SWNOVELS Chapter 5 ~ I Accept You
Adrianna’s POV ~
I asked Andrew to call for a pack meeting, after dinner.. Then asked him to continue with his information. Zander hugged me and told me he loved me, I smiled and ruffled his hair “You are why I tolerate their bullshit, Bubba! You will be Alpha.. these people need to fall in line!”
Andrew marked out the location.. which was about twenty five miles outside of our search grid. And then said “Two of our trackers have observed trucks coming in and out of this access road.. delivering equipment and supplies. There are two dozen armed men, patrolling a four acre area.. and staying in a makeshift camp.. here” He pointed to an area just east of the access road. “ There is no other visble building.. so we have reason to believe it is another underground facility.”
Evander asked “Have the trackers seen evidence of medical personnel.. military… entering or leaving?” Zander said “The trackers have only just found the area.. what little we know, we only found out this morning.” Evander nods and I watch his eyes glaze over.. and Erik’s nearly imperceptible nod, in return.
He stands and says “By the smells from the kitchen, I would say it’s nearly dinner time. Will you show us where we can freshen up.. then we need to know where my dragons can land. Thirty are in route, as we speak.”
I smiled “A man true to his word! There is a large clearing to the south of the Lake. Andrew, would you be so kind as to provide accommodation?”
We walked into the dining room and I sat in my father’s chair. Evander looked around at the twenty or so people at the table and asked “Where is everyone?” Zander responded “They don’t eat in here, much, anymore. It’s stupidity, at its finest.” When he looked at me, I shrugged.
I prepared a plate for Evander.. then my own. As I went to take a bite, Evander roared. He looked around the table.. and in a growl which let me know Argon was present he said “Not one of you waited for your Alpha’s first bite! The amount of disrespect I have witnessed in three hours, is enough to make me question the integrity of this pack! You act like rogues.. and frankly, if that’s the kind of people you are, then how dare you live under the protection of pack dynamics! You should be ashamed!”
I rubbed his forearm, and whispered “They will be better when my father is home. They are still managing their grief.” Erik responded “The attack was three weeks ago. They should be capable of finding better coping mechanisms! Is that when this behavior started?” Andrew growls “No! That started eight months ago, when a bloodied, broken girl stumbled back across our border, after five years missing!”
At the pack meeting, I stood at the podium. “I am the acting Alpha of this pack, until such time as my father returns! I have run out of patience! This entire pack has treated me with disrespect that will no longer be tolerated! I attempted to gain aid from the council, but was refused. But, my mate, Evander Arconium, has graciously offered to help me locate my father..and I will do so! You all have thwarted me at every turn. I deliver my father back to this pack and I will not return. You have proven to be an entire pack of bigoted, judgmental people. I am ashamed to be here, now. So thank you for that! I am not here for debate. I am delivering an ultimatum. Straighten out your shit.. or leave this pack! Now.. tomorrow evening, I am going on a search and rescue. Warriors, I need at least a hundred to accompany me! Volunteer or be Voluntold! I am done with this bullshit.”
Just as I stepped off the stage, a horde of dragons landed by the Lake! Evander and I walked down there and he introduced me to them. Every one knelt in front of me..placing their fists over their hearts..as a wave of acceptance washed over me.
I smiled and welcomed them.. and tild them we had rooms ready. They followed me to the pack house, where Zander was waiting for us. After everyone was settled, I went to my room and grabbed a shower. I slipped on sleep shorts and a cami.. I heard a knock and opened it to Zander.
He hugged me close and he whispered “I want to go with you, but I know you’re going to say no.” I nodded “Bubba, you are the future of this pack. We can’t risk your safety.” He nodded and kissed my head “I love you, Anna! I want you to remember that, always!”
I laid in bed.. my mind would not shut up. I tossed and turned.. flipped and flopped.. I heard a light knock at my door, and Evander stepped into my room. He whispered “Braxton can hear Sadie’s thoughts.. she’s a little loud. Want some company?” I nodded and scooted to make room.
He laid down, pulling the covers up over us.. and tugged me into his arms. I snuggled into him, and breathed him in. I whispered “Evander Arconium, I accept you, as my mate and Alpha.” We felt the bond snap into place.