“No. That’s not why I’m asking.” I bite my lip and think for a moment, trying to figure out a better way to explain my thoughts.
His gaze flickers to my lips.
I try to ignore the flutters his heated gaze sends.
“What I mean is…I don’t know how this all works. Do I need to bite you before I become an alpha and we become the alpha couple, or are we already now that you claimed me and you’re an alpha?” As I ramble his smile grows larger and larger. “What?” I ask at the end.
He gives me a quick peck. “You can be whatever you want, Ellie. Even before I claimed you, you were by my side. I never planned on making decisions without you. If you want the title, you have it, Ellie. You always have.”
“I…really?” My voice cracks. It hadn’t really dawned on me that all those times he asked for my opinions were because he thought they were important. That I was already on equal ground with him. I didn’t need to be an alpha to gain that respect.
My opinions have always been important to him. Before he became alpha, he cared what I thought, even when he didn’t agree he made sure I had a voice. “I love you, Ash.”
“And I love you.” He leans down, claiming my lips for his own.
Sophie was right when she said Arlo didn’t get along with Morbal. He jumped at the chance to help us and wants to be involved with every single detail. Including being the one to end Morbal.
Because that’s apparently what lycans do. No, they don’t throw them in jail—they kill them. But considering we think Morbal killed and kidnapped a bunch of supernaturals, I guess it’s fitting.
Foster’s other grandparents, on the other hand, didn’t want to get involved, but his parents thankfully offered some hunters and warriors that wanted to join in our efforts. There’s also a few members from other packs that Foster has traveled to over the years that want to join. A lot more have been affected from the killings and kidnappings than we had realized.
Hopefully word hasn’t spread to Morbal though.
“Are you ready?” Ash asks me with a smirk. I think he enjoys these training sessions a little too much.
For the past month and a half, he, Sophie, Foster, and Russell have been taking turns in training me. Today, though, we are all together, in my ultimate test to see if I’m ready to go or not tomorrow.
“Bring it on, old man,” I say.
He quirks a brow. “If I’m an old man, then you’ve had—”
“Nope!” I yell, and rush at him.
He laughs and maneuvers away, but deflecting is his signature move that I was prepared for.
I psych him out and change directions, putting me right where he is and allowing me to sweep a leg underneath him.
He stumbles with wide eyes before a grin takes over his face as he easily regains his footing. “Ah, little wolf, you have learned something.”
“Kick his arse, Ellie,” Sophie yells from the side.
“You’re going to distract her, Soph,” Foster says.
“Distraction will happen in a real fight,” Russell says. “It’ll be good for Ellie to learn how to multitask.”
I jerk my head to the left at the crunch of the snow.
Ash is a foot away.
I fling myself forward into a roll to avoid Ash, but he catches my ankle and tugs me up in the air upside down.
A growl leaves me, and I aim a punch to his stomach, but he swings me out, making my punch come short.
I use my free foot to kick at the hand that still has me.
He curses, his grip loosening as he also tries to keep me away from his body.
“Arms out, tuck,” Russell yells just as I’m released from Ash’s grip.
My gaze snaps down, I keep my arms bent as I hit the ground and roll away from Ash.
Ash growls. “No helping.”
I’m yanked back by my shirt. I kick a leg out behind me, eliciting an oof from Ash.
I spin around, finding him slightly hunched with an arm around his stomach.
Taking the opportunity I’m given with him closer to my height, I punch him in the face. I freeze when it actually connects.
“Oh my gosh.” My hands go to my mouth. “Ash, I’m so sorry.” Shaking my head, I take a wobbly step forward.
He works his jaw with a hand on his face as he laughs. “Don’t be sorry, Ellie darling, that was good.” He drops his hand. “You’ve definitely improved from when we first started. Got a nice right hook now, too.”
I grin. “Yeah?”
He smiles. “Yeah.” Then his smile turns devious. “Let’s try two-on-one now.”
