I relish in the feel of the wind through my fur as I race towards the direction of Crescent Phoenix. Rune is hot on my heels, his eyes never leaving my body. I know he does this due to me still being weak but I would prefer it if he kept his eyes on the forest in case someone attacks us. I still can’t believe he and I spent all that time in the cave fucking. If Alpha Viren hadn’t been killed, I would have definitely marched down to Onix Moon just to kill that bastard even if I am scared to return.
Just after shifting and leaving the cave, I had linked Asteria that I am fine and was on my way home. She was glad to hear from me, relieved to know that I stayed un-marked and then informed me that she plans to stay in Onix Moon for another week to help Tristan take over the pack. From what she told me, it has been seven days since Rune saved me. In that time, Tristan - with the help of Asteria - had interrogated all of Alpha Viren’s men. Many have been executed while others proved that they were only doing Viren’s bidding while under an Alpha Command. Needless to say, I refuse to go back to that pack for any reason right now. Tristan told Asteria he understands but hopes that one day I feel safe enough to visit as his friend.
A snap to my left has me stopping in my tracks and I sniff the air to see what might have caused the sound only to watch a bunny hop in front of me. Rune lets out a huff and I roll my eyes. He is probably laughing at me for stopping when there is no threat but he doesn’t he realize he is the biggest threat to me.
Ignoring my Ex-Mate, I resume running and pick up speed. I know Rune is slower than me, even if I am weakened, and the sound of his breath panting between his teeth while maintaining a grip on his backpack proves my point. I push harder, wanting to see if I can lose my unwanted traveling companion, but he keeps up, annoying me slightly. Yes, he saved me and kept me from dying with the forced heat, but that doesn’t mean I want him around still.
[Brynlee?] I stumble slightly as Quincy’s voice fills my mind and come to a stop.
[Hi Quincy.] I reply with, my tail wagging as I sit on my haunches.
[Asteria told me that Viren tried to rape you and that you were sick. Are you okay now?] He asks. I pause, not sure how to answer my friend and notice Rune coming to sit beside me. His eyes scan the forest after he sets his bag down but I can see the questioning look he throws my way.
[What else did she tell you?] I ask, a little apprehensive of explaining that I went through my heat because of a drug.
[That Rune saved you and took you to safety. She told me to pick you two up and take you home.] His words causes me to sigh in relief and I explain the rough direction Rune and I went in. After Quincy says he would check on a map, he directs me to run thirty minutes on the same path Rune and I are on and he would meet us on a side road just off the highway. Before the link closes, Quincy tells me he has some clothes for me and I thank him. Standing to my paws, I shake my fur and give a yip to Rune. He grabs his backpack before we take off.
True to Quincy’s words, we find him and his jeep waiting for Rune and I on a side road. Without thinking, I shift mid-step and rush into his arms. Quincy hugs me tight, burying his face into my hair. For the first time since being kidnapped I cry and Quincy just holds me, telling me everything will be fine as I let my tears out. I can sense Rune is watching, sense the unease he feels seeing me in another man’s arms. Right now I do not care as Quincy is my pack, my family. He has helped me through so much since I met him. With Quincy I feel safe and secured and know that no one will hurt me as long as he is around.
“Maybe we should get Brynlee in the jeep and get her home.” I hear Rune awkwardly say, his tone soft to not interrupt my sobs. Quincy sighs, gently pulling away from me to wipe away my tears, his eyes staring into mine with concern and relief.
“He is right, Bryn. We should get you home so the pack doctors can take a look at you.” I nod, too tired to speak now that I have cried myself into exhaustion. It was a good cry. A much needed cry. I had kept everything in due to being held hostage and needing to remain strong but once I saw Quincy, I knew I was safe and could be vulnerable for a moment.
Quincy opens the passenger door for me and I notice a large baggy shirt that smells like Caspian waiting on the seat. Slipping it on, I climb into the seat and buckle myself in. Rune climbs into the back sitting in the middle – most likely to keep his eyes on Quincy and I – and Quincy moves around to the back of the vehicle. He returns to my side for after searching through the trunk, draping a familiar throw blanket over me. It’s the one that normally sits on my bed and the sent of home calms me further. Seeing that I am comfortable, Quincy moves around the jeep to the driver side before climbing in. The car comes to life and Quincy effortless steers it into the highway.
“Who is taking care of Crescent Phoenix right now?” I ask through a yawn, Quincy looking at me from the corner of his eyes before returning his focus to the road.
“Gale is. Asteria went on a bit of a war path when Tristan agreed to her joining in killing Viren and now is helping him organize the pack so that Tristan can become Alpha.” He answers making me turn to him in shock.
“I know that much. I linked Asteria earlier to reassure her that I am fine. Tristan is a good match to becoming the next Alpha.” I state, another yawn ending my words.
“Yeah, he is.” Rune agrees, his deep voice filled with exhaustion.
“To be honest with you Brynlee, Tristan is my god-brother and when he told me he needed my help to kill Viren, I agreed immediately because he said he would help me rescue you.” Turning in my seat to look at Rune, it takes a moment for his words to register and when they do, I can only stare at him in shock.
“Tristan is your god-brother?” I ask, making sure I heard right. Staring at me with amusement, Rune explains his history with Tristan, explaining that his mother was Tristan’s god-mother and that Tristan’s mother and his came from the same pack.
He then explains how he came to Crescent Phoenix, skipping over Quincy attacking him I guess to protect my friend, but I still glare at him for attacking without proof and shelf the decision to talk to Quincy about his temper later. It turns out Tristan has been planning this coup for a while now and me being kidnapped just helped to speed up the civil rebellion.
Sitting back in my seat after learning what happened after my kidnapping, I tuck the blankets around me tighter. Rune and Quincy leave me be to my thoughts, the two talking about Crescent Phoenix and the way the wolves train there. I can tell Quincy is going to recruit Rune as a Warrior even if the two have their differences – namely me – and I think about the last few days.
I know Rune hopes that I will get back with him, can feel his feelings through the bond that grows stronger the more time we spend together. But I also have Quincy who has been there for me since we met. He has feelings for me and wants me for me.
I sigh, closing my eyes and try to quiet my mind. My love life is a mess right now, my heat making it even messier, and I have no clue what to do any more.