The Four Protectors

Twenty Six

1st Person POV

We'd all piled into the pickup truck, ready to leave, with our bags in the trunk once again. Just as I was about to start the truck, Raphael came running up. He didn't say anything as he opened the door and piled in next to Desmond and Cassius.

"Are you sure," Cassius asked.

I twisted in my seat to look at Raphael. He didn't look apprehensive or scared. In fact, he seemed slightly annoyed at Cassius' question.

"You thought I wouldn't come with you," Raphael asked incredulously.

"The pack isn't going to take you back. You heard dad," Cassius replied.

"Yes which is why Laura's staying behind to make sure nothing happens to Alex and the search for the cure still has someone to oversee it," Raphael explained.

I couldn't believe he was splitting up from Laura during such dangerous times.

Desmond looked extremely uncomfortable as he was caught between the silent, heated exchange the brothers seemed to be having. After a moment of tense silence, Cassius heaved out a defeated sigh. Raphael sat back with a triumphant smile.

I started the car and we were off.

It was a couple hours before sunrise when we arrived at the Academy. Everyone had drifted off to sleep at different moments except me of course. I was practically dead on my feet as I clambered out of the car.

I'd parked a good 15 minutes away from the Academy, just in case Rafia really didn't want us to be there and we'd have to sneak in.

"Rise and shine boys," I called out.

There was a bunch of muffled groaning and cursing before everyone clambered out of the car. Azriel summoned five cups of coffee, which everyone grabbed greedily. No amount of coffee could keep me on my feet though and it was finally Desmond who allowed me to get on his back so he could carry me there.

Azriel, Desmond and I left the brothers to hash out whatever struggles they were going through after leaving their homes, and trudged slowly a good distance behind them.

"You guys really think their dad's not going to let them back into the pack," I asked.

"I honestly don't know," Azriel replied.

"I do. That man's got a reputation to preserve. He isn't going to let himself look any less tough in front of his pack by letting his sons back in, no matter how much it hurts him," Desmond said.

"Kind of like your tough boy exterior," I teased.

I felt his body tense up beneath me as a scowl appeared on his face.

"Catherine," Azriel warned.

"I'm just teasing," I said.

I didn't know what I was thinking when I leaned forward and tugged Desmond's ear lightly with my teeth. Maybe it was just to get that annoying scowl off his face, or maybe because I was really going insane thanks to all the stress surrounding me. His hands that were holding my legs around his waist fell to his side in shock and if it weren't for my tight grip, I would have been on the ground.

This might actually top the time I flew up Azriel's nose.

Desmond returned his hands to my legs after a couple of seconds. I felt a flush steal across my face, and silently cursed Desmond's inability to flush. Azriel only watched with an amused, knowing smile.