Dreaming Insanity

“Arius, when I told you to grow up I meant to put on a shirt and wake up before noon, not become so invested in your work that your mate is forced to brave the world on her own.”

“I don’t have a mate.” He refused to meet her expecting gaze, pretending to read through the paperwork on his desk. It was just before dusk, a few hours before he was expected for this month’s meeting with the pack’s defense line. He only had what felt like a few short moments before he would be expected to provide his people updated procedures of what to do in case of any and all emergencies.

“Don’t be so stupid, every wolf has a mate.” Here we go...

“Not me.” He removed the glasses from his face, rubbing his eyes before fixing them on his nose once again and blinking his olive colored irises.

“Now you sound just like Grace. In case you forgot, her birthday is coming up in a couple of months and I need you there. She really looks up to her Uncle Ari.” That little ball of fur was his world. In her five short years he had come to adore her, placing her on a pedestal far above any other individual in his life. She could ask anything of him and he would accept without hesitation.

It finally registered what his sister called him and he rolled his eyes.

“Don’t call me that.” He was tired and meant for it to come out playfully, yet even he could hear the harsh tone that escaped his lips. Before he could utter an apology, Darcy replied, knowing better than to take his words to heart.

“Yeah, yeah, I know who the favorite is in this family,” she said. The smirk that displayed itself upon his mouth came faster than she could blink even with her enhanced speed.

“Is there a reason you came into my office or was your plan to talk me to death and take over the pack?”

“That doesn’t sound too bad...” A rumble sounded from deep within his throat. He knew better than to think her dull enough to attempt a takeover, but his wolf couldn’t determine the difference between playful banter and an earnest statement. “I’m kidding. I actually wanted to talk to you about Percy.”

His shoulders tensed without his permission, muscles knotting beneath his tan skin.

Play it cool.

“Did he hurt you, Darcy?” Was that too much? Was he over doing it? Maybe. But he had a promise to keep and he’d be damned if it was his doing that broke the thoroughly planned secret.

“No, no, nothing like that. I’m just worried. He’s been growing distant lately. I normally wouldn’t talk about this, but, Grace has been noticing and asking questions.” Putting his work down to look up at her, it’s at this moment he can see the furrow between her dark brows and bags under her eyes. She leaned against the fireplace, hugging herself in a comforting manner. She’d gotten a haircut since yesterday and her cropped, blonde hair reached just below her chin. He refocused on her face and immediately felt a pang in his chest. His poor baby sister was stressing over what was soon to be a thoughtful gift from her mate, a trip to distract her from the most depressing day of the year.

“What kind of questions?” he asked,

“She wants to know if her mommy and daddy are getting a divorce.” She said, abusing her lower lip and running a hand through her tangled hair.

“She’s merely picking up on what she sees on television. Have you tried talking to him?”

Easy now, his wolf cautioned, don’t mess this up.

“No, I’m worried that if I do things will change.” Darcy mumbled, taking a deep breath and puffing her lips during the exhale.

“He loves you, sis. He wouldn’t jeopardize his life, his family.” Arius chose this moment to look back down at the loads of work sitting on his desk and wrinkled his nose, his mouth forming a tight line.

There has to be someone responsible for these problems.

“I know that. Maybe I’m over thinking this.” She said.

“No, I don’t think you are. I’ll talk to him as a friend, see if something is bothering him.” He had hoped to reassure her but her reply lead to further concern from him.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to-”

“Don’t. You’re my sister and – although I can be dense at times – I do love you. This pack is our home but I will always put your needs at the top of my list, Darcy.” He said, firmly.

His response was met with a comfortable, still silence. He almost thought he was alone until the sound of Darcy reminded him of his company.

“Arius?”

“Hmm.” His hands worked quickly, restacking papers and stapling the important documents together. He would have to finish later.

“The anniversary is in a few days.” How could he forget? He counted down the days eachyear without fail.

