Adira's Journey

New Journeys

**Adira's POV**

I could hardly sleep. My mind was going crazy with every scenario I could think of. Zeke finding his mate and rejecting her, choosing me but me not choosing him. Zeke choosing her and then having to watch them both in love while Bedelia made us feel like we were dying. Among so many more. I lay in bed, watching the minutes tick by, knowing I have to be up in less than ten minutes. I am not angry for Zeke wanting to try and clear things up, but why did he have to do it right before I was to go to bed? Now I was going to be exhausted on the first day of our journey. 

I looked at the clock and saw that only one minute has passed. Unable to take it anymore I decided to go ahead and start my day, no matter how tired I was. Even though I showered last night I decided to take a cold rinse off to help wake me up. After I was done, I dressed in my black ripped skinny jeans, boots, and a red crop top that brought out the deep red of my eyes. I let my long black hair hang naturally down my back and I carried my bags downstairs and threw them by the SUV that we were taking. 

It was now four in the morning and most of the pack was still sound asleep except those on watch and others that are up early getting ready for physical training in the fields. I sat on the hood of the SUV, staring up at the dark sky while waiting on the others. I felt a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, the same eerie feeling I get when something is about to happen. I didn't know to be scared or excited. 

"You're up early." A voice came from behind me. It was Viktor. The wild card that was good at channeling his anger. "I'll admit when I heard that you would be leading the team with Ezekiel, I wasn't happy about it."

"Am I supposed to care what makes you happy?" I went back to staring up at the sky, hoping he would stop talking. 

"But then I got to thinking... those red eyes really do strike fear in a lot of people. Might make the mission go smoother and faster." I hated people pointing out my red eyes and he knows it. 

"Viktor, would you like me to remind you what happens when I am being pestered?"

He chuckled lightly and I could see in the corner of my eyes him raising his hands in surrender. Finally it was quiet, and Viktor left me alone to sit on the ground, by the back right tire. I was starting to get impatient because we were supposed to be on the road already and yet only Viktor and I were on time. I hopped off the hood and started walking towards the building where most unmated males were housed who didn't want to live with their parents anymore, including Zeke. Kind of like a dormitory. 

I knew exactly where the rest of the team's rooms were, and I planned on giving them a rude awakening. I banged on each one of their doors and dragged them out by their ears like children. Peter and Nicholas were dressed and moving like zombies so they weren't difficult to get out of the building. Daniel and Eric, the brothers, were another story. They were still in bed, in their boxers. When one of them answered the door and saw me they immediately started running around the room trying to hurry up. 

"I want you both downstairs before I am or you will not like the outcome." I growled and felt my eyes blaze like an angry fire. "Don't try me, boys. I haven't slept and I am ready to go!" 

Finally I made my way to Zeke's room. Most of my anger towards him because not only did he make me lose sleep, but he was a team lead and should have been the first downstairs! When I got to his door, I banged on it hard but there was no answer. I groaned in frustration and knocked again. 

"Ezekiel, you better wake your ass up because I will not hesitate to leave you here!" I yelled but still there was no answer. I pulled out the spare key I had and opened his door. When I pushed the door open I wasn't ready to see what was hiding behind the door. Instead of letting my emotions get the best of me, I swallowed hard and put my mask on. The mask I should have never taken down for anyone. "We're leaving in five minutes whether you're ready or not." I simply said and walked away. 

(How could he do that? Why?)     This is what I meant, Bedelia. Protecting ourselves is better than letting our guard down and getting hurt. 

(There has to be an explanation.)     There is. He either never cared, or he is just stupid. 

(But-)     Enough, 'Lia. I'm going to keep whatever pride I have left and just move forward. I'm not going to back out of this opportunity over a f*****g guy. We keep our distance and you lock away whatever feelings you had for him because he obviously doesn't respect us.

Bedelia didn't have anything to say but I could feel her pain start to take over. I hated it because her heart ache was mine and I didn't want to be weak for anyone, especially a guy. I stalked down the stairs and was pleased to see the rest of the guys by the car waiting. They looked alert and ready and that made me feel a little better. 

"We leave in four minutes. I don't care if Zeke is here or not." I said in a monotone voice, hiding any emotion. "Load up." The men started to load the bags in the trunk and I climbed into the passenger seat. Zeke was supposed to drive but I don't even want to be in the same vehicle as him, let alone sit right next to him. "Viktor, you were the only one on time besides me. You're driving." 

As we started to pile in the vehicle I saw Zeke running up the path with his duffel in his hand, shirt unbuttoned and shoes untied. "Look, Zeke's is doing the walk of shame." Viktor joked. 

