Behind The Alpha Book 8 ADAM

ASTRID

This world is so strange. The people are so different. They seem free, but there’s so much chaos. Each seem to protect their own, but no one else. Their loyalties only reach so far. It’s like all honor is lost. I wonder if I will find the help I need here. Could Christian be right?

I pull into a town to fuel my bike. I pay with the money I found in the saddle bags. There’s not much, but I hope it’s enough to get me to Phoenix.

As I count what’s left, I walk back to my bike through the lot of the gas station. I shove it back in the bag and pull out a granola bar. It’s the first food I’ve eaten in a few days. My mission is too important to stop to eat.

As I lean on my bike, I watch another bike pull in. It’s rider is dressed all in black, stops and gets off. He doesn’t remove his helmet, but from his stature, I can tell he's strong. Certainly different from the men I’m accustom to.

On his back is a large weapon with spikes. This has me curious.

As he fills his tank, he glances my way. “Hey. How you doing?” He has a deep manly voice in an accent I don’t recognize.

I look to my granola bar and back up at him. “I’m good. Thank you for asking.”

“Cool sword.” He motions to my hilt.

I pause for a second. “Cool…whatever that is.” I motion to the ball.

He chuckles. “Thanks.”

He sticks a card to the machine and puts the pump back.

He raises his hand in a wave. “Have a good day.”

“You too.” I say as I chew.

He revs his bike and peels out back onto the road. A mysterious rider, for sure. I wonder where he’s going.

After I get my fuel, I decide to walk through the town to try and see if I can find help here. Maybe I won’t need to go to Phoenix.

There’s a place where I see men coming in and out and I smell the ale. I’m sure to find help here.

I pull the heavy door open and step in. My boots walk cautiously across the floor as I eye men at tables and at the counter where the keeper washes cup and pours the ales.

I pull my pack off and slide onto a stool. I pull out my purse and put some coins on the counter top. “One drink.” I order.

He looks at me and takes the coins. “Beer?”

I consider. “Yes.”

He walks to a large container, slides a door and pulls out a brown bottle. I’ve seen Christian with these, but I’ve never drank it before. He pops the cap off and drops it on a napkin in front of me.

He leans on the bar. His hair is short and black. He has tattoos on the side of his face and down his neck. I admire the art as he gives me a charming smile.

I take the bottle and put it to my lips. I tip it back and the drink inside is like the ale we have at home, but slightly sweeter. It’s good.

“Tell me. What’s a pretty thing like you doing in here?” He asks.

“Am I not allowed?” My brows raise. I don’t want to offend the men of this place.

He huffs a chuckle. “No. You’re allowed. I’m just curious. You seem…a little out of your element.”

I look down at myself and look around the room. I turn back to him. “Does my dress indicate I should be elsewhere?”

He laughs. “You really are cute. No. What I mean is you seem lost.”

I take a drink. “I’m not lost. I’m on a mission.” I blink at him.

He grins as he leans his elbow on the counter and his head on his fist. “A mission? What kind of mission?”

“My people need help. We're being hunted and I’m in search of a warrior to help me rid us of her evil.” I state matter-of-factly.

He folds his arms and leans closer to me. “Sounds serious. Does this evil woman have a name?”

I shake my head as I tip my bottle back. I bring it down and rest it on the counter. “No. I don’t know it. Only that she’s a powerful nymph who controls the ice. Her magic is very strong. She wants us off her mountain and all we want is peace. If you know a strong warrior, please, direct me to him. I really need his help.”

He looks me over. “I’m afraid you aren’t going to find too many LARPers around here, pretty lady.”

“LARPers?” I look at him with confusion.

He wipes the counter with a towel. “Yeah. You’re a live action role player, right?”

I shake my head. “No. I’m not. I have no understanding of this.”

He stares at me then nods. “Oh OK. I get it. You want to stay in character.” He laughs. “Who am I to deny a beautiful woman her hobbies?”

“I assure you. This is not a…hobby. I’m serious. My people are in trouble.” I cinch my brow and try to make him understand.

“Ok. I’ll bite. Who are your people?” He asks.

“The Nordic Wolf pack. We live in the mountains east of here.” I inform.

“A wolf pack. In the mountains.” He ticks his head. “You live with wolves?”

I furrow my brow. “Yes. I am one.”

He laughs. “Ok. Lady, seriously. You’re too cute to be this nuts."

I chew my lip. “Nuts?”

“I’m sorry. I can’t help you. Enjoy your drink.”

I stare at him oddly as he walks to serve other men in the place.

I pick up my beer and walk around the bar.

“That’s not a good idea.”

I turn to a man with short black hair sitting at a table.

“What’s not a good idea?” I ask as I cross the floor to him.

“Telling people what you are.” He raises his head to me and I get a strange feeling from his dark eyes.

I tip my head to the side. “Why not?”

“Because they don’t get it. A lot won’t believe it. They don’t understand people like me and you.” He rests his elbow on the table and laces his fingers together.

“It angers them.” I state.

