Chapter Nine: The Conversation

The sound of muffled voices in the distance hit my ears as I begin to regain consciousness. Groggily, I pry my eyes open and take in my surroundings. I am in the hospital, hooked up to fluids and monitors while my right arm is completely wrapped in a sling. My mind races in confusion for a moment before it all comes rushing back.

“Leah?” I whisper.

I feel her stir as she weakly speaks, “I’m here, Annie.”

I let out the breath I didn’t even realize I was holding, “Oh, thank the Goddess. I can’t believe we did that. You were absolutely amazing, Leah. Dad would be impressed.”

“Thanks, so were you. That sneak attack was brilliant,” she chuckles.

Just then, the door opens and reveals Dr. Wynn.

“You’re finally awake. Great. I will let the Alpha know,” he smiles at me, eyes glazing over for a split second. He continues walking up to monitors.

I smile back before my eyes go wide, my heart monitor going berserk, “Wait! What about Hope?! Is she okay? She was bruised and bleeding and-”

“Whoa, whoa. Calm down, Annie. Hope is fine. Besides some cuts and bruises, she is in perfect health. You were worse off than her,” he reassures me.

I nod, my heartbeat going back to normal. “How long was I out, doc?” I ask.

“A couple of hours. Your body is healing fairly quickly between Leah and your body resting, but I want you to wear an arm sling for at least a day due to your broken radius, just to be on the safe side. You’ll also be sore for a couple of days. The wound in your side has almost completely healed. It was not as deep as I originally thought. There was no infection or complications,” He says as he writes my vitals down, which are near perfect.

The door to my room opens again as my family rushes in. Hope practically throws herself on me, “Oh, Annie. I am so sorry.”

I wince and rub her back as she cries into my neck, “Shhh. Hope, I’m okay. We’re okay.”

She pulls away, “Because of you and Leah. I was so useless!! Just sitting there and watching.”

Grabbing her shoulders, I make her look at me, “Useless?! Are you kidding? Hope, do you even realize how brave you were? You risked your life so that Patricia and the pups could escape. You stalled until I could get there. If I remember correctly, I basically threw you into the tree and told you to stay no matter what happened. It would have hurt you and Susie trying to shift with your body so weak.”

She sighs, giving me a small nod before pulling me into another quick hug. Moving to the side, she lets Aunt Crystal wrap me tight in her arms.

“Thank Goddess you are okay. I was so worried,” she whispers in my ear.

“I’m fine. I promise,” I smile softly, looking behind her to the men standing a few feet away.

They both have a look mixed with relief and anger. Eventually, I make them come closer and hug me, too. The tension in their bodies eases slightly, but I know they are still harping over the situation.

Uncle Marc sits next to me in a chair grabbing my hand, “I should let you know that I had to call Alpha Xavier back and update him.”

I smile, “I know. So, when is Dad and the future Alpha storming the gates?”

He chuckles, “Well considering they were just attacked too, the fighters can’t leave. However, I would not be surprised if your mother shows up.”

Looking at Hope, I ask, “Did you tell them?”

“No,” she shakes her head, “I wanted you to be awake first.”

Uncle Marc glances between us, “Tell us what?”

I sigh, my gaze moving back to him, “I know what the rogues are looking for.”

He sits back slightly with concern on his face, “Alpha Black should be a part of this conversation.”

“Yes, he should. I probably should call my family as well. Harry, can you find my phone?” I ask, glancing around the room.

He walks to the closet and pulls out a bag with all my belongings. Pulling the device out, he hands it to me and asks, “Dad, do you want us to step out?”

“Annie?” he inquires.

“No. It’s okay. You all need to know,” I answer as I click Mom’s name and hit video call.

There’s two rings before the phone connects and my mother’s tear stained face appears on the screen. The sight breaks my heart. I feel like that’s all I’ve done lately, making everyone cry.

Based on her surroundings, it looks like she’s in Dad’s office.

