Page 110 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
The kids run off to some of the older pack members, offering them a shoulder or hand for balance. Before we set off, I have everyone spray themselves with the scent diffuser Ita handed me.
It’s barely enough. Hopefully we won’t need it a second time. Dalene stays with the two pregnant women, while the two elite warriors, who Ita sent with me, help to carry the smaller kids. Caitlin takes the lead in the front, leading us to the mountains. I fall back to the end to make sure no one follows us. Most of the walk we do in silence. Everyone is nervous and anxious about being attacked again. These two packs have already suffered so much. How much more can they take?
I turn around to toss a glance at the pack. In the distance, I can see some wolves climbing onto a werebear and bringing him down. These are our warriors, I realize. The royal warriors are truly elites. Pride fills me both for being part of them, but also for being part of the royal family.
The whole way to the mountains, I’m nervous and anxious, almost expecting someone to attack us from behind. I’m prepared to fight for these people, and I’m certainly not a bad fighter, but to take on a werebear… that’s some extra skills I don’t quite possess yet. Especially not on my own. It only now dawns on me how important this task is that Ita handed to me.
I know that despite everything she did choose a task for me that would lead me away from the battlefield; I’m still a princess, and she is responsible for me. But looking at the group ahead of me, I realize I’m responsible for these people now. If something happens, it will be on me.
Fortunately, though, it seems like Ita’s senses as our gamma were right, she is a true strategist. Caitlin leads us to the mountain cave without any disturbances, while I make sure to further diffuse our traces. Once there, both she and I take a deep breath. The pack members go further into the cave to rest and eat, while she and I stay in front of the cave.
Looking down onto the pack from here, I realize why Ita didn’t send any more warriors with us, or with Tynan. There just weren’t enough warriors in numbers. As werewolves, our senses allow us to look further into the distance, more so than a human could. Which is why Caitlin and I watch the fight anxiously from our position. There are a few werebears in the pack grounds now and they seem to circle a building.
“That’s where the bunker is,” Caitlin whispers.
“Good thing we didn’t hide there,” I declare.
“Gamma Ita is an incredible woman,” Caitlin says. “Without her…” She turns to look into the cave. “Who knows what would have happened?”
I smile. “She is the best.”
We watch in silence how some wolves circle the bears that made it onto pack grounds. One of the wolves is dark brown and bigger than the others. “That’s Blaine,” Caitlin whispers, grabbing my hand anxiously.
I squeeze it, while we both watch breathlessly how he attacks one of the bears. He is fast and agile, but bears are strong. His opponent tosses him to the side and throws himself on top of him. But before he can crush him, Blaine rolls over and jumps on his back.”
He is safe,” I whisper, when I notice that Caitlin has turned her head to the side.
“Thank Goddess,” she mutters. “I just don’t know what I’d do if I lost him. I… I know we are not fated mates.” She pauses. “I know the mate bond and its intensity, and I don’t regret having had a mate, but for my second chance, I chose Blaine. And I love him. I know that a lot of high-ranking members of other packs will say we just made an alliance because we were desperate and heart-broken, but I love Blaine, from the bottom of my heart. It’s a different kind of love than I felt for my mate, yes, but it’s love. He healed and mended a broken part in me and made me see the light again.”
Trauma-bonding, I think. That’s how Ita called it. For a split second, I feel bitter again that she belittled my feelings like that. Caitlin is right. It doesn’t take away from the authenticity of anyone’s feelings.
“I can see that you love him,” I tell her. “I watched you, because I know my father needs to approve of chosen matings that involve alphas.”
“It’s not a bad law,” Caitlin says. “My mother told me that back in the days a lot of alphas abused their rank, and rejected their mates when they thought they were beneath them.”
“I know.” I take her hand to squeeze it. “I also know that my father will approve of you and Blaine, because you are both genuine. Blaine cares deeply for you.”
I don’t know for how long we sit here. The night sky is illuminated by stars, idyllic and a stark contrast to the battle noises from the direction of the pack. Eventually I can see the flash lighting up the surrounding area of the pack. I recognize it instantly. “That had to be the witch.”
“Thank Goddess,” Caitlin answers.
My eyes gaze over the area below us, and I can spot Tynan’s huge and majestic wolf joining the warriors. Despite his silly and sometimes childish attitude, he is a fantastic fighter; brave, fierce and particularly crafty.
I stand up now, pacing around anxiously, while watching more and more bears pouring into the pack, but at the same time the light is pushing against them. For a few minutes it’s eerily quiet, then cheers erupt across the sky.
Next to me, Caitlin bursts into tears of relief.
A few minutes pass, then I can feel Ita’s mind link coming through.Alana, are you and everyone else alright?
I’m so relieved to hear her voice that my heart skips a beat.Yes, we are fine! What about you? Are you hurt? Is everyone well?
I’m glad to hear you are well, she says softly.We had a few casualties, she continues.But, overall, we came out okay. Your father will be proud of his strong warriors.
Can we return now?
Wait, I’m going to discuss this with Alpha Blaine briefly. For a moment there is silence engulfing me before her voice is back.Yes, you can return. Some warriors are scouting the area, and Tynan and I will make sure to meet you halfway.There is a pause.I’m so relieved you are okay.
Me too, I say.I was so worried about you.
