Chapter 292

Chapter 292: Who are they?

“They are here Ashton. They are here for us... and for our family.” he mumbled. Ashton was taken aback as soon as he heard those words. A chill ran through his spine despite the warmth of his mate lying directly above him. He had enough family, and the one he cared about most right now was lying just above him.

Seeing the peaceful face of Caleb, and simply imagining anything happening to that face, terrified the crap out of Ashton. He wanted nothing more than to cast a protective spell around his mate, and everyone else in his family. Alas he was a pureblooded... or at least an Pureblood-Valestine hybrid of a werewolf.

Caleb was considerably much heavier in his wolf form than his human form. However, Ashton, with the power of Alvaro at the moment, was strong enough to pull him off of himself, without waking the former. When Caleb was comfortable enough in the bed, with steady steps Ashton exited the room.

Once he was out of the room, he tried to connect with his wolf again, “What do you mean they are here? Who are they?” Ashton asked.

“The ones who kept me- kept us captive in the north.” Alvaro informed him.

“They traced me here?” Ashton was worried.

“They must have figured out you are not a complete Valestine, or else they wouldn’t be here. There is no way a complete Valestine would prefer to stay in his human form for this long.” Alvaro informed Ashton.

.....

“I am confused... How does that affect me? I mean, why do they want to hurt my family for this?” Ashton asked his wolf.

“They are your attachments to this world. A world beyond the lives of Valestines.” Alvaro explained.

“So what? They want to take me back? Against my wishes?” Ashtons scoffed.

“Sure, but only after having killed you and your family.” Alvaro mumbled. “I am sure they can sense you here, even without your scent, and that’s why they are lurking around.” Alvaro informed Ashton.

“And they can easily track me...” Ashton noted.

“For a while, perhaps not. Last night I circled the entire pack boundaries to spread my scent and essence which might confuse them for a while. When it fades away, they might be able to pinpoint your location.” Alvaro sighed.

“So... that’s what happened?” Ashton’s eyes widened. “You... you took over to protect us.” somehow, Ashton was touched, even though the wolf was practically him. “Tell me something, how did you know they were here?”

“Just like they can trace my essence, I can trace theirs... with not as profound expertise as theirs of course.” Alvaro explained. “I felt them near me, so I had to take action. I am sorry for scaring you.” he mumbled.

“You just did what you had to do.” Ashton sighed. “Wait a sec, what do you mean by essence? Wolves track by smell, but from your words it doesn’t seem like you are talking about scent.”

“I wish I could explain in further words, but all I can tell you is that you can feel it.” said Alvaro.

“Feel what? Where?” Ashton urged his wolf.

“Instincts. Your instincts will tell you.” Alvaro declared. “You need to find a way to end them. At this moment, I am not certain how many of them are here.”

“End them? You want me to kill them?” Ashton was taken aback. Albeit the flashback of his parent’s death, he was still not comfortable with murder, at least not the one did concsiously.

“If you can’t, I’ll be happy to. I have killed before, when I was in the north. I had to... in order to survive.”

“I can’t let you do that. You are basically me.” Ashton fumbled.

“I will make sure you don’t remember.” Alvaro suggested. Ashton was in dilemma, but he was still mostly against the idea. Not remembering a crime doesn’t make him innocent, especially when he already has prior knowledge. Seeing Ashton’s dilemma, Alvaro spoke, “Would you rather let them attack Caleb and the kids?”

An involuntary growl escaped Ashton. “No way!” he snarled. No matter what, if worst comes to worst, he would even kill for Caleb. But this was still a huge decision. Moreover, he didn’t even know whom he had to kill. All he knew was that whoever these people were, they were dangerous. “Give me some time to think.” Ashton mumbled.

“Alright, but I can’t give you long enough. If you don’t come to a decision within twenty four hours, I will kill them myself. I will protect our family.” And with that his wolf growled and jumped at him, causing Ashton to go into an adrenaline rush. Soon he found himself in his room, sitting wide-eyed as he noticed Caleb staring at him cautiously.

That’s when he realized he never left the room. He had fallen asleep and everything that happened afterwards was in his head. No wonder he could talk to his wolf face to face. Wait.. was all of this a dream? Did he really have the conversation or was it part of some nightmare?

Caleb shifted back into his human form, and without bothering to put on any clothes he approached Ashton, “Ash, what’s going on?” He put the back of the palm over the sweaty forehead of Ashton. “Ash? Please tell me you are okay.” Caleb panicked and looked at Ashton with utmost attention.

“Can I ask you something”? Ashton mumbled.

“Yeah, of course.” Caleb nodded.

“Will you ever kill for me”?

“Of course. I will do anything and everything for you.” Caleb nodded. “Wait, why? Do you need me to do that”? He asked. “Ash... Babe, what’s going on?” As Caleb rubbed soft circles over the forearm of his mate he asked.

“I think... I talked to Alvaro.” Ashton declared.

“Does he need me to kill anyone?” Caleb frowned.

“He needs me to kill someone... for you and our entire family.” Ashton mumbled. “I am sure...” Ashton trailed off.

Caleb hugged his mate from the side and mumbled, “If you don’t want to do something, you don’t have to.” he whispered.

“But-”

“Listen, you are my mate. I am one of the pack leaders, and we will make sure we can help you no matter what.” Caleb huffed. “Maybe we can even find an alternative solution to killing whoever Alvaro wants you to kill. Now why don’t you take a few deep breaths, and tell me what Alvaro told you.”

Ashton nodded and did as asked. After taking a few breaths he proceeded with explaining Caleb of the conversation that took place with his own wolf.