Chapter 206

Almara’s Pov

I try to scurry away from the herds of wolves closing in on me, but there isn’t anywhere for me to go. I back right into the foot of someone towering behind me. It’s getting harder to breathe.

C’mon think. I don’t want to fight anyone. These wolves are exactly who Arthur and I try to be good leaders to. If I fight them back, what will that say about me? I’m no different than they are then.

I know thee wolves are just frighted, tired, and wanting the war to end. We’re alike in that way, they have to see me as someone still on their side- not an obstacle to their freedom.

“We can work this out!” I shout to no one in particular, but my cry falls on deaf ears. Suddenly the side of my head explodes with a throbbing heat, my vision blacks out for a second. I go to touch the side of my head, but my arm is yanked back and a stinging sensation shortly follows.

Let me out. I can handle this. I hear Lily beg and as tempting as it is to give in and let her take over, a part of me still doesn’t want to fight my own.

“Wait-” I call out, but it comes out as a hoarse whisper. Then I taste something metallic and gooey in my mouth. I try to spit on the ground but miss and the thick red salvia strings from my mouth and dribbles onto my badly beaten scrubs.

My head is yanked back and I wince at the sudden pulling on my scalp. Another blow lands on my nose and I think it’s broken. Before I have time to think or react, Lily starts to come out. It’s more instinct for protection at this point.

I topple forward on my hands and knees. My back rounds and I breathe through the transformation process. Normally, it doesn’t hurt- at least not anymore, but given the exhaustion my body is under from the running, stress, and beatings, I’m taken back by the pain.

Pained gurgles and howls escape my mouth. I think the crowd begins to back up, but I can’t see even a few inches out in front of me anymore Then, just as quickly as it started- it’s over.

On my hind legs, panting heavily, I scan the crowd. Most of them look fearful, even if they’re trying to mask their scared faces with pathetic looks of bravery. I let out a howl loud enough to outstretch for miles.

Some wolves in the back of the crowd run away, not wanting to see who from the Hurricane Pack comes forth. Honestly, I don’t even know if anyone from the Hurricane Pack will come to my aid considering they’re all fighting in the war or are suffering injuries.

The thought of Arthur possibly dead because of this war and the fact that the very wolves we’re supposed to guide are turning on me and not wanting to come after my daughter fuels my fury. I open my jaw and growl like I never have before.

I growl for the pain, for the anger, for all the years of mistreatment I’ve suffered. I’ve had enough. This much at least seems to be communicated to a few who also run away.

To those that stay, I get ready to fight. As evident by the flash of worry that crosses their faces, I can tell they didn’t expect this. I take one heavy footstep towards them, commanding my air of power.

Just as I’m about to launch, the fur on the back of my neck stands up. Before another thought enters my mind, a blur of dark brown fur swooshes past me and makes contact with the wolf closest to me.

I hear yelping and the quickening pace of paws trotting away before they suffer next at the hands of . . . who is this? Just then, the wolf who came to my rescue lifts her head just before snapping her jaw shut around the neck of the poor gamma at her mercy.

Elenor. Elenor is the one who responded to my call.

“Leave. All of you now.” Elenor says and even I want to run at the sound of her chilling command. It was either how she said it, or the ferocity of her attack, but regardless more wolves scampered off.

Only three remain and huddle low showing their teeth. Elenor snarls at them and I join behind her. We all wait for who’s going to make the first move.

One blondish gamma lurks forward and manages to duck one paw strike from Elenor, though as he retaliates his own I pounce on him and dig my claws into his shoulder. He lets our a cry and his buddies run away.

I loosen my grip, only to give him the option to make a choice. He decides to run away with his friends. Smart.

Elenor gives me a nod, a silent motion that signifies a great deal. She’s protecting me out of loyalty to the pack, and genuine respect for carrying her granddaughter- a wish her husband's mother had desired.

With the property surrounding my house now empty. I transform back to myself. Elenor does the same.

“Thank you,” I tell her. Elenor just nods once again.

“Let’s get Grace,” She says and I know that’s the most conversation we’ll ever have of this moment.

I unlock the front door and push the door open. “Grace?” I call out. “Dad?” There’s no answer as I shimmy through the kitchen and make my way to the living room.

Other than broken glass from the window that was smashed moments ago, it doesn’t seem like anyone has been in here. The lights are turned off, the place is clean- like it’s been untouched for days.

“Where is she?” I ask, my voice catching in my throat. Elenor comes up behind me and puts her hand on my shoulder.

I turn to look at her, not even attempting to conceal the eyes burning behind my eyes. “She was here a few days ago,” Elenor says.

“How do you know?” I ask, hurrying to get the question out so Elenor can just as quickly provide her answer.

“I came periodically to check in on her and your father. She’s my granddaughter too, you know?” Elenor says, narrowing her eyes at me. Of all the times to get personally offended.

“When did you see her last?”

“Like I said, a few days ago. Everything was wine. Well, fine considering everything that’s going on.”

I take a shaky breath in. If she and my father were here and alive a few days ago that means they had three days to pack up and go somewhere else. But where? And why would they leave unless they knew the vampires were after them.

If my dad and Grace knew they were being sought after before the announcement was made then they could’ve ran. Or, if they heard the announcement today, then they left not too long ago. I could try to follow her scent.

Or, maybe the vampires didn’t give them any warning and they just showed up to take them, then decided to broadcast their bargain knowing they had Grace all along, maybe all they wanted was this chaos to happen.

I look at Elenor who genuinely looks worried for someone else other than herself for once.

“We have to find them,” I say, stating the obvious.