Ash walks over to the side as Foster steps forward while Russell starts stripping to shift into his wolf. My brows rise as I catch Sophie ogling him.
Foster saps his fingers, gaining my attention. “Ready, Ellie?” Foster grins, coming to stand in front of me. “Remember what we taught you about fighting in wolf form.”
My body is coiled tightly as I nod.
“Ready, Russ?” Foster asks. Russell’s in his dark red-brown wolf. He dips his chin.
Foster’s smile grows. “Alright, let’s go.” Both he and Russell prowl forward.
These boys take way too much pleasure in this.
I tap into my essence and let my shift take over before they get too close.
I’m almost done with my change when Foster reaches for me. I duck and dodge his grabby hands, but I land right in front of Russell.
He growls in warning before he lunges, which he never actually does in a fight. He’s a silent predator. But he’s always the one to go soft on me during training.
“Russell,” Ash chides.
I maneuver away, but I end up running into Foster.
Foster chuckles, but I keep my momentum and plow through him. His hands brace me as his heels dig into the ground.
“Bloody hell,” he mutters.
There’s a small nip on my tail. I kick my hind legs out, catching Russell just briefly in his chest.
Remember to keep your surroundings in mind, Russell says.
He’s reminding me of two different things: Foster isn’t my only opponent, and that I can use my surroundings to my advantage at times.
“Russell,” Ash says with a growl. “What is the point of this test if you keep helping her?”
Being connected to my mind, he probably caught that Russell talked to me.
Ignoring him for now, I focus on things around me. There are trees everywhere, but they’re too far away, but there’s a dip in the ground not far from Foster. I push harder, forcing him to take steps back. When we reach it, he stumbles back and falls. I jump on him to keep him down, and an oof comes from him.
I look up to see Russell hovering close. I push off of Foster, eliciting a grunt, and aim for Russell.
Russell easily moves away and paws my side. If he’d use his claws, I know I’d have a deep gash there.
I press down onto my front legs and kick my hide legs out, catching him in the face.
Quickly turning around, I see him shaking his wolf head and Foster standing back up. Crouching back, I pounce and jump onto Russell. I hover over his neck with my teeth. Russell submits, and Foster laughs in the background.
I release Russell and glance at Foster, who’s shaking his head with a giant grin.
Ash sighs, coming toward us. He pets my head. “Good job, Ellie darling. Although that would’ve been a longer fight if Russell didn’t go so easy on you.”
Russell lowers his head sheepishly, while I give Ash a wolfy grin, my tail wagging.
I only had to win against one of them in this fight.
Meaning, I get to go.
I buckle my seatbelt as everyone takes their seats aboard the plane. Russell and Foster take the seats behind Ash and me, while Alice and Sophie sit across the aisle. I didn’t realize that Ash had a private plane, let alone three of them. We’ll only be taking two of them, full of healers, warriors, and hunters. Ash and I left behind any that wanted to remain here and help take care
of kids and anyone else that may need help.
We also decided that we’d let anyone come if they wanted to. But we weren’t surprised that most omegas decided to stay back. A few are coming, but will help the healers. Hunters and warriors will be in battle, and no matter how much I wish for complete equality, the omegas just aren’t trained enough to help this time—if they even wanted to.
Someone who shocked us by staying behind was Kathy, the head healer. She didn’t give us a reason, just that we’d be okay without her with almost all the other healers coming. Jane is still under her care and also awake now. We told her about lycans, and like with everything, she took it in stride.
Glancing behind me, I notice Russell’s disheveled look. He releases his unruly russet hair out of its bun and drags his fingers through it before pulling it back up. All the while bouncing his leg. The plane jerks forward and Russell's hands go straight to the arm rests gripping them tightly.
Foster glances at his white knuckles then focuses on his face. “It’ll be alright, mate.” Foster pats him on the shoulder. “Just close your eyes and take deep breaths.”
“Is he okay?” I whisper to Ash.
