The True Alpha {2}

Chapter 12

Finley

I led my friends through the woods until we reached the border between the territory that was once the Pine Tree Pack's and the Bear Claw Pack. I grinned as I stepped over the border. I took a deep sniff of the air around me, but scented none of my friends.

"Come on," I called over my shoulder as I took off through the trees. "We've got to reach the camp before dark."

I raced through the trees with River at my side and the rest following just behind us. I gasped for air, my injuries from the squirmish beginning to ache in protest.

"Finn!" River called to me. I slowed down to a stop and turned to face my little patrol of friends.

"What is it?" I asked. I looked around at them before realizing how exhausted they all were; particularly Pebble, Dark, and Gwen. I should have been paying attention to them! "Oh, I'm sorry guys... Why don't we stop here a minute to rest and catch our breath? We still have a little while before sunset."

"Sounds good, thanks Finn." Sunny groaned and flopped to the ground.

"Is anyone injured?" I asked anxiously. "I should have checked earlier..."

"No, I don't think we took any serious injuries." Gwen told me lightly. "And it isn't your fault, we needed to get away from that place." She eyed me cautiously. "Though I have to admit I'm a little bit worried about that injury to your neck, and you've probably got a concussion..."

"I'll be fine." I waved away her concerns airily. "Pebble? Dark? Nyroc? Lilac? Are all of you okay?"

Lilac scanned over her friends, taking particular care checking over Pebble, "No harm." She smiled at me. "Pebble's got a nick in her ear but nothing serious, besides I think she's proud of it."

We all laughed at Pebble's silly grin at Lilac's words. "Do you think it'll scar, Ly?" Pebble asked eagerly.

We laughed again. Lilac smiled at her. "I don't know Pebble. But I'm sure there are medics at the Bear Claw Pack's camp and they'll be able to tell you for sure."

"I hope it does! It'll be my first battle scar!" Pebble bounced to her feet in excitement. "Can we go now?"

I grinned at her eagerness. "When everyone's ready we can go."

Gwen stood up. "Ready when you are."

The others all took her lead, climbing to their feet and stretching aching muscles. I followed them eagerly stretching my arms and my legs. The injury to my neck and head were beginning to throb but I shook it off. I can worry about my injuries when we get back to camp. My clan mates are my priority, not myself.

"Right, let's go then." I turned and began walking the rest of the way to the camp. Luckily we're almost there anyways, so we should get there in only a few minutes, even if we walk really slowly.

I froze as a loud rustling came from the bushes just ahead of us. I dropped into a crouch and beckoned my friends to do the same. Luckily they moved swiftly, dropping into crouches silently and watching me for a signal.

I stared through the bushes, trying desperately to see who was coming towards us. I growled slightly as the noises came closer, unable to detect who was coming. I stood up silently, gesturing to the others to stay down so we wouldn't disturb whoever it is.

I crept through the undergrowth as quietly as I could, stiffening each time a leaf rustled beside me. I made it into the clearing on the other side and scanned for any signs of life. I stood up, confused, when I could smell nothing. Suddenly a great weight slammed into me from the left and I cried out as they pinned me to the ground.

I writhed around in my attacker's grip, trying to force them to release me. I tried to see who it was but looking up the sun was directly in my eyes, rendering me blind.

"Skye!" An elated voice came from the person holding me down.

"Kelly, you great moron let me up!" I laughed.

Immediately Kelly stood and held out a hand to pull me up after. I took it gratefully and pulled finding myself trapped in an embrace that felt like Kelly were crushing my ribs.

"Okay, Kell, kinda need to breathe here." I mumbled as I gently pried her arms from me.

"Sorry, I'm just so happy! What are you doing here? Did something happen?" Kelly asked in a rush.

"Slow down," I laughed. "I'll tell you the whole story but first we've got to get back to camp, I'd rather explain it once to everybody than a dozen times to two people at a time. But first, there is something you should know..."

"Okay, that makes sense, and what is it?" Kelly sounded breathless with excitement.

"And, are you okay? You're covered in blood." Holly's voice came from the right of me.

"You two circled around me, clever." I responded. "But yes, I am okay, most of it's not mine. I think."

"You think?" Holly pressed. "You may want to tell your story from the medic's office."

"Probably a good idea." I nodded. "Anyways, what I needed to tell you; I didn't come alone. Guys, you can come out, they're friends."

The others all emerged slowly, cautiously. Kelly nodded at River, Sunny, Gwen, and Daisy. "Good to see you four again, and you brought four new friends with you as well."

"I did. I've invited them all to join our clan Kelly, once we reclaim it." I ignored Kelly and Holly's pure shock. "I know they're not all werecats, but Pebble, Dark, Lilac, and Nyroc have more than proven themselves to me. They all sacrificed their place in the rogue pack to help me get away. I wouldn't have made it this far without them. All of them."

Kelly nodded. "Makes sense, besides, if you trust them I trust them." She grinned at them. "Welcome to the Lion Claw Pride."