Frowning, I realize he’s correct. “There must be something we can do,” I say. “If he calls for help, we can at least send some of the pack, right?”
He nods without hesitation. “I’ve already assembled a team with Alix. They are on standby. That also includes if your mates need assistance.” Pausing, he narrows his eyes at me. “But I hope you’re aware, that wouldn’t involve you.”
Seeing the hurt on my face, he sighs, a reminder I’m inconveniencing him with my feelings again and he has to console me as alpha leader like it’s the worst part of the job.
Wellsorryfor having so many mates. I guess my anxiety is tripled.
“You’re more beneficial either here or with your mates. Since it isn’t in anyone’s best interests to have you separated where possible or have you as a target in a foreign pack, you’re needed here.”
“Are you saying I’m beneficial to you?” I tease, unable to help it.
Surprisingly, Alpha Daxton just holds our intense stare before finally nodding. “We selected you for a reason, Stevens. Despite yourbehavioral challengesAlix and I were aware that you possessed qualities of strength.”
“I’m touched,” I mumble, though my tone is more sincere than both of us expect. Relaxing, I let out a deep breath. “I just wish there was more I could do.”
“You’re doing enough,” he replies firmly. “Grace could always use the help, and now that we know what we are dealing with, we can put measures in place to mitigate risks. Your research has also been crucial.”
Nodding, I take that as a sign to continue, motivated to press on and see what I can find.
Alpha Daxton seems to appreciate that, returning to his own work in silence.
Occasionally, I check in on my mates or chat with Mira. Finally, when the sun starts to set over Shadow Creek, I excuse myself.
“I’m so glad you are here, Nyxie,” Dad says, pushing the mashed potatoes toward me.
“Me too,” I murmur, giving him and Mom a tight smile. “It feels weird to have gone from seeing you every day to suddenly being absent a lot.”
Mom reaches across the table, grasping my hand in a comforting squeeze. “We were ready for it.”
“Really?” I gawk at her. “You knew I was going to be some superfreak of nature?”
She throws me an exasperated look. “I meant it’s common for mated wolves to slowly move away from home. You’re not a freak, Nyx.”
Dad laughs, clearly trying to break the nerves and tension. “Sweetheart, we always knew you were special. It was a surprise for us, but everything happens for a reason. Look at Lena.”
I nod. “Lex says the way to look at it is we were brought together and found each other because of all this. Part of me can’t help but wonder what would have happened to me and Lena if the world wasn’t in chaos.”
Mom smiles softly. “You would have found each other, one way or another. The pull would eventually lead you there.”
“Where?” I laugh dryly. “I would have been wandering around, pivoting confused in different directions. Mira would have gotten dizzy.”
We continue dinner, joking and making small talk, but I can’t help but feel the unsettling feeling of dread pooling in my stomach. I don’t know how to explain it, and there’s no way I can voice it, but it feels like something is about to go very wrong.
Chapter Six
Nyx
Thankfully, I managed a little more sleep last night.
Once again, I stayed up late chatting to the guys, and at some point, I think I fell asleep while mind linking.
The morning sun streaming through the bedroom window woke me, and after having a shower, I went searching for coffee.
Caffeinated to the max, I throw my shoes on, darting out into the blaring sunlight and head to the training facility. I’m scheduled to practice and train today, and I didn’t need to ask Alpha Daxton if I was required to attend. I wanted to.
I’m not sure if it’s the need to keep busy, or wanting to be ready, but for the first time in a long time, I was keen.
Lena and Reese meet me at the edge of the field, both equally surprised to see me.
