Bear Shifters (Book 3)

Chapter 9-Max

I wake up to a high-pitched scream echoing throughout the house. I jump out of Kai's arms, just as he wakes up. I rush around the room, pulling on my discarded clothes from last night while Kai does the same.

As soon as I'm dressed, I fling myself out of my old room and hurtle down the stairs, towards the shouting. I sprint into the living room and halt when I see the scene. Kai comes rushing and slams into my back, sending me flying forward. Kai catches me right before I hit the floor and tugs me back to him as I look back at the three kids in the room.

Ava has her hands clenched into fists with an angry looking Minho by her side, both are staring at a sobbing Adam. His hand is covering his nose as blood leaks through his fingers. My mom and dad rush into the room seconds later, taking in the scene.

My mom rushes over to Adam, while Jay stares between all of the kids in confusion.

"What happened, honey?" my mom asks his gently.

"Ava punched me in the face!' he shrieks.

"You were making fun of Minho and me!" she defends.

My dad bursts into laughter, walking over to stand by his son. My mom glares at him, but she pays no attention, looking over admiringly at Ava.

"I'm proud of you, not many people would punch Adam. He does a lot of stupid things. I'm glad you put him in his place. Nice job princess," he chuckles.

"Yes I am a princess, now bow down to me peasants, or I shall behead you all," she says, making her voice sound proper.

Everyone bursts into laughter, except for Mom and Adam. They glare at all of us, before walking out of the room. Bo and tommy come in just as they leave.

"What did we miss?" Bo asks with a yawn.

"Oh, ava punched Adam in the face. His nose is bleeding, I think she broke it," Minho exclaims excitedly, making Ava nod proudly.

"Yes, and I am a princess, but not a girly princess, I'm more like Merida, anyway, you all answer to me. Fetch me some water, servants,' she says, waving her arms, shooing us away.

"Um, I'm pretty sure you can get it yourself,' Kai snorts.

"Ugh fine," Ava grumbles.

"No, wait, I'll get I," Minho exclaims before skipping out of the room.

We all stare after him in shock, but soon we all laugh. I was so happy to be back here with my family and see all that I missed, but I knew I had to ask what I came here for.

I would do that a little later, once everyone was fully awake.

It was going to be one hell of a conversation.

+++

We all sit down outside on the back porch while the kids play soccer in the yard. Ava and Minho were over the um...morning incident, but Adam just glared at Ava and occasionally Minho. He was one angry kid.

"So, Kai and I actually came here for another reason, other than to see you guys again," I start hesitantly, gaining the attention of everyone.

Kai places a gentle hand on my back and rubs it soothingly, while I take in a deep breathe. They would help, at least I hope!

"Since I escaped from the Basement, the humans have been looking for me. About a week ago, they found me and attacked Kai's pack. We lost a lot of our warriors and some others, and we know they are going to come back. We need warriors, just a few to help fend off the humans," I explain, leaning into Kai.

"Forget just a few, I'm sending a whole fucking army," my dad growls, giving tommy a pointed look.

"Yes, of course we'll lend you our warriors," tommy says, with a firm nod.

Tommy was still the Alpha of the pack, though it would be passed down to Minho, most likely.

"Thank you," I sigh in relief.

"Max, there's something we didn't tell you earlier. We know who told the humans about us. It was Valerie, she was angry at our entire family, but that's not the point. She told a private organization that believed in us and age confirmed it. She got them to take you. I don't think any other humans but the ones in the organization know, but that's how this whole thing started,' my mom explains.

"Where is Valerie," I growl.

"Dead," Bo answers simply with a shrug.

As evil as this sounds, I'm glad she's dead. She put me through hell the past eleven, just because she was angry. I nod my head firmly, and turn my attention back to the kids playing soccer.

"When do you think we could take the warriors back with us? I think they are going to attack soon, and I don't want to leave what's left of my grieving pack open to attack," Kai asks, breaking the silence that had fallen.

"By tomorrow morning, I'm coming with you though,' tommy says.

"Me too, if they are a threat to your pack, then they're a threat to ours," Bo adds.

Tommy looks like he wants to protest, but I guess he knows better than to argue by the look of defeat on his face.

"We're coming too," my mom says.

"No you are not, we need you to stay here with the kids and watch over the pack here. Do you want Ava to stay here with the others until this is all settled?' Tommy asks, turning to us.

"Yes, if that's not too much trouble," Kai nods.

"No trouble at all," Bo answers for him.

My mom and dad look like they want to argue, but I can tell they know it's a smart plan, because they slouch in their chairs before their attention turns back to the kids.

Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day.