“Oh baby. Are you okay? Your face is all bruised and wait, is your arm in a sling?! Do you need me to come? I can be there in a couple of hours. I can-” Mom cries.

I try to comfort her, “Mama, breathe. I’m okay. Just some bruises and a broken bone, but other than that, I’m completely fine. They’ve been checking my vitals every few minutes.”

She sniffles, “What about Leah and Hope?”

“Both are okay. Here, say hi Hope,” I motion with my head.

Hope pops her head in for a second, “Hi, Aunt Hannah. I’m still here, thanks to your awesome daughter.”

The office door bursts open and several feet run in. Dad’s strained voice echoes out, “Annabeth?!”

“I’m here. I’m okay,” I call back.

A second later, he and Michael appear on either side of Mom. My heart breaks a little more seeing the redness rimmed around their eyes.

“Oh thank the Moon Goddess,” Michael breathes out.

I smile, “Hey there, big bro.”

“Hey, not so little sis, considering the ass you just epically kicked,” he smiles back.

I chuckle before addressing Dad, “Hi Daddy.”

“Hi baby girl,” he mutters, staring at me sadly.

“I’m fine. I swear,” I reiterate, “I did everything you taught me and Leah was amazing. You would have been impressed.”

“I’m so proud, of the both of you, for keeping yourselves and Hope safe,” he says seriously.

“Thanks Dad,” I smile softly. He looks away for a second, wiping a stray tear from his eye. Mom leans over and presses a small kiss to his cheek.

“Annabeth, I’m so sorry,” he chokes out, meeting my gaze again.

“No, it’s okay. There wasn’t anything you could do to stop it and I would do it all again if it meant saving Hope-“ I start before he interrupts me.

He shakes his head, “No, baby girl. I’m meaning from our conversation earlier. I’m sorry for saying you were acting irresponsible, for making you feel that you had to run because I would force you into things. I know I can be…intense when it comes to my sense of duty, but you guys have always been my top priority, and it’s apparent I didn’t make that clear. I love our pack, being a Beta, and the Head Fighter, but never more than I love you all.”

I frown as my eyes start to water, “I know that. It was a cheap shot and a low blow. I love you too, and I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. There was truth in it and it was how you feel. I need you to know that no matter what you choose, I will support you. If anyone has a problem with it, I’m sure your uncle could find a place for us,” Dad says with a seriousness that I only ever see when he’s instructing his fighters.

“Oh, in a heartbeat. You just say the word, brother,” Uncle Marc pipes up.

I smile at my uncle who gives me a wink. He had told me a few days ago that he was going to try to meet my father halfway. Maybe one day their relationship can be repaired.

I turn back to the device, “Dad, there’s another reason I called. I know what the rogues are after and I need to talk to the Alpha.”

They all look at each other in worry before Michael speaks up and his eyes glaze over, “I’ll link him.”

While he talks to Alpha Xavier, Mom questions me, “How do you know?”

“They were questioning Hope and I heard as I approached. I guess they thought she wouldn’t have the chance to tell and they sure as hell weren’t counting on Kristoff’s daughter to show,” I smirk as Dad beams with pride.

Michael speaks once he’s back, “He said to meet in his office and he’ll call her back from his computer.”

Mom nods, “We’ll be back in a second baby.”

I nod with a small bye as I begin bracing myself to talk to the Alpha face to face for the first time since the party. Hopefully, he won’t be too harsh on me.

“I don’t want to upset you, but I wouldn’t be surprised if…” Leah trails off.

I sigh, “If Benjamin shows up? I know. I’m honestly expecting it. Can the bond be solidified over a screen? I…don’t want to do it that way, if I decide to try. He deserves more than that. It should be in person.”

Leah raises an eyebrow and smirks, “Oh, does he? Did Damen’s words make you start thinking? Is someone warming up to the idea?”

I roll my eyes and ignore her, “If he does, I’ll just keep my gaze from the phone. I’ll pass it to Uncle Marc or something.”

