Chapter 61

It only took a few days for me to get back to fighting strength and establish a plan. A mixture of excitement and nerves filled my belly as I processed that today was the day that we’d get Sten and Erik back. The next time we were home, it would be all of us.

The slamming of a car door pulled me from my thoughts.

I felt Frode freeze beside me as he let loose a low growl. A growl low enough, only the closest to him heard it. My body stiffened as he took a step closer to me and I felt Rune draw closer, also.

Spinning on my heel, I froze as I took in the dark SUV that was parked behind the ones we were busy loading with our supplies. The door opened and the last person I expected to see today stepped out. Alek.

“What is he doing here?” Frode demanded.

“I didn’t invite him.” I scoffed, glaring at Frode as I crossed my arms.

“I sent out a territory wide alert. We need all the hands we can get. Besides, your mate has some unsettled business with him. We know he didn’t have anything to do with her parents deaths. Heris confirmed that in the vision.” Bo set a heavy hand on Frode’s shoulder.

Frode glared at his father’s hand.

“No, we know that he didn’t kill them, nor did his parents. It doesn’t mean they weren’t part of it. Isn’t it suspicious that they are like one of three surviving packs from that territory?” Rune kept his tone respectful, but with a hint of suspicion.

“Stop it. Both of you. We know his family well. I won’t stand for your accusations.” Bo snarled as he turned back to packing the SUV beside ours.

Bo threw the last bag into the hatch of the SUV and slammed the door. I jumped at the harsh sound. This wasn’t good. This wasn’t how we should be starting this day. Distractions and tension between our forces was the last thing we needed.

Cursing under my breath I strode towards the SUV. I heard Frode call my name, but ignored him. If they were going to be here, I needed to know they wouldn’t be a distraction.

Alex and his warriors stepped out of the car and stood in front of it, waiting as I approached them. I studied Alek as I stomped closer. His posture was relaxed and respectful. A small part of me relaxed as I saw this.

“Why are you here?” I demanded.

“We heard the call. Did you think that I would sit back while Sten and Erik were sitting in a cell? They’re my friends. Things may have been tense when you left, but I wouldn’t turn my back on them, on you. Even if we were as close as are, they are my future leaders.” Alek’s posture tensed as he spoke.

“I can’t have the distractions of our list visit hanging over us as we do this. Our focus has to be here, now.” I said, pointing to the ground to emphasize my words.

“That’s fine, but I’d like to talk after we finish this. You deserve answers, Astrid.” Alek’s expression softened.

It hit me then, that this man was one of the last links to my parents. To my history. I know his parents didn’t speak of their past a lot with my mates parents, but they may have shared more with Alek. It would makes sense, he deserves to know their history and where his family comes from.

“I know the basics. We did some research and I-I had a vision. I know who killed them. I know who we face today.” I sighed.

It took more effort than I thought it would to confess that.

“But you still have questions.” Alek added.

“You clearly didn’t spend enough time around me if you have to say that. I’ll probably always have questions, even after we talk. Questions I’ll take to my grave, but I’ll have more answers than I did before met my mates.” I laugh darkly.

“Then after we get your mates, I’ll stay around and we can talk. Get you more answers.” Alek nodded.

“Alright, well come hear the plan. We were going to review it one more time after we finished packing. The goal is to leave as soon as we can. We want to be back before dark.” I said, turning and walking back to my mates who had gathered the warriors that had answered our call for aid.

We had already gone over the plan with those who were staying behind to defend the territory in case the hunters were planning something of their own. They were already in position and starting their patrols. We knew we would be out numbered, but it wouldn’t be horribly off.

Our surveillance over the last few weeks had confirmed that the number hadn’t changed, but the hunters that gathered were the most seasoned ones. We’d seen roughly thirty of them, but had gathered twenty warriors, including Alek’s group, my mates, and I.

I listened as Bo went over the plan again, answering any questions that came up. Our plan was simple. We’d try to keep the fighting outside as much as possible, allowing us to use our wolves. Once most of the hunters were drawn out, my mates and I would make our inside and start searching for Sten and Erik. We’d free them and get them outside and go back for Heris.

It was simple, but that was what made most battle plans successful.

Bo released us to go to our vehicles, his SUV would lead while my mates and I would bring up the rear. We were just getting to our SUV when Alek called Frode’s name. Rune came around the SUV so we were standing together as Alek drew closer.

“I just wanted to apologize for the visit. Astrid has agreed to talk after we finish this, and get your brothers back, but I wanted to clear the air before we got to the hunter’s cabin. I know I was acting odd when you guys visited, but Astrid’s presence, hell her existence, caught me off guard. I’m here for you, like I always have been. I’ll explain it all later, but I wanted to apologize.” Alek held out his hand to Frode, a peace offering.

Frode studied it for a moment, but then took it.

“We’ll talk about it later, but we know you didn’t have anything to do with her parents deaths.” Frode’s voice was stern, but I knew that his acceptance of Alek’s hand was the start to settling this tension between my mates and Alek.

We climbed into the SUV and followed the caravan of vehicles, stopping in a small clearing outside the hunters patrol area. Silence filled the cabin of the SUV as we waited for the signal to attack. We were alert and cautious, but optimistic our plan would work. We had to be, we had to get Erik and Sten back.

*Now!* Bo’s voice echoed through our minds.

I took a steadying breath and pushed Alek and our impending talk out of my mind. I looked to Frode who nodded at me, Rune did the same. They were ready. It was time.