Keira wasn't sure how she felt about Sabelina's last comment as they headed into Canada. Over the years, Sabelina had always said that the ancestors had plans for them. But this time it felt different.
Care to explain? Keira asked her wolf several times what she meant, but Sabelina refused to answer any of her inquiries. All she could do now was wait until they got there.
The trip to the border of Canada couldn't come soon enough. It had been about 15 hours since they left the headquarters, and everyone was beginning to get grumpy. Even Sabelina was beginning to lose her patience with the rest of the wolves; she didn't like the negativity.
We're almost there, Keira said as a sign for Ontario showed about 150 miles. Not that long now. Try to ignore them.
Easy for you to say, Sabelina replied. They won't shut up.
I hear them all the time, she continued.
Why are you whining? Keira asked, surprised since Sabelina was not known to whine about the other wolves. This was a new behavior for her.
I just want it to stop, she replied, pouting.
Then make them stop, Keira said, worried and confused. You have the power to do so, so just do it. Why are you acting like this?
Why are you acting like a weakling?
Keira could tell that Sabelina was still upset about the whole thing.
"Guys," Keira said out loud. "We've got about 150 miles left to Ontario. How about we get some dinner food before we arrive?"
Keira heard several grunts of agreement.
They're just tired. Maybe the food will lighten the mood, huh? Keira asked, not wanting to stop at all, but she didn't want to be inconsiderate of Sabelina's feelings.
Keira looked around for a diner and saw one that might still be open.
"Let's eat," Keira said as she parked in the parking lot, and everyone struggled to get up.
She didn't wait for them and headed inside.
"We got a van full," Keira said to the waitress.
"Take any booth," the waitress replied as the rest of the group finally made it through the door.
Keira headed toward the back of the diner and waited for the guys to join her.
As the rest of the team piled into the booth with her, the waitress came by with 5 menus.
"Hi, there," she said, smiling. "I'm Lisa, I'll be your server today. What would you like to drink?"
"4 black coffees," Keira answered. "One hot cocoa if you have it."
"I'll be right back with those," Lisa said, walking away.
"Isn't it too late to be eating?" Connor asked, looking at the menu.
"By the time we arrive, we might not get any food offered to us," Keira replied. "Even though we're making good time, we can't be sure they're waiting for us."
"Does everyone know what you're getting?" Ethan asked around the table, taking charge once more.
Keira heard them all mutter yes. Ethan waved at the waitress to get her attention. Lisa came over with their drinks in a tray and passed them out.
"So," she said, taking out her pen and notebook. "What will you have?"
"I'll have a number 7 with hash browns," Ethan said. "Um, then a number 3 without tomatoes..."
"I want a number 3 with tomatoes-"
"No, a number 1 without tomatoes-"
Keira resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him. She knew this was going to happen as soon as Sabelina began acting differently. She had ignored it for most of the trip since she was driving and didn't care about everyone's complaining.
"Never mind that," Keira interrupted. "Make it 5 number 7s. Three of them with hash browns and scrambled eggs. The other two make those with tatter tots and sunny side-up eggs."
You didn't have to do that, Sabelina commented as the waitress took the orders.
I wouldn't have to if you hadn't started acting like such a bitch who needed attention, Keira replied. All the other wolves noticed your mood change. This gave Ethan the chance to 'take charge'. If we are in this situation, it's because of you.
What has gotten to you recently? Keira continued. Why the sudden mood change?
Sabelina didn't comment and retreated to the back of her mind.
Keira drank her hot cocoa in silence, waiting for their food to arrive. It wasn't her intention to call her out and be rude about the situation, but Keira was fed up with all the moodiness coming from everyone. What had gotten into all of them? It seemed she was the only rational one around.
Shortly after, Lisa came over with several plates and a food stand. Keira stood up to help her out since she knew who wanted which plate. Once everyone started eating, everyone was in a much better mood. Even Ethan had nothing to say as he ate his food. As everyone ate, Keira took the chance to look around, taking in the scene before her.
'I do hope this won't be the last time I get to eat food with everyone,' she thought.
At that moment, Keira felt a tug go through her head and travel through her body. Someone was calling to her and Sabelina.
The alpha spirits are calling us, Sabelina said, speaking up since Keira spoke to her.
It must be important, Keira commented as she finished eating.
"I'll be outside," Keira said as she headed over to Lisa. "Take your time. We'll leave when everyone is ready."
"I'm checking out," Keira told Lisa.
"One moment," Lisa said as she rang up the total.
Keira gave Lisa her debit card, and after she paid, she headed outside.
Ethan, Keira said. You'll drive the rest of the way.
Keira settled on the passenger seat and got comfortable before submitting the alpha spirit's call, a place that Keira had never been before.
This begged the question, why were they being summoned?
"Glad you could join us," the spirit greeted.
Keira opened her eyes to see a dark room without walls. Sabelina sat in front of a white-looking globe. Keira assumed that was the spirit and went to join them.
"I'm sure you're both wondering why I called you here," the spirit continued. "I have some news from the ancestors."
