For The Love of An Alpha

Obstacles

He couldn't explain how he knew that it was her that he felt. He wanted to believe it was the mate bond breaking down the walls of the curse, but he didn't know for certain. They sat carefully on the edge of a small farm, the morning sun melting away the frost from the night's chill. His hand held the simple stone firmly; it's soft, rounded edges curved around the creases in his palm. The stone brought a sense of comfort, as he rolled it with his fingers. He still felt the small thrum of the stone, though he was nearly certain the rhythm belonged to Jhera.

Henri's eyes closed, letting his body sync with the rhythm, like a tuning fork. His heart beat in time and his pulse slowed to match. Henri smiled slowly, She's asleep. He felt it, deep within him. She was at peace enough to rest.

"Henri, we're ready." Erick spoke up as he watched William stroll across the field, the morning sun to his back.

The small farm was hidden within the woods. The family had long been allies of the packs, helping them during dire times. This was a time of great need. William was the one in the best state of mind to approach them, as Henri had become gruff and edgy in the few days travel. William returned fully dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, carrying a bundle of clothes with him.

"He's going to drive us into town." William's voice smoothly broke the silence of the morning, "They said they were about to leave for Thomasville to prepare for the Winter Solstice."

"That's coming up, isn't it?" Erick spoke as he pulled his foot through a pant leg.

"Ya," William threw some clothes to Henri. "Apparently they are expecting a Lunar Eclipse."

Henri froze, something in that statement triggered a dormant memory. When the blood moon rises high in the sky, with the hunter to her back, the guardian will come. "We have to be ready." Henri spoke as he quickly shoved on the pants. "Something bad is coming."

"Worse then it is?" William sarcastically retorted.

"Much worse." Henri zipped up the jeans and threw the shirt over his head.

William and Erick exchanged an uneasy look, as the morning sun continued to rise over the farm house. They were a few hours drive from Thomasville, and the ride would give them a chance to rest. Though, if this was as bad as Henri thought, that short rest wouldn't be enough for what was to come. The trio moved as one crew toward the farmstead. The sounds of doors shutting and men talking gathered their attention. It was the slam of a tailgate that finalized the last movements around the farm.

The pickup truck was powder blue with signs of rust hinting out from the undercarriage, it had a faded white stripe that ran through it's middle. It wrapped about the car like a thick satin ribbon. Henri smiled as he took in the look of the old work horse. He'd recalled plenty of trucks coming through his shop. His fingers ran along the hood of the truck, his eyes soaking in the vehicle. The engine beneath the hood hummed to life and Henri lifted his head, a partial smile playing at his lips.

"V8?" His deep voice spoke out to the driver, as William and Erick walked closer to the front porch.

"Ya, how did you...?" The driver stepped from the driver's seat, moving slowly around the door. His hair had paled and turned silvery gray, the wrinkles about his face showed the hard work he'd invested in his life. His brown eyes looked tired, with wrinkles dancing at the corners as a smile lifted in his cheeks. "Henri." His deep voice softened as he took in the Alpha, his large hand coming out to grasp his familiar ally. Elder years apparent in his slight limp and tired gate.

"Denver?" Henri's voice was surprised, as he took in the man before him. "What are you doing out here?"

"It's my son's farm." He smiled back to the house, "I'm just here for the Holiday."