Second chance mate

Chapter 23 (final draft)

The pack was in the lounge. The four school going pups were doing homework and the rest were doing their own respective work. Paperwork, watching movies, catching up on world politics, reading books and doing whatever else it was that interested them. It had long since become a routine to spend a couple of hours together after dinner to bond as a pack. Except for those who had a patrol, everyone preferred to come even though it wasn't mandatory. It was healthy, not just for the pack as a whole but for each member individually as well. Wolves were creatures that preferred company over solitude.

Alpha, we have jeeps approaching from the East side of the territory. Nick reported suddenly. She sat up, looking around, doing a quick headcount to see how many were doing patrol. Usually it was a team of four or two, depending on the time.

How many? And is Eric with you?

We split up earlier. I sense ten. High rankers too, I think there's an alpha there.

Don't approach them. Tell Eric to get to you. She ordered. "We have approaching wolves." She announced to the pack, getting to her feet. They all stood up instantly, looking for orders. "There's ten and probably an alpha."

"Are they attacking?" Cain asked.

"Not yet." She replied. "Cain, head to the front line with four more. Pups, take Zane and go to my suite. Lock yourselves inside."

"But..." Drake started to protest as Cain pointed to his men and left with them.

"You aren't ready yet." She dismissed him. Axel handed him the pup and the boys went up the stairs without further protest, albeit reluctantly. Do not engage unless they do. Stop them before they enter the territory, ask them what they want but do not engage.

Got it. Cain replied as she ordered them through the mind-link. She looked around herself. Cameron, TJ, River and Axel were left standing next to her. She didn't say anything, just paced. She hated not being on the front line. It had been years ago when she had started taking charge of the front lines. She couldn't sit back now either. She hated that she couldn't be there to take charge and protect. She was itching to head there but she knew she couldn't. She would only be a hindrance and probably get them hurt. SO she did was she hated the most, waited,

Alpha, they have stopped and sent a messenger. He wants to talk to you. He is going to to call your mobile.

Got it. She linked back. Remain vigilant.

Her phone rang and she waited a beat before picking up. "Alpha Ariel."

"Alpha, this is Alpha Cortez." A husky manly voice came through the phone. Cortez was the Pack Law alpha. She sat down, her shoulders relaxing.

"What can I do for you?" She asked.

"I am sorry for coming here unannounced, Alpha. But Enrico informed me and I would like to talk to you about it."

She pursed her lips. "Alright then, Alpha. You can enter my territory." She said, her tone blank but she wasn't trusting them that easy. Enrico hadn't told her anything about Cortez knowing. She knew her father had trusted him and she had never heard anything negative about the alpha. He was a fair man.

Cain, let them in. Follow him and his men back, send a team to run the perimeter. She mind-linked them. They are Pack-Law. They come in peace but remain vigilant unless I tell you otherwise. Boys, you can come down. River go watch Zane. She linked the entire pack and looked over herself.

"Axel, if I am not down, greet them. I need to change. Clean up a little." She told the men in the lounge and ran up the stairs. The pups were coming down and she told them to help the older ones clean. River was in Zane's room and looked out of the door when she entered. He nodded and moved back inside. She changed into jeans and threw a sweater on top of the tank top she was wearing. Usually she didn't care a whole lot about her appearance but she had been in her pajamas, cotton shorts and a tank top. SO changing was a bit necessary for her.