Zev cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. “Yeah, dude, I think that’s affecting us a little differently than them. And believe me, that’s not exactly in my comfort zone.” I barked out a laugh, drawing the magic back in.
“A trick,” Gwyar insisted, and I rolled my eyes at Alpha Due. “I insist Raff face the challenge immediately.”
“Fillian, Pixie, is Raff safe to transport?” Alpha Due asked gently. The pair leaned back from my father with tired sighs, sharing a considering look.
“Yes,” Fillian answered slowly. “I’d prefer to get him home to our pack territory; having him around humans isn’t ideal.”
“I’m sure your accommodations are better, but for the moment, would you grant me a favor and acquiesce to take him to my home? It’s close to here and my mate is waiting. She is not a healer, but we will be able to let him rest in comfort.” The expression on his face softened as he added, “He is a friend, and I would like to see him cared for.”
“Alpha Due, I appreciate your offer. If Fillian and Pixie believe it is safe for him, I will gladly accept.”
“Borris?” Chann inquired softly. Alpha Due arched a brow and I sighed.
“We have a complication,” I admitted. “Your mate’s help would be appreciated.”
He nodded in understanding. “Any help we can provide is yours,” he told me firmly. “Tala,” he addressed a male who waited in the hall behind him, “take Syaoran with you.” His tone was icy as he glared at the fidgeting male in the corner who had worked with Starlight Woods.
“I insist the alpha and the pup are kept separate,” Shaw trilled, and I rolled my eyes.
“I am already alpha of this pack,” I repeated slowly, but when she went to open her mouth again, I slashed a hand through the air. “However, as it pleases me due to my own circumstances, my father will ride separately from me.” I faced my packmates to give my own orders, ignoring Starlight Woods. “Zev, Alpha Due or his people will tell you where to go. Fillian, Pixie, please keep my father stable during the ride. Shannon, I’m sending you with them as well to keep an eye on Luna.” They all nodded. “Chann, you’re with me. We’ll take Borris.” His worried green eyes met mine as I snagged the keys I saw on the dresser.
“Parking garage,” my dad whispered to me, telling me where the car was. “Second floor.”
“You’re too stubborn to die, old friend,” Alpha Due murmured fondly. “Make sure that stays true.” He turned, leading us from the room. “Starlight Woods, I expect you’ll find your way to my property as well, since you’re the objecting party. If you have no protests, Alarick, I believe I’ll ride with you to show you the way.”
“That’s not—” Gwyar began to object when Alpha Due turned to snarl at him.
“Oh, but that is. You came to my territory, Gwyar. You fucked up. Deal with it or get out.”
“No wonder my dad likes you,” I muttered as I followed him back down the hall.
Chapter Seventeen
Pixie
We waited for Starlight Woods to clear the room before Zev helped Ian and me lift Raff from the bed and carry him downstairs. Part of me expected someone to stop us, to call out to us in shock at the fact we were hauling a limp man between us to a vehicle, but no one seemed to notice us.
“Another shield?” I questioned, glancing at some of the black and gray-haired males and females who were too studiously avoiding our eyes as we gently lowered Raff into the car.
“Probably,” Ian replied, shifting slightly to let Shannon and Luna climb into the back seat. “It’s a common skill, and useful for packs that have a lot of humans on their territories.” Zev was sliding into the driver’s seat as Ian’s phone rang and he placed it on speaker.
“Someone want to tell me what the hell is going on?” Alpha Due barked through the phone as I pressed my hand to Raff’s neck, ignoring the weariness that wanted to force my eyes closed. Between healing Luna and now Raff, I was worn out, but I wasn’t willing to stop. I could still feel the damage in his body, though he was no longer slipping away from us.
“Which part?” I asked dryly, shoving more energy forward. “The part where Gwyar is a murderous bastard? The part where someone somehow messed with our omega and got him to poison Raff? The part where Alarick