A knock on my bedroom door alerts me that someone is here and I smile. It’s either Caspian or Jett coming to report to me.
“You in here Rune?” Jett calls out as my door opens before promptly being shut once more.
“By the window. Keep the lights off so that we don’t attract attention.” I answer over my shoulder before returning my attention back to the window. I listen as Jett shuffles around my room and let out a laugh as he curses when he stubs his toe on something – most likely my bed. Then he is beside me, his hand reaching out to push the curtain out of the way as we watch the Eastern border.
“How many are leaving today?” I ask, feeling some of the weight of responsibility falling of my shoulders. Today is the first day of our plan being enacted after three weeks of waiting and biding our time. Those that are too scared to stay here in Pine Moon will be leaving and meeting with the Crescent Phoenix warriors. Three days after Jett reached out for help, the Alpha returned the call with a plan in place. Caspian and Jett took the call in Brynlee’s old house away from prying eyes and ears. When the meeting concluded, Caspian linked me to meet them there so that I can sign some form that the Lawyer for Crescent Phoenix made. All I am to know is that every fourteen days a group of our wolves will leave for their safety.
“Twelve today. Mostly Omegas with pups that Valor wont miss and two Warriors with their own pups.” I close my eyes and send a silent prayer to the Goddess that she will keep these wolves safe. Pups are our future in the packs and without them, we cease to grow stronger. I just hope that Crescent Phoenix keeps their word and trains each one of them to become stronger.
“You are doing the right thing Rune.” Jett places a hand on my shoulder and smiles at me. It’s the same way my father told me I did the right thing the day I rejected Brynlee. Back then I had to convince myself that his words were true, but now I see that they weren’t. Brynlee would have focused on training everyone from the pups to the elders. She would have made sure that everyone could fight against an enemy and protect themselves as best as they can. With Jett’s praise, I feel like he is right. That I am giving these wolves a future where they will live happily outside of Tanya’s and my father’s reach.
“Have you briefed this Lilac person on what these wolves strengths are?” I ask. It turns out this Beta went by the nickname Lilac and that Caspian and her are friends. No one will tell me her real name and curiosity has gotten the better of me a few times, ending in Caspian’s wrath that lasted for a week before I finally apologized and promised not to peek at his phone again.
“Yes. She knows what to expect and has careers lined up for them. She plans to promote Omegas into lower ranks of Warriors and Hunters if they have the strength.” Jett chuckles and my mind wanders back to Brynlee. She had said something similar a few years back about how some Omegas are able to become stronger and reach the rank of a Warrior. That we should promote them and strengthen the pack. No one listened to her, not unless her parents or my Aunt and Uncle were backing her. I start wondering if Lilac may be Brynlee but push the idea out of my mind. Brynlee is gone and I will need to find her once all the wolves who want to leave Pine Moon are gone as I don’t plan to stay much longer afterwards.
Jett and I stand by the window in silence, lost to our own thoughts. Caspian is on patrol tonight at the East Border. It is how we are able to sneak so many wolves away from the pack. Each operation will take place like this with Jett or Caspian on patrol while I wait in my room for confirmation of everyone safely in Crescent Phoenix custody. From what I know, transportation has been provided for everyone and that the ten-day trip has been cut short to only seven days.
“How have you been feeling lately?” Jett breaks the silence and I groan, rubbing a hand along the side of my face and feeling the scars left there. I have learned to live with the physical reminder of what I did to Brynlee and have grown used to my reflection being marred.
“Not good. Tanya kept asking me to be more intimate with her throughout the last few weeks but the idea of touching her makes me sick.” I answer with a groan. After learning that having sex with another she-wolf will harm Brynlee, I have kept my distance from Tanya. The thought of touching that whore again and hurting Brynlee further just made me feel sick.
“I am glad that She has gone to Blood Claws for a while.” Walking towards my bed and leaving Jett at the curtains, I flop onto it before clutching at a pillow. My room no longer smells like Brynlee after six weeks have passed.
“Thankfully, the wedding was pushed back as she has to stay at Blood Claws while they celebrate her final moments being part of that pack.” Jett adds, coming to sit beside me. I smirk. The wedding was supposed to be this Friday but with Tanya leaving, she will not be back for a while. It gives me time to plan my own escape once this plan concedes.
“Hopefully I wont be here when she returns.” I muse, turning to lay on my back and stare at the dark ceiling above. I have a mate to find. A mate to apologize and beg for forgiveness. I need Brynlee and I am pissed it took me so long to realize this.
“Neither will Caspian or I. We plan to leave with the last of those escaping Pine Moon.” Jett sighs out. The room returns to a comfortable silence once more. I turn and check the time on my alarm clock and note that it’s been about an hour since Jett entered my room. Everyone should be long gone by now with the Crescent Phoenix wolves.
[Checking in.] Right on time Caspian’s voice enters my head.
[How was it?] I ask, sitting up in bed as my eyes meets Kurts.
[Good. Everyone made it on this cool tour bus that Crescent Phoenix brought and they are leaving now. Give it another thirty minutes and they will renounce their status as pack members.] I silently cheer at this information as Jett and I high five each other. The first attempt went smoothly as Caspian continues to explain the process. What little snags he faced and how we will handle them as well as what we should prepare the next group for. It is clear this Lilac person knows a thing or two about organizing missions and for that I am grateful.
When all is said and done and before I set off to find Brynlee again, I want to meet this Lilac person and thank her for all her dedication in helping us.