The Last Of Us

TRUST ME

This was the last fucking thing I needed. Some big bad Alpha using my sister as bait for me because he thinks I killed his warriors. Now my sister's life was being endangered for shit I had nothing to do with.

Better yet, how was I going to convince him that it wasn't me.

I couldn't even get his beta to believe it wasn't me, so sweet talking my way out of this was out of the question.

I'd have to do something to prove my innocence. Whatever it was, I would have to think about it on the way to his pack territory, because time was running out.

According to the cocky bastard who now had a name Jace, it would take us at-least six hours in wolf form to get to their territory, seven if we went the safer route, which we both knew wasn't an option.

I had returned to my office after leaving the cells. I told Jace we'd be leaving at noon, before I sent a warrior down to bring him some leftover food from breakfast. He'd need his energy for the travel.

I also had his silver cuffs removed earning a few growls of disapproval from the she-wolf's on duty. I quickly shut them up with a glare. I didn't have time for people questioning my motives.

Plus I knew he wouldn't run away because he needed to bring me back to his Alpha, but of course my guards didn't know that.

It was getting closer to noon, and I know I had to make up an excuse to leave without seeming suspicious.

I might be the Alpha, but the elders were watching me at all times, especially after last night.

One slip up and I'd be stripped of my title. Not that it mattered since I'd be dead soon anyways. But if I wanted my title to be handed down to Neema, I'd have to be smart about this.

Leaving my office, and swiftly making my way down the stairs, through the halls and out the door unseen, I took the more secluded path to the pack hospital where Neema was.

She told me earlier she'd be there for her check up and to help the pack doctor Tris with the other more severely injured wolves.

I had been avoiding the pack hospital since my mothers death.

Before, the smell of sanitizing solutions and antibacterial sprays wouldn't have affected me. But now all it did was remind me of how easy it was to erase the presence of life.

Making my way down the hospital hall, taking a couple turns till I saw the room Neema was in, as she helped stitch up one of my warriors, Fallon. She was one of my new warriors in training, who had shown great promise during the one spar I had with her.

Once she caught a whiff of my sense her head involuntarily snapped towards me. The friendly smile that she seemed to to only save for me was now shadowed by feelings of guilt and concern.

Guilt that Lina was taken under her supervision, and probably concern with how I had been acting weird since.

"Hey Tris" I greeted as I fully entered the room. "How are the injured warriors doing?"

No matter how many battles we fought I would always be concerned for the safety and health of my pack.

She bowed to me before she talked.

"They're doing good. Some pack members came in with injuries sustained from the fires, and some warriors with claw and bite injuries. I've treated all the major injuries and  now me and Neema are cleaning up some of the minor ones. In a couple of days I expect everyone to be back to full health."

I nodded. Relieved that everyone injured would be fine.

"Thank you Tris. I owe you a lot."

She bowed again, a full smile on display now.

"I'd do anything for this pack. You know that Amara. That goes for you too."

I nodded again showing a slight smile before I ushered to Neema to follow me outside.

I really didn't deserve the loyalty my pack members showed me, that's why I had to do this.

Finally making it outside of the hospital I already felt calmer as the fresh smell of grass and oak trees engulfed my senses.

Turning around facing Neema, I put on my best everything is definitely fine face, making sure to show not even the slightest of emotion, or she'd catch on.

I was already blocking my emotions from seeping through our bond, which I knew she knew, not helping her suspension.

"I'm going to trace back where the wolves from last night came from and see if I can pick up any fresh scents that will help us find out exactly who we're dealing with, and where the hell they came from."

She stared at me for a couple seconds. Surely assessing the information I just gave to her before she nodded.

"Ok I'll come with and get a small group of warriors who weren't injured to-"

I stopped her before she could continue. This is exactly what I hoped she wouldn't do but nevertheless I expected it.

"I'm going alone Neema. The pack wolves  from last night that attacked us could still be close to the borders waiting for another chance to attack. They masked there scent the first time and they'll probably do it again. I can't let anymore people get hurt. Especially not you after last night. I need you here to watch the pack and act as Alpha until I get back."

She was pissed now. I could tell she wouldn't back down that easily.

"What the fuck are you saying Amara. We just got attacked last night and now you want to go track down there scents by yourself. Are you fucking insane? If this is about me failing to protect your sister then I'm sorry. If you want to strip me of my title then I'll understand, but as your best friend I can't let you do something this reckless.  Title or not."

The hurt was evident in her eyes. Filled with guilt and anger over something that I knew wasn't her fault.

"Neema you know I don't blame you for what happened to Lina. I know you did everything in your power to protect her. You put your life on the line and that's more than I could ever ask of you. I picked you as beta for a reason, and I don't plan to take that title away from you now or never. I know you want what's best for me and the pack but right now I need you to stay and watch over them while I'm gone."

Before I could even process what was happening I was engulfed in a hug.

Usually I would shove her away and murder her for her act of kindness outside where someone from the pack could see,  but right now it felt ok.

Maybe because I knew this would be the last time I'd get a hug from her, or anyone for that matter.

"Please be safe Amara, I'm telling you this as your beta and best friend. If your not back by night fall I will come out there with every single warrior we have left and drag you back my damn self."

I chuckled at this, part of me knew she wasn't joking either.

"Don't come looking for me, regardless of what happens. Watch the border closely though, just in case someone else shows up. It could take a couple of days, I don't think it was any of the packs in this area."

She was looking at me with confusion, but before she could ask me anything, I shifted, making a b-line for the prison cells, hearing one last mind-link from her.

"Come back to us Amara."

I needed to get Lina back. This ended today.