Everyone is back to their usual stuff which mostly consists of lazing around the house in their private quarters. Or so I thought. At least that's how things worked before I left. Now however, there is a kind of tension hanging around, almost suffocating us. Everyone is uptight, the pups can't go play in the forest without supervision and the rules are stricter. The guards are staying put closer to the house. I can hear their wolves run around in tight formations just behind the selvage of the trees. They are ready to react to anything that might happen more than ever but it makes it more difficult for those inside the perimeter to relax and do their job properly.

They keep fidgeting and looking around, searching for an attacker who is nowhere to be found. If things keep up that way we'll end up with a full house of nervous wrecks. They even have to train now which should be a good thing but it isn't. The accountant is so skinny I'm afraid he'll fly away at any given time if the wind is too strong. How they intend to make a fighter out of him is beyond me. I guess it can't be bad if they at least learn how to defend themselves in case of an emergency but making them into soldiers is extremely reckless.

They'll get slaughtered.

'That ain't our fault.'

Do you actually believe they wouldn't blame me if half of their pack ends up being decimated ?

'I think that whatever we do we'll still be blamed so...'

I'm not taking responsibility for this. Jared will see I'm right.

'Sure. Go see the beta and tell him he's wrong. See how this goes.'

Nate left an hour ago, not even a minute after we stepped out of the dining hall, taking back his place as the alpha in charge. He and Jared went to a meeting with the new "council", to relate everything that happened during the trip. I only had the time to wave at Lincoln and Talia before they were whisked away.

They asked me to join too but I refused. There's no way I'm spending hours on end in a small room with cranky people going over what happened again and again. Plus, I hate paperwork.

I've decided, I'm retiring. From today onward I'll live on a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean living off of fishes and coconuts.

'You already tried. And failed.'

No I didn't, I just remembered I had left the stove on.

'Yeah right. You went crazy and sunk the island. You can't stay alone without anybody to order around.'

So now I'm waiting. Well, it's more like I'm going in circles, waiting for one of them to come back so I have someone to talk to. Noriko retired to her room to rest. After all the travelling we did I'm not used to sit around and wait anymore. I have nothing to do, no one to talk with, which is sad really. All the women in here are avoiding me even more than before we left and most men are too focused on training.

Cory came by to send a few deadly glares at me but I had a blast ignoring her. It seems to be a great way to deal with her seeing as she was fuming when she stormed out of the room. I have no doubts she'll come back to attack at some point though.

I. Can't. Wait.

Maybe I could leave a knife somewhere she can see it. Or a gun. An axe ? Something to tempt her. If I check in a few books I might be able to find a spell somewhere making her unable to resist attacking me.

'That'd be a low blow. She can't win against you and you'd force her to her death ?'

Nothing she doesn't deserve.

'Come on, the pup can't hurt you, she's weaker than a fly.'

I don't like her attitude.

'Because you think anyone likes yours.'

Everyone loves me. I'm a ray of sunshine.

'Whatever helps you sleep at night.'

And you think you're any better ?

'Not the point.'

What if I dig up a hole somewhere she can see it with sharp cutting blade at the bottom to give her the idea to lure me to it ?

'Can't you try being normal for once in your life ? How did you even come up with that ?' My wolf groans in exasperation.

Well that way when I decide to push her in it I'll be able to say it was an accident. I shrug.

'Even if she sneezed and her brain came flying out her nose they would still say it's your fault.'

Is that possible ?

'Sarcasm ! I was using sarcasm !'

If you can't help me stop pestering me !

'Come on, let her be, she can't do anything.'

I don't understand why you're so lenient today. Usually you'd have asked me twice to rip her head off already.

'It doesn't matter, she doesn't matter. Because Nate doesn't care about her. She's just a crazy wolf.'

Ah, I see. As long as she's no threat to your bond you're fine with her.

'She's no match to us anyway.'

Who's the narcissistic one now ?

'Still you.'

I'm not listening to you anymore. I frown irritated.

I walk outside to breathe some fresh air. The kids are playing ninjas in front of the house oblivious to it all.

Who wouldn't when given such awesome costumes.

I even discreetly slipped a few shurikens in Jordan's backpack when everyone was distracted with the egg.

I can't wait to see their faces when it hatches.

'Did you really have to give him a-'

LA LA LA LA LAAAA I can't hear you !

'Do you think he can actually take care of it ?'

He doesn't really have a choice now, does he.

'I can't believe Ralph found one.'

Me neither. Do you have any idea how many decades, no, centuries, it's been since I last saw one ? I can't wait.

