Chapter 42
Xena’s POV
We drove in silence. The scenery was beautiful, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to go home yet. With our discovery, we needed to get back quickly. Maybe even launch an attack before they could make a move on us first.
Ryder had even chosen to take the main road home. Occasionally, he’d check if I was still behind him or ask how I was feeling, but that was it. My mind was racing though–why were those Rogues there? Did they already know about us? If they were planning to attack our territory, were we prepared? The unease washed over my nerves like a rushing stream.
“This is my turn. Your father’s probably waiting at your pack to hear about the Rogues,” I told him as my turn approached.
“I’ll make sure you get home safe.”
“It’s really fine. You go home first. I’ll be fine.”
I could hear the hesitation in his voice. “You sure?”
“I’m good. Thanks for today. See you at school!” I tried to make my voice sound light as I slowed down to make the turn.
Ryder continued forward, and when I turned, I could hear his motorcycle suddenly accelerate. Like he’d been holding back his speed for me all along.
Home was only about 10 miles away, so I arrived quickly.
Dad, where are you? I called through our mind link.
Training grounds. Back already?
Yeah, soon. I twisted the throttle, accelerating again. Once I arrived home, I took off my jacket, gloves, and helmet, then half–ran to the training grounds, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Dad!”
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Chapter 42
“X, what’s wrong?” He stopped training, and everyone turned to look at me.
“We found a group of Rogues in a heavily wooded area while checking out that land. They saw us. We got the soil samples and got out, but there were 15 to 20 Rogues!” I said breathlessly..
Logan and Samuel stepped forward, my father’s expression turning serious.
“Damn, Dad, that’s not far from here. If they’re setting up camp…?”
“That’s Alpha Benedict’s territory, it’s his call, but I’ll contact him to see if he needs help. Did Ryder go home to tell him?”
“Yes, I told him not to follow me here. It would waste time. If they decide to attack in this direction because we saw them, and they saw us…”
“I’m calling now.” Dad pulled out his phone and dialed, walking toward the corner. I watched his serious expression as my heart continued to race.
“You okay?” Logan patted my shoulder.
“Just worried they’ll attack, I’m fine.” I tried to calm down, but the anxiety came flooding in like a tide. If those Rogues knew our location, we could all be in danger.
“Listen up!” Dad had finished his call and shouted. Everyone immediately became alert.
“Black team, move out!” He turned to Samuel. “You’re in charge here.”
“Yes, sir!” Samuel replied very seriously.
A group of 15 people followed Dad and Logan as they ran off, presumably to help Alpha Benedict. I stood there, feeling a strange sense of helplessness–I wanted to go with them, but I knew I wasn’t strong enough yet and would likely be more of a burden than help.
“Anything else to add?” Samuel asked in a tone that clearly carried accusation.
“What exactly are you implying, Samuel?” I felt anger rising inside me. He was always like this, looking at me with those suspicious eyes.
“Just asking a question.” He narrowed his eyes at me.
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Chapter 42
“I don’t like this.” He didn’t need to explain what he meant; I understood. He thought I was a troublemaker.
“That’s your problem,” I said before turning to leave.
Despite my concern about the Rogues, I still needed to take responsibility for completing all the activity work. Focusing was difficult, but after a few hours, I finished all the remaining projects for the rest of the year. Luckily, I’d completed other projects this week and had already done the financial budgeting, so I could focus on the remaining work. It wasn’t until I was getting ready for bed that I heard a knock on my door.
Since I’d already locked it, and the entire pack house was soundproof, I had to go open it.
“Who is it?”
“Hey, just wanted to let you know, we successfully stopped any attack. We caught up with Alpha Benedict just as the Rogues were reaching the edge of town.” Dad stood there, covered in dirt. His sweat had dried, and his scent was strong.
I breathed a sigh of relief, my shoulders finally relaxing after hours of tension. “Was anyone hurt?”
“A few minor injuries, nothing serious,” Dad replied, leaning against the doorframe. “Logan’s fine too, before you ask.”
I nodded, studying my father’s face. The exhaustion etched into his features. “What about Ryder? And Alpha Benedict?”
“They’re fine. The Rogues scattered once they saw our combined force.” He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging some dirt. “Benedict was grateful for the warning. He said to thank you.”
A warm feeling spread through my chest at those words. “I was just doing what anyone would do.”
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