The Wild in the Earth Child

Chapter Eight

Aiyana

The conversation with my mother went pretty much as expected. She stayed calm, but I could tell she was afraid for my safety and now the safety of my brother as well. And she didn't like the fact that she wouldn't be able to see me for a while. We really didn't know how long. That part was killing me too.

We both cried as we hugged each other goodbye. My father was indifferent, as usual.

Otak gave me a crushing hug and told me to stay safe. I knew I wouldn't be able to speak to him again until this was taken care of. How that would ever happen, I didn't know yet. It seemed like I was against impossible odds, with the alpha of my own pack out for my blood.

And possibly my brother's too once he found out his betrayal. That thought scared me even more.

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When I arrived at Garrett's I sat him down and told him what I had learned from Otak. He took the news pretty well and was surprisingly calm.

Part of me had expected him to turn me away, but in my heart I think I knew he never would. Even without the mate bond, I knew he cared for me. Loved me.

He assured me that the best possible place I could be was with him, and that he was already making arrangements for my safety. And the safety of my friends and family. I hadn't really realized that they were also in danger until then. It was hard for me to imagine someone hurting innocent werewolves just to get to me. Our alpha must truly be a monster.

Now, as I laid next to him, studying his beautiful, sculpted face, my fingers running softly over his short blonde hair, I couldn't help but feel the depth of just how lucky I was to have him. I swear, I would never understand why this man, with seemingly no flaws, would want such an enigma like me. But regardless, I was grateful.

I gently kissed his shoulder and felt his arms tighten around me in his sleep. Even in the safety of his arms though, I knew it would be a restless night.

Drake

"Alpha?" Grady said after stepping into my office.

"What is it?" I asked, irritated. That seemed to be the only mood I had now lately.

"One of our warriors has requested to speak to you. Privately. One of them we sent after your mate."

That caught my attention. "Which one?"

"Otaktay Wood."

Interesting. Otak rarely spoke. So if he wanted to speak to me, then he must have something important to say. He normally communicated mostly through violence. Which was why he was my best. "Send him in."

Grady disappeared and soon a hulking Otak stepped into my office. He really was quite impressively built. If it weren't for my alpha blood, I might even be intimidated by him.

Otak stood at attention in front of my desk, waiting for permission to speak. "Go ahead, Otak." Luckily he was a man who got straight to the point.

"I know the identity of your mate. Her name is Aiyana." I stood up, my heart racing. Just hearing her name made my wolf purr. Leave it to my best warrior to get the job done, finally.

"How did you find her?" I needed to know what I missed.

He hesitated. It was unusual for Otak to hold back. I narrowed my eyes at him. My alpha aura penetrating his reluctancy to answer my question.

Standing like an emotionless statue, finally he spoke. "She is my younger sister. I knew when I smelled her scent on the dress. I will accept any and all consequences for my actions."