Mated for life

chapter 15 Casey Waters POV

Once everyone had showered and had enough caffeine to power a small car we all made our way out of the motel and to the car. Benji and Jess loaded everything into the car while I made my way into the reception to hand the keys over. Once I was done I climbed into the car and turned it on before turning to look over at Morgan. “You ready for this?” I asked her placing my hand softly on her leg. “As ready as I will ever be.” She replied, her hand covering mine. I nodded my head and turned back to what I was doing, I put the car into gear drove back onto the main road.

Four hours later we pulled onto a dirt road seemingly in the middle of nowhere. I followed the makeshift road until we reached a clearing. The sight that greeted us made Morgan gasp in shock. I could tell that she was not prepared for what she was witnessing. Once I had parked the car on the outskirts of the ruins everyone got out. I made my way over to Morgan, my hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder. I watched as Morgan took in all the ruins, her eyes not believing what she was seeing.

She stepped out of my embrace and made her way to the head of the blackened pack grounds where her parents must have lived with her and her brother. I watched as she looked around at everything, the blackened burned down buildings and scattered ashes of what was once a great pack. It hurt me to see the disbelief and pain in her eyes but I stayed where I was with Benji, Jess and Drew. I watched from a distance as she took in all the devastating horrors of the past.

When she sunk to the ground in shock and I witnessed tears starting to fall from her eyes I rushed to her side, sinking to the ground with her as I pulled her close to me. She cried and I held her, her tears soaking into my shirt. I held her without saying a word as she grieved for the loos of a life she should have had but never got the chance. I felt her pain through our bond. It tore at my heart. Her pain was so consuming and so devastating that it broke me. I let the tears that had welled up in my eyes fall. I hated that she was feeling this, that she had to experience this. But I stayed by her side through it all.

When her tears had dried up and she had calmed down we stood up and made our way slowly over to where the others stood waiting for us. Benji stepped forward once we reached them and hugged Morgan. “I am so sorry.” He said to her, rubbing her back. Morgan sunk into the comforting hug. They stayed like that with the other two surrounding them and providing words of grave comfort to Morgan. Minutes passed before they pulled away, Morgan turning to face me. She held out her hand and I took it instantly. “I would like to see where they were buried.” She said. I nodded my head and led them all through the small forestry and overgrown foliage that surrounded the fallen pack.

I pushed away the vegetation and undergrowth as we made our way to a large clearing that over looked a small lake. There were tombstones surrounding the otherwise pristine area, surrounding a crystal-clear blue lake. “Stay here.” I said to the others as I led Morgan up a grass covered bank that oversaw everything. There were two tombstones situated on the top of the bank that looked out over the lake and the rest of the buried pack below. I knelt down next to the two tombstones and pushed away the vines that had started to grow over them. I took a step back and looked at Morgan.

She was focused on the two tombstones before us, silent tears streaming down her face. “Here lies Lucas Bane, a loyal friend and fierce alpha. A loving husband and father. Rest in peace.” Morgan read out loud before turning to look at the one next to Lucas. “Here lies Isabella, a soldier at heart, kind spirited and faithful partner. A mother and Luna, the best there will ever be. Rest in peace.” She choaked out. She reached for my hand, I instantly grasped hers giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Do you want to say a few words?” I asked her. She nodded her head, let go of my hand and knelt down in the middle of the tombstones. “I will always carry you in my heart and in my soul. You will forever be a part of me. Gone but never forgotten. I miss you so much.” She choaked out sobbing. “It is so unfair!” she shouted at no one, shaking her head at the heavens. I stood there in silence as she sobbed, tears streaming down my face. I felt so helpless. Her pain ran so deep with in her that it was consuming. It broke my heart that I could not ease it or make it go away.

We stayed like that for more than half an hour, only leaving when Morgan had stopped crying and her tears had dried up. I helped her to her feet and guided her back to where the others were waiting for us.