"More like the run of shame." Nicholas joined in and they all chuckled lightly. 

It was a punch to the gut but I ignored it. Everyone knew that Zeke had a thing for me but also knew that I only saw him as a friend. I ignored their comments and stared out of the window as Zeke climbed in the backseat behind me. I could smell that other she wolf on him and her strong cheap perfume stung my nose. I felt Bedelia whine in my head and I blocked her out, not wanting to make this any worse than it needed to be. 

"Let's go." I ordered Viktor and we started to head out of the pack borders. 

Zeke: Adira-

Adira: Don't. Just don't. 

Zeke: At least let me try and explain. It wasn't what it looked like. 

Adira: I didn't see you trying to hurry up and put your pants on while a naked woman was tangled in your sheets? 

Zeke: Adira, please-

Adira: Leave me alone, Zeke. Just leave me alone. 

I felt stupid for even being upset about the situation. I told Zeke over and over again that I was not in love with him, but it hurt seeing him with someone else. Not because I wanted him for myself, I came to terms with the fact that he would never truly be mine, but because he knows he has a mate out there, a true love, and he betrayed her. That is what bothers me. He has a chance at being happy with someone who was made for him while I am cursed to go through life alone. How can he be so blessed and be so stupid? 

Zeke would try to keep mind linking me every few minutes, but I finally closed off my mind and tried to take a nap. I was not only exhausted from lack of sleep but emotionally exhausted because Bedelia was driving me crazy with her heartbreak. I told her not to choose Zeke, he was never ours, but she didn't listen. I was wrong to shelter our heart so much but this only proved that I was right. Sleep soon overtook me and I was relieved to have a break from it all. 

I had hoped that my sleep would be an escape but it was the opposite. It was worse. Like Bedelia's pain was manifesting itself and shoving it in my face what I had seen. What I wished I hadn't seen. I could have just mind linked him and then I wouldn't have known anything at all, but for how long. A pack is like a small town, soon everyone knows your business and soon I would have heard about it. Ignorance isn't bliss, it just delays the pain that is inevitable. 

I watched over and over the same ten seconds. Opening the door, seeing him pulling up his pants, her in the bed covering her breasts with the blanket, then his shocked face when he saw me. Each time hurt more and more. Why was my mind doing this to me? I was trying to just let it go and accept reality of being alone, but my mind was a cruel dark place that wanted to cause me pain. 

My torment was interrupted by someone shaking my shoulder. I jumped up and looked around, seeing that we were at our first destination and only Zeke and I were still in the SUV. "Are you okay? You sounded like you were having a nightmare." His face was sad and concerned but I knew it was just guilt eating him. Did he even need to feel guilty? I wasn't his girlfriend or his mate. 

"I've lived nightmares. I'll be fine." I pulled my arm away because his hand was still resting at the top of my shoulder. "How long have we been here?" 

"Just a few minutes. I told the guys to let you sleep while we unloaded." Zeke looked away, and I could have sworn his eyes were glistening with unshed tears. Why would he be the one hurting? He made his choice and he didn't feel bad about it then. "Adira, I messed up-"

"It doesn't matter." I interrupted him and sighed in defeat. I wasn't going to let this get in the way with the reason I was here. "You're not my boyfriend or my mate. Nothing to worry about." 

I unbuckled myself and pushed passed him when I jumped out of the SUV. As soon as my feet touched the ground, I put on my 'no bullshit' face and went to find the pack leaders. Without a care in the world, I walked into the pack house without even knocking or being invited in. Something that I did on purpose to show them that I was here under the King's orders and their rank means s**t to me. 

"We have been expecting you." A woman came around the corner. I am guessing the Luna. "We would have been happy to escort you in." I could hear the irritation in her voice, and the bitchy side of me was happy I got under her skin. 

"I do not need an escort. I am sure I can find my way around just fine." I smiled, which only irritated her further. "I am here because my brother, the King, says you have a bit of a rogue problem." I got straight to the point, wanting to hurry up and move on from here to another place. I was already bored. "Show me where they come from."

"They come from random directions." A man coming down the grand staircase answered. He looked about my age, maybe a few years older. He was good looking, but he was only pleasing to the eye. His smile and posture just gave the impression that he was a man w***e. "My name is Patrick. The Beta. I would be happy to show you where they most frequently come from."

"Show us, please." Zeke called from behind me. I could feel the tension radiating off of his body. I rolled my eyes, sensing his jealousy. 

"Actually, Zeke." I turned to look at him and he narrowed his eyes at me. "I need you to talk to the Alpha and discuss what we need in order to do our jobs. Lodging, food, access to the grounds without being attacked by their security."

