Andrew’s POV
This last week has been hard. Lina has been calling and sending pictures everyday as promised. She hasn’t started to show yet. Oh how I long to be close to her. The pack has been keeping me busy though. Still no sign of any rogues, but we’ve heard rumors that they are gathering in numbers. I’m worried they are trying to get organized. I’ve also heard rumors that there are two packs on the verge of war due to family issues. I knew the peace between packs would only last so long. These young Alphas can’t just be happy they survived forever. Lina needs to hurry her training up so she can get home. I have been trying to give my dad freedom, he is retired after all, so I hired on more staff to help. If we weren’t so busy, I would leave and visit Lina.
Catalina’s POV
It has been almost a week since I last spoke with Dolus, and I haven’t heard anything from him. Training is going great. Eric said soon I can take the test and if I pass I can move to the next subject and new trainer. I can tell Andrew is getting antsy. I know he wants to come out here, but it’s only been like two weeks. I also need to find a way to tell him that I’ve been working with Dolus, but I haven’t figured out how to casually bring that up. I have started getting cabin fever being cooped up in here. I wish there was someone I could just hang out with. Fayne would never be that casual around me and he wouldn’t let Lisa either. I wish Rachel or Sarah could come visit me. After training today, I decide to call on Dolus to see what is taking so long on getting this meeting set up. I won’t do it once I’ve started to show. I don’t want anyone to use my pregnancy against me.
Dolus’ POV
Over the last week I have been working with my brother. He keeps sending me on little meaningless errands. He wants to keep me close, but not too close to where I know what he’s up to. I have been staying away from the rogues and Lina, but I know that can’t last forever.
“Brother.” I hear Zane say behind me. I turn to see him at the door to my room. I have been staying here with him since we agreed to work together.
“How lovely of you to drop by dear brother.” He plants himself in a chair. He draws himself across it, like he’s been in it for days. He’s always so dramatic.
“Why aren’t you happy here brother?” He asks.
See what I mean? Dramatic.
“What ever do you mean?” I say sarcastically.
“I can tell you aren’t happy. I thought we could go back to the old ways. But you’re so distant. Distracted, brooding. More than usual anyway. Is it because of that she wolf?”
“Who?”
Zane smiles.
“Oh It is because of her. What kind of hold does she have over you brother?” He stands.
“I’m not sure who you are referring to. I’m annoyed you asked me back here and you have treated me like your little errand boy. I’m a God for crying out loud. I thought you could come up with a better use for my powers. But maybe you are the one who’s gone soft?” I raise my eyebrow, daring him to do something. He looks thoughtful for a moment.
“I do have use for your abilities, but I am waiting for someone to arrive. I’ll admit I’ve been trying to keep you busy in the mean time. But she is taking her sweet time to get here. So I will take you off errand duty, for now.”
“She?”
“It’s a surprise brother, don’t spoil it.” He walks towards the door. Who could he have called? Knowing Zane, it could be any girl from my past.
“I will call you if I need your special abilities.” He walks out of the room. Finally I have time to go to the rogue camp and speak with the leader about a meeting. I head out to the rogue camp as soon as I know Zane is gone. When I get to the camp, I notice their numbers have grown in only a week. I make my way to the leader’s tent, I need to get him to agree to this meeting tonight. When I arrive, I see two guards standing outside the tent.
“Stop right there.” One guard says and moves in front of me.
“I am here to see Bear. Tell him Dolus is here.” There is silence for a moment. He steps to the side.
“You may go in.” I step in and I’m surprised to not find he’s alone. A woman stands on the other side of the room, I recognize her, but my focus is on Bear.
“Dolus, good to see you again.” Bear greets me. He stands from his chair and walks over to me. He is a large man with broad shoulders. He has dark brown hair and a full beard. His name suits him. He holds out his massive hand and I shake it. Bear and I have always been in good terms since I provided aid to his people.
“I see your numbers are growing.” I say as we shake hands.
