A Leader Must Rise - Old Version

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Aria's P.O.V

I knelt there shocked. Sapphire was howling in pure bliss and I can feel my chest expand for the love I have for him. His eyes became more teary when I didn't reply so I quickly kissed him deeply and passionately, pouring my love for him in the kiss as best I could. Chase was hesitant before kissing me back. Once I pulled away, I said quickly, "And I love you." Chase looked to me like he didn't believe me. "W-What!?!" He stuttered. "I love you Chase." I repeated. Suddenly I was on my back with Chase hovering over me. "Say again!" Chase demanded. "I love you Chase." I repeated again and Chase smashed his lips to mine.

He needed it so kissed him back, I would've kissed him anyway. Chase lifted my head off the ground and I slowly started to grind my hips against him, causing him to groan into my mouth. I felt a wave of melancholy wash through me. Justin! I pulled back and stopped my movements. "It's Justin. He needs us." I said gently when he gave me a look of confusion. Chase sighed and got off me, lifting me up. "Then let's go." He said and I nodded. He gestured with his hand to lead the way. 'Drake? You still at the lake?' I asked. 'Yeah, we are. We had to pass the rouges to get here.' 'Alright, we'll be there in a few.' 'Hurry.' "Let's go." I said, jumping over the log and running as fast as I could until everything was blurry around me, everything was except for Chase running beside me.

He looked to me and smiled reassuringly. I smiled back and kept running. "Wait Ari!" Chase yelled and we skidded to a halt. "What?" I asked and Chase pointed to... To the cave the rouges where staying in. "Yeah, what about them?" I asked. "I've never let rouges stay on my territory." He said, looking at them. I saw Aditi come out of the cave and look around. Even within the bushes, her eyes landed on us. I sneaked a little out of the bushes so she could see me and she narrowed her eyes. I put up my hands to show I mean no harm. I felt Chase come up behind me, pressing his chest against my back. 'Over possessive idiot!' I groaned to Sapphire. 'Hmm, yeah.... Our very over possessive idiot.' She agreed. Drake came out then and stood beside Aditi. I groaned when more of Aditi pack member showed up. "Wonderful. Your absolute idiot sometimes Chase." I whispered to him.

"I'm just protecting what's mine." Was all he replied. I felt heartened and annoyed at the same time by that. I signalled to Aditi and Drake that I was looking for the lake. She signalled back for a reason. I sighed and signalled that my brothers and a friend were there. Aditi looked hesitant but replied where the lake is and I thanked her, heading towards it with Chase behind me. When we made it, Andrew and Drake were at the lakes shore, while Justin was sitting under a tree, away from the water... Alone. 'Oh no...' Sapphire, reaching out for Nari, only to find he's blocking everyone out. "That's not good!" I said. "What?" Chase asked. "Nari and Justin are shutting us out." I said simply, walking over to Andrew and Drake. "How is he?" I asked when I came close.

"Not good. We've tried talking to him, but he only listened to us.... I don't even think he heard what we said before he move over there." Drake answered. "And he's shutting everyone and everything out." Andrew added. I whined a bit and I saw Justin shift a bit. I walked over to him slowly, not wanting to frighten him. "Justin?" I said softly when I was five feet from him. He stirred a bit and didn't acknowledge me. "Justin..." I whined this time, moving a bit closer. He tilted his head in my direction, but still didn't look at me. "Brother...." I whimpered and finally, finally he looked at me. He face was tear strained, eyes still red and he seemed a bit pale.

He whined at me and I moved closer to him. He turned his body to face me, lifting himself off the trunk and roots of the tree. I moved so I was leaning aghast the tree and I crossed my legs. Justin laid his head on my crossed legs and I can feel his neck muscles are as tensed as stone. I started caressing his scalp and neck until I felt him relax against me. "You okay now?" I asked gently. He nodded his head slightly but didn't say anything. "Justin, talk to me!" I pleaded. He sighed and said, "I'm fine.... I think." His voice sounded hoarse and croaky. "You don't sound fine." I said. 'Is that lake fresh water or salt?' I asked the boys. I saw Andrew lean down and took a handful of water into his hand and drank it. 'It's fresh.' He replied.