Hunted

Chapter 15

Chapter 15-Amias' POV

I carried a sleeping Azula back to her cave, getting an awful sense of déjà vu. My heavy heart weighed me down as I was plunged into the darkness of the cavern. My nose twitched as that old, musty smell enveloped me.

                Going to the same corner as before, I gently set Azula down. She looked so innocent. So fragile. Like at any moment she could shatter to a thousand pieces. All because of me. She had every right to hate me.

                Sighing, I tucked a stray strand of knotted hair behind her ear. I mewled when she moved her face into my palm, rubbing against it like a cat. Even if she denied it, she did feel something for me. I’d take whatever consolation I could.

                I took the time to study her face as I’d craved to in my time of imprisonment. Her blonde hair was tangled and messy, leaves and muck sticking to it like a monkey to a tree. Dirt smudges were smeared on her arms and legs, and I could scent the dried blood that still clung to her body. I made a mental note to take her to the river later so she could wash.

                The sound of approaching people made my head snap up. Oh Moon, I really didn’t want to face this shit.

                ‘Man the fuck up already,’ my mind mocked. ‘You’re their Alpha now. Take charge!’

                ‘But what if Alec was right? What if I’m not cut out for this?’ It was the insecure side of me talking. Aku quickly shot it down.

                ‘If you were not cut out for this, then it would have been Alpha Reynolds who prevailed in your encounter,’ Aku assured me. I found myself getting up and walking out of the cave before I could second guess myself, trying hard to focus on Aku’s words rather than the eerie silence. The shocked faces of the few pack mates that had shown up already proved more difficult to ignore. They stood in a ring just outside the clearing, still in the shadows of the trees.

                I don’t know why but my feet carried me over to Reynolds’ body. I stopped when I stood by his head, merely waiting for all of the pack to show up so I could begin. This was one speech that I never wanted to have to repeat.

                It took a few minutes before I felt that everyone was here. At least, that was what I told myself. I didn’t begin early because I felt uncomfortable under their heavy gazes. I didn’t!  

                “I know you’re probably all wondering what the hell happened here,” I began, proud when my voice didn’t shake. “I’ll tell you now that it wasn’t an attack by another pack, nor was it an assault by Lone Wolves.” I paused, sucking in a deep breath. “I did it. I killed him.”

                Almost immediately, everyone began talking. I let them for a minute or two before I tried to call for silence. Key word being tried.

                “Er, guys? Can you be quiet now please?”I called. Even as I was saying it, I knew there wasn’t a chance in hell of my voice carrying over the pack. “Guys?” I tried again. Those that heard me snorted, continuing with their conversations as if I’d never spoken. Bastards.

                ‘Oh, let me handle this,’ Aku snapped, rising up inside me. I felt my eyes burn gold.

                “Everybody quiet!” Aku and I roared together. Everyone turned to face me, surprise clear in their expressions.