18
Xander
Understanding cameto me in a flood. I sought out Sage. The realization had dawned on him as well. He wore a beaming grin brighter than the sun.
“We know where your mother is,” I told Nishiki in a hurry.
“What?” he said softly, his eyes widening. He leapt to his feet. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. She’s not far, only a couple days journey.”
“We saw her just a few months ago!” Sage added excitedly. “And not just me, but two other omegas in our pack too. She’s the doctor we all see to confirm our pregnancies!”
Nishiki’s jaw hung open before he closed it. “That’s—that’s her! She was a doctor!” He laughed with abundant joy. “I can’t believe this! But—wait, I can’t go see her without my brother. Nero has to know, too.”
Sage searched my expression, probably waiting for me to refuse. I understood why he expected that reaction from me. I’d spent so long thinking about Nero a certain way—negatively—that it was difficult for me to change it. But if that was the truth, then there was no point in hanging on to my hatred. It was poison. If it was undeserved, then I needed to expunge it.
The old Xander never would have bothered, but Sage had changed me. He was always so bright and trusting, but he wasn’t as naïve as I’d first thought. He gave people credit where it was due and didn’t jump to conclusions like I did. This whole time, it was possible that he’d been right about Nero. I was the one who was wrong.
“Then let’s go find him,” I suggested.
Sage stared at me. “Xander…”
I smirked. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
“No! You just surprised me,” he said with a smile.
Sage glanced down as Starry began fussing in his arms. She opened her jaws in a small yowl, feeling restless from being carried for so long. When he put her down, she stared at Nishiki with round blue kitten eyes bursting with curiosity.
Nishiki’s gaze softened. “You two should stay here. You have a baby to take care of. I’ll find Nero.”
I appreciated his concern, but I also doubted he’d be able to find Nero on his own.
“If anyone can track him down, it’s me and Sage,” I stated. “Sage’s wolf nose and my sharp mountain lion eyes are more efficient than your senses are. No offense.”
Nishiki sighed, fidgeting with the edge of his long hair. “It’s all right. I know I’m not much use as a koi, even if Ididknow how to shift. Which I don’t.”
“Not yet,” Sage corrected with a smile. “But you will. We’ll teach you. I promise it’s not that hard.”
Nishiki smiled kindly back at him. “Thank you.” He turned to me. “But are you okay with bringing your daughter along?”
“All we’re going to do is check the town and scout the area. Nothing dangerous. Besides, she’s safest with us,” I stated. “I know you’re new to being an alpha, but trust me, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect my baby.”
He must have seen the furious spark in my eyes because he slowly nodded in understanding. “I believe you.”
I went to Sage’s side and put my arm around him. Starry craned her head back to look at both of us and let out a tiny determined yowl. I smiled. A human infant would’ve been too fragile to bring along, but Starry was already solid and alert, ready to go wherever her parents took her.
Sage chuckled. “Of course no stubborn kid of mine wants to be left behind.” He stretched with a satisfied grunt. “Oh, yeah. It’s finally time. I’ve been stuck in a den forwaytoo long. I’ve been itching for an adventure! What are we waiting for?”
* * *
After tellingthe pack our plans, we decided it would be best to move as a small group. Too many of us would attract attention, and if our goal was to stealthily hunt Nero down, we’d have to keep our numbers low. But as soon as we mentioned it, Remington immediately told us he was coming along. I had no problem with that—his pitch-black fur would blend into the shadows perfectly, and he knew the town and manor layout better than anyone.
As all of us shifted into our animal forms, ready to head out, Nishiki fiddled with his hair.
“Er… Is it okay that I’m in this form?” he asked.
“It’s fine. There’s nothing you can do about it,” I said honestly. “Humans won’t find the sight of another human strange. Besides, it might help Nero pick you out of the crowd.”
