Blood Ties

12

Game plan
~
Accalia
~

Accalia fell back against the armchair, her back stinging but eyes hurting more. The living room was overcrowded. The Fenris brothers with Nina and Tala, Gabriel making sure Rexton maintained a bridge of distance from Cadence who sent him daggers every chance she had.

The hunters surrounded Accalia like a swarm of bees, Tristan behind her, Erisa and Cadence sticking on her sides with their judgements unflinching as ever.

"Wait," Rexton stood taller than everyone else, doe-eyes widening at the unfolding conversation. "They're after her?"

Accalia saw from her peripheral vision that Rexton's acknowledgement of Cadence wasn't appreciated.

"And Accalia," Gabriel added for Rexton, resting a hand on his shoulder.

Rexton frowned and stepped back with an unreadable expression dawning upon him.

A day had passed and everyone was stepping on eggshells around each other. The hunters stuck together and Cadence couldn't wander far without Gabriel watching every hall she took and step she made. Accalia gathered he was doing this for both her and Rexton.

Accalia couldn't go far without Lycus being by her side, asking her every few minutes if she needed anything, if her stitches were fine or if she needed the healers.

Continuously, she had to assure him she was in good condition and on all accounts, he wasn't convinced. When he had to leave her, Tala would replace him, dancing around the same questions with much more spunk and humour that Accalia didn't mind hearing.

Lycus played the role of a distant brother when it came to Rexton. Avoiding him until he had to bark orders at him, watching over him when Rexton didn't notice and ignoring all the questions Accalia asked when it came to the little Fenris brother.

Lycus wasn't just protective, but obsessive — obsessed with something that linked to Rexton.

Nina busied herself in the kitchen, preparing the menu of breakfast, lunch and dinners — no happy family dinners were beckoned around a table and everyone distanced across the manor, staying in their selective groups.

And Alexene had yet to make a return, a return no one wanted but Rexton.

"For all we know, Zenith and Cole could send more wolves to spy on us." Lycus sneered, crossing his arms over his broad chest and sent Tala a sharp look. "Beta, I need you to double patrolling, whatever wolves are around that aren't Fenris, kill them or if you can, torture them until you get information out of them. Practice on your wolf side, try and harness that side of yourself without the curse of the full moon. That goes for every other werewolf."

Tala dug her hands into her back pockets and nodded respectfully. "Of course, Alpha."

Tala couldn't get out of the manor fast enough, shooting Accalia a grin before leaving.

"Nina," Gabriel said to his mate and pulled her into his chest, "You need to go back home to take care of things. I will be staying here to watch over the pack and Rexton."

"There is no need to watch over me, brother—" Rexton was shortly silenced.

Gabriel shook his head. "No—"

"Fuck no." Lycus snapped.

Rexton looked like he wanted to disappear into the walls and never resurface.

Accalia tilted her head, noticing how out of place Rexton looked. He wore a long striped sweater and wide jeans, the attire draping over his towering size.