"Let's go cause problems for the Society," I said.
Farley let out a loud chirp of a laugh. "Now you're talking."
He led the way and I followed. As the building came into view, I noticed we bypassed the front door. It was human-sized, likely for the alphas’ use. It wasn't like the human buildings I'd seen in books growing up. Since the Society alphas couldn't bring in materials with trucks like humans could, they were stuck using local materials. But as finch shifters, they had the innate ability to build a good nest, and that extended to this base as well.
There were two wings to the building. One was luxurious, with awnings that covered open-air units. Without a doubt, that wing belonged to the alphas.
The other wing was well-constructed as well, but not so luxurious. I saw the aviary and its mesh walls. It was connected to a covered side building where I assumed the omegas spent the rest of their time when they weren't in flight. Thinking about them being stuck in a small covered area with no freedom disgusted me.
"This way," Farley said under his breath.
He hopped towards the aviary. Finches darted around inside the flight run, all chattering together. I froze when I saw a single human standing among them. I scented the air. He was an alpha.
"That alpha’s guarding them, isn't he?" I asked.
Farley was quiet for a while, examining the alpha. There was an edge of concern in his voice, though I didn't quite know why. "Yeah. It's the same guy I gave the slip when I escaped." He shook it off and faced me. "This is our chance. Even if he does notice us, we can hold him off while the others escape." He frowned deeply. "But there's one problem. I don't know if the omegas will leave so readily."
I remembered what Farley had said about the omegas who had grown up at the Society and didn't know any other way. I knew it might be hard for them to accept our help, as well-meaning as it was.
"What should we do?" I asked.
Farley frowned in concentration as he surveyed the aviary. He seemed to be looking for someone. "I need to talk to Emory," he said.
"Is he your friend?" I asked.
"He is. But I feel responsible for him too. Like I’m his older brother or something."
I smiled at the cute mental image.
"Sure. Lead the way," I said.
Farley hesitated. "Might be best if you stay hidden for now. The alphas laid it on thick about the omegas getting eaten by predators, especially foxes. If they see you before I can explain, they might panic."
I nodded in understanding. Farley's small size was an asset right now. He was basically invisible. Unfortunately, I was a different story. My bright red fur, pointy ears, and big bushy tail were big signs that shouted, 'Look at me!'
I stayed in the shadow of the trees as Farley hopped up to the aviary. It was difficult to see what was happening and I was too far away to hear anything except chatter.
But I didn't focus on the aviary for very long because I suddenly felt a cold presence behind me.
The fur on the back of my neck rose. I whirled around.
A tall, pale figure stood behind me. Oddly, he didn't have a scent at all. That's how I knew he wasn't human, and if that wasn't clear enough, the horns on his head and the black claws confirmed it.
Then it struck me. He was a spirit, like Mistral.
"Are you Animus?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
He smiled coldly. "Oh, good. Then I don't have to explain myself."
The chill in his voice struck a chord of fear in me. My fur stood on end.
"And you must be the alpha that Farley thinks so dearly about," Animus said with a sneer. He obviously didn't think very highly of me, even though I'd never met him before.
Despite his frightening energy, I wasn't going to let him lay a finger on Farley. I told my mate that I would protect him and I meant it.
I stood my ground, digging my claws into the earth. "What do you want from Farley?"
"Nothing."
