Last Female Sypher and Her Brother's Friends novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Kade

92

The front entrance is quiet for the first time all day. I stand on the patrol ridge overlooking the tree line, arms

folded across my chest as I scan the forest. The scent of dozens of wolves lingers in the air from the first pack that

arrived earlier. Now all I can smell is damp earth, pine, and my growing concern.

The scouts reported steady movement from our stranger, along with some unusual behavior. Whoever he is, he

moves like he’s got all the time in the world. He stops to admire the nature around him, takes frequent breaks for

meals or just to rest, yet he moves with a purpose.

It’s puzzling.

My wolf hates it. He knows the male is playing with us and doesn’t like the thought.

I glance around at the woods, half expecting to see Theo with the calm, solid looks he gets after succeeding in a

mission.

They should be back by now. The simple fact that they aren’t lets me know something hasn’t gone to plan.

My wolf shifts restlessly beneath my skin.

Every day, I find out something new about our bond. When Aria is not with us, it’s like a bone–deep urge flares up, pushing me to get back to her, to know that she’s okay, to see it with my eyes, though I can feel it. But when one of our band is missing… It’s a different kind of emptiness, like a table missing a leg, off balance.

The forest rustles. The birds and insects are going silent in response to the new creatures in their wake.

I track the movement as the fair–sized group approaches. The Nightshade pack.

Several figures emerge from the trees.

Elliot leads his pack. The Alpha looks tense even by his standards. He leads nearly forty wolves through. Behind him

are submissives, children, elderly pack members, warriors, and enforcers. Everyone looks exhausted from the journey.

“Everything went well?” I ask when he gets closer.

“Good. No issues on our travel,” he replies.

1/5

10:14 Sat, Sep 12

Chapter 169

I lead him inside, letting Dex know to take my place as we enter.

“Are there any that need medical attention?”

“One of our elders has some chronic pain, and we have two pregnant females I’d like to get looked at.”

“Amber, Lila, and Jack, come on up here,” Elliot calls.

The two pregnant females are accompanied by their mates, and the elderly man is helped along by a male who could

be his grandmother.

“This is Kade, he is the bandmate of Alpha Ronan, Elliot introduces.

Hearing myself introduced as the Alphas band mate instead of an enforcer, yeah, that’s still weird.

“We’re going to take you to the infirmary to be checked over before you get settled. Your own pack healer is

welcome to join you to get acquainted with our healing team.”

Elliot nods, and a young female steps up and introduces herself as Cadence.

I notice Marcus up ahead and wave him over. The burly enforcer jogs over to greet Elliot.

“I have three I’d like you to show to the infirmary, plus a healer to introduce to Kiara.”

“Sure. Follow me,” he says with his signature smile that never fails to put people at ease.

I guide them through the tunnels to the level just below the ground level.

“We’ve cleared out the entire wing for you, and we’ll leave it up to you to choose where everyone stays,” I say.

“You’ll find fresh sheets and towels inside each room as well as some simple furnishings. If anyone needs extra

storage or cribs for small children, you can put in an order with our woodworkers.”

Elliot inclines his head and allows his pack to choose their quarters.

While they are getting settled, Elliot pulls me aside. “Has the little hunter returned?

“Not yet.”

His jaw clenches. “No?”

225

10:14 Sat, Sep 12

Chapter 169

I shake my head. “The team hasn’t returned, but we’re not past the point of worry yet.”

Frustration flashes across his face. “Damn it.”

Some of the crazy sparks in his eyes, and I understand the reaction. Ransom has become a bit of an obsession for

the Alpha. We’ve all seen it.

At first, I thought it was teasing brought about by his distrust of Hunters, but as I watched the interaction, there

was a sort of passion behind it. Something dark, urgent, dangerous.

I don’t think Ransom knows just what type of predator has locked onto him.

“We’ll give them till the end of the day,” I say.

“I’ll join whoever you send to track them.” Elliot’s tone leaves no room for questions or alterations.

For a moment, neither of us says anything.

Then I force myself back into host mode.

Worry won’t help anybody.

“Once your people get settled, bring them to the room hall, and we’ll have them meet with everyone else.”

Elliot nods, his wolf prowling in his eyes.

The next hour disappears in controlled chaos. Two more Alphas arrive with their packs, and the mountain comes

alive with children running through the corridors, rowdy juveniles, chatty elderly, and general caution, but good

camaraderie as we work to make everyone feel comfortable in their temperate home.

One thing sits above the rest, though, the feeling of safety that comes with being together. The assurance and

strength of numbers.

Rooms are assigned.

Bags are carried.

Children are rounded up.

Roles are divided and scheduled.

925

3/5

10:15 Sat, Sep 12

Chapter 169

92

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify