Chapter 47

A branch cracking from behind us and drew us from our embrace, but Sten’s scent soon reached me. Rune and Frode followed him. My gaze travelled over each of them, checking for wounds. There were none.

“What happened?” I asked, stepping towards them.

“You guys left and the wolves that had surrounded us started leaving. Alek arrived and sent some of his wolves after them. We came straight to you.” Rune said, bringing me into his arms.

“This all seems to perfect, too set up.” Erik mumbled to Frode.

Frode nodded but didn’t say anything.

“Do you know if they captured the rogue?” I asked, trying to focus on something else as we walked back towards the cabin.

“Alek said they did. Much easier than they expected. He’s still responsive to an alpha presence, so they hope that he’ll be able to join the settlement and mate with Jenna. Although, he lost the rest of his pack and that can be devasting for both.” Frode murmured as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

“At least they have each other.” I smiled up to him.

“That’s true, little one. At least they have that.” He smiled back at me as he squeezed his arm around me.

We got back to the cabin and Alek was waiting for us. He was pacing on the porch but stopped when he saw us. His mental walls were up, and his face was expressionless.

“I know it’s late, and you’ve had an exciting evening. I’d like to speak with you in my office in the morning after breakfast.” He stepped down on to the path, meeting us as we walked up it.

Alek’s gaze had settled on me and there was something in it that made me uncomfortable. Sten stepped up behind me, so close we were practically touching. Erik stepped to my side and Rune was close to Sten. They had sensed my unease and moved closer out of protection and comfort.

“Fine. Is everything alright?” Frode asked, dropping his arm, and stepping between Alek and me.

“Oh, yes of course. I’d just like a moment of your time before you head back to your home. That’s all.” Alek’s gaze left me and smiled at Frode.

Frode nodded and Alek walked around us, heading back toward his own cabin. Erik turned and watched him go for a moment before ushering us all inside. He closed the door and nodded to his brothers. They wandered around the cabin checking locks and acting like they were sniffing the air. Which they were.

“What are you doing?” I asked, confused, and horrified.

“We are making sure the cabin is safe for the night. We’re just on edge from the attack in the woods, and Alek is making us a little uneasy. I’m sure we’re fine, but it never hurts to double check.” Frode approached me and cradled my cheek in his hand.

He had a fair point, and honestly, I was a little on edge myself. I nodded and let them lead me to the bedroom. We stripped down and crawled into bed, taking comfort from each other after the long day.

The next morning, we wanted to get on the road and back to where we felt secure. We ate breakfast and packed in silence, before heading to Alek’s office. His office surprised me, being decorated in a modern and sleek style. Alek greeted us and invited us to sit, which we did and let silence settle. This was his meeting; we would wait for him to start.

“Last night I asked about your parents’ deaths. You said you were too young to really remember too much about it, correct?” Alek asked from behind his desk.

“Yes, that’s correct.” I confirmed.

Alek had summoned us to his office shortly after breakfasting this morning. We weren’t sure why, but apparently, he was going to get straight to the point. For once.

“I see. Do you have any documents about them?” Alek wasn’t going to give up on the subject.

“Just my birth certificate and a copy of their death certificates.” I muttered.

A warm hand squeezed my leg. Sten. I smiled at his hand, not wanting to look anyone in the face. I couldn’t handle their looks of grief or pity.

“I’d love to see them.” Alek said, a smile in his tone.

“Excuse me?” I spat and looked at him.

Shock rippled through me as I thought of what he said. He wanted to see them. Why? I felt Sten stiffen beside me but didn’t look to him.

“I’d like to see them. Their death certificates.” Alek looked at his hands, inspecting his nails from behind his desk.

“Why would you want to see them, Alek?” Frode growled, unable to hide his anger and protectiveness over me.

“Because I believe they may not be showing the truth.” He brought his gaze up to me.

“What?” I murmured, staring into his gold eyes.

Not showing the truth, that’s what he had said. Were my parents still alive? Or was he talking about the way they died. If that’s the case I knew there was cover up, but I didn’t know the whole story.

“Alek, you’ve been pushing about this topic and any information about Astrid in general since you were introduced. We’ve been patient, given or close history, but I think it’s time for some answers.” Frode moved so he stood beside me.

“I knew your parents, Astrid. My parents knew them better, but I remember them. They were close with my parents.” Alek leaned forward on his elbows.

“Why didn’t you say anything before? Why act the way you have, prying for answers instead of just explaining it all?” Sten’s grip tightened on my thigh.

“I wasn’t sure if you were ready to hear.” Alex sighed.

“And what’s changed?” I snapped.

He met my eyes but said nothing.

Last night happened.

Was he a part of that? Had he been the one to set us up? My gut said that he had, but we were never to be harmed. That last fact didn’t change his betrayal.

“I think it’s time we leave.” Frode spoke, breaking the silence that had settled over the office.

We all stood, knowing it was time. Turning we walked from Alek’s office. He followed us to the door.

“Astrid, when you’re ready for the truth-you know where to find me.” Alek said, his smile kind and warm like it had been when we first met.

Confusion rushed through me. He treated us fairly and kind, but then set us up last night in the woods. But he never wanted to harm us. I couldn’t get a read on this man, and at the moment I wasn’t sure if I wanted to.