Chapter 213

Almara’s Pov

Early the next morning, before the sunrise I sense Arthur stirring next to me. Leave rustle beneath is lethargic movements, his breath gets caght in his chest as he attempts to move. I imagine his body still wishes he was at rest, as does mine.

“What are you doing?” I ask groggily through bleary eyes. The sky still has a twilight blue to it, the moon a faint silver in the sky.

“Trying to get a head start on the day,” Arthur says through stifled breaths as he lifts his arms over his head to throw on a plain fresh t-shirt that we packed.

I sadly know what he means by this. If we can get done the majority of what we need to before too much time passes, just maybe we can handle the inevitable bad that surely is to come with more preparedness.

I let out a big yawn and pull myself up. My body aches, more from the weight of the stress than anything else. My bones crack and my joints are stiff. At least the temperature is mild.

“How are you feeling?” I ask referring mostly to his physical condition, knowing that might be better than his emotional state- no matter how good he is at covering that up.

“Fine,” he says and I do press further. The fact that he survived the night is a good sign that his wound his healing and he will be fine.

“So, what’s the plan?”

“I’m going to call out to some wolves who can help us get our daughter back,” He says. I perk up with hope and stand back and watch with awe as my mate puffs his chest and take a few deep breathes. He closes his eyes and centers himself.

Then, suddenly yet with a calming confidence he tosses his head back and howls out to the sky. The melodic woundwaves of his howl reverberate far and wide, it’s enchanting and I become compelled to join in.

Together we howl in harmony, our voices swirling with one another in complementary tones that showcase our much deeper connection.

When we we finish, I’m newly energized. The possibility of the day that lies ahead courses through my veins. Arthur and I stand, eyes interlocked, our chests panting heavily. The first streaks of sunlight break through the sky. Moments later, a reciprocated howl sounds in the distance.

“Now, we wait.” Arthur says. I dig through our makeshift camp bag and pull out some protein bars and cheese for breakfast. We’re just finishing them, but a rustling behind us captures our attention.

Immediately we stand, ready to fight but when we see who it is, Arthur strides over with his hand extended. The wolf takes it and they exchange some complicated, yet obviously familiar handshake.

The wolf is incredibly handsome, not at Arthur’s level, but I can tell instantly that training at boot camp served him well. “Almara, this is Charles. One of the best soldiers I know,”

“Oh, please. Everything I know I learned from this guy,” Charles says motioning with his eyes towards Arthur as he extends his hand to take mine. “Pleasure to meet you Luna,” he says and respectfully kisses my hand. I blush, it’s been a while since anyone has treated me with such respect.

“You as well,” I say, clearing my throat.

“The others should be here soon,” Charles says, and as if on cue a few more wolves come breaking through the woods. Among them are three more soldiers. Arthur introduces me to his buddies, but my mind is overwhelmed with gratitude at the loyalty these soliders have.

In the midst of their mini reunion accompanied by cheerful chatter and slaps on the back, two more footsteps approach.

I look up to see Roman and Robert approaching. While bootcamp has sharpen their physques, the war has also left an engraving in the form of worry lines on their forehead and a sad, haunting darkness in their eyes

I stiffen at the sight of Robert. I haven’t spoken to him since the party. And since that party, my phone has been compromised, my house has been bugged, and strangers know where I live. I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll ever be a fan of Arthur’s beta’s.

I; 'm not sure what comes over me, maybe it’s the continued momentum of the previous day's adrenaline but I charge over to Robert.

I can tell he isn’t expecting me by the flash of confusion that crosses his face, but he quickly gathers his composure before any of the other men can see. He narrows his eyes down at me with an equal amount of reciprocated suspicion that I’m giving him.

“Almara,” He says quizzically raising an eyebrow at me. Only then do I realize the chatter of the soldiers behind me have quieted.

As much as I want to blow off steam and let Robert have a piece of my mind, I decide it’s probably best not to explode. It’s still very early in the morning, and screaming at someone that just simply isn’t worth the energy is not how I need to start my morning.

Besides, I’m going to need to save my rage for the vampires. Instead, I take a deep breath and think about the beautiful morning Arthur and I spent together.

“I would like to know who you let into our house the night of the party,” I tell him, still keeping my voice stern.

Robert looks like he’s about to laugh. “How would I know who was let into your house? Isn’t that your responsibility?”

His response causes me to pause. I guess technically it is Arthur and mine’s responsibility, but Robert is the one who spread the news of the party in the first place. I shake my head, recollecting my thoughts.

“Yes, and I’m aware of who we invited. Who all did you spread the news to?” Robert strokes his chin like he’s thinking long and hard about it.

“Just answer the question, man.” Arthur says stepping up from behind me.

“I’m thinking, all right! I don’t know, it was so long ago and I was pretty drunk,”

“We’re you drunk when you were telling people about the party?” I ask, folding my arms over my chest.

Robert pulls back like I just slapped him across the face. “What is this about, anyway?” He asks.

I debate about telling him about the bugs planted in our house, I’m not sure if he’s really worthy of that sensitive information.

“Our house has been compromised,” Arthur says making the decision for me At least he makes it sound like a military strategy instead of some stalker that we’re unaware of.

Robert shrugs like he doesn’t get the point. “And, what? You think I had something to do with it?” When neither Arthur or I answer right away, Robert’s face reddens like a tomatoe. “You actually think I let someone into your house, so that they could bug it. Why would I do that?”

I shrug. “All I know is you used to be one of them,” I say keeping my voice low. There really was no need for me to say that, to accuse Robert of treason but if there’s any chance that he is a double agent then he’ll know I’m on to him.

All eyes turn and stay on me, but I hold my ground. I’m not taking back what I said. Robert steps closer to me and raises a pointed finger in my face, “That’s demented. I came here to help you guys, as I’ve done ever since Arthur got bit by one of those blood-sucking-”

“Enough Robert, Get your finger away from her before I break it,” Arthur says and reluctantly Robert complies. “Almara's accusation gives me an idea,”