I let out a sigh of relief as our Warriors lead Alpha Viren and his wolve to the guest house just down the hill behind the pack house. I have a feeling I will be staying here for the next five days and already miss my bed.
“How was it?” Quest asks as he hands me a cup of coffee. I groan and lean back on the door frame while Quincy and him look on in amusement.
“Small talk and political bullshit. Tomorrow Holton, Asteria and I will be discussing the contracts and land ownership of what they are giving us.” I answer, taking a sip of the caffeinated hot drink.
“I don’t like either of them to be honest.” I admit, pushing away from the door and walking inside. Asteria told us to meet her in her office once the Onix Moon wolves were away from the pack house. With the first meeting of Onix Moon done, now it is time to focus on the situation with Jett and the Pine Moon wolves.
“It’s us.” I state, opening Asteria’s office door and stepping inside. Asteria is standing by the window, a worried expression on her face as she plays with the charm of her necklace. I recognize it as the one Rune, Caspian and I bought her four years ago and I freeze mid-step.
“How bad is it?” I ask, feeling worried for my Ex-Mate for the first time since the rejection.
“Bad, but they are all safe. Caspian got him out around two this morning and brought him to where Jett and the others are waiting. They all made it to safety.” She answers, walking away from the window and taking a seat at her desk. I finally am able to move knowing that they are safe before I take my spot leaning against the wall behind her. Quest and Quincy take the two open seats in front of her desk looking between Asteria and I.
“Caspian is that friend of yours from Pine Moon.” Quest voices, cocking his head to the left.
“Yes.” I nod, taking my phone out and looking to see if there are any new messages from him. There are none.
“Then who is it that he saved?” Quincy asks. I close my eyes for a moment, not sure how I should answer this. I can feel their curious gaze on me but fear of telling them it is my Mate creeps in. Quincy was the one to help me through the pain. What would he think if he realizes I am happy Rune is out of Pine Moon safely.
“Caspian saved my nephew.” Asteria finally answers. I open my eyes to see Quincy looking at me in shock.
“Your nephew as in Brynlee’s Ex that rejected her?” Quest asks, standing from his chair to pace the room.
“Yes, he saved my Ex-Mate.” I confirm, watching as anger washes over my friends.
“Does he expect to join Pine Moon? Its bad enough we have Onix Moon here, but to have that little bastard!” Quincy shouts, causing Asteria to growl at him. Both men quiet down, Quest looking between Quincy and I while I stay silent.
“Rune doesn’t know I am the Alpha nor that Brynlee is the Beta.” Asteria shouts back, holding her hand out to stop Quincy from asking anything further.
“Let me explain what happened first before you idiots get your fur ruffled.” She continues before going into detail about what happened last night. I watch as Quest slowly takes a seat, their shock at learning that Valor is fucking his son’s fiancé morphing into anger. I then take over explaining that Rune rejecting me has something to due with Tanya and that I need to know what this reason is. I deserve the truth and Quest agrees but Quincy broods in his seat.
“I don’t like this.” He voices, rising from his seat to pull me into his arms.
“Neither do we, but I fear that if Rune doesn’t escape, he will be forced to marry Tanya or Valor will kill his own son.” Asteria agrees, eyeing Quincy and I. I ignore her look as Quincy takes in my scent again. I can feel him shaking, feel the rage and anger coursing through him.
“Brynlee, you deserve so much more but I won’t stop you if you decide to get back with your Ex. He is your Goddess given Mate.” He voices after a moment of silence passes. He pulls away, looking into my eyes and giving me a helpless smile. My hear skips a beat when I see the emotions swirling in his eyes, emotions I am not sure I can accept.
“I just want the truth Quincy. Whether or not I end up with him is up to fate but I am not ready for any relationships just yet.” I smile sadly at my friend who nods. I can see the sadness in his eyes from my subtle rejection, but he stays quiet. We both have been through a lot because of our Mates rejecting us. I know with how we talk and flirt that he is ready to move on and find love, but I am not. I accepted the pain and survived it, but now I need to find who I am as a person away from Pine Moon. To grow and relearn how to love myself before I can love anyone else.
“So what do we do for now?” Quincy releases me and backs away, his carefree smile returning to his face as he gives his attention to Asteria.
“We deal with Onix Moon first. Getting their visit done and over with in five days is our priority as we wont be able to receive the last batch of Pine Moon wolves for another eight days.” She states, standing from her chair and placing a hand on Quincy’s shoulder. I can see that this affects him just as much as my gentle rejection did, but I know Quincy is strong. He can handle this.
“I need you and Quest to keep your emotions in check. We need the land and the money they are offering now more than ever. Do you think you can do this?” Asteria asks, looking between Quincy and Quest.
“We can, Alpha.” Quest stands once more, determination set on his face. I smile at him and mouth a thank you. After explaining the plans for the next few days, Asteria sends us out just as Gale arrives with his pups in tow ready to have some time with their mother. I give him a hug and he reassures me that everything will be okay before I am left alone in the hall way.
If we can just get through these next five days, then I can prepare myself to see Rune for the first time since the rejection.