Collecting the Pieces of the Shandhi Sword (Book 2 of Mark Series)

Chapter 19

I opened my eyes when the world stopped spinning before I closed my eyes again and groaned because my stomach felt as if it was still a million miles away.

Carter chuckled, his chuckle resonating through my body. "You'll get used to it," he said, and I groaned again. He grew serious and stood taller. "Adele."

"Did you get it?" Adele asked. "Alpha?" Anger filled her voice, and I wondered if she was mad at me that my mate and Malena were injured.

"Yes," I replied, opening my eyes and staring into the female's steely gray eyes filled with anger and respect. I moved my hand until she could see the long slender tip of the first sword, and she nodded her head, looking relieved before she met my eyes again.

"Monroe told me what had happened when you went to get that piece of the sword." She bowed her head in thanks before she lifted her head and studied me. "Thank you for doing what you needed to do to protect the group from those beasts and then continuing to collect your sword. I am sure that it was hard for you, especially since your mate had gotten hurt during the expedition."

I nodded, ignoring the pang of anger and the urge to hurt Samuel, and shifted in Carter's arms, indicating that I felt well enough to be placed down on the ground. "It's my duty to protect them since they are under my care," I replied while Carter set me down gently. I grabbed his arm, still feeling unstable on my feet.

"Especially when it's Samuel's fault," Carter said, setting his jaw. He stayed still and waited until I got my balance before he shifted away and stood at attention. "How are Cameron and Malena?"

Adele's jaw set harder, and looked at Carter. "Malena is fine," she said coldly. "Her wound has been healed nicely, and she is resting." She looked at me. "Cameron is still with the Healers. They are working on him, and he should be healed before you all leave to collect your pack."

My stomach clenched in relief and despair. Something in my body told me that I needed to wait; I needed to wait to complete my second sword before I went to get them. There was something wrong, something evil that had them in their grasps, and I had no idea if one sword would be enough to face it.

So, I shook my head, having Adele raise her eyebrow in question. "I need to complete my second sword before I get them," I said. "I have this..." I paused and furrowed my brows, "... gut feeling as if something bad will happen if I don't."

Adele frowned and nodded. "Then, I suggest that you rest up as well, and we will send you out again." She raised her hand, and I instantly shut my mouth. "Your mate will be resting after they are done healing him. He'll have to rest there for an hour or so before he is allowed out of the room."

"He won't rest without me by his side," I said, feeling the urge to find my mate becoming stronger as the bond wove our souls closer together. I was desperate, wanting to find my mate but knowing that it was up to Adele to get someone to lead me to him. "Please."

Adele studied me with gray eyes before she nodded. "Ok," she said. She held up her hand, stopping me from talking. "However, you are to get a shower and then let Samuel see what it is like to put your sword together. Is that understood?"

I frowned but nodded. "With all due respect, I don't want him to be with us while we find the rest of the sword pieces. Carter took some notes while we finished the rest of the journey for this piece and would prefer if he took over."

"Of course," Adele said. She looked at Carter. "I want to see your notes after you help her to her room. Is that understood?"

Carter nodded. "Sure," he said. He slung his arm across my shoulders and grinned, and I had to bite back a scowl because he still annoyed the shit out of me. "Come on, Princess. Let's get you situated, so I can show the Boss Lady what I have done and replace Samuel as the notetaker of your lovely journey."

I rolled my eyes but stayed silent while I let him lead me away from Adele, who was still watching us with a thoughtful look in his eyes. My heart clenched harder, needing my pack together but knowing that I had to be prepared, at least as prepared as I could be.

Carter sighed and tapped my arm when we were out of earshot of Adele, and I looked up at him to see a serious male instead of the happy go lucky male that I had gotten used to. "If you do need to get your pack before your sword, Chase and I will help you. I have no idea if you said that for Adele's sake or not, but whatever the reason is, know that if things change, then we will help no matter what."

I nodded, feeling relieved. I knew that I would need back up when I got my pack and had no idea who would like to help me or stay where it was safe. "I had a feeling you'd say that," I said, honestly, dipping my head in gratitude. "But I will keep it in mind."

"Good," Carter said, grinning. He winked, and I raised an eyebrow while a sly smile appeared on his lips. "And I am proud that you have decided to get your swords first before your pack. I had no idea how I would react to having a huge pack of wolves living here. I can handle two but not twenty or so."

I rolled my eyes and shoved his shoulder playfully, and he laughed and moved to the side so that he wouldn't fall on his butt. However, an amused smile flickered onto my lips while we made it to the room that Cameron and I shared and prayed that I wasn't making a big mistake.

I am sorry, I said silently to my pack, feeling my heart break even more and a deep sense of longing flowing through my body because I wanted my pack with me even if I knew that it wasn't time yet. I had to get prepared for whatever I had to face, not knowing the severity of the situation that they could be in.

I will be there soon. Please, please, just stay safe until I can get there.

And forgive me...