Alpha Kael ✔️

Chapter Thirty Seven

Word Count: 1550

~Jada

We departed that afternoon, ready for however many days we might be out there.

Axel didn't agree to come right away, until Kael demanded it and he noticed Alpha Grayson was also coming. Naturally, he wants to impress the other Alpha, putting his hatred toward me aside. If hatred is even the right word. It sure seems like he feels that way, with the way he ignores me and almost seethes in my presence.

Ace seems nervous about coming, but would never disobey Kael. Neither of the two Silent's know anything about what we are doing. All Kael told them is that they are tracking something, and they are there for backup only.

I'm just pleased Kael trusts me enough to bring me along. It's important he trusts me. Especially since we are mates, and I'm planning to tell him on this trip.

Hopefully we will get some time alone.

Grayson walks at the front of the group, tracking in a way I don't understand and he hasn't been willing to talk about yet. Axel is behind him, avoiding me, and Ace is behind him. And right behind me, is Kael, keeping a look out for anything from the back. Considering how dense the forest is, I doubt anyone is going to be hiding among he brush.

This forest is ominous. As we walk, the forest seems to get darker, trees clumping together more, the only source of light coming from dappled streams through the canopy. Not to mention, Grayson is taking us off a path into nowhere, tracking us wherever he feels. I wish he would tell us how he is doing it.

There seems as though there is no end in sight. Just thick forest for miles upon miles. Why would Kael's mother come all the way out here unless she knew she didn't want to come back out?

Clearly, that's what she wanted.

Once night fell, we set up camp along the path, which wasn't technically a path. We have been bashing through bush this entire time, leaving space for us to come back when we need to. It doesn't bother me that we are out there. What is on my mind is Kael lying in his tent next to mine. For awhile, I struggled to fall asleep, until I heard muffled voices.

"What do I do?" I hear Kael ask, voice low but right outside my tent. He must be assuming I'm asleep. Sitting up slightly, I decide to listen in, curious.

"I'm sure you have plenty of questions," Grayson's voice fills the air. The crackling of the fire accompanies their voices as someone stokes it. What are they still doing up so late when we are to leave early tomorrow?

All I can tell is they are surely talking about his mother.

Kael sighs audibly. "Many. Although it's hard to know what to do after that. Can I forgive her, or will she even forgive me for taking her mates life?"

Every inch of me goes still as I listen. His mother must be very sick. Losing a mate severs a bond build into our intrinsic value. To lose a mate is to basically lose your other heart, literally. If she has much of her life yet to live, I doubt it will be dealt with blaming Kael. However, I'll never say it to him. Not now at least.

"At least you will have closure. Right?" Grayson's says. I'm glad Grayson is being calm with him, rather than feeling sorry for him. It seems like Kael needs that. It makes me lay back in my sleeping area, listening intently.

It doesn't seem like anything is about to be revealed, however, listening to their voices is calming. Especially Kael, which without warning, soothes me right back into sleep.

I don't know how much time passes before I'm woke again.

This time, it's a short yelp that echoes through the trees, rousing me immediately. I sit up, looking around, everything is covered in darkness. On my left, the sound of a tent being rustled around is so loud I can't ignore it. Then, a low groan, almost in pain. I freeze, until I hear it again, same pitch, like someone is in serious pain.