Chapter 36: Chapter 36

Chapter 10

~Johnathon’s POV~

I was watching the boys play outside from the window of the kitchen. They are so happy and joyous without noticing things around them in chaos. My men must be doing their jobs right and that makes me proud of them. They provide the pack members safety day in and day out without regret or complaint.

It’s been four days since Timber left and I have had more rogue attacks on the pack borders than I would like to admit. More rogues than I have seen in the last five years. What is going on? I cannot explain it but I have a feeling it isn’t good.

It has caused an increased need to employ new recruits from the Southern border lately. I have had to deploy baby fresh new recruits on all borders. Don’t know how the Southern Territory is pushing them out… but man they are some good fighting warriors as far as I’ve been told.

‘Let me go check and see if they really… that good John!’ Bane barked out. ‘Man you’ll get your chance… once we get to the training grounds again. Hold yourself, our mate will be home soon.’ Bane just huffed and retreated slightly. But I can still feel him looming like he’s right over my shoulder. Man he’s annoying today. I really hope TImber gets back soon.

‘I want mate… NOW!’ he bellowed huffing more. ‘Why can’t we just go to her like before? Not fair’ sulking like a child.

‘I don’t know. Could that be… I don’t know, Tairon is only available through a magic portal and I don't’ know if I can?’ crossing my arms in front of my chest. He says nothing else, but I can feel his frustration mulling over in my mind.

Whatever this, needed, trip was for Timber, I have suspicions the attacks have something to do with it. But what exactly… I do not know. I do know she needs to get home soon. Bane has been whining and picking fights with the new incoming warriors during training. And it’s only been four days… good grief.

All I know is that I need to keep the pack safe.

To keep my family safe.

I need my wolf to calm down. But I need Timber for that.

These attacks do not seem normal though for rogues. They seem to be more organized somehow. As if they are being deployed and given orders. But by whom though? I am unaware of any new threats in this area. Most know not to mess with us.

I have heard about an unsettling coming from the throne. Could it be corruption? Not possible. ‘Anything is possible.’ Bane tells me… even though he’s not talking to me until I either let him beat on someone or his mate returns. Letting him beat on someone isn’t in question unless there’s a rogue.

Then? Well have at it buddy. Laughing to myself.

I hope whatever Timber is doing she finds the answers we are both seeking.

“Boys stay with Magda and do not go outside without permission.” I said sternly as Magda took them back inside from the sounds of chaos filling the air.

“But daddy we want to help you.” they pouted in unison.

“I know boys. But right now it is not safe for you to be out there. You are still young and learning. Please. Stay with Magda so daddy can go do his job without worry. OK?” softening my tone a little so they understood my order was out of love and nothing else.

I looked up at Magda and she nodded to me as I stood to leave. “Come on boys. Let’s find something fun to do inside shall we?” I heard Magda say over my shoulder and grinned slyly. I always knew she would be the best one for them. I started walking and thought of where I wanted to be and disappeared from the pack house in mid stride.

“Beta Andrew. Fill me in.” I said, startling him as I appeared next to him without warning. He held his chest for a moment before filling me in on threat.

“Alpha. We are holding the Northern Border at the moment but there seems to be some restlessness out there. No one has attacked but we can sense ‘something’ out there.” he said pointing to our left as I could hear slight rustling in the very far distance.

“Have you sent a team to investigate?”

“Yes Alpha. General Hades and his men have gone out, but we haven’t heard back from him yet.”

‘General Hades, this is Alpha Johnathon… what have you found?’ I mind linked him since transporting is not always helpful in these types of search situations. I never know what I am appearing into and it could cause disastrous effects for my men and I.

‘Alpha we have found a camp of about hundred or so rogues. They are approximately sixty kilometers from the NorthWestern border.’ he linked back. ‘There doesn’t appear to be any concern for movement at the moment, however they all look like organized rogue warriors sir.’

‘How are the new camouflage suits working? Have they spotted you and your men?’

‘No sir. The men and I have infiltrated their camp undetected. They are working better than expected, Alpha. My gratitude to the engineering team in the South for the stealth.’

‘Wonderful. Keep eyes and ears on them General and check in with any new developments.’

‘Yes Alpha.’

‘And General?’

