Hunted

Chapter 21

Chapter 21-Amias' POV

The tension was as heavy now as it had been when we’d been walking back. We were currently all seated around five different fires dotted around the outside of the clearing, chewing on deer and elk meat. The only noises were the crackling of the flames and the occasional “Pass the leg”.

                I gazed up at the black sky, searching for patience among the clouds I could no longer see. Why couldn’t this night be finished with so I could get back to Azula? Every part of my being yearned to be by her side, to help her through whatever difficult time she was going through. Instead, I was stuck out here, despondent over the growing space between us.

                Not able to stay sitting any longer, I stood, disengaging myself from the log and walking towards the trees, intent on escaping for a few moments. I stopped in the middle of the clearing when I noticed that all eyes were suddenly on me. There was an expectance to their gaze that set me on edge. It was clear that they all anticipated some kind of speech. I cleared my throat.

                “Once again, I’d just like to take the chance to welcome White Falls into Tenebra territory,” I said. The group, White Falls and Tenebra alike, cheered. My lips twitched in the ghost of a smile.

                “It’s nice to be able to finally get to know our neighbours properly,” I continued before they’d all quietened properly so no one noticed my lie. I would have been perfectly happy to continue as we’d been before: them sticking to their land and we to ours. But they say all good things have to come to an end some time...

“Now that we’re all fed and comfortable, I believe that some introductions are in order. Oh, and we should go over the rules so that your stay here will be as...uneventful...as possible.” There were some nods of agreement from both packs.

                “Before the introductions,” I said, turning to White Falls, who occupied two adjacent fires off to the right, “I’ll go over the rules.” I paused. “This is my pack and my territory, so if I say something, I expect you to listen and do as I say without question, just as you would obey your own Alpha.” I looked pointedly at Bowen, who inclined his head in understanding and the silent request for me to go on. I wasn’t sure how seriously he was taking me though.

                “No one is to enter that cave over there.” I pointed to Azula’s cave, where the scent of poppies was strongest, feeling my heart beat faster. I ran a hand through my hair. My pack immediately picked up the volume a little, their conversations creating a pleasant buzz to cover for my heart’s betrayal.

                “May we ask why?” Bowen’s head was tilted down, but I could still see the spark of curiosity in his eyes.

I mulled over his request. On the one hand, I didn’t have to explain myself to him. I was an Alpha and this was my territory. But if I didn’t, they’d be more likely to go and investigate when we were all sleeping. Not that I actually planned on falling asleep. Not with all these snakes in our mist.

                I made sure that the conversations were still going strong before I answered him at last.

                “We have a pack elder,” I told him, pinning him with a steady stare. “Elder Nikoli is quite...sensitive...after the loss of his mate, even now. He doesn’t take well to strangers and likes his privacy.” Understanding lit White Falls’ faces. “Despite his age, he’s still quite lethal and we wouldn’t want any accidents now, would we?” I paused to study Bowen’s reaction, pleased to see that he seemed to buy our story hook, line and sinker. “I trust you’ll all to leave him be?”