The Alpha and Her Rogue

|35| Tad The Taddle

Important message in the author's note.

Jaxyl

I knew it.

Another attack came, and this time they aimed for battle. They didn't bring defense breaking weapons, they brought themselves—charging at our borders.

They came rapidly, all at different times along different parts of our perimeter and luckily we were prepared this time.

"Take hostages if you can. Do not hurt them unless they hurt you." I remind everyone before shifting into my human form.

"Everyone meet at my home office when this is over." I speak specifically to my ranks.

I sighed, throwing a strewn T-shirt and pair of shorts over my head. I walked through the forest, spotting dead bodies along the way—none being my pack members.

Most of any on our side are injured but I'm not ignorant to think there haven't been any fatalities.

Once the cool air of my home pierces my skin, a breath of relief escapes my lips. Hours and hours in the smoldering sun. I'm exhausted.

The smell of food hits my nostrils and my stomach growls. A frown covers my face. Who's here?

I walk into my kitchen, spotting my mother at the stove and hearing other movement somewhere in the house. I assume it's my siblings since their scent is radiating through my home. They all treat my house as if they live here and I honestly don't mind it. For now.

She offers me a sympathetic smile when she notices me. "Making pastrami's for you all," she announces.

I give her a tired nod along with an appreciative smile. She's the sweetest, the perfect example of a mother. It's a shame I couldn't follow her lead. It doesn't seem like I could follow my father's either.

I take a long shower, washing today's dirt and regret off of my skin. The relaxation it brings is much welcomed and needed.

I go back downstairs to see my dad looking just as tired and filthy as I had. Tez had cleaned up already and was stuffing his face with the pastrami sandwich and French fries on his plate.

"I'll be using one of your showers," my dad announces to me as he trudges up the stairs.

My mom places a plate holding a steaming sand which and greasy fries in front of me with a cold bottle of water. My mouth watered.

"Thanks, mom," I give her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be taking this to my office," I tell her then nod for Tez to follow. He grabs his plate and follows.

"We need to get in contact with the Barabarics somehow," Tez says as he stuffs the other half of his sand which in his mouth.

"I know," I shake my head. "The fact that all of this has happened and we still can't prove that it's him."

Although I feel it in my gut, I can't make official claims against Tad unless it's been proven that it's him. Especially when Adarian can't recognize the scent of the attackers. Most of the marks we found on their dead bodies were faded and none were of the Barbarics.

The only thing we can declare publicly is that it is rogues because that what it seems to anyone who doesn't know better.

"Have you heard anything about Darius?" he asks, a hint of sadness in his tone. We both miss our friend and are hoping that he isn't somewhere dead along with his mate.

"No, and I'm afraid it's about time to call them back."

"You think Marcus would leave those woods without his son?" he asks.