Chapter 227 - The Aftermath

It was really late by the time Christian reached the safe house. He had no idea how things were and he kept trying to link Ashton as much as he could so that whenever he would be in the range, he could check what was the situation. 

[Christian?] When Ashton finally linked him, he sighed in relief. 

[Caleb told me you were discovered. What's the status?] Christian asked.

[Everyone is frightened, but they are safe.] Ashton replied. 

Christian paused for a moment before ordering, [Take care of them, and keep me updated!]

[Understood.] Ashton went quiet which made Christian almost disconnect the link. [How is Caleb?]

[You know?] Christian was surprised  but then mumbled. [Of course you do, you're his mate. He is still recovering.] Christian could tell by the silence from the other end how devastated Ashton was. And how hard he was trying not to lose it. [Once I am there you can come back.] Christian offered.

[I can't just leave my duty] Ashton argued.

[You won't. I'll be taking over for you. You are needed elsewhere] he declared. He hit the accelerator and exceeded the speed limit just so that he was on time. Once he reached he saw Connor stuck next to Ashton until he saw that it was Christian who entered. A wave of relief washed over the pack members who were isolated here.

He gave Ashton a subtle nod, an indication for him to leave. Ashton turned his head towards Connor as if he wanted to take him with him. Sensing the query, he nodded in approval. Maybe Caleb having his son next to him would be better, thought Christian. 

Ashton picked up Connor and left. "I am sorry I am late. Tell me everything that happened."  He asked. Matt taking charge explained the fight that broke off including Ashton's shifting and everything. Christian panicked for the moment and wondered whether or not Alpha Miller figured it out that Ashton was the same wolf they tried to get persecuted.

I mean, he was not that dumb, he wouldn't have been an Alpha if he were. Suddenly he wondered if he did the right thing sending Ashton back alone like that, that too with baby Connor. Then again, Ashton was the one who completely overtook him in the fight earlier. So maybe if something happens he can take care of himself? 

Unless it's a pack attack. But with Ashton's diminished scent, he was natural at hiding, "I still don't understand… how did he figure out you guys were here"?

"It was my fault," Riley explained. "All of us have this tracker in our enamels to track us if one of us goes missing". Riley sighed. "It was one of my ideas when some omegas started disappearing on our pack few years back"

"Wait, if everyone of you has it, does it mean so does Alpha Miller"? He asked.

Riley nodded, "Of course" 

"Can you access it? Track him using the same tracker?" Christian asked.

Riley's eyes widened as he realised that he can actually use their own trick against him. "Yes I can, Give me a sec" He jumped up and ran upstairs. He came down holding a tab in his hand in which he did something. After a few minutes he showed Christian the screen. "There, he is here"

"Wow, you are good with computers" Christian remarked.

"Yeah, I like them. Techs have always been my interest" Riley shrugged. "He is not that far from here, do you think he is planning to attack us again"? Asked Riley.

"Possible. Maybe he is waiting for other members to join?" Christian proposed.

"That… would be terrible" Matt commented.

Christian looked around the frightened faces of the members, especially the little kids and a sharp feeling of guilt hit him. He was meant to protect these people, how can he assure them that he will? He could fairly witness that they were on the verge of losing their hope.

"Let's check out," Christian declared. 

"What?" Matt paled.

"Let's check this out. See what the hell is he doing here?" 

"We can't just leave these people. What if he is waiting for us to attack?" Matt added.

"He is not that smart," Riley added. "But, even I wouldn't risk it" He tilted his head.

Shaking his head, Christian replied. "Fine, stay here, I'll check out whatever is happening," Christian added. 

"Wait, is it safe to go alone"? Matt prompted.

"Sitting here doing nothing is worse. Keep an eye on them. I'll check it out. Also, we need to shift. This place has been discovered, we need another hiding place" He declared and took his exit before their conversation could proceed further.

He knew it was risky, especially given how they were literally in the middle of a war. But after what happened to his brother, what happened to most of his pack, it was a little hard not to feel useless. 

Following the map shown in the tab he proceeded. He noticed for any movement, any sort of formation or anything. Thanks to Riley's calibration, not only it showed Alpha Miller, but it showed the rest of the pack as well if you zoom out a little, indicating that the rest of the Ice Fountain pack was farther away. 

What he found odd was his mate, The Luna, was going away from her mate instead of towards him. What was the plan here. When he was close enough the familiar scent of the Alpha hit his nose. At the same time it seemed a bit off. As if the scent was adulterated or something. Christian was sure Alpha Miller recognised his scent as well, which is why Christian was surprised to find the Alpha still in the same position.

As he walked through the bushes, careful at every step he took he noticed the caramel fur of the wolf. Carefully he approached, but upon a proper look he froze. He contacted Riley and Matt immediately. [Guys, you should come and see this] he told them.

[What? Did you find Alpha Miller?]Matt asked.

[I did] Christian confirmed. [He is dead]