No one said a word, nothing anyone could have said would have made a difference. We made our way back to the car and got in. I drove to the nearest motel and pulled into the parking lot. “I will be back.” I said as I got out of the car and walked over to the reception. Once I had the keys to our room I made my way back to the car. Everyone got out, unpacked the car and followed me up to room seven. I unlocked the door, letting everyone in ahead of myself. I closed the door behind me when I walked in.

“Well this is better than the last place we were in.” Benji commented. “Certainly is.” Jess agreed as everyone made themselves comfortable. I made everyone coffee, making a separate cup of tea for Drew, while everyone tried to cheer up Morgan with random conversation topics. Once everyone’s drinks were made I drought them over to them and took the empty seat next to my mate. I was so concentrated on her and the emotions I felt through our bond that I missed when Benji called my name. “Cass!” I heard him shout. I wondered how long he was trying to get my attention before I finally heard him.

“Yes?” I asked coming back to the present. “Welcome back.” He said knowing that my mind had been elsewhere. “So what is the plan for getting Adam out of that prison like pack?” he asked. I thought about it for the first time since we had started this trip. “I am not sure to be honest.” I told him. “Okay, well I was thinking if Morgan can provide the layout of the pack grounds then we will know how to approach this.” He said looking over at Morgan who was not paying attention. “Baby? Are you okay?” I asked her, softly running my hand up and down her leg to get her attention. “Oh yeah, I am okay, just got a little lost in thought.” She said smiling at me before turning to face everyone who had been watching our exchange.

“What do you need to know Benji?” she asked him. “Well for starters I need to know whare your brother stays, where in relation to that does the alpha stay and how many members are we looking at roughly.” He said. “Adam stays on the far left of the pack grounds. The alpha stays right next to him. There is about fifty pack members that stay on the grounds. Four would be stationed outside Adam’s door when night falls to make sure he does not leave, two at the front and two at the back entrances. About twenty are train fighters. Tomorrow will be a feast of the first alpha so everyone would be preoccupied with preparing for that. If we stick to the shadows and outskirts of the grounds then it should be smooth sailing.” She told him.

We continued talking and formulating a plan that we all agreed upon. Once we had a solid rough plan we called it a night. I looked over at the plain clock on the wall noticing that it was well past twelve. We needed to rest. It would be a two-hour drive to the pack grounds then another two to scope out the area before a long wait until night fall. We all said our goodnights and went to bed. Once inside Morgan and I’s bedroom for the night I took off my shirt and climbed into bed. Morgan took off her pants and climbed in, snuggling into me like we did every night. It reassured me that she would be okay.

I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close. “I love you.” I told her. “I love you too.” She said. I closed my eyes and fell asleep instantly.

I woke up before Morgan and got up, pulling my body that she had used as a pillow away from underneath her, making my way through to the lounge not surprised to see Drew, Jess and Benji already awake. “Morning guys.” I greeted. “Morning alpha.” They greeted back. I walked into the small kitchen area and made myself coffee before walking back into the lounge and sitting down. I stretched my legs out on the sofa and took a sip of my hot brew.

“How is Morgan doing?” Benji asked concerned. “She seems alright but I will not know for sure until she wakes up.” I told him. He nodded his head in understanding. While we waited for Morgan to wake up we went over the plan we had come up with last night. It was a solid plan but anything could go wrong and we had to be prepared for anything and everything that could happen. We went over every possible angle, every method of a possible quick escape.

When Morgan woke up and came through, we went over the plan a couple more times. By the time we were done we knew everything that we planned on doing and everything we needed to do if it went sideways. When we were all ready to leave we packed up everything and made our way down to the car. We loaded everything in the trunk, everyone getting in as it went to hand the keys back to the man sitting at the reception desk. Once I was back and in the car, I started it and headed for the Mist Moon pack grounds.

Two hours later we had reached our destination. I parked the car so that it was covered by the foliage and shrubbery before getting out.

“Benji and Jess you two case the left side of the pack grounds, make sure you are not seen by anyone. Drew can you case the far north of the grounds to check for any additional escape routes. Morgan and I will check the right and far east sides of the grounds for any watcher camps and case the camp. Link if we need anyone. We will meet here closer to dusk and follow through with the plan as rehearsed. Everyone clear on what they need to do?” I asked. They all nodded their heads yes. “Okay then lets go.” I said, everyone scattering into their given direction.