She chuckles at me, “I don’t know if it can, but we can always play it safe.”

“You good?” Harry asks, causing me to look up with a sheepish smile.

“Mhmm. Just talking to Leah about…everything,” I confess.

He nods in understanding as my phone starts ringing again. It’s a video call from the Alpha’s office. Taking a deep breath, I answer. My family is sitting around the desk with the Alpha sitting in the center. His eyes flash in anger upon seeing me. I’m sure my bruised face looks great on his large computer screen.

“Alpha Xavier,” I greet, feeling a little nervous.

“Annabeth. It’s good to see you. How are you feeling?” he asks sincerely.

I give him a small smile, “I’m alright. I look worse than I actually am. Everything is mostly healed. I’ll just be sore for a few days.”

He nods, “I see. I hear you took six rogues on alone. The fact that you can even say that is amazing and just reinforces how amazing of a she-wolf you are.”

I glance towards Dad, “It was all thanks to Dad’s training. He would have been proud.”

“From what I’ve heard from Alpha Solomon, I would say you did more than just make him proud,” he smiles at Dad, who nods in agreement.

“Thank you,” I sigh, glancing around my room then back to the phone, “Now, there’s something I need to tell all of you.”

“Ah, yes. You have some information for me. I’m assuming your uncle and family are in the room with you?” Alpha Xavier inquires.

I nod, “Yes, to both. You were right, Alpha Xavier.”

“About?” He looks at me in confusion.

I glance at Uncle Marc who is staring at me intently, “Right about the rogues trying to reach something in our pack.”

Alpha Xavier raises his eyebrows, “They told you?”

“Technically, they told Hope. I overheard them as I quietly approached,” I confess, sitting up a little straighter.

“That’s concerning but continue,” the Alpha states, rubbing his temples.

I take a deep breath, “Damen, the one I had assumed was the leader, said that his boss was looking for someone.”

Michael’s eyes snap to me. I can practically see the wheels turning. His hands begin clenching at his sides, trying to hold his wolf back. His eyes are flickering between black and his normal chocolate brown, Wesley moving closer to the surface. No one else has noticed, either too focused on me or in their own thoughts.

“Damen?” Dad asks.

“Yes,” Uncle Marc answers off screen, “My guess is he is the second-in-command. Unfortunately, he ran before we caught him, back to this apparent boss. We have a couple locked up, but most fled or were killed.”

“I thought maybe we had a rogue hiding in our territory that had run, but then he said a name. It’s apparently a she-wolf who was suppose to be there, but then they received information that she was here,” I continue.

“Is it someone we know?” Michael whispers, his eyes telling me he already knows the answer.

I swallow and nod, “Yes.”

“That doesn’t make sense. I haven’t sent anyone there. The only person that’s been to both packs recently is…” Alpha Xavier’s words die as realization sets in, causing the Alphas to look at me in shock.

Michael growls, standing up so fast his chair falls over, “Over my dead body!”

“Michael, breathe,” I plead.

“Breathe? BREATHE? Are you serious, Annabeth?” Michael’s distorted voice roars out, Wesley coming forward as he begins to pace the office.

Harry’s eyebrows furrow, the implications not clicking in his brain, “You want to let the rest of us in on this?”

“THEY ARE AFTER HER!!!” He bellows, pointing at the monitor. The men let out a low growl while the women look at me in panic.

“Son, calm down. This isn’t helping,” Dad says, his voice straining as he attempts to keep Lex calm.

It quiets for a moment before Alpha Xavier’s voice breaks the silence, “Is this true, Annie?”

I slowly nod, “Yes, Alpha. Whoever this is wants to stop your son from becoming Alpha, and their solution is to take the pack. They seem to think I am the way into getting your son to hand the pack over.”

“Goddess,” my Alpha mumbles out.

I offer him a sad smile, “I wish I could say that’s all.”

“What is it, baby girl?” Dad questions as he rubs Mom’s back.

