The Alpha’s Companion - Chapter 71

Julien searched the river as he ran and then there Lacey was… clinging to a log in her human form, probably too weak to stay in her wolf form. Rex stood on the other side, pacing the bank, thinking of a way to get to her. But if Rex touched her, he was a dead man.

Julien searched the side of the cliff, but there was no path leading down to the river below. He had only one choice. Julien ran back and Rex laughed, thinking Julien would abandon her. But he had another thing coming.

When Julien was far enough away to gain momentum, Julien poured on the speed, heading straight for the edge of the cliff, pushing himself harder. He needed to jump into the middle of the river, as far away from the rocks on the edge as possible. When he neared the cliff’s edge he pushed off, catapulting himself away from the side into mid-air, feeling the earth leave his paws below him. He fell for what seemed like an eternity and then splashed into the heavy current, plunging deep into the water.

Under the water, he kicked hard toward the surface, gasping when he broke free, letting much-needed oxygen fill his lungs. Disoriented, Julien looked quickly down the bank, and he was downstream a bit from Lacey, who still lay lifeless at the water’s edge. He just hoped she could hold on long enough to get to her.

Julien began paddling hard, pushing himself through the water against the current, keeping his eyes on her. But if she went over the edge and downstream, then he was going to follow.

Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he pushed harder toward Lacey, not taking his eyes from her. The undertow took him down once, but then he pushed against the current and his head came back up to the surface, gasping for air. Then a log hit his back, causing him to go under. When he surfaced again, Rex was on the at the top of the bank, throwing logs at him. But he swam hard until he finally pulled himself onto the shore beside Lacey.

Julien knew he had to get Lacey out of the water first. He would deal with Rex after. Changing into his human form and exhausted, he forced himself to his feet. Then he scooped Lacey into his arms and carried her to shore.

“You’re a dead man, Rex!” Julien said to his brother. “Brother or not, your life is mine when next I see you!”

“You are no brother of mine!” Rex yelled, pointing at him as rage contorted his face. “Father gave you everything and me nothing!”

“He gave you a pack, but you squandered the funds and then lost your pack!” Julien yelled. “You are no leader… and you will not get my pack!”

Rex huffed and then leapt into the air on the cliff and phased in midair, landing on his russet paws and headed back toward The Silver Pack.

Julien knew it wasn’t over, but he had to get Lacey someplace hidden and safe. If they stayed there in their human forms, then they were sitting ducks and as good as dead.

“Come on.” Julien carried her toward a cave system that he knew about, but it would take longer on foot. “Lacey, honey, wake up. I’m here.” He kept talking to her as he trudged alone. “Lacey, don’t die on me. I can’t live without you… you’re my Alpha Queen.” He looked down at her beautiful russet skin and the dark hair framing her face, now matted and tangled, but she was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.

Soon, he stumbled up the hill to a cave, hoping they wouldn’t be found until they were rested. Julien carried her into to a great inner room, but he knew they had to walk a bit father back so they wouldn’t be discovered by Rex or The Silver Pack. Warriors of The Harvest Moon Pack were on their way, but they would have no idea where to find them. But Julien knew that Brogan and the rest of his pack would tear through The Silver Pack Compound looking for them if they had to. And after what Rex and Thorn did, The Harvest Moon Pack wouldn’t be gentle… or at least Julien hoped they wouldn’t be.

Lacey was shivering, just as much from the cold cave as from the frigid water that he had just taken her from. Between the lack of sleep the night before, and the adrenaline rush just now, he was ready to give out. But Julien forced himself to stay awake long enough to build a fire.

Still naked, Julien went outside and gathered logs and kindling, and then carried them back in and went to work right away. Within minutes, a fire was blazing in the cave, sending warmth throughout. He laid Lacey near the fire, but she was naked and needed more. Here in the cave, Julien didn’t even have a blanket to wrap around her, and he had to act fast.

Julien stood and let the shimmers run down his spine and throughout his limbs as the red haze with black edges overtook his vision. Julien morphed and changed until his paws touched down onto the soft layer of gray cave dust. Exhausted, he lay on the other side of Lacey, keeping her near the fire.

In her sleep, she turned over and slid between Julien’s paws, running her fingers through his thick white fur, and then laid her head on his chest, her fingers still laced in his fur. Exhausted and knowing they were safe and that Lacey was warm, Julien finally gave in to sleep…. with his mate snuggled safely within his paws.