Conflicted - Twist Of Fate

The drive is long and quiet.
Aiden thinking their offer over while my mind races with worry.
I can't sense Tristan as strong as I'd like. I know his blocking me. While I'm kind of impressed at his ability to do that, I also hate it.

It scares me. Not knowing if I will see him again.

The wolves connected to me are trying to reach out. Wanting more information about their Luna.

I'm not ready.

I need Tristan here with me.

Our car is speeding through the night, Connor's look intense as we make our way down the high way. No one speaks.

My mind won't stop thinking the worse. Tristan is in danger.
His doing what his always done. Protecting others at the expense of himself. It hurts too much to think of him alone.
Aiden is quiet. His eyes staring out the window. Watching the trees with an intense look.
I know his worried about our destination.

Eclipse.

The pack who killed his mate. Who caused his pain. Who made him lose his happiness and plunged him into darkness.
Hours pass in silence. Aurora tries to speak to me but I block her. Unable to forgive that she wouldn't let us fight.

Nate is anxious. I feel it through our bond even with me trying to block it.
I don't want to worry about anyone but Tristan right now.
I feel the mood shift as we exit the main roads and begin shifting through tight trees. Connor doesn't slow.
Knowing the wood lands confidently he spins around trees even in the pitch black.

I feel the lines we cross, knowing we've reached pack lands when Aiden growls. We've arrived.

We're safe. Well, sort of.
Connor keeps speeding until a gorgeous house, that looks like a palace comes into view.

Standing several stories high.
The mansion has a rustic look, yet beautiful in every way. Fire lanterns fill the yard, casting a mystical light onto the gardens which thrive with different flowers and roses in perfectly kept beds.

The glow surrounding this pack house is surprising considering the dark history of this pack.

Aiden's anxiety fills me causing my heart to spike with his. I reach for his hand, which he instantly squeezes. His eyes alert as he looks around the pack grounds.

Connor slows the car to a stop as several men rush to the car. Nate opens his door, halting his men from coming too close.

"I'm sure you've been updated. Tristan is currently making his way back in wolf form. We are under attack by the Blood Moon pack, as well as other wolves. Several lycans are involved as well. Your Luna is a destiny wolf, they don't like this kind of power joining us. Patrols have been doubled" his voice booms loudly.

"I need all willing fighters ready to protect our pack" he orders. All heads bow.

Realising I should be out there, I squeeze Aiden's hand one more time. Feeling the Luna pull. I open my door.

Aiden tenses but quickly does the same. As I stand out of the car, several wolves gasp. Aurora isn't trying to hide our power. She broadcasts it. Her desire to show her pack their protected.

I'm not sure I feel the same. I felt the darkness in some of these pack members when I linked. Not all are to be trusted.

The pack drops to their knees. Each one bowing before me. Instantly feeling uncomfortable, I walk to Nate. Taking his hand and letting his presence calm me.

"Rise," my voice booms with way more confidence than I feel. They rise quickly. There are easily 400 men before me. All warriors.

This is a fraction of this pack as a whole. This was always the most feared pack. Not just for the amount of wolves, but the quality of their training & their reputation as fearless.

Connor steps around the car. His eyes showing joy at my hand in Nates. Aiden's eyes stay on me, concern and anxiety coming from him in waves.

Nate dismisses the wolves. Sensing my unease as I watch Aiden.

He pulls my hand, nodding to Aiden to follow.

As we walk into the pack house, the inside is as beautiful as the outside. He stays silent as he leads us up the stairs. We keep going until we reach the top floor. A large living space in the centre proves to be our destination as Nate leads us to an 8 seater leather couch. The table is filled with food in the middle.

Smelling the mix of spices, meat & roast vegetables makes me realise how hungry I am.

I can feel Aiden feels the same, but his hesitant. Nate is comfortable, taking a plate and filling it to the brim with food. He hands it to Aiden first, and I feel his unease at not offering to me first. His trying to show respect but Aiden always ensures I eat first.

Aiden, unable to hide his hunger, accepts the plate and sits.

He quickly serves mine. Just as big as Aiden's. Wolves have a hearty appetite and it's been a big day for all of us. Nate waits for us to begin eating before he serves his own.

He sits across from us on a smaller couch. Letting Aiden settle with me close.

We eat in silence. My worry for Tristan growing with every minute. 'I'm okay, stop worrying and eat' Tristan's voice fills my mind. My heart instantly slowing.

'How did you..' 'Nate told me, I'm sorry. I needed to disconnect. It's when I fight best. I've been running for a long time. I'll be back soon, I promise my love, I'll be home to claim what is mine", his voice taking on a seductive nature.

My heat flares as I try to hide it. Nate blushes. I can't hide it from him. Aiden doesn't seem to notice or pretends he doesn't at least. Thoughts of what Tristan and Nate are going to do to me later, making me clench my legs together in anticipation.

I ty to change my thought pattern and continue to eat. The relief I feel with the full stomach has me ready for sleep.
As soon as our plates are empty. Nate clears his throat and looks to Aiden.

"I guess it's time to talk," his body tense. Crap. The offer.