Rough, masculine voices vehemently traded words. Amari brushed her eyes, pressing slightly. A moment of focus, she heard the steady breath of Nova next to her. Indescribable peace filled her mind. Despite the depletion that hollowed her to her bones, Amari slipped from the covers with excruciatingly slowness.

  Padding on her toes, Amari maneuvered around the squeaky floor joist. The zipper of her hoodie pressed into her fingertips as she wrapped it tight around her midsection. “Quiet down, most of us are still sleeping.”

  “He was trying to sneak his way upstairs.” Orion poked his finger firmly into Benjamin’s chest.

  Benjamin pulled his hand back in the air into a fist. A sharp intake of air, he pressed his lips together for a moment. Calmer, he spoke in an even tone. “I just wanted to see if she was up and would take a walk to talk things out.”

  Amari sighed. What would she do with these men? They would sooner than they probably wanted have to deal with the bad blood between them. “Well I am up now thanks to you guys.”

  “I told him he could wait.” Orion leaned forward on his feet. His slightly shorter frame rising to meet Benjamin’s eye.

  “And I would have after I checked if she was still asleep.” Benjamin half stepped forward.

  “Cut it out. It's moot anyway.” Amari shifted between the two towering over her. A light press of her hands to their chests, they settled back on their feet. “We can take that walk as soon as I have some socks and shoes. Behave while I am gone.”

  Amari eyed both of them waving her pointed hand between the two. Halfway up the stairs, she turned back. “Actually Orion start a pot, Benjamin wait by the door.”

  Gently she stepped back into her room. Nova was still sprawled under the lavender duvet. Holding her breath, she wiggled a drawer open to grab a pair of socks. One last look at Nova, she needed coffee. She plopped on the top step and pulled on her socks. The floor slipped under her as she walked across the tile. “Ugh, instant? That’s all we got.”

  “The real stuff will be waiting when you get back, don’t be long.” Orion passed her two mugs. One chipped on the handle, the other a disastrous paint job from when the ladies of the pack went to one of those paint it yourself places.

  Amari nodded her thanks, taking another quick sip. The warmth and taste already stoked her more awake. With a gutsy sigh, she skipped down the few steps towards the front door. Benjamin stood hands deep in his pockets. “Shall we?”

  Benjamin nodded once, reaching out he opened the door to a breeze of crisp, cool forest air. Accepting the mug as she walked past, he grimaced as the brown liquid touched his tongue. “What is this?”

  “Instant coffee. When we get back, we will be able to get something real.” Amari chuckled.

  “Are you sure Orion isn’t trying to kill me?” Benjamin looked into his mug as if it held a witch’s brew that would turn him into a toad.

  “Positive. This is what we use when we camp. But of course as a Morningstar I am guessing you only had the best bean around.” Amari looked back over her shoulder as they walked to the edge of the drive. She watched pain cross his features. Turning on her heel, some of the hot liquid splashed onto her hand. With a hiss and quick flick she wiped her hand on her sweatshirt. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I was joking.”

  “I know.” Benjamin nodded half heartedly. He led the way around the side of the house, keeping to the thin line of shadow at the edge of the woods. Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, speckling the ground at a narrow angle. The lip of his mug clasped in his fingertips swayed as he walked.

  Silence. Long and distressed stretched between the wet rustle of their steps. Amari for once didn’t have difficulty in keeping up with him. Hand wrapped around the warmth of the bright mug she sipped her coffee. Comfortable to wait until he spoke, Amari trailed her fingers along the bushes and grasses. Walking them along the low wall, she glanced up.

  Slowly, they passed by the opening. Amari looked at the shimmering portal. Warmth of a blanket out of the dryer and hot chocolate filling your tummy enveloped her.

  Benjamin follows her gaze. “What is it like?”

  “Like the milky way mixed with the aurora borealis.” Amari sighed contentedly. “I feel like someone wrapped my everything in a steady, strong hug. The kind that makes you think everything will eventually be alright. Can you see it?”

  Benjamin shook his head sadly. Eyes unfocused, he stared into the trees beyond. A humph he turned away, setting an even pace as he slipped further around the house. He went quiet for a long time.

  Amari lets the silence go for a long time. They had been through a lot and Benjamin had stayed, and by doing so he rejected his family. She watched as Benjamin stopped a few times, like he wanted to start speaking, but after a momentary pause he would continue walking.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Soft words spilled over the rim of his mug. “Why didn’t you trust me with Asseric’s identity?”

  “It wasn’t about trust. A command from my Alpha supersedes my will. He knew you weren’t ready.” Amari watched a bird flutter to the ground and hop about.

  “He decided?” Benjamin’s voice cracked on the words.

  “Yes.” Amari tilted her head, the same look of pain crossed his face. “What is it Benjamin?”

  Benjamin just kept walking, steps even, even if his eyes darted about.

  After a long while, Amari stopped dead. “You need to spit it out, we are running out of time and I know there is something big weighing on you. Is it your family?”

