to keep the women safe while you were gone.” James grabs my face and kisses me sweetly. “Ember this is not your fault. You did everything right. I’m here now baby we will figure out who did this, and they will die. Do the other women know?” “They know she was attacked but I didn’t divulge any information about the rape that felt wrong to share without her permission. I did tell the women that no females are to be out alone until the attacker has been found. I also haven’t shared my fear about someone in the pack being responsible I didn’t want anyone to panic.” “You did well little phoenix. I’m proud of you.” I lead them both to the recovery room where Ava still hasn’t woken up. James and Lucas both share a quiet fury and I know it pains them to see a woman so broken before them. Women are precious to this pack and I feel the weight bare down on them. I know now is the time to lift them up and be strong along side them. After all the women are taken home by their mates and everyone is settled in for the night we all three go to the clinic where the doctor has bee monitoring Ava and will be able to give us more information on her injuries and recovery. It’s amazing since they both got back today the three of us have been moving and working as a unit and it feels right. I have no idea what’s going through their minds and now isn’t the time to work it out, but it brings me comfort and hope seeing us this way instead of the sneaking and fighting. James greets Tanner the community doctor and I go to Ava’s side gently grabbing her hand and stroking it so that she won’t feel alone. “Ava should have a full recovery with time, but I had to sedate her in order to re-set her broken wrist and dislocated shoulder. Whoever attacked her, beat her badly she has a lot of bruising, cracked ribs, a broken wrist and nose. She also has some extensive vaginal tearing; we need to find out who did this before someone else is attacked. I have a new mate at home as you know. Do you have any ideas who might have attacked her?” “We have an idea on who might have attacked Ava but I’m not quite ready to discuss that. The mandate Luna Ember set out today stands. No woman is to leave her dwelling alone until the perpetrator is caught. We are going to double our guards on watch, and no one is to be out at night without prior permission unless there is a medical emergency. I will be addressing everyone in the morning for a pack meeting.” “I understand Alpha and I did want to mention something else that was disturbing when I examined Ava. She has bruising that matches a mating mark so in all likelihood the rapist is a pack member. It shames me to say that out loud.” “Thank you, Tanner. Is Ava stable for tonight?” “Yes, she just needs a lot of rest and to be comfortable. I will stay here and monitor her tonight and continue to check on her throughout the next several weeks while she heals.” “No Tanner, I will stay with her tonight. If she wakes up, I don’t want her to be afraid.” He gives a questioning look to James and then nods at me. “Luna if she wakes before I come back in the morning giver her two of these and make sure she stays in bed. Call for me if you need anything.” “I will thank you again.” When he leaves it’s just us and a sleeping Ava, I don’t see either of my men make a move to leave so I settle in next to Ava and wait for her to wake up. I will be a better friend to her from now on and do everything in my power to protect her. Later that night it’s dark in the room aside from a small lamp near the door and I wake up to both men standing abruptly behind me and Ava grabbing my hand and screaming. “No Ian stop! Please no!” We all without a doubt know who hurt her now and I am filled with indescribable rage and deep sorrow for my friend.