We had been walking for hours, our feet aching and our spirits wavering. Tyler and Jason suddenly yelled in unison, "I see it!" Their voices cracked with excitement and relief, sending a surge of energy through our exhausted group. We took off running, sprinting through the dense forest, branches whipping past our faces and leaves crunching beneath our desperate footsteps. The anticipation built with each stride as we pushed our tired bodies forward. Finally, we emerged from the thick canopy of trees into a breathtaking clearing filled with wildflowers of every color imaginable. The sweet fragrance of blooms filled the air, and there, in the middle of this natural paradise, was what we'd been searching for, a shimmering, round circle that pulsed with otherworldly energy, remarkably similar to the mysterious portal we'd encountered in the garden of Eve.
The sight before us sparked a mix of emotions within our group. While many of us were buzzing with excitement, their eyes bright with hope and wonder, others hung back, their faces etched with concern and uncertainty. The nervous ones shifted their weight from foot to foot, casting wary glances at the ethereal gateway. They couldn't shake their doubts about trusting this supernatural doorway, and their past experiences made them hesitant to embrace this moment of discovery. Sensing the growing tension, Jason raised his arm commandingly, silencing the murmurs of discussion that had broken out among us. His voice carried authority as he addressed the group, "I know there are nervous people. I can see it in your eyes, and I understand your fears. But remember, if the King says to go through it, we must trust in his wisdom and guidance. This isn't just any portal – this is the gateway we've been searching for, the very one that keeps the humans separated from the supernatural's land. It's our pathway to safety and belonging." He paused, his eyes scanning the faces before him before continuing with determination, "I will go first, scout ahead to ensure it's safe, and then return for everyone. You have my word."
We all stood in tense silence, our hearts pounding as we watched Jason approach the portal with measured steps. As he stepped through, the shimmering surface rippled like liquid mercury, disappearing from our world instantly.
Jason
I moved through the portal with practiced ease, knowing it was safe, but I had to maintain the charade for now. It was a delicate situation, none of them knew my true identity as part of Jackson's royal guard, nor that he was my Alpha. The secret I carried weighed heavily on my shoulders, but it was necessary for the mission's success. My mind wandered back to when Jackson had first visited the garden of Eve, where he had made the life-changing discovery that Zoe was his destined mate.
The complexity of my current situation was further complicated by my personal mission. I had already secured permission to search for Jennifer, my stepsister, whose presence in the human world worried my stepdad. The situation was particularly delicate given Jennifer's past actions – her involvement with Zoe's fiancé, Jared, had created a dangerous situation. The fact that she had engaged in an intimate relationship with the Alpha's mate's former fiancé was more than just a scandal; it was potentially life-threatening. Had Jared dared to show his face alongside Zoe, his fate would have been sealed instantly. There's nothing more dangerous than coming between a werewolf and their mate, especially when that werewolf happens to be King Alpha himself.
With these thoughts weighing on my mind, I approached the King's office, my footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. I raised my hand and knocked once on the heavy wooden door, the sound resonating with purpose.
"Come in," the King's deep voice commanded from within.
As I pushed open the door, I was greeted by the sight of Alpha King Jackson seated regally behind his massive desk, with Beta Cole and Gamma Max occupying the chairs before him. The atmosphere in the room was charged with anticipation.
The King's reaction was immediate and intense. He shot to his feet, his eyes blazing with urgency as he demanded, "You're here; where is she?" His voice carried both authority and barely contained excitement.
Max, ever the one to lighten the mood, let out a good-natured chuckle and quipped, "About the time I was getting tired of the love-sick puppy over here," gesturing toward the King with a playful smirk.
The King's response was swift and playful, he launched the pen he'd been holding directly at Max's head, his aim proper but his expression amused. "Wait till you find your mate," he retorted, a knowing smile on his lips.
His attention quickly returned to the matter at hand, and he repeated with increasing intensity, "Where is she?"
"They are outside the portal," I reported, keeping my voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "I know she was here last night, but the group remains cautious. Their journey has been fraught with challenges and dangers, leaving them wary of potential traps. Trust doesn't come easily to them anymore after everything they've witnessed and endured."
I continued my explanation, "I've maintained my cover, keeping my connection to you hidden. To ease their concerns, I volunteered to test the portal first. Once they see me return unharmed, they'll feel more confident about crossing over. However, my King, I believe your presence would be invaluable in alleviating their remaining fears."
Without hesitation, the King rose from his chair, his presence commanding and purposeful. With a simple gesture, he signaled his beta and gamma to follow, and we all made our way to the portal's entrance, ready to welcome our long-awaited visitors.
When I stepped back through the portal's shimmering surface, I was met with an overwhelming response. Some erupted in cheers, while others broke down in tears of relief. These people, these survivors, had endured so much on their journey. Finally, they could see the promise of safety and home within their grasp. Their emotional reactions spoke volumes about the hardships and hope they now dared to embrace.
With authority and purpose, I turned to Tyler and Eric, my voice steady as I issued precise instructions for them to organize their people. "We need to proceed through the portal in pairs," I commanded, knowing that order would be crucial for our safe passage. Eric sprang into action immediately, his voice carrying across the group as he efficiently directed everyone to form neat lines of two. Meanwhile, Tyler made his way to Zoe and Katelynn, and his protective instincts were evident as he instructed them to remain within arm's reach.
The pairing arrangements fell naturally, and each decision was carefully considered. Tyler would escort Zoe, his watchful eyes never leaving her form, ready to shield her from any potential danger. Katelynn would travel with Johnny, their children clustered safely between them, forming a protective family unit. Ryker, our strongest warrior, volunteered to lead the procession, his battle-hardened instincts making him the perfect scout for any unforeseen threats that might await us on the other side.
Eric and Danny positioned themselves strategically at the rear, reassuring those ahead. The atmosphere crackled with nervous energy as Danny reached for Azria's hand, his features softening as he gazed at her. "Are you ready, my Queen?" he asked gently, easing some of her visible tension. Together, they stepped through the shimmering portal, their forms dissolving into the mysterious light.
The procession continued smoothly as Tyler guided Zoe forward, their joined hands a symbol of trust and protection. One by one, pairs of our people crossed the threshold, each successful passage encouraging those who remained. The air grew thick with anticipation as our numbers dwindled until only Jennifer and Jarred remained.
As they approached the portal, I felt a surge of protective fury rise. Before they could proceed, I fixed them with a steely gaze that left no room for misinterpretation. "This is your only warning," I growled, my voice low and dangerous, "stay away from Zoe." My words hung heavy in the air, and I could see them both visibly tense.
The warning was quickly followed by an even more ominous caution, "Do not piss the King off!" The threat in my voice was unmistakable, carrying the promise of severe consequences should they choose to disregard these warnings.
Without waiting for their response, I forcefully propelled them through the portal, ensuring they had no chance to protest or delay. Their fate now lay on the other side, where the King awaited.