“It can.” He nods. “Like me. It’s my nature to maim, torture and dissect. Do they understand it? No. They label you and vilify you. Call you awful names like Beelzebub. They don’t understand how much that hurts! Humans are complex. It’s best to just keep your mouth shut.” He waves his hand at them.

His talk is unsettling, but he may be the strength I need. “Who are you?” I say curiously as I step closer. My eyes study him. He looks normal. He’s wearing a black jacket with a yellow t shirt and blue jeans. He doesn’t even look like a warrior, but then, nothing in this land is how I imagined it.

“Sweetie. I have so many names. You can call me Brock. Brock Sloan.” He smiles.

“Brock. Are you a warrior?” I ask.

“I guess it depends on which side of the torture device you’re talking from.” He shrugs.

“You are strange.” I eye him suspiciously.

“I’ve been called worse. Where you headed?” He kicks out a chair with his boot and motions to it for me to sit.

I do so cautiously. “Phoenix.”

“Really. I know people in Phoenix.” He smiles. “I was headed to Axelridge, but I can detour for a bit. I could take you there.”

“I have a map.” I mumble.

“Excellent. You can bring it along. You can be my little navigator.” He grins and taps the boot on my crossed leg.

“I have a bike.” I add.

He sits up. “This is perfect! I have a truck. Just throw it in the back.” He smiles as he holds his hands out.

Suddenly, a wave of apprehension comes over me. “Mmm…maybe I should be on my way.”

I stand and push the chair back.

“No, wait.” He holds up a hand. “What’s your name?” He looks me over with a smirk.

“Astrid.” I respond.

“Astrid.” He whispers. “It’s really nice to meet you. I hope you get to Phoenix safely. Maybe we'll run into each other again.”

I get a real uneasy feeling off him. “Maybe.”

“Good bye, Astrid.”

As if the winds changed suddenly, he’s gone and his chair is empty.

Concern fills me as I search the bar and turn back to the empty chair.

I decide that’s enough interaction for one night.

I drive out of town and get back on track.

As much as I thought Brock would be the warrior I need, I sensed something dark inside him.

No. It’s best just to get to Phoenix.

My brothers friends will know what to do.

****

Another two days and I’m arriving at a place that feels familiar. As I stop for supplies at a lone fuel station, I look out to the horizon of the desert.

My eyes land on a crumbled mountain range and my heart stops.

“I’m home.” I mumble as I relive the narrow escape we had to make.

The mountain collapsed under our feet as we ran. We lost so many when it exploded. Christian protected us. He kept us together as we ran through falling boulders. I don’t know what’s changed in him, but I’m hoping to get the man I knew back soon.

I drove across the winding desert road to a vast ravine. I stood at the edge and look down. The pain of the mountain was far reaching. I look to the mountain wall and see the people here have adapted to it. I get back on my bike and follow the road in.

This city is a lot bigger than what I’ve seen so far. There’s thousands here, but what’s surprising is the feeling of being one. Being together in a pack. Almost like home.

The tall structures are a bit overwhelming. I’m used to my tiny home.

As I drive through the streets, I see the many different types of people. They’re so many different creatures here. Some I recognize and some I don’t. This place truly is a wonder.

I pull off to the side of the road and search for someone to ask where I need to go.

I see a young man and flag him down. “Excuse me, sir!”

He looks me over and smiles. “Hey. What’s up?”

“I’m afraid I’m a little lost.” I reply.

He steps to my bike and looks it over. “Cool bike. Awesome clothes.” He laughs.

“Thanks. Please…Can you direct me…to the Alpha?” I ask as I adjust my leather vest. I release the heat that’s trapped on my chest. It’s getting a little hard to breathe.

“The Alpha? Uh…sure. The pack house is straight up this street, hang a left on Wallace and it’s the large grey stone house on the right. Can’t miss it.” He says as he points up the street.

“Thank you. That was incredibly helpful.” I smile as I wipe my brow.

“No problem. Hey, you wouldn’t be a Nordic, would you?” He points to me.

I reflect on the words Brock told me. “No.” I say quietly as I glance at him. I don’t need to be causing a disturbance here.

“Oh. I thought you were. You have that look. I always thought they were cool wolves. Anyway, have a good day!” He waves and continues on his way.

Cool. I wish I was. This is almost unbearable.

I start my bike thinking how different that conversation was compared to my previous interactions. But, my brother is allies with these people so, I assume they would be more accepting of someone like me. I just hope the Alpha is.

I pull into the driveway of the pack house. It’s a very large stone house. It has an air of royalty too it.

I get off the bike and walk up to the front door. I knock and adjust my pack. I have to try and regulate my temperature as the desert heat seems to be making me tired.

The door opens to a wolf with red hair. He’s tall and his skin is freckled. His blue eyes have a hint of gold in them and his chest is very muscular.

“Can I help you?” He asks.

I wipe the sweat that’s forming on my brow. “Yes…I’m…looking for…”

Suddenly my knees gave out. My body became tremendously hot and I felt sweat coating my skin.

“Whoa!” He catches me and I feel my head fall back over his arm.

“Alpha…” I whisper before my eyes close and I slip into darkness.

‘Who are you?’

His voice floats away and I feel cold.