“I know.” His wolf stirred within him, a mild touch as a means of support.

“Do you think they-” Whatever she had been about to ask was interrupted by noise only a five year old could make as she shuffled her way down the hall.

“Mommy?” Little Grace asked, knocking four times before pushing the heavy door open and allowing her sky blue eyes to scan the room.

“Come here Gracie.” Darcy opened her arms and the small, beautiful child used the arms to climb her mother like a tree before latching herself around Darcy’s torso.

“Mommy, you’re crying.”

His wolf’s ears perked up and Arius glanced up at his sister.

“Darcy, I apologize. I didn’t realize you were still-”

“I should get Grace in bed. We can talk tomorrow.” She interrupted.

“Sis...” He tried.

Without another look, his sister held her daughter close and walked back down the hall to her own home.

Shit.

---

The meeting, surprisingly, flew by. Arius was back in the small office putting away the last of his work before mind linking his sister’s mate.

Percival, I’d like a word with you. He winced, realizing his mistake the moment the words slipped from his mind. Percy would panic at the phrasing, assuming the worst.

Yes, sir. On my way.

Using the small moment of quiet he had, Arius examined himself in the mirror. He took note of the shadows under his eyes and made the decision he would have to shave the medium stubble from his face later this evening.

A light tap on the door guided him away from the mirror and leaned back against his desk as Percy stepped in.

“Alpha.”

“I’m off the clock. It’s Arius.” He said, providing his friend a smile.

“Ahem, Arius. Sorry.” Percy hesitated, entering the small room, his eyes gliding over every inch before settling on the alpha male standing before him.

“Walk with me.” Hoping his friend would follow, he turned and opened the doors leading outside.

“Uh, okay.”

The lack of sound that followed was easy. Percy was one of the few men in this world that Arius could rely on without a shadow of a doubt. The bonding between this man and his sister not only gifted her a life-long companion, but offered a brother to the lonely alpha. Although he would never admit it, he often envied the relationship the couple shared, longing for the day – if it ever came – that he would have a mate of his own.

But the timing was off; he couldn’t afford for her to find him now or vice versa. It was a dangerous time to be a wolf, the unidentified threat loomed over his head with each passing day. It ate at his peace, chipping away at any and all hopes he had of finding his one and only within the near future. His loyalty was to his pack. How could he completely and thoroughly care for them with the distraction of a mate?

“Where are we going?” Percy was giving him a look of pure, unadulterated wonder. A well-deserved look, too. They had been walking for close to a half hour, surrounding themselves with an endless amount of trees. To any other person, the mere isolation would set off the radar within the mind and release the dangerous creature called ‘imagination’.

“I just needed some air. I’ve been meaning to ask you how things are going.” He said, kicking at a root sticking above the dirt.

“Good, good. I’ve been a bit busy as of recently with the... you know?” Percy’s unnaturally golden eyes trained on the clearing in front of them.

“It’ll be good for you to take her and Grace away for a few days. Cover your tracks better, though. She grows suspicious.” He would miss them while they were on vacation, but he knew his sister would need the time away from the pack, and Grace, his oh-so-beautiful Grace, would love the experience of travelling.

“She’s spoken to you then.” The gears were grinding away in Percy’s mind, his hands rubbing away at each other.

“Don’t worry about it, she was concerned for your relationship, I promised her I would talk to you,” he said.

“I’ll have to be more discreet. Did you receive permission from Alpha Ren for us to pass through his land?”

“Just this morning, you are granted passing between eight and eleven am the day of. You leave in two days, correct?” Two days was nothing compared to the five they would be gone.

“Yes.” Percy rubbed his forehead.

“All packed?” Arius asked.

“Packed and ready.” He was trying to be polite and not rub the trip in his friend’s face but Arius could see the excitement in the way the corners of Percy’s eyes wrinkled.

“Alright, call me if you need anything. I won’t hesitate to help.” He was happy for them, would do anything for them, even if he was slightly jealous of them.

