Chapter 30

**ADAM**

24 hours at home and it was an emotional elevator. I told my family about the decision Austin, Aria and I had made and they were all pretty happy, even Leila. We made arrangements for me to spend time with my family and also with Aria. Also, my mom offered to do some research to find out more about our situation and try to find out if this has ever happened.

Unfortunately, we didn’t really have time to look into it because something happened that hadn’t happened in decades, we were attacked.

“They burned down houses just outside the perimeter, we have about 10 injuries so far but no deaths.” Sasha informs me as he enters my office followed closely by Fares, the captain of our armed force.

“They will come back, for sure.” Fares explains to me. “They were wolves. According to me, they have been scouting, we have to redouble our vigilance and I propose a quarantine, the time to consolidate our ranks and reinforce our defenses. If you agree, I will propose to the families who live outside to settle in the palace.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll leave it to you. We’ll hold a meeting in two hours to decide on a plan of action. In the meantime ask Alexander to compile all the images we have, anything that might help us identify them.”

“I’m on it.” Fares answers me before walking out of the office, closing the door behind him.

“You should warn Aria that you won’t be back as quickly as you planned.” Sasha tells me as he approaches the door, when his hand lands on the handle, he pauses and turns around. “You should keep an eye out. Maybe the reason Austin agreed to share Aria is because he had something in mind.”

“I don’t think so, but we shouldn’t overlook any leads just yet.” I reply, even though I hate to admit it. I thought I was good at reading people, but since Rachel, I’m not sure of anything. If Austin and his pack are behind this, it won’t be long before I find out.

As soon as the door closes behind my little brother, I take my phone to call Aria, who answers on the second ring.

“Didn’t I wake you up?” I ask her.

“No don’t worry about it. I was just getting ready to spend the day with Clara.”

“I’m glad you get to spend time with her.”

“You sound weird...is everything okay?”

“We were attacked last night, luckily we only have a few injuries but I’m going to have to stay here while we get to the bottom of this.”

“Oh my god, I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“No, but thanks for asking.” I pause. “I wish you were here to hold you but I’m thankful you’re safe. I miss you.”

“I miss you too Adam.” She pauses briefly. “I don’t want to hide anything from you. Austin and I last night slept together but he didn’t mark me.” She adds hastily.

Now I know what was bothering me last night just before the attack, a feeling I had never felt before. Of course I’m jealous but I’m committed to sharing her so I guess I can’t blame her even though I wish I had been the first.

“Thanks for telling me, but it makes me even crazier that you’re away from me.” I snort. “As long as he keeps his promise, that’s the most important thing. And I want you to keep score. I expect to have you all to myself as many times as he’s had you.”

She chuckles and the sound makes me smile. Despite the chaos outside, the sound of her voice and smile soothes me.

“You can count on me.”

“I’m going to have to leave you. I’ll call you as soon as I can.”

“Adam, be careful. I’m here if you need anything, even if it’s hearing my voice in the middle of the night or me joining you.”

“Thanks Aria but the only thing you can do for me is stay safe.”

After hanging up with Aria, I join Fares to Alexander to review the CCTV footage. When I told Aria that we live in a small community, I may have understated the reality. Our community is almost the size of Austin’s pack, but for the past forty years no one has dared to attack us. That hasn’t stopped us from investing in significant protection. Here, we have succeeded in establishing a climate of trust and respect between werewolves and vampires. Fares is a vampire but Alexander is a werewolf and they have been working together for years. Of course, we have some incidents but the perfect society does not exist.

The CCTV footage confirms Fares’ suspicions, it looks more like a sting than an attack. And it is indeed wolves.

**ARIA**

I spent my day going over what Adam told me and the attack on them. I feel like I belong with him and not here. He needs my support and presence.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

Austin, who I hadn’t heard enter my room distracts me.

“I had Adam on the phone this morning. They were attacked.”

“And you worry about him.”

“Yes of course.” I pause for a moment. “You know about this? You don’t seem surprised.”

He lies down on the bed next to me, placing his arm under my neck he pulls me to him so we can hug.

“He informed me of the situation. I think he wanted to know if I was in on it, since it was wolves that attacked them.” He kisses my hair. “Of course I had nothing to do with it, but I offered to contact the neighboring packs to find out more.”

“And?” I ask him when he doesn’t continue.

He sighs. “And nobody knows anything. But it’s hard to know if it’s the truth or not. Until they know where the attack came from it’s hard to do anything.”

“I wish I could help him.” I confess to him.

“You help him by supporting him from a distance. We both agree you’re safer here. And I’ve offered him backup if he needs it, but I have to talk to the Council first.”