From The Ashes

Chapter Twenty-Three

Dusk was beginning to settle over the lands as the five of us quietly made our way out of the hidden entrance of the safe house.

We dared not to breathe a word yet. We still weren't sure who could be out here. We were all donned in darker colored outdoor gear, hiking boots, and each of us had a small survival pack consisting of a fire starter, small snacks, water bottles, knives, twine, first aid kits, and flashlights with extra batteries.

We'd be travelling in wolf form for most of the way, but we wanted to be prepared in case we spent the night out in the woods. 

We each swiftly undressed and put our clothes into our packs before shifting.

King Ruben had given me an earthy-tasting concoction before we left that would allow me to temporarily mind-link the group until we could do the initiation.

He had hinted that if Valen and I would just complete the mating ritual that it wouldn't matter, but he shut his mouth very quickly when he saw the glare I was giving him.  

I looked around, my new eyes adjusting to the light. Sienna was bouncing around in my head. She didn't like confined spaces and was ecstatic to be out for an undetermined amount of time tonight.

I glanced over at Valen and found him already watching me with a playful expression. Sienna, on the other hand, was literally drooling over Orion's shiny black coat and piercing red eyes. 

"Let me take control for the night. Orion and I need to get closer," she basically panted at me. 

"Yeah, how about no. Tonight is a mission night. There will be other nights for you two to run and frolic." 

She growled at me and I sighed. As annoying as she could be, I could understand her frustrations. She wanted to be close to her mate.

By now, a mated pair usually let's their wolves take control for a night so they can grow closer and make the bond stronger.

I was the one holding up the process, so I couldn't blame Sienna for being a little resentful toward me. I bet Orion was giving Valen hell, too. 

"You bet he is." Valen's voice rang clearly through my mind. I whipped my head over to him in horror. He snorted at my humiliated expression. 

"You forgot to put your walls up," he explained. I cringed. 

"Sorry, it's been a while." 

"If you two lovebirds are done over there," came Von's voice, "then we should really get going."

Artemis snickered at his side, and I growled at her playfully. She just flipped her tail at me in return. Aislinn gently bumped my shoulder as she passed by and sent me a wink. I rolled my eyes. 

It was decided that Von and Artemis would take point and lead us through the woods, while Aislinn, Valen, and I would take up the rear. We stepped up in formation. 

"Ready?" Von asked. 

"Ready," we replied in unison.

He let out a huff and shot off toward the trees. We wasted no time in following. Artemis caught up to him quickly, and ran gracefully by his side.

They looked so regal together, his chestnut brown fur matched the darker parts on her ears and tail, but otherwise her light blonde fur was a stark contrast to his.

They were incredibly in sync with each other as they ran. Their movements were fluid and graceful, but also careful and well timed. 

You'd think they'd known each other a lifetime already.