For the Love of The Guardian

Puzzled Pieces

Spring frost clung to the branches, as the morning sun rose in the distance. The subtle warmth brought with it a rising mist that slowly faded off into the forest. Orange hues began to blanket the sky. The ice blue eyes of the alpha scanned the forest behind his home. His heart longed for the young woman he had sent away. No word had come from her visit to the local college, and he longed for a time to not worry about her.

"Ahem.."

A throat cleared behind him, causing the alpha to slowly turn about.

"I am sorry to disturb you, Alpha." Sebastian greeted his alpha with care. "I wanted to let you know, there is still no word on the young men that were sent to Vera's." Sebastian drew in a slow breath, "I wanted to tell you before I told Eli."

Henri sighed as he watched the strong beta come out on the balcony.

"Tell Eli what?" Eli prodded the strong gamma with his elbow. He didn't miss the expression on Sebastian's face or how he suddenly took interest in the boards of the back porch. "Seb?" Eli's concern grew with each passing second.

"No word has come back on the young men that went to Vera's." Henri chimed in, before Eli could prod for too long. "No word on them, or Sarah."

"What of her guardian?" Eli did his best to hide his concern, but the waiver in his voice did nothing to steel his resolve. He knew war was coming and they were not ready for it.

Henri's attention turned back to the forest, the mist rising from the ground gave an eerie feel to the space. His eyes scanned the area, as he slowly moved his right hand through his dark hair.

"Alpha?" Eli urged, the desire for any news proving useful.

"Patience is a virtue, young man." A female voice came from the distance, as an hour glass figure could be made out in the mist.

"Who is that?" Sebastian moved to the edge of the porch, his hands gripping firmly to the banister.

A thin woman stepped from the shadows of the forest. Her hourglass figure less apparent in the loose fitting attire she chose to wear. Her jeans had holes in the left leg and right knee, it was obvious the holes were from hard work and not fashion. Her short silver locks hung delicately about her face. The resemblance from her to another they knew seemed uncanny, as the female stepped into the open space of the backyard.

"Alpha Henri, it is good to see you again." Her blue eyes danced with delight at the sight of a familiar face.

"It's been a long time, Ellen." Henri moved to the stairs to welcome their guest. "I trust you bring news?"

"I don't promise good news, but yes, I have some." She smiled, the wrinkles about her eyes deepening. "I trust you know who came to see me?" She made her way up the few steps to the porch.

"I do." Henri nodded, motioning her toward the large sliding glass door. "Come, let's talk over something warm."

Sebastian and Eli stood dumb-founded as they watched this female waltz into the pack house. Henri followed in right behind her, after he greeted her like an old friend. With caution, the two males followed their fearless leader into the great room. Eli paused only to latch the glass door closed.

"Please forgive my ignorance," Sebastian spoke calmly, "but I'm afraid I don't know this woman."

"I would be surprised if you did." Henri clasped his friend on the shoulder. "This, gentlemen, is Lady Ellen Jameson."

"Lady?" Eli came alongside Sebastian as they greeted the woman. "You mean she's, pardon the expression ma'am, The Lost Mistress?"

"I wouldn't say lost, just relocated." Ellen smiled. "Yes, when Alpha Cage chose his current Luna over his mate, I was sent away. Henri's uncle, your father, was kind enough to help me find refuge away from the packs."