Chapter 69: Chapter 7

HALEY

The week passes, and Uncle Ryan seems to watch me more closely until I can’t take it anymore. “What?” I snap at him at the dinner table.

“In my office, now.” The look on his face says he’s angry, but also filled with concern. I know I shouldn’t have yelled at him, but it’s getting oppressive.

~She’s just a child, be patient with her,~ Louisa links Uncle Ryan.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Ryan. I didn’t mean to snap like that. It’s just that I feel like you’re always watching me,” I tell him as I take a seat.

“I am always watching you. I’m concerned about you. Your emotions are all over the place and we never did talk about what happened the night you arrived.”

I look down, having no answer for him. “Haley. I’m your alpha. More importantly, I’m your uncle. I love you and I care about you. I want to help you, but you have to let me in.”

I shake my head. “I’m fine. That was just a freak out from stress. I mean, imagine sleeping outside in the dirt with only a yoga mat for comfort for almost five years. The only luxury is a spigot shared by everyone. Your biggest concern was keeping your sister safe, but she’s clumsy so everyone thinks you’re troublemakers. Then suddenly you’re whisked away and thrown in front of a pretty intimidating alpha that you’ve never met. Then welcomed into the family you’ve been searching for all that time. It was a lot and it all happened so fast it made my head spin.”

Uncle Ryan lets out a slow breath. “I guess that would make anyone’s head spin. But that doesn’t explain why your emotions are all over the place or why you…blank out.”

“Hormones?” I squeak out as an answer. He deadpans. “I don’t know.”

“Haley. Please stop thinking so little of me. I’m not an idiot. I know that something is going on.”

I look up to my uncle’s eyes. Most people wouldn’t dare stare down an alpha, let alone look straight in their eyes, but I can handle it. “I don’t know… I’m not ready to talk about it.”

I finally look away and he nods. “Fair enough. I’m here when you’re ready. Until then, get used to my eyes on you. Except for Alpha Redd, I’ve never met anyone that can handle staring me down as you just did. I wonder…”

I look up at him, waiting for him to finish his thought. I feel him press out his alpha vibes so I look away. “You’re not very good at faking that. Anyone else would’ve been on their knees.”

I look back up at him and chew my bottom lip. “I wonder if you should see a healer.”

“I met one at Alpha Redd’s pack. He relieved me of a headache. He asked about me, but didn’t know anything.”

“Well at least he was able to relieve your headache. Dr. Mason is a good guy. He’s patched me up a few times. If he doesn’t know, I’ll have to figure something else out. I’m still going to give him a call.”

“Uncle Ryan, I’m not a puzzle. I’m just a teenage girl going through a lot of shit.”

“Language, Haley.”

“Sorry. We didn’t really have rules at the camp.”

“I still want to help you in any way I can. Are you worried about finding your mate?”

That gets my attention. It has been bugging me since he mentioned it. “A little.”

“Finally a straight answer from you. Haley. We’ll figure it out. I’ve already been studying Were twins. You are extremely rare. It’s usually a Male and a Female, in that order. I have a few people I can contact. Alpha Redd has a huge library. Also, I’ll see the Oracle at the alpha’s summit on New Year’s Day.”

“What’s the Oracle?” I look up to him in sheer curiosity.

“She’s the vessel of the Moon Goddess. She just knows things. I can set up a meeting, if you want.” Oracle, vessel of the Moon Goddess. What does that even mean? Uncle Ryan’s shoulders slump.

“Haley. The Oracle just knows things. She is the one that mediates the alpha summit. Everyone respects her, even those alphas with bad intentions know not to mess with her.”

“She sounds like a tough broad. Kind of like Martha. Goddess, I miss her. I hope she’s all right.”

“What do you mean?” Uncle Ryan is sincere. His light blue eyes soften as he looks at me. He’s so handsome. It’s hard to believe he’s thirty-four, he still looks young, maybe late twenties… He cocks his brow and I think back to what we were talking about.

“Martha has to keep everyone safe. No one else is strong enough. She keeps the camp running smooth with the little that they have. With all of the teens gone, I wonder if things are all right.”

“Alpha Redd has already sent them a few supplies. I’ll be doing the same. It’s the least I can do to help. If anyone needs a pack, I’ll vet them then maybe welcome them here.”

I shake my head and look out the window as the sun begins to set. “Is something wrong?”

“Although they could use supplies, no one will leave. They’re waiting for the alpha heir.”

“The what?”

I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t really know much, I never really bothered to find out, but other than the human women that have pups, the rest are waiting for the alpha heir.”

“I’ll see if I can find anything out. Have you finished your homework?” I shake my head. “Go finish eating then work on your homework.” Uncle Ryan stands from his desk and gives me a hug. “I love you, kiddo.”

I squeeze him tighter. “I love you too, Uncle Ryan. Thank you for everything. I’m no idiot either and I know taking in two wild troublemaking teenagers isn’t easy.”