“It’s also apparent that we have spies within our ranks. They were able to tell me things that no one knows, things not announced, like who I’m bonded with. Though, these spies are shit because they didn’t even know I was here until they attacked you. They had no clue that I had left Lunar Eclipse territory,” I respond solemnly.

It goes silent for a moment as everyone processes everything. Suddenly, an ear piercing, room shaking snarl screams from the phone speakers, almost causing me to drop the device. The sound causes involuntary shivers across my whole body and my heart to pound, out of fear and excitement. It takes a second for me to realize the Alpha’s eyes are glazed over.

“He told Benjamin?!” I groan.

Leah growls at me, “Of course the Alpha did! We are his mate Annie, as much as you are determined to fight it.”

“Right. I’m sorry,” I apologize.

“I’ve ordered Beta Vincent to put our fighters on Level Four alert and to secure all the borders. No one comes in or out without my personal approval,” Alpha Xavier says once he returns.

“Isn’t Level Four the highest security alert?” Leah asks.

“Yes,” I sigh, “it’s only ever been used when the Alpha or the Luna is in immediate danger. However, no one seems to remember or care that I am NOT the holder of that title.”

Alpha Xavier interrupts our internal conversation, “Annie, you need to return home immediately so I can begin following protocols for this type of situation. One of which is that I will assign a fighter team to you. I know you are more than capable, it’s just as an extra precaution.”

Uncle Marc motions for the phone, taking it from me as he argues, “With all do respect Blake, she’s not completely healed yet. It puts her at risk, even more so by herself. Both of our packs were just attacked. We need as many people in our territories as possible. You can’t afford to send anyone and neither can I.”

Dad nods, “I agree. As much as I want her home, she’s safe exactly where she is. Moving her right now is too dangerous.”

Before my Alpha can respond, his office door bursts open, slamming against the wall. My eyes widen knowing exactly who is stomping in. Thank the Goddess Uncle Marc took the phone. He must have known because when I look at him, he gives me a small nod and makes sure the phone is facing away from me.

“No! We need to get her home,” Benjamin seethes as he approaches the desk. His voice is also deep, his wolf coming forward.

“Alpha Solomon has a point, son. This might not be the best time to move her. Who knows who is lying in wait?” Alpha Xavier states looking at him.

“First, you keep this from me. I don’t find out my mate was injured until several hours later. You would lose your mind if this was Mom. Now, you are wanting her to stay there, hours away. I can’t protect her if she’s not here,” Benjamin growls.

The Alpha sighs, “She needs to get here safely, and that’s not possible right now.”

“Then, let us go get her. We can bring her back safe,” Benjamin roars, his wolf becoming more and more in control.

“We were just attacked! I need both of you here. I understand-“ he starts to say before Benjamin interrupts.

“NO YOU DON’T! WE WILL GO WHETHER YOU WANT US TO OR NOT,” Benjamin snarls out.

Alpha Xavier jumps out of his chair, eyes black as his wolf Oliver shows himself, “ENOUGH! CALM YOURSELF, FELIX!”

Both rooms fall silent, except for the heavy breathing between the two.

“Felix? That must be his wolf,” I think to myself.

Leah sighs almost dreamily, “Felix…Felix.”

“I-I’m sorry, Dad,” Benjamin whispers after taking a couple steading breaths.

Alpha Xavier does the same and sits back down, “It’s alright, son. I know you weren’t trying to challenge me. I could see your eyes flashing so I knew Felix was working you up.”

“I don’t like this,” Benjamin mutters.

“I know, but I think that we should default to Alpha Solomon's judgment for now. Annie is safe with them,” the Alpha reassures him.

There’s a brief pause before I hear my name, “Annabeth?”

My head jerks to the side, looking towards the phone at the sound of the voice, “Y-yes, Benjamin?”

“Are you okay?” He whispers. The tenderness in his voice causes my heart to do somersaults.