"I can handle that later, Adira." He countered. 

"You will handle it now, Zeke." I ordered harshly. My voice thickening with the undertone of my wolf. It was about time Bedelia set aside the pity and let herself be angry. Anger was better than crying. "That is an order." 

I could feel Patrick's on me curiously, but I ignored it. I was here to do a job. That is it. "Then it is settled." Patrick's voice boomed. "Oh and I have a guest room that you can stay in Miss Adira. On my floor."

Before Zeke could interject, I answered for myself. "That won't be necessary. I prefer to sleep outside when given the opportunity."

"The invitation is always open. Shall we head out?" The Beta was putting on his best smile, but it did nothing for me. I am sure he's never been rejected before and has been able to make any she wolf swoon, but I was not just any female. His flattery was wasted. "So, um, Zeke was it? The Alpha is in his office just down that way." I didn't miss the wink Patrick sent his way. So childish. 

Patrick lead me through the pack house to the side door and towards the tree line. "When did you last see the rogues?" I asked, making sure to keep a good distance from him. 

"Maybe three days ago. They have been coming more frequently. It used to just be once every couple of weeks then once a week, now every few days." He tried to step closer to me, to which I moved away again. "Zeke? Is he your-"

"He's my friend." I answered in a bored tone and then switched back to business. "How do they get passed your security without being detected until it's too late? My brother said that they already have their hands full and are leaving by the time they are noticed." He moved closer to me again and this time I pushed him away. "Beta Patrick. I am here on a business matter. If you don't know how to be professional, I am sure my brother would like to know your mind is on other things than the importance of your pack."

Patrick smiled at me in amusement. I could see that the only way I was going to get him in his place was by force. I won't embarrass my brother, but this douche better keep his hands to himself or I will not hesitate to put him face down in the dirt. As we walked further into the tree line, I picked up a scent. My senses are better than a normal wolf so I know Patrick couldn't sense anything. The intruder was trying to hide themselves but I could sniff out anyone. 

"Head back to the house." I told Patrick without so much as a glance his way. 

"I don't take orders from you." He scoffed and chuckled. Which only pissed me off further. 

"You take orders from the King and I am here under his law. Get back to the house. Now." I growled and he flinched. Bedelia's growl could make anyone flinch. I even made my brother flinch one time which was an interesting day. "Hesitate to obey my orders again and I'll show you just who is in charge here."

Patrick looked at me with disdain and it was a good switch from interest. After his footsteps were no longer heard, I continued forward, following the scent. I didn't have to walk far because my hearing picked up a heartbeat that was just a few yards away. Beating loud and fast. Nervous. Afraid. 

"How about you stop hiding and tell me why you are stealing from this pack?" I called out. No one came out but they didn't try to run either. "I'm Adira. My brother is Roman, the King of all werewolves. If there is a way we can help, please come out and tell me what you need?" 

This caught there attention because I saw a head peek out from a tree ahead of me. She stepped out slowly and I could see she was malnourished and dirty. "Is your brother really the King?" She timidly whispered. 

"Yes." I answered simply, trying to make my voice as soft as I could. 

She walked a few steps forward, shivering and afraid. "We aren't stealing, you know? We're just trying to survive since we got rejected and kicked out." I saw her flinch at the word 'rejected'. 

"Explain." I sat on tree stump nearby. Making sure not to move too fast so I wouldn't scare her. 

"I turned eighteen about two months ago. I found my mate and thought he was happy, but he rejected me. Then when everyone blamed him for me sinking into a depression he threw me out of the pack. Others started doing the same when they were unhappy with their mate and didn't even want to see their face anymore." She turned around and I looked where she did, and I saw in the far distance more people walking towards us. Maybe about seven or eight. "We tried to go to other packs, but the Beta here won't allow another pack to take us in."

"The Beta? Patrick?" She flinched again and a tear filled her eyes. "He was the one that rejected you." I whispered and she nodded sadly. "Even though it is in his right to reject you, he does not have the authority to kick you out of your home. To kick any of you out." I looked behind her to talk to the others. "I will solve this immediately. My brother has made it clear that banishment goes through him and him only."

"We don't want to go back." She reached for my hand. "We want a home, a pack, but not here. Please."

"I'll make sure of it. For now, will you accept food and shelter at your old pack? I'll be with you the whole time." I squeezed her hand and she laughed and cried in relief. 

I walked back to the pack house, hand in hand with the young girl. When we walked through the front door she froze. Her eyes were fixed on Zeke when she whispered. "Mate."