Both Keira and Sabelina stayed silent. It was the first time in history that the Alpha Spirit had spoken to them, let alone shared information regarding their ancestors. The only encounter either of them had was when the spirit had helped them escape when her cousin, the previous captain, was killed.
"Why would you help us?" Keira asked. "Being summoned by an Alpha Spirit is unheard of in any situation. Why are you interested in sharing any information provided by the ancestors?"
"Your mate is at the King's palace," the spirit said, ignoring Keira's questions.
"Our mate?" Sabelina asked, shocked.
"So what?" Keira asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
Keira and Sabelina shared a look.
"It doesn't change our situation one way or another," Keira continued. "The Task Force is either going to be disbanded, or it's not. At this point, all I care about is what happens to the Task Force."
"We should consider our options," Sabelina said. "We can-"
"There's nothing to consider," Keira stated, leaving no room for arguing. "We gave up any chance of finding our mate when we joined the Task Force."
"You've been warned," the Alpha Spirit said before disappearing.
Keira found herself back in her mind, irritated.
"That's why you've been acting weird," Keira said, figuring out why Sabelina was acting the way she was. "You sensed him at this distance?"
"I didn't know what I was sensing," Sabelina replied. "But it is possible I felt him."
"You're angry," Sabelina said.
"I don't know what I am," Keira replied. "But I will tell you something. I'm not choosing between the Task Force or our mate because he will lose if I have to choose."
"Why?" Sabelina asked. "Why can't we have both?"
"It doesn't work that way," Keira replied. "You know as well as I do, as long as we are in the Task Force, we give up our right to have a mate. The law states that any female who has found their mate, they will leave with their mate and join whatever pack they belong to.
It's the female who always leaves, but our case is different. If we find our mate, they will be forced to leave their pack and join the Task Force. No one enters the Task Force by choice.
If it weren't for the law in place, the Task Force wouldn't exist. It's the same law that allowed my grandfather to choose his successor from his family. The same law that asks for each clan to give up a family member for the Task Force every year."
"We can never have both," Keira said. "Have you forgotten our promise to find our cousin's killer? Do you think we can do that with a mate?"
"I haven't forgotten," Sabelina replied softly. "I want justice for him, too."
Keira left Sabelina to ponder her words as she woke up.
"We're almost there," Ethan said, noticing she was awake. "We went through the main gate a few minutes ago."
Keira nodded her head and stayed silent as Ethan continued to drive. She needed time to process what the Alpha Spirit had said before they reached the King's palace.
Ethan kept driving in silence. When they finally arrived, Keira wasn't surprised to see that no one was waiting for them. Keira was sure the main gate had called ahead to the castle. She instructed Connor to call once more, but all he got was a voice message.
After Ethan parked, Keira grabbed her bag and had everyone follow her to the main building. She knocked and waited.
"I thought they knew we were coming," Montego commented, looking around.
"We knew this was going to happen," Antoine said. "This always happens every time we show up here. I don't see why you're complaining."
Everyone mumbled in agreement but remained silent. Keira could tell they were restless, and she couldn't blame them. After the dinner fiasco with Sabelina's behavior and Keira's aura rampaging when the Alpha Spirit came to visit, they knew something was going on.
"Let's go inside," Keira said, opening the door and walking in.
Keira led them to a waiting area with some furniture.
"Wait here, I'll go and find someone to speak to," Keira said.
Keira made her way out of the waiting area and went further into the main building, or what others called the palace packhouse. She didn't get far when an unfamiliar but familiar scent caught her nose, it smelled of forest and grass. Keira stopped and sniffed the air again. It was getting closer.
Mate, Sabelina whispered excitedly.
There was no doubt about it. It was definitely him. As he approached, Keira could feel the hair on her arms stand up with electricity and anticipation. Keira stood still and listened to the steps that approached her. Then she saw him. He stepped out of the shadows, oozing authority and male rawness.
Keira stood her ground as he approached. She could feel his authority as an Alpha even before he started walking toward her. She wasn't one to submit to anyone, so she just stared at him all the way over, never casting away her gaze.
"Ah, so you're her," he said in a masculine but smooth voice, if that was even possible.
For whatever reason, Keira didn't like the tone of voice he took up with her. Was he disappointed? Sabelina also didn't like how he came across. She gave him a quick once-over, secretly impressed, but said instead:
"Hmmm, and that's you."
Keira saw a tick form on his jawline. She smirked when she noticed another woman's scent on him. It was cherry flavored. Of course, he was taken. It didn't surprise her one bit.
"I don't want to keep you," Keira began, sniffing him. "So I'll just take my leave."
Keira waffled a hand in front of him as she walked around him and continued her search. She hadn't gone far when she felt him walking in her direction.
He must have gotten over his shock, she thought, scanning the area.
"You have some nerve," he said from behind as he approached.
Keira rolled her eyes before turning to face him.
"What do you want?" Keira asked, crossing her hands over her chest. "Can't you see I'm busy?"
Although Keira was annoyed by his behavior, Sabelina, on the other hand, was excited that he came after them.
"I didn't say you could leave," he said in a menacing voice. "Don't walk away from me."