Awakening (2 book series)
Awakening – Following Fate Chapter 101

Cesar breaks into our head link, running my plans and Colton lifts his head and frowns at me. Both of us knowing this can't be good if we're being disturbed already. It's only been an hour or so since we came up here.

Cesar never encroaches on our private time together, no one does. It's the one major rule that Colton has. That when he wants to be with me alone, it's a cardinal sin to interrupt us without him first giving the signal that they can. Colton gave strict orders to leave us be unless it was an emergency and Cesar wouldn't disobey that if it wasn't. My heart sinks and I almost pout at the loss of his lips near mine as he pulls away. I'm coming.

Colton links back and let's go of me fully, jumping to his feet to retrieve clothes and yanks a long warm robe out of the wardrobe for me. Despite my disappointment, my insides soar at the fact, even being aloof and strange, he's still wanting me by his side. Still my normal Colton in there after all, the one who expects my constant presence and panders to me in anyway he can.

I put on a comfy nightdress after my soak, so a robe is a must and I get up and let him help me into it with a smile. Pushing my feet into slippers, blushing when he kisses me on the back of the head tenderly and follow him as soon as he throws his upper clothes on. I feel like we're back to dating or being shy somehow, and I don't get it at all. I know it's probably one sided as he seems like he always does concerning being touchy with me, grabbing my hand and such, but I feel nervous and restrained. I guess it's because of that burning questions that's digging a crater in my soul and needs a real answer before I can relax.

We head downstairs quickly and can tell by the scent that the sub pack are already convening in the study that used to be our room, away from the hall, in cozier confines. I pick up on every one of them as they recently passed through and follow Colton to our preferred nook for sub meetings. We have never migrated from our small private space for the original sub pack. Some habits die hard.

They are all inside, including Leyanne which I'm surprised to see, given how protective of this room they can be and the twins seem to be a little enamored with her. One sat either side of where she is and she's making it clear she may remove body parts if they get too close. There's an unmissable air of warning in her stiff upright posture. Her hostile glare at one and then the other as they throw her charming smiles makes me giggle and I bat Domi on the head as I pass him and move to the seat where Colton guides me. "Behave" I warn and then nestle down in the seat when Colton moves past it for me to sit and he stands beside me. Always nearby, always guarding me instinctively, even in our safe spaces. He's the ideal mate, even when he's being a distant a*****e. "What is it?" he asks, looking around the seemingly happy and calm faces, getting to the point with a domineering tone and its only then I notice that Cesar is pacing and the only one, besides the witch, that looks serious.

"We're all here?" Cesar turns to us, a quizzical expression on his face and I note Meadow isn't here yet.

"No, what about Med...." I start but he cuts in and silences me with a wave of his hand.

"She's coming, she's getting Carmen." Cesar seems unusually stiff and brisk in the way he responds, and Colton's furrowed brow tells me he's wondering what the hell is up. In the absence of Colton then someone always stands as pack head of security at all hours. I guess Cesar was on that duty before we were called down, despite the fact he should have been among the resting.

Colton, Meadow, Matteo, Radar, and Cesar are usually the only ones who make sure everything runs peaceably around the clock and have the authority to call a meeting like this before reporting to Colton. He still treats them as semi equal in all things. So a gathering like this isn't unusual but given the witch is here and now they even requested Carmen, I feel unsettled in my stomach. Given today's events and everyone's need for down time, my gut says this isn't good at all.

Leyanne sits still and silent but even in the short time I've known her I can tell she has something to say and isn't looking as joyous and chill as the others. Her aura screams of dissatisfaction and maybe slightly annoyed. I don't get why. Maybe that's just her though and I'm being sensitive.

"We're here. Meadow appears with Carmen in tow and they both head straight for a seat and sink down onto the sofa, although Meds is perched and upright and starts tapping her foot in agitation. Carmen glances around then catches my eye with a questioning frown, and I can only shrug in response. I have no more idea than she does.

"Someone gonna tell me what's up?" Colton snaps, his tension getting the best of him and Meadow breaks instantly. Her expression bleak as she locks eyes on him and despite their ongoing standoff, I know their close relationship is stronger than a tiff, and important things will push aside bickers. Meds and Colton are like siblings and will never fight for long. They never do.

"They're moving against the mountain... the witch got word from the vampire...... the missing vamps, they have been gone since yesterday. This isn't over by a long shot... blood is to be spilled on the valley and the Santa pack there is in serious danger." "Wait what? I thought you said this was done... isn't that....?" Colton's confusion matches mine and this time, as I snap my eyes to him and back towards meadow, panic rising in my throat as his question dies on my lips. Despite all eyes turning to Meadow for explanation on what she just stated it's Leyanne who speaks. Cutting in smoothly knowing she needs to expand on those minute details.

"The lord has held onto this for a long time..... he wasn't so easy to sway. Even with news of his child. He pulled the strongest from the mountain and he plans on eliminating all who had a part in Marina's death." She looks to me, her expression almost blank as though this isn't news to her or even a concern. Honestly this witch, she doesn't seem fazed at all. It irks me on a serious level, and I glare at her, somehow feeling anger that she cares about nothing at all, even after fighting for our side. I don't understand how anyone can be so detached.

"Tell him the rest." Meadow snaps as though the witch is annoying her too, although with avoiding something important and I screw my face at Meds for her harshness. Out of character especially when Leyanne has done so much or us these past few days and they had created a mutual understanding of respect.

Leyanne stands up and dusts down her clothes, straightens her layered skirt and walks to the fireplace before leaning against it. Infuriatingly calm and non-rushed. Still clearly not all that invested in what's unfolding when we thought the worst was over. Graceful, poised, oozing power in her mannerisms. She could be royalty if you didn't know her.

"This wasn't a war of two kinds this time around..... it was little more intentional. I didn't think it was an important detail but none the less...... the only state having battles with vampires is this one. The only pack under attack is Santo. I know, I've travelled and this war as you call it, the only repercussions are all here around your two mountains. The wolves are not under threat.... just your bloodline. None of the others even know there's any kind of trouble at all."

That revelation sinks around us like a lead ship and as eyes widen, and we look to one another, I suddenly see it all click together and make sense. Why out of all the packs in the world, our valley, the orphanage, was the test place for their weapon and why we were followed here.

"This was always about us?" Colton's shocked breathy reply makes my blood run cold. The realization sinking in numbs my skin and sends a creeping crawl of ants across my face. My heart hammering at her words. Somehow it seems worse to know that this is a focused attack, and we are alone in terms of defending the valley, especially knowing Lord Varro is like Darrius and both of them will be heading there to settle this debt.