Red

Chapter 35: A Question

I was walking back from training with Sam. He was getting pretty good but we hand to end early. Ryder had wanted to talk about something in his office and I wanted to make sure I was there on time.

My phone rang and I answered it without checking caller ID. "Red." Carter. I made a noise at his freakishly solemn tone. "They're dead. Most of the hunters from the reserve were killed in an attack last night." Stopping I closed my eyes leaning on a tree, waiting for him to continue. "The six of us survived but Red we had eighty men. There are only fifteen of us left." Bile rose up in my throat but I choked it down. "We need you to call in more back up."

"No!" I had blurted it out, but I meant it. He stayed quiet a minute.

"Red we are going to stop them. We have too. We are already a target and we need a chance. Give us one more chance."

With every chance taken there's a chance you won't make it out alive. I knew that better than anyone, but I also know what it means to fight for someone you believe in.

"Alright. I'll make the call." the moment I finished the words I hung up. Sixty five men, hunters, killed by rouges. Their numbers were growing rapidly, abnormally.

Shaking my head I tried not to think of it, of rather not to let it show as I walked to Ryder's office.

He sat at his desk looking at a file as if trying to decode it, but looked up with an easy smile as I walked in.

Walking up behind him I put my hands on his shoulders looking at the file curiously. "You wanted to see me?" he nodded.

"I did. There's a meeting for the packs in the area and I wanted you to come with me, as my official Luna."

Turning in his chair he looked up at me expectantly. A smile broke out over my face. "Of course." the thought made me nervous, but if he wanted me there I would be.

Ryder grinned up at me. "Thanks Red. It means a lot." I pecked his lips and nodded.

"Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?" I wondered. I didn't expect there to be, but it seemed rather short for him to have wanted me to meet him in his office.

"There is." Surprised, I looked over at him expectantly. "I'd like to know where you were. You've been leaving Louis home and disappearing for a couple hours at a time to return slightly sweaty on occasion. I know you weren't at Kylie's." He spoke standing up and walking over to me. He knew all that? Of course he did. "Where've you been Red?" Ryder questioned worriedly.

Red hair swung out as I shook my head at him. "You remember that boy Sam from training?" Ryder nodded. "Well I've been training him a bit. Mostly basics and stealth, but he's good." Ryder rolled his eyes at me.

"You don't have to hide that from me." he teased.

I rose an eyebrow, crossing my arms over my chest. "Who said anything about hiding it? It's not like anyone could have any privacy with all the freaking tabs you have on me." Keeping my face calm and straight I watched him look like a deer in headlights for about ten seconds before shaking my head and turning around.

His hand caught my shoulder spinning me around. "Red I-" he took one look at my amused face and shook his head. "That wasn't funny." he informed, glaring at me playfully.

"No, seriously though, you have like a thousand tabs on me." I reminded him, reaching up to pick a random book off the shelf.

I sat back on his desk, opening the book and observing pages of what seemed to be shifting wolves and moon phases.

He sighed, moving in front of me. "I know. It's that or have you by my side at all times." I tilted my head to the side debatingly.

"Tough choice." his eyes rolled at me before snatching the book back. "I was reading that." I informed as he put it back in it's place.

"No. You were looking at the pictures." He corrected.

My eyes rolled. "What. Ever." Jumping off his desk I had just reached the door when his arms caught me.

His chin rested on my shoulder. "Where are you going?" Something told me he was telling more than asking.

"I thought you always knew where I went?" I teased.

His arms tightened around me. "Mmm don't leave yet." he whispered against my neck and I shivered.

"You're such a baby." Yup. I gave in. Anyone in my position would. His whole being felt warm and safe and I was beginning to crave his touch, his kiss.

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