CADE B.

-*-

Cade! Heads up!

A loud bark breaches into my ears, and, just as I raise my head, a plump rabbit scurries to safety within its burrow. My lips curl in frustration. Helios' flaming eye!

Just as I am about to attempt to dig into the burrow, a sleek, midnight black wolf emerges from the brush.

Did you get it?Shame flickers in my chest, staring at my empty paws. It slipped through...Angel raises her eyes to mine, glinting with worry. Honestly brother, what's gotten into you? This is the fourth rabbit today!

Although her tone is soft, guilt still stabs into my chest. Apologies I- I can't seem to focus.Her blue gaze softens with her reply. I can tell. What's troubling you?

I haven't had much sleep. Those tents aren't exactly made for big guys like me. Despite being half truthful, my words do little to deter my sister. She posts herself in front of me, and I could've sworn a steely flame burnt through her azure pools. Stepping back, I already know she will not let me go until I give her what she wants.A long sigh escapes my lungs. Angel, let me pass-

Nope! Not until you tell me what's really going on. Come on Cade, I can see something's bothering you, I'm not blind.I can't help but admire her determination, one which has resided within her since we were pups. She had always been my closest- albeit insistent- confidant, never breaking her promises to . So why is it that I cannot bring myself to speak my thoughts? Why must this persistent wall reside around my mind?Why am I so choked up to speak to her?

Angel's soft fur presses against my shoulder, her voice soft with concern. Whichever may be bothering you- Know that I am here for you. I will be ready to listen when you are ready to share.A sudden wave of relief washes over me. Thank you, Angel. I will not forget this.Pulling away, she nods and begins her trekk back to camp. I step forward, ready to follow when I find myself hesitating as Angel's words sink in further. Worry flickers in my chest, thoughts drifting back to Ava, and, as her delicate face appears within the back of my mind, a memory bubbles to the surface. A soft, childlike voice tickles my ear.Pain stabs into my heart and I snap to reality, the pressure building behind my eyes threatening to spill over.

I brush the memory away and take a long, calming breath before I catch up to Angel.
We trudge on in silence, the buzz in my ears growing louder as we go. I try to ignore it, push it away as I usually do, but the pressure stubbornly persists.When we finally arrive at camp, all I can think of is a long rest in my tent to clear my thoughts. Just as I am about to dismiss myself to my quarters, a soft, jolly voice calls to me. "Cade!"

I raise my gaze and meet Ava's hazel pools as they glint with joy, a freshly caught rabbit dangling from her hands. ''Look what I caught!!''

A familiar pride blooms within my chest and I catch myself nearly brimming with tears. She giggles, a gentle, child-like laugh exploding from her throat as she continues, ''I can't believe I actually did it!

- She's a real natural.'' The words came from Zedekiah, his icy orbs glinting with something mischievous as he says, ''You should've seen her, I could barely keep up.''

It is then I connect the dots, understanding he had purposely held back and allowed Ava to take the lead and catch her prey. I make sure to thank him through the link, somewhat surprised to see this softer side; the twins were known to be quite competitive and reserved towards the other members of the pack, pressured by a constant need to prove themselves worthy to their peers. Perhaps he felt no such need in Ava company, I myself find comfort having her around.

Turning to Ava, I grin from ear to ear. ''Very good work, this is sure to lift everyone's spirits.

- What's all this ruckus about!?'' Kyra's scolding voice rises from her tent, followed by the sight of her sunken eyes as she peers through the opening. Her eyes grow saucer-wide as they land onto the rabbit, her tone shifting with glee. ''Helios' flaming eye, did you catch that, Ava?

- I did!'' Ava's pride radiates in waves as she recalls the events of her hunt, finishing with an even wider smile than before.

''Quite a tale fabulous my dear.'' Kyra chuckles, reaching a wrinkled hand to the still warm rabbit. ''Hm, this will make a good roast with the right spices.''

Ava pulls her catch away, eyes lowered, but I don't miss how her body stiffens at Kyra's words.

''Actually... I was hoping I could brew a stew with it. I want everyone to have their share.'' She pauses and seems to ponder on her words before she adds, ''I believe it stands to reason we've all grown sick of canned food and jerky. I know I have a long time ago.''

Her words continue to feed the warmth in my chest. She's growing more confident.Kyra seems to share the same thought, cheeks lifted with a smile. ''Very well, dear.''

-*-

Laughter explodes from the camp as the sun sets behind the horizon, bleeding gold onto a pink colored sky.

The smell of roast rabbit and spices douces the chilly breeze turned warm from the friendly atmosphere as the gathered pack brims with energy. Everyone seems locked in conversation with another, hands pressing onto shoulders and joyful glints flickering in their eyes. Even Angel -my usually reserved sister- is locked in a lively exchange with Jax, a promising young Gamma from her ranks. As their banter intensifies, I could've sworn seeing a mischievous glimmer flick in my sister's midnight gaze. At that I chuckle.

Seems someone's made a new friend.

Even still, my thoughts quickly drift to the back of my mind. As my hand reaches for the golden ring, the pressure in my chest threatening to spill, I recognize the sting of tears at the back of my eyes. I'm quick to wipe them away, but the feeling remains. A bitter chuckle escapes my throat.You're getting soft, Cade. I tease in a piss poor attempt to cheer myself up.''Soup is ready!''

The pack falls silent, all heads turning to Ava with ravenous eyes. The smell of fresh food rouses my stomach, reminding me just how hungry I was. I stand and join the gathered crowd around the cauldron, my mouth watered at the thought of food. I'm readying to lend a hand when a figure shoulders its way into my peripheral vision and stands before the crowd.

Ryder leans forward, preparing to grab a bowl when Ava grabs his arm. ''Hey! Back of the line, Ryder you'll get your turn.''

Silence falls onto the pack. My body becomes wholly still as the red head's cheek dimples with a smirk.

''Listen, sweetheart, I'm not in the mood to wait around. Give me a dam bowl-- Wait your turn.'' Ava's words sharpen with a fimble growl, but it seems to surprise Ryder as he takes a small step back.

He snarls. ''Did you just order me? Omega?'', he says in a challenging snarl.

My hair stands, anger bubbling to the surface. Just as I am about to step in, Ava's eyes shift from a soft hazel to a sharp, stone-cut frown.

''They'll be food for everyone, but you won't get anything if you don't get back in-'' A loud smack! echoes throughout the clearing. Ava staggers, eyes wide, when a sturdy hand raises above her head and connects with Ryder's incoming palm.

His eyes grow saucer wide, Jace's steely gaze inches away from his face, staring him down. ''The fuck you think you're doing-'', he grinds out,
Ryder's smirk quickly melts as he meets Jace's gaze, turning into sour disgust. ''Get your hands off me- AAH!'' His throat rips with a painful scream as Jace twists his arm and dislocates his shoulder.

''If you ever lay a fucking hand on her- or any other women, I will skin you're flesh from your bones...'' The sheer distaste in his voice sends a ripple of icy spikes through my skin.

Even my wolf cowered in fear, not daring to move.Releasing Ryder's arm, Jace turns to the pack and I could've sworn seeing fire burn through those stone-cut eyes. Sweat pearls down his head, gaze wildly darting when he promptly walks away, leaving a cold wind in his wake.-*-

Thank you for reading everyone :)

I am very pleased to have this chapter finally released, despite the long wait. Progress has been slow but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. Now! I am very eager to hear your thoughts on this chapter and Jace's little- outburst ;) Not to mention poor Cade.I will do my best to have the next chapter uploaded, but in the meantime, take care of yourselves :3