“Ah yes. I sent out messengers around the land and offered my own aid. Many have come seeking help and leadership.” Bear glows with pride. Bear was an Alpha of a small pack at one point. That is until his pack was absorbed by a larger pack. The Alpha of the larger pack had Bear and his beta excommunicated from the pack. The Alpha was worried he would make claim and challenge him. I know he likes to be a refuge for the rogues, but he also knows some rogues can’t be saved.
“I am glad to see that. As soon as I am able I will send more supplies.” I do this, so they do not have to raid and steal.
“That’s very much appreciated Dolus. But what else brings you here? Is it about the meeting you spoke of?” I glance over to the girl, I would prefer to not have this conversation in front of anyone. Bear notices.
“Would you excuse us, I believe Dolus would appreciate the privacy.” Bear says to the girl. She bows slightly, gives me a straight look, and leaves. I couldn’t tell if she recognized me or not.
“Sorry, I just want as little amount of people to know my involvement as possible.”
“I am curious to know your full involvement, but I can respect your need for anonymity. Come sit and we’ll discuss this meeting.” He gestures for me to sit.
“I really just need to know when we can have the meeting.” I take a set in front of Bear.
“Well recently I have heard some information about the High Alpha that is concerning.”
“Was it from the girl that was just in here?”
“I see you know her. Do you know the story?”
“Not the full story. Did she tell you what she did?”
“Not the full story. I don’t believe Julie disclosed every detail.” He smiles. Bear is smart, he will not let others make decisions for him.
“Why don’t you ask the High Alpha yourself for her side of the story.”
“That sounds fair. How soon would she care to meet?”
“As soon as possible.”
“Very well. We can meet two days from now, and preferably at night, if that is acceptable.”
“I believe that is. I will let her know.” I stand to take my leave.
“Dolus, even if this doesn’t work out. I want to thank you for your help. There may come a time where you will have to pick sides. I am not under the illusion you would pick us over her. So I just wanted to thank you while I can.”
“Bear, you know I can not let any harm come to her while she is here.”
“I will not harm a visitor. But I can’t say we won’t go to war. I truly do hope our meeting goes well. But in case it doesn’t, you have to know my people won’t be treated like a plague any longer.”
“I understand. I will see you in two days.” I walk out of the tent.
That Night
Catalina’s POV
I walk into my apartment after dinner.
“Good evening High Alpha.” Lisa bows.
“Good evening Lisa.”
“How was training today?”
“Long, and a bit boring, but don’t tell Eric.” Lisa giggles.
“Actually I’m really tired tonight. I think I’m going to go to bed early.”
“Of course. Do you need anything from me?”
“No, I already ate. I think I’m just going to change and call Andrew.”
“Very good. I will be back in the morning.”
“I don’t have training tomorrow.”
“I know, but I have a surprise for you.” She smiles and winks at me.
“Ok sounds fun, but don’t make it too early.”
“Very well.” Lisa bows and leaves. I go to my room and grab the opal stone.
“Did someone miss me?” I hear Dolus’ voice.
“It’s been a week.”
“So you’ve been counting the days. How sweet.” He appears in the corner of my room.
“No, I just didn’t know it took so long to schedule a meeting.”
“I’ve been busy. But I’m glad to hear you’ve been thinking about me.” He moves in closer.
“So when is the meeting?” I ask placing the stone down.
“In two days. If that is ok with the High Alpha.” He sarcastically bows to me.
“Ok, at night?”
“Yes, since that seems the only time you are available. Tell me, does your mate know what you are up to?”
“Not yet, no.” He steps towards me some more.
“Someone needs to know other than myself.”
“I can tell Lilith.” I suggest.
“Good. Do that.”
“Will it be safe? Should I bring someone with me?”
“I will keep you safe, but someone else should know just in case.” His eyes are looking over every inch of my face.
“I will tell Andrew. About the rogues and you. I just don’t want to over the phone.” He smirks at me.
“Sure. I can keep a secret if you can.”
“I’m not keeping you a secret.”
“Haha ok. I’m not judging. I’ll see you in two days Catalina.” He takes a step back and disappears. I stand there in a moment of silence. I need to tell Andrew as soon as possible.