Standing on the side of the road where Tristan told me to wait, I watch for the blue Hummer that was sent to pick me up. After explaining to him about Brynlee being kidnapped three days ago, Tristan told me to make my way to the human nature park about three hours walk from the north side of Crescent Phoenix border. When I asked why, he had explained that he has a hide out with men that also want Viren dead. It seems that the information and plans that Tristan and his men have can’t be said over the phone and I will have to wait until I am safely inside his hide out to learn more. .
My stomach growls and I remind myself that I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast this morning and looking at the time on my cell phone I note that it is now one in the afternoon. Maybe I can find a vendor here to grab something quick to eat.
Suddenly, the device rings and the name Rose appears on my screen. It is the name my Aunt told me to save her number under to keep this operation secret and I wonder if all the women in my life prefer aliases using names of flowers.
“This is Rune.” I answer, moving towards the bench shaded under a large oak tree.
“Rune, it’s Rose.” My Aunt replies back. I roll my eyes but keep up the charade as I take a seat and scan the surroundings.
“I am calling about the conversation that a friend of mine overheard and we wanted to let you know that we want in on it.” She continues. I sit up straight now, wondering what she means and then it hits me. I was right that someone was watching me when I first called Tristan.
“How many men do you think you can spare for the project?” I ask, hearing my Aunt chuckle sadistically. I suppress a shudder and realize that Aunt Asteria is pissed. Viren took Brynlee who is not only her god-daughter, but also her Beta. Of course she wants revenge if there is a plan in place.
“Seventy percent of my crew. Need to keep the other thirty at the office in case something crops up.” She answers and I smile. Seventy percent of Crescent Phoenix’s Warriors and Hunters are a heck of a lot, especially if they were trained by Brynlee, my Aunt and Gale.
“Sounds good. Let me talk to my brother about it and I will get back to you tomorrow.” I answer, getting an okay. We make simple small talk about the weather to throw off any one listening in before we say our good byes. Tucking my phone in my front pocket, I watch the entrance to the park wondering if Tristan will really show. I know he has to be careful with Viren being Alpha and it makes me wonder what excuse he used to leave Viren’s sight.
The sounds of tires on the gravel road catches my attention. I stand to my feet, readying myself for a fight if need be. Soon, a blue Hummer comes into view and I spot Tristan in the passenger seat. The driver of the vehicle drives to the nearest parking spot before my friend jumps out.
“Rune… nice to see the wounds healing.” He greets, brows raised as he takes in my appearance, my black hair cut shorter than the last time he saw me with the four scars running across my face. I roll my eyes and grab my bag before walking towards Tristan and giving him a hug.
“I don’t think you told me how you got them.” He continues, with a curious gaze when we pull apart.
“Brynlee gave them to me after I rejected her.” I shrug, throwing my bag into the back seats of the Hummer and leaning against the outside of the vehicle as the driver – an olive skin bald wolf with deep brown eyes like dark chocolate – comes to shake my hand.
“I would you say you deserved them.” The man states with a chuckle and I nod.
“I did. They are a reminder of the worst mistake I made.” I admit.
“Rune Stearling.” I introduce myself to this wolf as we shake hands.
“Michael Hendricks, Head Warrior of Onix Moon.” Michael answers and I nod. It seems the problem in their pack is bigger than I thought if the Head Warrior is a part of the assassination plan on Viren.
“The hideout we are using is only a three hour drive so hop in the Hummer and we can talk freely there.” Tristan interjects, motioning for me to climb in the back before he climbs into the passenger seat. Michael rounds the Hummer once again, climbing into the driver seat. After making sure ready to go, the man puts his vehicle into gear and drives off.
“So how did you escape Onix Moon for the time being?” I ask, curious to see what Viren was told.
“Oh, we haven’t been there the last few days.” Tristan admits, anger and guilt in his voice.
“Some of the Hunters, Warriors and I went on a “hunting party” to bring some game to the pack but the truth is we have been planning the take over. That’s when you called.” Shocked, I look to Michael who nods in agreement and I sniff the air, scenting for any lies. There are none and for a moment I wonder just how long they have been planning this assassination attempt.
“So you really left Pine Moon?” Tristan asks after some silence passed between the three of us.
“Yes, I really left it. I did it to find and apologize to Brynlee.” A look of understanding and approval crosses Tristan’s eyes before he turns serious.
“Had I known Viren was going to kidnap her, I would have stopped him.” He swears solemnly. I watch him for a moment before I nod. Tristan would have done anything to keep Brynlee safe whether or not he knew she was my Mate considering how precious and sacred the Mate Bond is to him. He would rather Viren find his Goddess given Mate than take some unsuspecting she-wolf.
“I know. Anyways, before we talk about how we plan to kill Viren I have some good news for you.” We pull up to a red light, both men turning in their seats to look at me. I can sense their curiosity and anticipation at take a deep breath.
“Crescent Phoenix wants to join the fight and stop the Bestial tyranny.” I announce. For a moment they stare at me in shock until the vehicle behind us honks a few times. This knocks the men out of their stupor and force them to focus on the road ahead as the light has turned green and we were holding up traffic. The hummer moves forward and Michael speeds away, a grin on his cleanly shaven face.
“Well Viren Bestial did steal Alpha Asteria’s Beta. She has every right to declare war on him and I am more than happy to share the blood shed with her.” Tristan states with a chuckle, his eyes narrowing as he stares out the windshield.
“Give her a call as soon as we reach our base and we can make a plan for three days from now.” He adds.
“Why three days from now?” I ask out of curiosity.
“Because I have a feeling in four days Brynlee will be marked and mated whether she wants it or not. Viren is not a patient man and if he wants Brynlee, only death will stop him.” Michael answers this time, his tone grim. It seems I am really working against the clock to save Brynlee from this tyrant.