To Protect
1209 Words
Nova POV:
Hurrying downstairs we we all prepare to leave, I quickly catch up with Alex to voice what Jax and I had been linking one another while everyone was busy discussing the plan in the office.
"I need a word" I say quietly, aware that Axton and Jax are busy organising the warriors for travel. "Elder Martin I need you to listen as well."
As they both stand to one side to me I speak lowly, "you said you sent two elders to the deep forest pack and his Beta didn't know where he had gone, yes?" I check with Martin.
"Yes" he agrees.
"So logically his Beta didn't know of his forceful entry to the white mountain pack, which means he didn't know of warriors leaving? I have a theory.." I begin as Alex nods for me to continue. "Mila said the pack had grown considerably over the last few years, and we know he's not a decent man. He rules his pack with fear and the way he treats others is despicable, we've heard that first hand. What if he has got other southern packs working under him?"
"He's growing his supporters" Alex mutters. "f**k you're right Nova. His control is bigger than we think."
"I think he saw his opportunity when he learnt of Axton and Mila. Axton and Bruno have never gotten on, I didn't make the connection when Mila originally told me who her first mate was but I remember now. They butted heads, and often, when they were at alpha training together. I've heard all about it" I explain. "But I'm concerned Axtons pack is just a stepping stone for him."
"The southern packs have been quiet recently, the council elders have reported nothing out the ordinary. Some packs are even more successful in their businesses" Elder Martin says. "Too quiet..too successful.."
"I think Bruno has been a busy man whilst we have all been distracted" I admit quietly. "Or at least I think it's a strong possibility. Either way I think he has a strong influence there now, do you think he could be working his way to being Alpha King?"
"Maybe, but he doesn't stand a chance now by his actions" Alex says furrowing his brows. "Something just isn't sitting right with me."
"Me either" I sigh. "We need to be alert."
"Most definitely, I also don't want Mila coming" Alex says as I nod my head in agreement. "JAX" he bellows to get my mates attention.
"Are the warriors ready?" He asks as Jax arrives.
"Yes, Axton is loading them up now. He's efficient with this" he comments in approval. "You've filled him in?"
"She has. I don't want Mila coming" Alex repeats to Jax.
"I agree" Jax agrees immediately, "I already know Axton is in agreement. She is not to be put in any harms way."
"Shall I break the news to her?" I ask quietly, "perhaps hearing it from me rather than her very protective older brother and mate would make her argue less. I know she feels she has a point to prove, to show him she's not scared but she needs to stay home."
"Please" Jax ask, looking grateful for my suggestion.
"I'll go speak to her now" I tell him, excusing myself and going to find her.
Seeing her come out of the packhouse trembling and very pale I rush to her side, "Mila? Are you ok?"
"I'm fine" she says but her voice lacks confidence. Clearing her throat, she then straightens her shoulders and tries to smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "I'm just horrified that I could have caused this" she admits.
"Mila" I sigh, feeling sympathetic for my sister in law. "You're not to blame. I can imagine why you think that, but honestly, I think you were just the final nail in the coffin for Bruno's revenge on Axton. You heard your mate, they haven't got on for a long time. Years in fact."
"Why?" Mila whispers.
"They met at Alpha training, I believe they were both there for 2 years. Axton was extremely successful and Bruno resented him for it. From what I've been told he was jealous of Axtons natural skills and the fact that their peers looked up to him and also got on with him very well" I explain. "You know what Alphas are like, they love to be the best. Others were more accepting of the fact Axton was more successful, but Bruno despised him for it."
"Bruno is the Alpha of one of the biggest packs in the southern territory though. I don't understand why, after all this time, he still needs to settle a score against Axton" Mila replies quietly.
"Some people hold grudges for a lifetime" I answer. "It's sad but it's the truth, and I imagine the years apart have only spurred Bruno on more. The bigger his pack has grown, the more he's heard of Axton, he's probably been waiting for the opportunity."
"I hate this" Mila whispers, "I want to make it all ok."
"I know you do" I say, taking her hand gently as we both sit on the packhouse steps. "I don't think you should come with us Mila."
"What?!" She asks her eyes shooting to mine in surprise. "But why?"
"Because I'm worried he still wants to hurt you. Alphas don't like losing, and this is going to sound horrible, but I think he accepted the rejection easier than we expected considering he put you through all that. It's bothering me I have to admit" I explain.
"But I'll be with all of you?" She says furrowing her brows.
"It's not that you can't protect yourself or that we wouldn't be there for you. I think if he saw you and Axton together, it could trigger him. As much as we want to storm in there and show him how much he's f****d up, we can't" I sigh. "He's got all those pack members still, alive as well. We have to be peaceful and try to protect them."
"But the Luna should be there for her pack" Mila whispers.
"A Luna needs to protect her pack also. By you not travelling, ensuring Bruno doesn't see you, it is going to help them I'm sure of it. It will lower the risk of angering him further and lower the risk of violence" I explain whilst wrapping my arm around her shoulder. "I'm sorry Mila, I know how much you want to be there for everyone and to show how brave you are. But we already know that, we know you are strong, courageous and loving."
"Thank you" she sniffles.
"Now" I say offering her a bright smile, "I want you to smile, support your mate and your warriors. Go show that protective brother of yours that you are confident in our ability to handle this, and remember, you have people here that still need you."
Taking a deep breath she wipes the few stray tears that have fallen and stands up determinedly. "You're right" she states before smiling and taking my hand, leading me to where the others are ready. "Kick some ass if needed Nova."
"You know I will" I wink making her giggle slightly.
- Writer
