The First Prowl
"Metas!" Lara cheered with joy as she came upon both her Alpha and Luna holding one another. Her brisk pace turned into a near-skip as she approached them with a wide smile.
"Lara, thank the Goddess you're okay. I was worried," Metas replied warmly, and stood up to meet her, and turned to offer Myranda his hand to pull her up effortlessly. Only until she was on her feet, did he finally give his best friend a giant hug.
"I'm so happy for you. You were right all along - you did have a fated mate out there. I'm sorry I teased you for all those years. Best-friend teasing of course," she added with a cheery grin.
"It's so romantic," Lara sighed out dreamily.
Myranda couldn't help but smile at Lara's sparkling eyes and still quite cheery disposition. It was nice in such a dark time.
"Where is everyone else?" Metas asked and looked around with curiosity.
"We all went to different points to scout and spy, so they're probably still out. They're fortifying the entrances. I think Silas means to start a war. I overheard some conversation in the secret gardens that he and his stupid, ugly, no-good cunt of a Luna Cassandra are making a deal with the demons. No one is happy about it, but no one wants to say anything because he's the Alpha, and Harbinger is backing him with the army. Metas, I think you were right - they're going to feed our pack to them in exchange for power and immunity from being eaten. There is a murmur that a lot of the predatory creatures are running out of food because they've eaten almost all of it. Queen Adelaide isn't happy with Silas' move, so that's a potential ally we'll lose if we don't take him out fast," she informed all at once in a huge mouthful.
"...You found all of this out today?" Myranda asked.
"No no, we've been scouting for days - you two have been out for quite some time, but Ajax kept up focused on gathering intel and keeping scent trails confusing," Lara answered and shook her head and hands simultaneously.
"BUT-" Lara started with a pleased face, "Ajax and I are pretty certain my parents know we've been hiding nearby, because they've been dropping a lot of information that one typically doesn't bring up in casual conversation. It's kind of become an unofficial thing. I go in the afternoons, and typically my mom and dad are there talking about 'stuff'."
"I thought your parents hated me," Metas replied flatly.
"No, no, they just love status. My parents aren't bad wolves - they're just comfortable with their life and didn't want to put any of us in jeopardy. They're on your side if they're doing what I think they are," Lara said proudly.
"Anyway - he's going a little mad in there, and is ripping the entire kingdom apart trying to find Syri. Joss said she is with some he trusts with his own life, and Jyriah seemed comfortable with it, so my guess is she truly is safe for now. I hope it stays that way. That poor little pup has been through so much. I don't think Silas has good intentions, or if he does - there is no way the dumb bitch at his side does."
"Do you know her or something?" Myranda asked.
"No - I just hate her because she willingly cheated with Silas knowing full well he was accepted by another. That's just low. There wasn't a single person in the upper caves who didn't know Syrana was Luna. Cassandra did the lowest thing any one could do, and that is cheat on a bonded mate. So she's a stupid, snake-tittied bitch," Lara said with certainty.
That's right - her sister!!!
"Where is Syrana?" Myranda asked suddenly, and frowned when her mate and Lara looked at each other with concern.
"Where is she?" the budding Luna repeated with more authority.
"My love..." Metas started with sympathy in his voice.
"Metas. Where. Is. My. Sister?" Myranda repeated one last time and looked into his golden eyes with anger.
"She's back in the cave with Veltar," Metas replied warily, and purposely left out details.
"So why didn't you just say that? I want to go see her."
"Mandy..." Metas started and reached out for her, but she pulled away before he could touch her.
"My Luna, please just wait and hear us out" Lara said tenderly and put her hands up in hopes it would fend off the glares coming her way.
"What's wrong with her? What did Silas do?" she growled with gritted teeth.
"She's with Veltar, and he's doing his best to heal her. He hasn't left her side - and he's positive she'll recover slowly, but - her eyes..." Lara started, but trailed off when she saw Myranda's face twist into an unreadable expression of rage or something near it.
"Metas..." Myranda looked to her mate for answers and furrowed her brows into concern.
He pulled her towards him and looked down into her eyes in hopes it would comfort her, "your sister is not in the best shape. I want you to know that before you go see her. Prepare yourself, because she does not look at all like you remember."
Metas paused to take in a shattered breath as his arms curled around her before he continued. "If you're going to see her, can you please steel yourself first? It is a very unpleasant sight. Can we first take a swim or walk before you go back? Please."
Myranda's lip quivered as her old self wanted to push him away reflexively - but instead she leaned into him and nodded. Metas wouldn't ever hurt her or lie to her, and she knew that now. Perhaps taking a walk with him and learning the truth before hand would be much better than rushing into the scene without preparation.
"Alright," she consented and hugged him around his toned, strong torso. His abdominal muscles were so hard, even after being in a deep sleep with her for days. It was comforting to be against such a sturdy, strong mate who loved her so much.
"I'm going to give you two privacy. I'm supposed to hunt as well, but it's been difficult finding game right now. I haven't gone out at night to test my theory, but I think he's allowing the vampires into our territory to feed on the animals here in order to starve us out. He knows we're out here - so be careful my Alpha, my Luna" Lara briefed, and then bowed to them respectfully. Programmed to interact with royalty, she took her leave before being told to do so.
Although Myranda wanted to be comforted fully, what Lara said had made her mind turn as she looked up to her mate and said, "We can check that theory while we walk. They leave behind a distinct smell of death. I'm sure we'll sniff it out if they're around."
"Very well, my love. However, let's talk about what your worries are first, and sniff out later. Would you like to take our first unofficial prowl of the forest together? It is our responsibility, after all" Metas spoke so sweetly and softly to her, that she couldn't help but blush.
"I love you," Myranda said again with more strength this time, and put her forehead against his chest to inhale his scent again. It instantly calmed her, and she stepped away from him so that they both had room to take to four legs and dash off into the woods.