TAINTED RED

Part 12

Jewel's POV

It took my brother almost three whole days before he could finally convince his alpha to let Fenris and me stay in his cabin. I had to join the pack, but Riley was able to perform the joining. Riley had to go back with his pack because of his duties, but I didn't mind the isolation. Fenris would often pop back to see his family, or work in the bar where we first met.

A month passes quickly, and Riley told me that most packs now believe that the Grimm Reaper was dead. And in a way, she was. That part of me was no longer alive. The patrols came by the cabin twice, and like Riley promised, they left me alone. I found that I liked living in the cabin better than I did in my small cottage by the coast. But I missed the ocean breeze.

I had met Riley's mate, but we didn't get along that well. We only pretended for Riley. I learned that she was expecting their first pup, and a longing for my own filled me. I had known when I marked Fenris, that I would never bare his child. I wasn't sure how he would take the news, so I hadn't told him. But I knew that I would have to soon.

His family was something else. His mom claimed that I was perfect for her son, which made Fenris smile when she said it. His father on the other hand, didn't like me. I could tell by the way his eyes narrowed when he looked at me. Maybe he didn't like the fact that I was a wolf, but I didn't care. I loved Fenris with my whole heart.

Before I knew it, six months had passed. And not since my parents were killed could I remember being this happy. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. I was out in the woods, searching for berries. My plan was to make a berry cobbler for Riley and his mate when they came for dinner that evening.

The breeze gave me the first and only warning; the smell of death and rotten eggs. Rogues were heading this way and I knew that they weren't planning anything good. Berries forgotten, I raced towards the borders. I had to stop them before they breached. Riley, where are you?

I'm on the other end of the territory with the alpha and most of the warriors. Why?

What are y'all doing that far from the pack house?

Alpha Riker wanted to make a treaty with us. What's going on Jewel?

How fast can y'all get back?

Most of us could be there in an hour, tops. Would you please tell me what's going on?

Rogues. I told him and I could feel his shock. You stay in the cabin Jewel. We're on the way.

If I stay here and do nothing, then they could cause serious damage to the pack. I have to help.

Jewel... I dropped the link and waited. Moments later, they emerged before me. "Shift." I spoke, looking at the leader. He shifted and stared at me. "Who are you?"

"My name's not important. But what is, is the fact that you're about to attack the home of the Grimm Reaper." My statement brought laughter from the rogues, but I kept my face straight. "I heard that the Reaper was dead."

"So had I. But it's not true."

"And how do you know that it's not? No one knows what the Reaper looks like." I nod at him and suddenly smile. I could tell that he was getting nervous. "That's true. But only a few know what I she sounds like. Am I right, Amos?" I asked him and his face paled.

Amos and I had fought once, and I had come very close to killing him. The only thing that saved his life was a pair of human kids that stumbled into the clearing where we were fighting. "This is my home, Amos. You and your horde are threatening it."