‘Yes Alpha?’

‘Make sure you and the men keep appropriate distances. I don’t want you to accidentally bump into someone or get peed on and blow your cover.’ responding back before ending the link.

“Boy has Luna Timber changed Alpha.” General Hades whispered to one of the men standing close by. Being in deep thought, his body softened slightly as he internally smiled widely. While his outer appearance stayed firm without gentleness. Chuckling softly to himself as he wiggled his head.

“What do you mean sir?” openly questioning his statement cautiously and with uncertain confusion.

“Well… I think Alpha Johnathon just made a joke?” looking towards the man telling him what he said while shaking his head side to side again, his eyes danced mischievously. He had never seen his alpha be playful. Not even once over the many decades he knew him. Especially not during circumstances of life and death.

“I believe you may be right sir.” nodding in agreeance that their Alpha has been different ever since Luna Timber has come.

Alpha Johnathon never acted in this manner even with his first Luna… and he loved her without end or limits. Something about Luna Timber made this strong, fierce, and no-nonsense Alpha gentler… but in a good way.

He was happier, therefore the pack was happier and thrived under his leadership even more than before. Even pack mates treated each other better seeing the way he loved and cared for her and the pack equally.

General Hades saw how the warriors fought harder. Trained more fiercely. Protected the pack with more conviction than before. Yes, he knew they were always loyal to the pack and would follow orders and commands without wavering.

But now? Their hearts and souls were all in their fight and General Hades could do nothing but thank the Moon Goddess for Luna Timber.

He knew it was only because of her that this change had come… and he was even more proud of his pack family and even more willing to do whatever was needed to protect them from any and all danger that lurked in the shadows. Even if that meant his own life.

~~~~~~

Timber where are you? I hope you have found some answers. I love you, please get back to me quickly and safely. I say more to myself but also in our link in hopes she would hear my heart's plea and either answer me back or come home urgently.

“How are they doing Alpha? Are the new stealth uniforms meeting expectations?” Beta Andrew asked once my eyes unglossed from the link. He knew Alpha Johnathon missed Luna Timber terribly and tried to distract his mind with pack business.

“Exceedingly, actually. The men are undetected and able to move freely about.” pausing briefly before continuing. A stern look moved across my face and my eyes danced with venomous disdain before speaking again.

“There are about hundred or so warriors camped out about sixty kilometers NorthWest from here in that direction.” irritation evident in my voice that anyone would try to organize on or even near my territory again as I pointed where General Hades mentioned his men seeing the camp.

“They do not seem to be doing anything. They seem to be waiting… for something or someone.” confusion inching its way over Beta Andrew’s face slightly at the words being spoken.

“You think they are part of this war Luna Timber has foreseen. Don’t you?” asking the question he already knew the answer to.

Looking over to me, he waited for a response that seemed to take eternity to come, before a curt nod was given in place of words. Knowing this was only the start, my thoughts went to my Luna and the pups before my protective stance kicked in and Bane tried to move forward once again.

“I will have all outer edges of the territory borders double and triple checked for any more camps. We will not allow any harm to befall our Luna or your heirs Alpha.” Andrew finally spoke again with a promise oozing loyalty to his life for his Alpha’s family.

“I know I can trust you with not only my pack’s lives, but my families as well.” I nodded with gratitude and provided a small smile at Andrew’s quick thinking. PLacing a hand on his shoulder giving a squeeze before letting go.

I always knew I could trust Andrew with anything. He was quick thinking and always ready to do whatever was necessary for the pack members.

“Do as you spoke of and contact those in each region. Get back with me with any new news.” nodding once taking the command, Andrew left me to get things accomplished.

‘Now? Can I now!’ Bane itched to take control.

‘No Bane… not yet buddy. Hold on just a little more.’ trying to get him to calm down. All his pacing, huffing and ranting has started to get aggravating.

‘Fine… don’t think I’ll be easy on anyone once I’m free.’ he growled.

‘Bane… how about I let you out for a run on the Eastern border for a check? We need to do another recon check anyway.’ trying to reason with him.

‘Fine! But we… shift… now’ was all he said, pushing himself out while forcing me to the back of our mind without warning. Crap! This is going to be bad if he doesn’t calm down. I said, thinking to myself.