'I cant wait to see them throw you out of here after that. You're too dangerous for anyone to be around you.'

"When did you have the time to buy all of this ?" Nate asks as I sit myself out front on the first steps of the pack house, enjoying the Californian sun.

"Here and there I guess." I shrug.

"I think you're spoiling them too much." He laughs distractedly.

"I only gave them the things I wish I had when I was a kid."

"That's still nice of you. And the fighters appreciated the gesture too."

"Well, of course, who doesn't like alcohol ?"

"True."

We sit in silence for a while just watching the pups run around.

"So, what is in the egg ?" He inquires thoughtfully.

"I'm not one to spoil the surprise."

"What kind of bird is it ? An eagle ? A parrot ? an ostrich ? Or is it a crocodile or something ?"

"You don't dream high enough." I smirk.

"Now I'm getting worried." He frowns.

"As you should." I declare enigmatically standing up and dusting my clothes before walking inside.

I just saw Marthy take out a shiny object and I am hoping to distract Nate enough that he won't see a thing. As he follows me I know I succeeded.

Am I great or what ?

"Thanks to you I really feel bad for not bringing anything back." He continues.

"Don't worry they weren't expecting anything from you anyway."

"That's even worse !"

"Yes, actually it is." I laugh.

"Can't you be a little nicer ? My ego is already bruised enough as it is." He whines.

"At least now you know that was a mistake. Next time you'll remember to buy something for everyone. You might start saving up a little though, this pack is big."

"So what's my present ?" He jokes.

He seems so relaxed since yesterday that I don't really know how to act anymore.

"Me obviously." I answer with as much self-confidence as I can muster looking him straight in the eyes, ascertaining his reaction.

His eyes shine white and I stop breathing.

What the hell ?!

I look closely and now they are a bright yellow.

Right, now I'm hallucinating.

'Getting older isn't doing you any good.' My wolf scoffs.

I could have sworn they turned white !

'Right, And platypus can talk.'

But they do !

'Wrong example, my bad, but you get my point.'

He's scrutinizing me and I feel like I said the wrong thing.

"I meant, my presence here is already the best present you could get." I try to save the last shred of dignity I have left.

"Right." He looks away, his hand scraping the back of his neck.

He starts to frown and I look around to see what's bothering him but there is no one except for the two of us.

"You know what, no." He starts, looking back at me.

"What ?"

He reaches to take my hand and drags me behind him as he starts walking again in the empty corridors.

Why is it so empty in here ?!

'Why do you care ?!'

Where is everyone ?!

'Why are overreacting ?!'

Why are you screaming at me ?!

'Why am I screaming ?!'

Let's just calm down.

'Right. You're right.'

We stop in front of his study room and he pulls me inside.

WHAT IS GOING ON ?!

'Get a grip woman !'

"Hum, Nate did you need my help with something ?" I try in a low whisper.

He shuts my lips with his as soon as the door closes behind us and the next second I'm pushed flat against the hard wood. My hands fly to his hair. His grip my shirt in a tight fist. He moves us to his desk and sends everything flying on the floor in one swift shove before lifting me to sit on it.

The sparks are back everywhere he touches me, my skin warming under his as I take in his scent all around me. His mouth travels down my jaw and to my neck, his tongue tasting my skin. My body bends forward to meet his touch. I feel him bite me softly but when a moan escapes my lips I feel his canines elongate and brush dangerously against my skin making me shiver. I close my reddening eyes as his fingers dig into my tights.

"Darling." A voice sings from the door, opening it without knocking. "I missed you so much. Did you miss-" Her words stuck in her throat as she discovers the situation.

I try to put some distance between Nate and me but he's still focused on my neck and I wonder if he didn't even hear her. I push him a little harder and he looks up his breath fanning over my face.

"What ?"

Cory is frozen behind him, an horrified look on her face as she watches us. Nate finely glances behind him and starts to curse under his breath. His hand is still on my hip, keeping me in place. I glare at him when he refuses to let go whilst I desperately try to free myself from his grasp.

"Let me go." I hiss in a murmur so she can't hear me.

Now would be the perfect time to electrocute him.

'I want that power too.'

We'll start practicing, you never know.

Since I can't shock him with electricity for now I decide to pinch his hand hard and he finally lets go. I get down from the desk and stay put in the awkward silence. I try to communicate with Nate with my eyes but he just looks at me, a frown on his face and his arms crossed over his chest.

Dude, now would be a good time to say something.

I clear my throat and glance back and force between the two of them so that he understands my thinking.

Cory jumps, startled at the sound but she seems to come back from the dead.