Morgan and I walked the perimeter on the right side of the grounds, covered by the shadows of the undergrowth bushes that bordered the camp. We watched closely at the movements of the pack members, checking where they gathered most and where in adjacent to that was Adam’s house and the alpha’s house. We cased the entire area, getting a good lay of the land and exists until dusk came around and we headed back to our starting point to meet the others.

“What is the report?” I asked them when we approached. “I counted two additional exists on the far north of the camp. As well as a watch tower on the border.” Drew informed me. I nodded my head and looked at Jess and Benji. “We found an abandoned watch tower along the border, looked like it had not been used in a long while. We also found where Adam’s house is in adjacent to the Alpha’s house. We counted eight guards in total as well as noticing three additional guards enter each house respectively, making that fourteen not including the alpha or Adam.” Benji reported.

“Okay. So when the festivities start we can assume based on the number of guards that the Alpha and Adam will not be attending. We can also assume that there will be a watchman posted at each direction of the camp. We will sneak in on the north-west side of the grounds and make our way along the edges in the shadows towards the back of Adam’s house. Jess will take out the two guards posted at the back of Adam’s house while I take out the other two by the alpha’s house. Benji and Jess, you two will then enter Adam’s house and take out any guards that are inside before bringing Adam out. Drew you will need to be waiting to distract anyone who happens to come past and take Adam, Benji and Jess back to this point. Morgan and I will go through the alpha’s house to cause a big enough distraction so that you four can run without getting noticed. Morgan and I will meet you at the car approximately twenty minutes after the chaos. If things go sideways you all know what to do. And if we are not here in twenty minutes then you drive away, head back to the pack. We will find you along the way.” I said.

Everyone nodded their heads and we set off. We walked to the north-west side of the pack grounds just as the festivities began. We snuck quietly enough not to be spotted by anyone along the outskirts of the camp, hiding in the shadows so that if anyone happened to walk past we could just sink back deeper into the foliage. We made our way to where Adam’s house was situated and came to a stop. We all looked at each other before nodding our heads and splitting up.

Morgan and I made our way over to the back of the alpha’s house while Benji and Jess snuck up to the back of Adam’s house. We looked at each other one last time before kicking into action as quietly as possible so that we did not alert anyone to us. Morgan took the guard on the right while I choak held the guard on the left until he passed out. I heard a hard thud behind me. I turned quickly noticing a man on the ground. It seemed like Morgan had dropkicked him to the ground. I smiled at her before grabbing the handle to the back door, opening it quietly and letting Morgan ahead of me. I left the door open so that we could make a quick escape.

As we crept into the house a guard suddenly turned around the corner and spotted us. “Hey!” he shouted running towards us. I knew what was at stake so I pushed past Morgan and grabbed the guard by the neck. I moved so that I was now standing behind him and twisted his neck, my teeth bared, only stopping once I heard it snap and let him drop to the floor. I was caught up in the adrenalin coursing through my veins that I did not hear the guard walk up behind me. I suddenly felt a hand grip my shoulder and spin me around.

I bared my teeth at the stranger that I was now facing. Primal instincts took over as I hit his wrist, fracturing it, as I grabbed him, spinning him around so that I now had him in a choak hold. I put pressure on his airway, hard enough to make him pass out but not hard enough to kill him. I had not noticed that he had passed out until Morgan placed her hand on my shoulder and told me to let him go. I backed away, letting the man fall to the ground with a heavy thud. I took a deep breath and calmed myself before looking at Morgan. I instantly felt ashamed at the concerned look on her face. “I am okay.” I whispered to her. She nodded her head and we continued. She handled the last guard in the house, knocking him out quickly. She walked over to where I was whispering, “I am going to the alpha, you get the other guards to come into the house.” She said. I nodded my head before we parted ways.