Ash glances behind us. “Flying makes him anxious.”
“I’m sorry, you must remain in your seat, we're getting ready to take off soon,” a flight attendant says, and I look over to find Sophie getting up and moving toward Russell.
“Foster, trade me seats,” Sophie demands, ignoring the attendant.
Russell’s eyes shoot open, giving her a bewildered look.
Foster unbuckles without a fight and moves out into the aisle, taking Sophie’s seat. Russell tracks Sophie’s every move. Once she’s buckled, her hand hovers over his briefly before she places it on his and gives it a squeeze.
Even though I’m curious, I turn away, feeling like I’m intruding. I wish I could ask Ash right now about them, but they’d be able to hear me.
Ash gives me a soft smile and grabs my hand, placing a kiss on the knuckles. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m excited.” When his brows rise in surprise, I quickly explain. “I’ve only been on a plane once, but nothing this fancy.”
“Yeah, a little too fancy for my taste, but comes with the status.” He squeezes my hand.
My eyes widen. “You get all these planes for being an alpha?”
He nods. “It’s smart to have a quick getaway for everyone.”
“Why would everyone need to leave?” And where would we even go?
He shrugs. “Under attack from another pack, or the government finds out and wants to experiment.”
“What? Has that happened before?”
His smile dims. “It’s just one of the guesses as to why there are so many supernatural disappearances.”
The plane jerks forward. I lean over Ash to get a look outside.
He chuckles. “You should’ve taken the window seat.”
“But I’m going to have to get up and pee a lot throughout the flight.” This extremely long flight that will take all day and part of the night.
“Well, if you ever want to switch, I’d be happy to. We’ll also need to get up and do stretches throughout.”
I smile and smooth out the crease between his brows. “Stop worrying. I’ll be okay. Now let’s watch us take off.”
He matches my smile and squeezes my hand. “Okay.”
I’m completely haggard when we finally land in Naples, Italy a day later. Ash and Arlo rented an entire villa for our packs outside of the city, closer to Rome, and I can’t wait to collapse into a bed.
When we step out of the plane, a lean man with golden hair and crow’s feet around his eyes waves us over in front of a caravan of vans. He’s flanked by two others and a few more staggered around him.
If recruiting people didn’t look suspicious, this certainly will. How are we supposed to keep this a secret from a powerful Original lycan?
“Won’t Morbal notice a large amount of lycans suddenly coming into his territory?” I ask as we approach the group of people.
“Probably, but even if he does, he won’t have time to ask for help from other packs. Arlo, Sophie and Foster’s grandfather, is the closest alpha.”
I hum in thought as we stop in front of the group.
Ash holds out his hand. “Hello, head alpha Wagner, thank you for arranging to meet us and coming to our aid.”
The golden-haired man takes his hand. “No need for formalities, Ash, I’m happy to help you and my grandchildren. Morbal has been a thorn in my side for ages. I’m happy to rid the world of his existence.”
Well, that escalated quickly.
Ash gives me a side-eye, humor in his gaze. I bite my lip. He must have picked up on that thought.
We don’t discuss much more, wanting to keep it for when we’re not out in public, before heading into the vans. We leave in increments and Ash plans for our van to leave in the middle, giving us the most protection.
As we finally begin driving, I take a moment to look out the window as Ash speaks to the driver in what I can only assume is Italian. How many languages does he know?
It’s hard to describe Naples. I’m overcome with conflicting emotions. Beautiful but chaotic. Lively but stressful. The historic buildings are covered in graffiti, but I kind of love it. The old and new colliding.
I’m surprised at how skilled our driver is as he moves the large van quickly into the river of cars, and proceeds to maneuver between them. Soon I find out that driving here is a lot different than America. Scooters weave in and out of cars, no one stays in their lanes, some not even on their side of the road. People walk right in front of traffic, forcing everyone to slam on their brakes. I’m trying not to pull my hair out from the stress. There’s no structure to this madness. I grab Ash’s hand. I know I should be more worried about our upcoming battle, but right now I feel like we won’t even make it past this street.
