ADIRA'S POVAfter making that last observation, I left my hiding spot and headed home. As I got to the border, I wore my clothes and went inside. The warriors watched me with interest, and in some, I could see the judgment in their eyes as I crossed the border lines.Yet they all bowed. “Welcome, Lady Adira,” they said.I nodded, but the stares did not relent.It did not help that I looked dirty, like I had been rolling around in the dirt. I could bet my life that by tomorrow this particular story would be everywhere, fanning the flames of the rumor that I am in cahoots with the rogues. But I did not care. I did not have that luxury, because one thing I have come to know is that people will talk regardless of what you do.I was tired, yet I moved quickly. I needed to see Lumina. I knew Rose or her nanny would have picked her up and taken her home by now, so I headed straight home.But what I did not expect to see was Ryder gently pacing the room with Lumina in his arms. I stopped and
ADIRA'S POVI ran for a while, and when I saw the river Jackson had described on the map, I stopped and shifted back into my human form. I grabbed my phone from the pocket of my pants and opened the map again to see where to head from here.It was a detailed map and easy to read. Once I was certain of the path to take, I changed back into my wolf form, picked up my things, and took off again. The path ahead was rocky, and I had to be more careful. My wolf moved gently down the uneven plane. Sharp stones and pebbles dug into her paw, but she did not give up.At the bottom of the slope, I could now see where I was headed. “We are almost there,” I whispered, and my wolf gave a wolfish nod.From here we had to be cautious so we would not be noticed. I was a lone wolf and no match for the rogue group, and drawing attention to myself would be a mistake.As I prepared to move, I sensed someone and immediately hid. Hiding as a wolf was tricky, but I crouched under the bushes, staying as silen
ADIRA'S POVI did not know what made Ryder think that he could control me, but I was not going to let that happen. I slept angry yesterday, but this morning I was not angry—I used the anger as fuel.The hours I spent with Rose and Roland discussing and making plans with the information Roland supplied had been very insightful. His presence was helpful not only because he had information on rogues, but also because he gave me advice on strategies I could use.I would put the first part of the plan in motion after meeting with them again today. Ryder was not going to stop me.I got ready, carried Lumina, and made my way down the stairs. What I did not expect was Ryder seated in the living room, his legs bouncing anxiously.“What is he still doing here? He should be fine by now,” I thought to myself. “I hope he is not trying to start drama again this morning.” I muttered and continued down.He sprang up as soon as he saw me. “We did not finish talking yesterday.”“We did, and I am not re
RYDER'S POVJackson's words stuck in my mind for the rest of the day. I tried to forget the question he had thrown at me, but it only nagged at me even more.I looked at my table files and papers scattered everywhere. There were still many things to get done. I pressed my temple, massaging softly to ease the ache I was feeling, but the pounding headache did not relent.I sighed and got up. There was no way I could continue working with this much pain. I was tired and hungry, but I did not feel like eating in my office or in the Pack dining hall.And for the first time in a while, I missed the times Adira insisted on making me food at home. I had taken her kindness for granted then, but now I longed for it.I left the office and headed home. Once again, I was going to sleep on an empty stomach, and the headache still would not relent.As I entered the house, I noticed Adira in the kitchen. She was humming a song and slightly swaying to it while she cooked what I assumed was noodles, ju
ADIRA'S POVI dropped Lyra off at the hospital to get treated and headed to the old couple's house. I helped them out with a few things and promised to come by often to see them.Seeing them and spending time with them made me happy, but it also made me sad.The thought that I would never have what they had weighed on me. I wondered how it would feel to have one person you love with your whole heart by your side at all times, even into old age. But I guessed I would never get to find out.By the time I was leaving, the border warriors had changed shifts, and I decided to check if the warrior was now at the omega quarters. I headed straight there, but since I did not know his name, there was no way to find him.So I texted Rose to come see me. I sat in a corner and waited.“Lady Adira, you sent for me,” she said as she arrived.“Yes. I need your help with something,” I told her.“Of course, anything you need help with, I will do my best to help,” she said immediately, her voice filled
RYDER'S POV“Hey, Ryder.” Jackson entered the office and slumped onto the sofa.I raised my head from the documents I was going through and dropped my pen. He only addresses me as Ryder when he is in best friend mode and not dealing with pack business. “What is going on?” I asked.“I am just exhausted. You have been training us too hard lately.” Jackson replied.“That's because we need to do something about the rogue situation. We don't know how many there are; right now we are only estimating their numbers.” I said, worry slipping into my voice.“I understand. We actually need to do something fast because things seem to be escalating, and Lady Adira isn't taking it lightly anymore.” He sighed.I sat up straighter. “What do you mean? Did something happen?” I asked anxiously.“No, not really. I think she handled it pretty well.” Jackson replied, folding his hands behind his head.“What did she do? What happened?” I pressed.“She ordered me to lock up Kaida.” He grinned. “I am not sure