I nod, even though we can’t see each other, “I’m fine. Banged up a little, but no major injuries.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help, not that you needed it from what I hear,” he lets out a small laugh.

I hear him take a couple more hesitant steps toward the computer. He probably wants to see me, but he doesn’t walk around or move the screen. He’s respecting my feelings and that is definitely earning him some brownie points.

The sound brings a smirk to my face, “You have heard correctly. Would you have expected anything less?”

“Not when it comes to you, sweetheart,” Benjamin mutters sweetly, causing my already pounding heart to act more erratically.

“How do you want to handle this?” He inquires.

The question throws me completely off. I fully expected him to side with Felix and demand me home. That’s what he would have done in the past, and I was mentally prepared to argue, but he’s…not.

Am I dreaming? Did I teleport to another universe?

“What?” I ask, confused.

He sighs, “I am asking what you want to do. Do you feel safe enough to leave? Do you want someone to come get you? Do you want to wait til you’re healed and it settles down?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a shit, but you are ASKING me what I want, not telling me what to do,” I state a little flabbergasted.

An angelic laugh comes out the speakers, “Yes, I am. Did you think I would yell at you and force you to come back home if that’s not what you wanted?”

“Um…yeah, especially after Felix’s display. You haven’t exactly shown much…uh, patience when it comes to me,” I answer truthfully.

I hear him sigh, “Fair enough. I deserve that. I have broken a lot of trust and faith that you had in me. Goddess willing, one day I will be able to earn it back, no matter how long it takes. We are meant to be a team, each other’s equal. Whether you become…my Luna or not, I will not order you, force you. I wanted you to choose to come back on your own, but how could we have known about this attack?”

“Really?” I whisper.

“Yes. That voicemail I left you was genuine, Annabeth. I’m not the same idiot kid I was back then, and I will do anything to prove it,” he says with such conviction that I can’t help but believe him.

Could Alyssa be right? Has Benjamin really changed? If so, can I allow myself to give him a chance?

He clears his throat, remembering the audience listening to our conversation, “Anyway, we can discuss all of that after you return. For now, this is about your safety and getting you home unharmed. How do you want to proceed?”

Aunt Crystal is looking at me with an impressed look, motioning me to answer. “Uh...well, I would like to wait until I’m completely healed for sure, but I think I also should wait until things calm down. Being on the road so soon after this might make me an easy target, especially if there’s spies and rogues lingering near both packs,” I tell Benjamin honestly.

He takes a deep breath, “Okay. Then, that’s what we will do, despite Felix’s screaming in my ear to race over there and get you.”

“I…appreciate that. I know this isn’t easy and you both want us home, but I feel like this is the best course of action,” I tell truthfully.

“I understand. Just…please be careful,” he whispers, the sound of his feet moving further away from the computer.

“My poor mate. He must be so stressed. Tell him I want to do this too, that I want to come back to him safe,” Leah whispers sadly.

“Benjamin?” I call out, causing him to stop.

“Yeah, Annabeth?” he responds, taking a couple of steps back towards the desk.

“Leah is worried about Felix. She wants me to tell him that we are okay and that she wants to wait, too. She…we want to come back to you two and uh, you know, the pack…in one piece,” I stutter out. My face flushes as Hope wiggles her eyebrows at me, causing her to stifle a giggle.

A moment passes before he speaks, “Felix says hearing that brings him comfort, and that he trusts her judgment. He…we can’t wait until you both are back home.”

Butterflies invade my stomach as the thought of seeing him enters my mind. Could I really be this excited to return home, to return to him? Damn this stupid bond and it’s control over my body. The fact that it hasn’t been solidified yet and is this intense, excites but frightens me at the same time.

“One more thing,” my mouth speaks before I realize it, my heart racing in nervousness, “You can…call me Annie. You don’t have to use my full name.”

I can hear the smile in his voice when he responds, “Alright, Annie, but only if you call me Ben.”

Without another word, he walks out of his Dad’s office, leaving me flustered and even more conflicted than before.