C23 FRIENDS AND FOES

Maliya POV

Once I walked out of the bathroom, I took a deep breath and then turned to Aeron's office. I peeked in and saw him pacing the room as he held a hand to his forehead, speaking on the phone. He looked stressed as he growled and mumbled on the phone, "Fine." He said and ended the call. He turned towards the door and stopped as he looked at me, "I didn't think you would come." He said and frowned as he looked at the phone, "I have to leave." He said. I softly sighed as my confidence fell in waves. But I tried to hide my relief as I leaned against the wall.

"Of course," I whispered as he sighed and grabbed a jacket.

"A visitor was supposed to arrive tomorrow. But they decided today was better." Aeron said. My eyes widened as he walked towards me. He leaned down and kissed my forehead, "If you would like-

"No," I said quickly and looked up to him. His face flashed with sadness as I took in a deep breath, "Come home. Please." I said and grabbed his shirt. I pushed my face into his chest as my heart quickened its pace. I was careful not to breathe on him as I took a step back,

"Please. I need to talk to you." I said and allowed my hands to fumble with the hems of my tank top.

"I'm going to greet them and then come back. I promise." Aeron said and leaned down, placing a finger under my chin. He lifted my face to look at him, "Today it'll just be you and me. I promise we will spend all day together. This promise is a sign of my need for you. I will not let you down." He said. A heated blush fell on my cheeks as I nodded quickly.

Aeron left with a small smile on his lips, and it wasn't long until I heard Cameron walk into the house. I leaned against the wall and sighed. My body fell to the ground as I placed my head in my hands. Oh, what am I going to do?

Aeron POV

Aero could sense something was wrong, but what? He was on high alert as we walked towards the pack house. It was my plan for Alpha and Luna to sleep in our home. But I don't think that was a wise idea anymore. I didn't want to leave my mate, it's been so long since we talked. I was eager to head back to the house; the thought of even welcoming Alpha Kevin at the moment made me mad. It was not my fault he lost the girl, it was not my fault he didn't kill her when he was ordered to. But, I placed a smile on my face as I walked towards the small group of warriors, "Alpha Kevin." I said and walked towards him. His brown eyes found mine as he placed a smile on his face.

"Alpha Aeron, thank you for allowing us to search your land." He said and grabbed a hold of my hand. I looked towards his mate and softly nodded my head.

"Luna Jenny, you are looking radiant," I said. She smiled widely as she held an infant in her arms.

"Thank you, Alpha Aeron, you have the most beautiful land." She said and looked around at the tall trees that surrounded us.

"Thank you," I said as pride filled my chest,

"There is a master wing on the third floor for the two of you, and open rooms your warriors are welcome to use. I'm very sorry for the change.

My mate has not been feeling the best and will not be joining us." I said and gestured towards the pack house.

"You seem happy." Alpha Kevin said as he walked beside me, "I guess having a mate is better than any regular woman." Aero wanted to growl at the comment, but I only forced a small smile on my face.

"That is correct," I said and gritted my teeth.

"Nonetheless, congratulations on your mate. May you two have healthy pups and a strong bond." He said and smiled as we walked into the pack house. "Richard, can you grab our bags?" Alpha Kevin asked.

Slowly, I turned and looked at the man Richard, his eyes had dark purple bags around them. His face had scruff, and his hair was resting on his shoulders as he looked to the ground. Alpha Kevin watched my gaze and turned to look at Richard, "He just lost his mate." The Alpha said in a hushed tone. I nodded for a moment and then continued to walk, taking the stairs up to the third floor.

Something about this man seemed so familiar.

Aero was pacing, waiting to run out of the pack house so we could go spend the day with our mate. Once we got to the door, I gave a smile to our visitors as Beta Jon walked beside me.

"If you need anything during your stay, this is my Beta Jack. He can help you with anything you'll need." I said as I side-stepped away from the group, "If you-"

"I was wondering if we could talk." Alpha Kevin said and kissed his mate's temple,

"I wanted to see if you found anything among the rogues and wanted to speak to you about our plan on catching her." My teeth clenched together, but I gave a nod.

"Of course, Alpha Kevin. This way, please." I said and walked down the stairs. The man Richard and Alpha Kevin followed behind me, along with Jon. I groaned as I looked out the window at the glaring winter sun. I hope this isn't going to take long.