  “I’m packless.” His eyes moved to look into hers. Benjamin mirthlessly chucked the words like he didn’t quite believe them even as they came out of his mouth.

  “What?” Amari felt her arms drop lifeless to her side. Not in the last century had there been a one sided, revocation of the pack bond.

  “My chest burned like lightning but not as quick. White hot and straight to my core wiping away a pleasant dream.” A slight quiver shook his hands as he spoke in broken tones. “I knew instantly that I was packless.”

  “Benjamin, I am sorry.” Amari led him to sit on the low wall.

  “I know they are messed up. My family. By extension the pack as well. I had been blind to so many things. My father is willing to set the world on fire to spark new change.” Benjamin spoke with complete sincerity and confusion. “He is wrong. I can’t believe I just said that. My father was wrong. To be willing to sacrifice so many to get the power he thinks he needs. But it will never be enough.

  “But I am family. They broke the bond with me. I thought they would still support me or give me a chance, it's been less than twelve hours. But they don't answer my calls. They blocked me everywhere. No conversation. No warning. They just cut all ties.”

  Benjamin shifted to look at her. “Your family would never do that. I know that. Does this mean they never loved me?”

  “Benjamin.” Amari’s heart broke and softened her words. Pulling him into a hug she held him there for a while.

  Benjamin whispered. “Do you think I will be able to be part of the Alpha King’s Pack when I am packless?”

  “He isn’t one to reject any that have a true heart to be in his pack.” Amari pushed back against his shoulders to look him in the eyes.

  “Would you give me permission to join your pack as well?” Benjamin’s eyes brimmed with trepidation and a drop of hope.

  “You saved me. I do not object to you seeking a bond within our pack, but I see it in your eyes you desire my permission in hopes of something.” She gestured weakly between them. “I like you Ben. My heart does think about you. But I have oaths that supersede any potential wants. To Asseric, to my family, and to Nova.

  “Beyond that I would still need to see change from you. Long term, sustained development. You took my daughter and ignored my fears. So no, I would not object to you speaking with Orion but figure out what you want, what you believe, you won't survive another bond break, it would be safer for you to be packless.”

  Benjamin stood tall drawing her up by her hands. He squeezed them. “I see what your family is. I want to be worthy of it. All of it. Them. Nova. You. But words are effective but hollow without action. I will submit myself to Orion's judgment and Asseric's. But either way, as a Polaris or Packless, I will help you defend all against whatever my parents have cooked up.”

  “That's a good start.” Amari squeezed his hands back. “Let’s get some real coffee before we have to leave.”

  Benjamin nodded as he led her back around the house to the back porch.

  Everyone was gathered in the kitchen in different states of awakeness. Nursing cups of coffee or munching on cereal, they all looked exhausted. Amari walked in straight to Nova, patting the young girl on her shoulders and dropping a kiss on her head. Grabbing the pot, she poured deeper, rich brown liquid into their mugs, lifting it up in question and topping off any mug reached forward.

  “Are we ready for our journey?” Orion half smiled at the slight jump Benjamin did as his deep voice rippled over the man’s shoulder.

  Everyone nods trying to keep a straight face. Chairs scraped with the shuffling of footsteps. Mugs clinked into the sink with other dishware to be dealt with later. Bags were slung over shoulders as they filed out into the back yard.

  Amari felt Nova’s fingers entwine with hers and give a squeeze. They form a makeshift semicircle around the arch.

  Orion knelt to one knee in the middle. As he dropped, Diana, Rema, and Amari joined him where they were.

  “Alpha King, Keeper of the Veil. The beginning of our kind. You make a way for us to come to you, we ask to use it now.” Orion’s deep voice recited the request. On the last word, the arch began to hum a euphoric melody.

  Nova giggled happily. Her hand twitched in the air wanting to grab onto Amari but not sure if she should. The melody ended and those kneeling stood.

  A beat and a breath, Max looked between everyone. “Is something supposed to be happening?”

  Amari looked between the men. Nothing. They all saw nothing. She could tell from their blank expressions. For a moment, worry set in, would the magic work for them if they couldn’t see it?

  “Didn’t you see the opaqueness disappear? It is like looking into life itself. Or magic?” Nova stepped forward, her eyes focused on the swirling and sparks.

  “Despite me thinking trees and the woods being magical, no I see nothing.” Elias leaned over trying to catch the same angle as Nova.

  “Do you trust us?” Orion swung a bag to his shoulder.

  “To the ends of the veil,” Elias answered without a moment’s hesitation.

  “Through fire and storm,” Max answered at the same time.

  “Then come along, we are off to see the wizard.” Orion clapped them on the shoulders.

  “Wizard?” Nova’s face whipped around to Amari.

  “A riff off an old movie. The Alpha King is not a wizard. He is like you and me just so much more.” Amari threw her arm around the younger girl’s shoulders. Two by two they stepped through the arch.