Chasing October

Nine

The castle was silent after Garrett and his pack left. Sam kept casting worried glances at me, a frown on his face every now and again, before he looked away and finished his Alpha business. Placing the book down, I stared at him after he glanced, my eyes narrowing.

"Why do you keep looking at me?" I asked.

Sam looked over at me and lowered his glasses. "I am just making sure you're all right. Is that so wrong?"

Lowering my eyes, I shook my head. "No, it isn't."

He stood up, walking towards me with his hands loose at his side. Kneeling down, he brushed my cheek with his fingers, a tiny smile on his face. "I just want everything that is good for you, sweetheart."

Going to reply, he held his hand up, stopping me in my speech. His eyes glazed over as he spoke through the link, and I shifted my feet impatiently. Blinking a few times, he came back to focus, looking over at me. "There is a rogue out on our lands that they have held up right now. Want to come with me?"

Perking up, I quickly nodded and took his hand, letting him lead me outside. A few warriors fell in behind us, walking quietly with their arms over their chests. Sam dropped my hand as we fell outside, the rogue bowing her head in annoyance. The warm air wrapped around me, and I spotted a few children running to catch the fireflies before they vanished, a small smile on my face.

"State your name," Sam ordered, and we all stood straighter at his demand.

She didn't say anything at first, and slowly took a deep breath. "Melanie," she muttered, lifting her head.

I growled lowly in her direction, my jaw clenching. She turned her eyes towards me, staring in shock. "Star?" she whispered, the words barely escaping her mouth before Sam quieted her with a growl.

"Send her to the dungeons. I will be down there in a second. For now, I need to talk to Star."

They nodded in obedience and grabbed her by the arms, hoisting her on her feet. I felt her eyes on me as they tugged her away, but I continued to stare at the ground, listening to the innocent laughter of the children.

"How do you know her?" Sam asked softly, tapping my chin to make me lift my head.

Dropping my gaze from the daffodils, I looked into his eyes. "She used to be in my old pack with Kyle. She was my best friend growing up, but her parents ended up going rogue at some point. When I started to bring Cecily along more, Melanie acted like it didn't bother her, but I knew she was jealous. Her parents were furious and ended up killing Cecily's parents, which resulted in her own being killed."

"So she's alone?"

I shook my head. "No, her parents escaped. I do not know why she's here."

Nodding, he leaned forward and gave me a soft kiss, his hands grasping my waist gently before he pulled away. "I am going to talk to her. Would you like to come, or are you okay on your own?"

Smiling, I shrugged. "I'm probably going to go to that café where Wyatt works, see how he's doing."

Sam growled, his eyes narrowing. I frowned at first until it registered, and then a small, sly smile broke on my face.

"I'll see you later," I winked, laughing as he grunted behind me.

--

The bell dinged, and Wyatt's face broke out in a large grin as I walked in. "Hey! Good to see you!" he called out, smiling at the elderly couple who shot him a dirty look.