Rise of the Dark Alpha

435  Back to the Village

~ LHARS ~

He was near the front when they reached the village. He'd been communicating directly with Zev the whole way as their progress seemed so teeth-grindingly slow.

The females had been difficult to get moving, but once they were walking, seemed to settle some. Lhars had taken his wolf form and run twice as many miles as the others walked, crossing back and forth from the back of the pack where Kyelle brought up the rear with Mae and a couple of others of the stronger females, and the front where Dunken and half the wolf-pack scouted, ensuring there were no hidden traps or intruders attempting to ambush them.

But while it was a slow trip with so many in human form, they made it to the village safely. Lhars found his skin humming with anticipation.

He ran forward to find Sasha and Zev standing on the large mound in the center of the square, near where the trail led away towards the Gateway cave.

When he shifted back in front of them, Sasha was biting her lip, while Zev was being filled in by Dunken.

Soon the females joined the males who'd arrived first and the square was a rippling mass of tension and anticipation. Most of the females were unwilling to mingle directly with the males, so hung back on the western side. But at least they weren't cowering this time. They watched the males warily, but none shrunk away.

Once he was certain there were no responsibilities for him in the moment, he pushed through the crowd to stand as close to the females as they would allow. Kyelle stepped out of them and came to stand at his back, one hand flattened to his spine.

They just… stood. He inhaled her scent and prayed.

Soon enough everyone was there and Sasha called for quiet. It was difficult to settle two hundred and fifty Chimera who believed they were about to change worlds, but she did a wonderful job of carrying herself while she waited.

When it was quiet enough, she nodded. "Don't worry, I'm going to let you keep moving very soon. But I want everyone to know exactly what's happening. We've had some new information and have had to change the plan slightly—Alphas, I'll need to speak with you before you move.

Then she looked at Zev and her face paled.

Lhars looked at Kyelle—did she know what had happened, but she just shook her head.

"We have learned that the humans… the humans took a baby from me," Sasha said, her voice ragged and tight.

A gasp rippled through the crowd and many growled or roared in protest. Sasha raised her hands for quiet and everyone settled quickly—not least because Zev stood at her shoulder, glaring at them.

"When you leave, follow the instructions of your Alphas. Remember, you're looking for the Safe Place

09:43

—a land that can provide for us, but where the humans can't reach us. Many of us have had a glimpse Lhars cursed. A precious offspring, taken from their Alphas? He growled, wanted to bite something, and heard similar protests from those around him.

These humans were evil!

But Sasha collected herself and continued.

"We keep learning of deceptions and manipulations by the humans and we aren't going to risk any more. I'm sending you through as planned—right now. I need to be utterly certain you're safe.

"When you leave, follow the instructions of your Alphas. Remember, you're looking for the Safe Place

—a land that can provide for us, but where the humans can't reach us. Many of us have had a glimpse of this place, but now… we're going. We're leaving Thana and the human interference behind forever!"

There was a ripple of applause, punctuated by roars and howls, but Sasha kept going. "Listen to your Alphas. They know how to prioritize, and where to place everyone so we can be certain you'll reach the new place with the Chimera you need to stay safe. If you are the first through, don't panic. Stay where you are and let others arrive. Keep your wits about you. Don't move from your spot until you're certain you can scent or see more of our kind, do you understand?"

A murmur of affirmation rolled across the square. Lhars took Kyelle's hand and gripped it tightly. She hugged his arm.

"I'm sending my most trusted males to bring the females from the Compound. We will free them—or die trying, I vow that to you!"

There was another ripple of calls and howls, but Kyelle made a small noise in her throat and she gripped his arms so tightly his hand began to tingle.

"When all of you are through and we're certain the males have had time to retrieve the females, we're going. Zev and I."

Growls and protests rose.

"Our Alphas can't leave! It's too risky!"

"You said you wouldn't abandon us!"

Sasha's face went hard and Zev snarled, silencing them.

Sasha swallowed but kept her face set. "We go to save our… our son," she said breathlessly. "He's been torn from us, and we can't leave his fate in anyone else's hands. It's simple… too much to ask. I pray you all will understand. There is literally nothing else that could convince me and Zev to be separated from you."

The air crackled with tension and grief, but no one made a sound. Sasha blinked back tears. "In the event that we're… unsuccessful… we can't afford to have a broken hierarchy when we have such an important job—to build the foundation of our society in our new home. So… once you step through that Gateway today your Alpha will become Kyelle. And when he arrives, Lhars will join her as her mate and second. They remain your leaders, with our full support, until or unless Zev and I reach you. Please… if anyone has any protest against this, any word that could cause dissension, please raise it now! We have to meet the coming hours and days with one mind. Are there any concerns about the leaders we have chosen?"

She waited, jaw set, her eyes scanning back and forth across the crowd. But no dissension was raised. Even from the back of the crowd, Lhars could see her relief.

He wished he could feel more glad for her.