The Infinite White

Chapter 40 - No-Mans-Land

I was up before the sun had risen, today was the day, and it seemed I wasn't the only one anxious. When I came downstairs everyone was awake, mom already had breakfast up on the bar, Amber and Cole were sitting together at the dining room table and dad was just returning from a run. They all stared at me as I entered the room, the heaviness of what was expected of me pressed down on my shoulders and felt it hard to move, hard to breathe. Dad sighed as he entered the kitchen and grabbed some toast from the pile, 

"All the wolves are awake and ready, Alpha Viceras is waiting for you Cole" dad nodded towards him and Cole took that as his cue to leave, he kissed Amber on the head before heading for the door and looking back at me, he bowed his head to me, 

"I'll see you soon" he spoke before taking off out the door, 

"You need to eat Love, it's going to be a long day" Mom brought a plate of fruit over to me, 

"I'm sorry but I don't think I can stomach anything at the moment" I move my mouth away from the plate she all but shoved in my face. I walked towards dad who was now piling bacon onto his plate. 

"I want you guys to stay home" I voiced, and he looked at me in shock, 

"Don't be absurd you think I'm going to let you meet those hunters all on your own you're out of your mind" he scoffed walking over to the dining table, 

"I won't be alone, but if things don't go the way they are intended to go, I want you, all of you right here far away from it all" I explain, 

"I know there will be others there, but I don't trust them to protect you like I can" I went to argue but Infinite White or not one look from my father showed I would not be able to order him to do anything. I turned to Amber, 

"Don't worry Cole already gave me the speech" she rolled her eyes, "But be careful, all of you" I nod. 

"I'll meet you at the pack house" I told dad before taking off myself. 

***

Dad was right, when I got there wolves were clustered all over the lawn, some had formed a group surrounding the bunker, others were discussing how they believed the outcome of today was going to go. 

All, stopped and stared at me as I approached, most bowing their heads in respect, today wasn't a day for cheer, today was a razors edge and one wrong move and everything could fall apart. I moved swiftly into the pack house and made my way from Holden's office, I hadn't seen him in a couple days and I couldn't stop my heart from hammering in my chest, Cooper, Cole and Alpha Viceras were all inside the office and by their good graces they left me collect myself before I walked in. My eyes automatically went to Holden's who flicked his away instantly which made my heart drop. I simply took a breath before turning to the other three who had I been planning this day with. 

I nodded for them to start. 

"The clearing is all laid out, some wolves are already there, as are some hunters, I have Tala there to keep the peace and Taylor is there too to stay the hunters. Your dad will join the wolves soon and then all that's left is for us to grab former Alpha Knight and take him to the clearing" Cole spoke to me, his eyes flicking to Holden to monitor his reaction when he mentioned his father, but he stayed stoic, masked but I could feel him, he couldn't hide his feelings from me, so I ignored them. 

"Now all we have to do is pray to the mother that everything goes smoothly, we can't step one foot wrong today, otherwise war will break out and the casualties will be high" I reminded them. I stoned my face and tried to keep my emotions under wraps as I turned to Holden, 

"If you can't handle it, you must stay here" I tell him, 

"I'll handle it" he says, his eyes trained on the wall behind me, not on me, I let my anger slip slightly before reigning it back in.