"NO !" She suddenly screeches ! "This isn't happening ! I'm having a nightmare !" She pulls at her long silky hair, making a mess of it, losing the remaining composure she held.

Her eyes are crazed and she doesn't look away from me as if looking long enough will make me disappear.

She's definitely coming for me now.

'Don't pretend for a second that you're not enjoying this.'

Only if you don't either.

'Can you see her eyes. It's been a while since I saw that level of madness. She'll kill you in your sleep if she gets the opportunity.'

I'll remember to leave my door open tonight. Thanks.

"Sir, there is a-" Jared sprints inside the room, stopping abruptly in his tracks as he comes face to face with an awkward picture, each of us frozen in place. "What"

Great, just great. We should just invite everyone, the entire pack ! That would be faster.

"You were saying ?" I ask, forcing myself to change the subject.

I wouldn't mind if a meteorite struck this house right now.

"Yes, hum... is there a problem here ?" He tries.

I roll my eyes. This guy can't take a hint. I close my eyes and pinch my nose, breathing slowly to stay calm as the beta tries to assess the situation. Give him five more seconds and he will conclude that this is my fault.

"Jared what did you come here for ?" I ask again.

"Could the two of you wait outside for a second please ? Cory and I need to have a conversation." Nate orders and Jared is more than happy to oblige.

I sigh and follow in his steps, leaving the two alone. I don't wait outside, too tempted to listen in. Jared keeps me company and I wonder if he's aware is not entirely following a direct order from his alpha. I don't point it out though.

"I don't even know if I should ask anymore." He mumbles.

"Why don't you go wait for your master ?" I glare at him.

"Why is it every time you're around something like this happens ?" He continues without missing a beat, unfazed by my jab.

"Why is it that you still don't know how to choose your clothes ?" I counter.

"Nice try." He smirks. "So, did you make a tantrum ?" He inquires, lifting one of his brows.

"So, were you born with that unibrow ?"

"That's mean, even for you." He frowns, his finger running along his skin to check he doesn't indeed have a unibrow. "I can just ask Cory, you know." He warns.

"I wouldn't put too much face in her if I were you. She isn't right in the head if you ask me."

"She's not that crazy."

"Sure. So why did you come ?"

"One of the patrols reported catching the scent of one of our sentinels approaching. They went ahead to meet him. I thought Nate would like to know." He explains.

"Finely, we'll be able to learn something new."

"They shouldn't be long now."

I stretch my ears to try and hear them run back. They are still far. I can hear two wolves running but their speed is increasing every second. They should be nearing the sentinel. The thing is I can't hear anyone else except them. I focus on their erratic heartbeats but there isn't a third one in there direction.

Is this a trap ?

No, probably not. And if it was I would be able to hear other sounds, other presences. They are alone.

Then are they fleeing ?

"Who did you send out there ?" I demand.

"The new recruit, Leah and Steven. Why ?"

"I don't know. Something's weird."

"What is ?"

Their heartbeats are fast, their pace uneven and there isn't anyone with them."

"I don't hear anything. I can't even hear them." He says stubbornly.

"Well I can and I'm telling you something is wrong. There is no one where they are going."

"How can you tell ?"

"I just can." I groan.

"Well, what do you want me to do ? Do you want me to go with them ? Is that it ?"

"I was just wondering if they were trying to run away but-"

"They aren't." He cuts me.

"If you'd let me finish." I growl, growing out of patience. "But knowing who they are I know they wouldn't."

"Of course they wouldn't."

"Are you done already ? I'm trying to explain to you that something is not right and you're arguing with me about whether are not they would leave when I already said I trust them."

"Look, I-" I shut him up with my hand and listen intently when I hear Leah shift.

"What happened here ?" Her voice says angrily. "We need to contact the pack and alpha Nate."

"Call Leah." I instruct Jared. "Now."

He dials her number and does so.

"Leah ? Where are you ? Is there-" He stops to listen to her.

"We found the sentinel. He's dead."

"What ?" Jared asks.

"We went to meet him but there was that smell... so we knew something happened. We found him but he's dead. And it seems he's been dead for a while now."

"Then how did he get here ?"

"No idea. But his body was moved otherwise we would have found him earlier, caught on his scent sooner."

"Can you smell anything else ?"

"Steven is searching the area right now."

"Alright. Can you bring his body back ? Or do you need me to send someone ?"

"We'll bring him back but sir," She hesitates. "there is something written."

"Written ?"

"Well, to be accurate, they carved a message on his back."

I can see Jared's body start to tremble in anger.

"What does it say ?" I ask loud enough for her to hear me through the phone.

"We're coming."