Ash pauses mid-sentence, his mouth slightly parted. I rarely take initiative when it comes to touching, so I must have shocked him. But when he looks at me, there’s a twinkle in his eye as his lips roll inward. He squeezes my hand.
“You aren’t going to die,” he says as a grin spreads across his face, no longer being able to hold it back.
“Stop reading my mind,” I grumble.
He laughs.
Hearing Ash, our driver, Francesco says, “En Italia…” I’m lost as he continues speaking rapid Italian. He points to his eyes, the side of his head, then the back of his head as he keeps glancing at us in the rearview mirror.
Ash replies and smiles. He turns back to me. “He says in Italy everyone has to have three sets of eyes when driving. Eyes in front of their head, a set on the sides, and a set behind.”
Foster, who is sitting up front, begins speaking in Italian. Francesco perks up and rapidly speaks back.
Glancing back, I find Sophie passed out, her head against the window. Alice gives me a small smile in between Sophie and Russell, who’s staring out the window. Alice’s boot and cast are finally gone. Since she’s an omega it took almost as long as it would a human.
I look out my window once more at the cars, vans, scooters, and buses surrounding us. Everyone is honking their horns, but I realize that there actually is a method to this madness. Everyone somehow proceeds around each other in the direction they’re aiming for. I take a deep breath and squeeze Ash’s hand. I’m going to try to enjoy the beauty of Italy while I can.
After an hour of driving, we arrive at the villa Ash rented. Although it’s huge, there’s already a group of lycans building tents around the property.
“They’re used to this,” Ash says, following my gaze. “But I don’t plan on everyone being here for longer than a week.”
“They’ll be okay?” I ask.
“Yes, we can shift into wolves after all.” He gets out and offers a hand as he continues, “Most have slept in wolf form on the ground at least once. Don’t you remember when you found out about lycans? ” He wi
nks once I’m down beside him.
Alice, Sophie, Russell, and Foster follow us out. Alice fidgets, as she has been since the plane.
“Are you okay?” I ask her.
She gives me a tight smile and nods, but doesn’t answer as Arlo and one of his betas greet us. We follow Arlo into the estate and he shows everyone to their rooms. Sophie and Alice will share a room while Russell and Foster share another. Ash and I will also be sharing a room together, but unlike the others, there’s only one bed.
“I figured we’d discuss more about our plans after supper?” Arlo asks as he drops us off last. “After resting, of course.”
“Yes, we’ll go over everything tonight,” Ash says and Arlo leaves us.
I lay out on the bed, happy to finally be able to stretch out. Ash sets our bag on the ground before joining me.
“Do you think our plan will work?” I ask.
Frowning, he turns his head to look at me. “I personally hate our plan.”
I sigh. “I already know that. But I want to know if you think it’ll work.”
When he doesn’t respond I turn my head to peer at him. He’s staring at the ceiling. “I would rather find another way.”
“Ash—”
“But”—he glances at me—“I do believe that it could work. Although I think we could figure something else out.”
“Everyone agreed this would be the best way to draw them out, though.”
He props himself on his elbows. “Having you be the bait is never the best way,” he growls.
I peer up at him. He’s been against the plan ever since the beginning. But I can’t really blame him since if it were reversed, I would hate it, too. “I’ll be okay. You, Foster, Russell, and some of Arlo’s will all be there watching over me in the shadows. No one can get to me without passing one of you.”
He collapses back on the bed, a furrow between his brows. “I still don’t like it. I have a bad feeling about it.”
I shift onto my side. “What’s bothering you exactly?”
His face relaxes with a sigh as he turns his head to me. “There’s so much that can go wrong. We don’t actually know what kind of manpower Morbal has. Something just feels off about it all.”
Saving Ellie (Lycans Book 1) Page 34