I walked into the lounge and started throwing things to the ground trying to get the attention of the two guards outside. After throwing a vase to the ground the guards came storming in and running towards me. I kicked the first guard in the midsection, using his own weight and momentum against him. He stumbled back in pain as the other guard ran towards me. I swung a punch directed at his face. He ducked and I missed as he rammed his shoulder into my stomach knocking me to the ground. The first guard had recovered and had now joined the second as they leaned over me. “You are in big trouble little girl.” The first guard commented. I swung my legs out and to the side as quickly as I could, tripping them to the floor in seconds. I kicked the second guard in the face knocking him out cold then turned my attention to the first guard. He was trying to push himself up but before he could get anywhere I kicked his arms out from under him. “Stay. Good boy.” I said at him as he laid sprawled out on the floor out cold.

I made my way through the house trying to find Morgan. Finally catching her scent I followed it up the stairs and into what seemed like an office. I found her standing over a man cowering on the floor. He must have been the alpha judging by the livid look in Morgan’s eyes. I had never seen her that angry before, her eyes molten gold and her teeth bared. The man on the floor looked pathetic as he pleaded for Morgan to let him be. I could tell that his leg had already been broken by the angle it was lying in and his ribs injured by the way he held them. Pain wited his face as Morgan bent down and grabbed his broken leg. I could not pay attention to anything she was saying or what he was saying back to her. As soon as I saw a sinister look cross his face, snarling at Morgan in disgust I almost lost it. I wanted to kill this pathetic excuse of an alpha for everything he had put Morgan through. I approached them drawing attention to myself. The alpha looked up at me and spat out, “Wretched bitches the both of you.” Before he could say anything else I swung and kicked him square in the jaw breaking it.

I looked at Morgan, grabbed her hand before pressing the alarm on the wall which will alert everyone on the grounds to the alpha’s house and to us if we did not leave right now. We ran through the house and out the back door before the first person had entered the house. We ran straight into the woods and kept on running. There was no sign of the others so I assumed they had made it back safely. We kept on running until we reached the clearing where everything was planned. I took a deep breath before running to where I had parked the car.

Luckily, the car was still there. I opened the drivers side door and got in, Morgan getting into the passenger’s seat. Drew and the others were not back yet so I switched off the interior lights and closed the door. We kept quiet, sinking down in our seats so that were could not be spotted by anyone who happened to be chasing us. Moments later the backseat door was yanked open. I jumped up ready to attack when I noticed that it was Drew and Benji. They supported Jess between them. They lifted her into the car and climbed in after her followed by who I assumed was Adam.

“What the hell happened?” I asked when I caught sight of the bloody wound in Jess’ leg. “She got bitten.” Benji said supporting her head in his lap. I watched as Drew worked her magic as quickly as she could, Jess’ face contorted in pain. When Jess had passed out I asked, “Can we go Drew? Have you got it under control?” “Yes, go. They were right behind us.” Drew said never breaking concentration on what she was doing. I started the car and stepped on the gas pedal. The wheels spun as the car took off.

I drove all the way to the furthest motel before finally stopping the car, the adrenalin that coursed through my veins had subsided and tiredness had begun to set in. I ran and got the keys to a room on the ground floor. I opened the back door of the car, letting Benji get out before we managed to pull Jess out. We supported her on our shoulders all the way to the room. Morgan opened the door and let us go ahead of her, quickly closing it behind her once everyone was inside.

Benji and I laid Jess on one of the beds in a separate room so that she could get some rest. We made our way through to where everyone else was and took a seat on the sofa. “Casey I would like you to meet my brother, Adam. Little brother this is Alpha Casey, my mate.” She introduced us. I stood up and shook his hand. “Good to meet you.” I said. “Good to meet you all, I just wish it was under better circumstances.” He said. “Is your friend going to be alright?” he asked. Drew looked up and replied. “Yes she will be fine, she just needs some rest bust she should be all better by the morning. She will have a scar though, there is nothing I can do about that.” Drew informed us.

I let out a sigh of relief while Benji sung into the sofa relieved at the good news. Everyone chatted excitedly to one another after that, nerves still high. Hours later we all said goodnight to each other and went our separate ways. I crawled straight into bed with Morgan, curling around her so that her back was pressed against my front. We slept peacefully like that for the next ten hours.