“Thank you, Arius. You’re a good man.” Percy clapped him firmly on the back and had he been any other man he would have lost his arm.

“You don’t have to lie to me.” Said Arius, the corner of his mouth curving up, producing a playful smirk.

Laughing together they turned their backs on their view and descended into the trees.

“Darcy was telling me-”

The voice of his Beta interrupted his thoughts, forcing its way through his mind. Gripping Percy’s bicep he froze in place.

Alpha, team 3 has reported complications with their mission. A human girl has been found in the midst of the fight. No serious injuries, but she refuses to speak to us. What is your suggestion?

Involving the lives of humans was never good, it heightened the risk of his pack living without attention. A problem he could do without.

Did she see any of you shift? Arius was praying he would receive a negative answer.

Yes, her father was one of the targets.

Shit.

Bring her.

His grip on Percy loosened and he straightened up, rolling his shoulders back.

Yes, alpha.

“I am needed back at the house. We still on for Dinner?” Arius asked.

“Darcy’s working later today so we’re pushing it to seven. I’m making lasagna.”

“Great. See you tonight.” He said, and jogged back to the house before the entourage arrived.

---

Arius had only minutes before his beta would walk through the door with the unexpected guest. He stalked through the hall, entering a small room and sitting himself in front of the window posing as a mirror in the adjoining room. He would decide on a course of action when they arrived.

A commotion rang out in the halls and his wolf jostled along its confines, begging to be set free.

I want out.

Arius knew it had been a while since he’d gone for a run and cursed, promising himself he would free his beast this night. The closed door weakened the sweet smell that drafted under the crack of the door, inspiring his legs to raise of their own accord and pace to the door. His quickening heart began to aggressively drum in his chest.

Arius raised his hand, wrapping his fingers around the doorknob and breathed for what felt like minutes but could only have been mere seconds. The door to the interrogation room opened and closed. The girl, whoever she was, must be seated at the table. Arius refused to look, licking his dry lips and swallowing. It became difficult to distinguish his own thoughts from his wolf’s.

Look at her.

No, I can’t.

You must.

I’m not ready.

His fingers loosened on the handle. He was finally gaining control and mind linked Thorne.

Get out of there. Now. Peeper’s room.

Thorne didn’t need to respond, Arius knew he was coming to him and he had to compose every part of himself. He sat back down facing the room on the other side of the window but refusing to look inside, choosing instead to focus on his shoes. The door burst open revealing his beta and Arius met his confused gaze.

“What’s going on?”

“We can’t keep her here. She has to go back.” He clenched his jaw, swallowing again.

“Back? We killed her father, sir. I doubt she has anywhere to go. Besides, she saw what we did?” Arius overlooked his beta’s backtalk as his mind scattered for a plan.

“Thorne, she can’t stay here. I can’t afford to lose sight of-”

A scream echoed in the room beside them, every hair on the alpha’s body rising at full attention. His body chose the fastest, yet less efficient way to get to the bloodcurdling shriek and he dove through the window.

“Leave her alone.” He growled.

The man, Samuel, was the leader of team 3. He was simply doing his job per procedure which stated the finder of any survivor was to get first interrogation session. He knew that. His wolf should have, too, yet the creature snarled viciously in his head.

The young woman was curled against the corner, unable to cease the constant shivering of her body. Within moments his shoes were directly in front of her, only inches away from her curled knee. Her auburn hair hid her face from view, protecting it from the harsh lights of the room. Her small frame showed clear signs of her being a woman, not a child. He coughed, hoping to gently persuade her to look at him. When her honey eyes met his olive eyes their connection exploded, sending shocks all throughout his body. The next word she spoke sealed their fate.

“Arius?” she asked, evidently shocked. He didn’t know how to feel about the light pink color that stained her cheeks when she broke his stare. But, one thing was clear. This woman was never to leave his sight, or these lands, ever again. At least, not without him.