He chuckles a little. “No, it’s not. But you’re neither wild nor troublemakers. You’re family.” He kisses my head and opens the door. “Go finish your dinner, then you can help out with the dishes as punishment for that mouth of yours.” I give him a subtle smile then nod.

The time begins to fly and life becomes easier when summer comes. I pass all of my classes with flying colors, but Glory struggled. I helped her as much as possible, but she never wanted me to just give her answers. She passed her classes, but with lower grades. It’s not that I’m smarter or anything, but learning comes easier for me, it’s always been this way.

Uncle Ryan continues to watch me, but it’s not as annoying. He’s away pretty often dealing with pack business. Sometimes I hear other people link him, but never his response.

Glory and I have managed to stay out of trouble, and we’ve even made friends with the pups in our age group. However, we are still excluded from parties and hangouts.

Training is enjoyable, and I look forward to it. I’m quite skilled and can escape from almost any situation. Glory, not so much.

She’s taken up decorating and has even spruced up both our rooms. Twinkle lights are strung across my ceiling, with a thin, dark blue canopy overhead. It’s beautiful, and I spend a lot of time in my room.

Every now and then, Virgil and I chat. He made sure to get my number before school ended. He informed me that Alpha Redd killed Alpha Roberts and that Damon took over the pack.

“Why is it nothing surprises you?” he asks.

“I have no idea.” I give him the same answer I always do.

“I’m not buying it, Haley. There’s something different about you.”

~Haley. It’s dinner time.~ Glory links me.

“I have to go, Virgil. I’m glad everything worked out. Tell everyone we say hello.” I hang up before he can say anything more, and it makes me feel guilty. He’s always been so kind to me and Glory.

Uncle Ryan gives me a smile as I sit at the table. I link him. ~Are you aware that Alpha Robert’s is dead?~

He raises an eyebrow. ~I am. How did you come to know of this?~

~Virgil, one of the strays, told me. He’s the only one that really talks to me and Glory.~

He gives me a nod. He answers a question Blaine asked then links me. ~Do you remember Damon Ramirez?~ It’s my turn to nod. ~He beat Roberts’s son into submission. He’s the new alpha.~

~That’s great news. Is Luna Kya all right?~

He gives me a curious look. ~I have no knowledge. I had a few guards helping their pack. I’ll have to ask. I’ll get back to you on that, okay?~

~Yes please. I’ve been really worried.~

I finish my dinner in silence. I think of Damon Ramirez and visions begin to flash. He’s playing with his sister Bianca as kids. The two are laughing at the lake. Damon is put in a chokehold by Alpha Redd’s beta. Damon pours over books. The Starlight Sister puts him on his knees.

~Haley?~ Uncle Ryan looks at me.

I take a bite of food and look back at him. ~I’m fine. I was just thinking. Damon is a nice guy. I remember him from when we were kids. He was always fair and included us in games.~

Uncle Ryan gives me a nod and I finish eating. I help with the dishes since Louisa is always doing everything. I get back to my room and text Virgil goodnight.

That night I dream of people I’ve never met and their lives. I recognize a few from school, but they’re older than what I know. The Starlight Sister is trapped in a dungeon. Alpha Roberts violates her and I wake up screaming.

I rub my eyes with the heels of my hands and Uncle Ryan rushes through the door. I throw my arms out and he picks me up and holds me to his chest as I cry. That stupid asshole! I hate him even more than I already did.

“I’m here, Haley. It’s okay.”

I shake my head. “Alpha Roberts is one sick mother…”

Uncle Ryan’s fingers cover my mouth. “Don’t say it. I know he’s terrible, but he’s dead now. You know I almost killed him once…maybe it was twice.”

I look up at my awesome uncle. “You did?”

“Mhmm. The day I found out he kicked you out of his pack I went there. You two had already been gone over a week. The bastard didn’t even bother to tell me. He knew who you were to me. Kenneth had to drag me away along with three more of my guards.

“When I saw him at the following alpha summit, I walked in and grabbed him by the throat and slammed him to the ground. The Oracle is the only one that could stop me. I had a few alphas that supported me, but so did he.

“In the end I had to let him go or it would’ve been an all-out war. Once he stood back up, I knocked him out. We had to wait a full two hours for him to wake up so the summit could begin. The Oracle told everyone that I was justified in my actions, Alpha Roberts is deserving of his fate.”

“He deserves more than that. He’s evil.” I sniffle.

“He’s dead now. The Moon Goddess will sort him out for his crimes.” Uncle Ryan kisses my head. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. I tried to find you, I almost gave up hope. I’m so sorry.”

I adjust so I can throw my arms around his massive shoulders. “We’re here now. You’re so good to us. Thank you Uncle Ryan.” He sniffs then kisses my head.

“Luna Kya is just fine. She was taken by Roberts which is why Declan killed him. I promised I would fill you in.” I nod and he tucks me in then says goodnight. I roll over and try to get back to sleep.