Ruben was in the same situation, minus the connection to the Alpha. Knowing Lyra as well as he did and seeing her enervated, he answered for the both of them in favor of joining Gibbous Peak. Lyra couldn't think of a reasonable excuse to contradict him, especially with all of the eyes around them. She didn't want to keep the truth from him, but she also knew how he would respond to her situation. He was a sweet and affectionate person, until someone dared mess with a person he cared for. Then, Goddess have mercy on their souls, he would never stop until he believed justice was served. She didn't want Ruben in danger, he had no chance in a face off against an Alpha. Rather, he seemed excited at the thought of belonging somewhere again. How could her heart not melt at that boyish grin with sparkling eyes. Now she was headed for the mouth of the devil, willing climbing into the SUV transporting her there.
"Look," Ruben urged quietly as he gently pressed a finger to her chin, angling her face just past his direction, through the car window, "the sun is rising."
Her eyes widened at the pink sky that faded into yellow and orange at the horizon. Wisps of lavender clouds swept along the watercolor-like canvas. Through the opposite window, the indigo sky littered with scattered stars was fading away. Returning to Ruben's window, she watched in awe as the sky brightened and colors morphed. A serene smile spread across her face as she bathed in the beautiful scenery.
[Wow.] She answered through mind-link, [It's the picture of freedom.]
"Yeah," Ruben sighed. Looking back out the window, a wistful and agog expression on his sunken features. "Makes me wanna go for a run."
Loba started wagging her tail at the mention of a run. It's been so long since she was able to run in her wolf form. Hell, she couldn't even remember the last time she shifted, her soft fur tussling in the breeze.
{We can't.} Lyra dashed her wolf's excitement.
{Oh. That's right.}
The disappointment was heavy, but she chose to bask in the moment anyway. It was her first time truly outdoors in nearly four years. She leaned her head on Ruben's boney shoulder. Even if her future was uncertain, she felt safe next to her friend. For now, she was liberated, warmed and comfortable. Ruben rested his cheek atop her head with a contented hum. The brazen sunlight was glaring in their faces, but it wasn't a disturbance, it was proof they were above ground. Lyra quickly drifted off to restful sleep.
The next thing Lyra knew, Ruben was gently shaking her awake, "Oí! Are you still among the living?"
She kept her eyes closed, lingering onto the first real rest she'd had in so long. Her body's unusual state of relaxation was urging her to sink further into the cushioned leather. Unconsciously she pulled the wool blanket higher up her arms, it's scratchy warmth was soothing.
"Don't make me do this! Hurk!" He pretended to gag while gently cradling her face in his big palms. "But I'll- hurk- I'll do it for you! I'm going in for the- hurk- kiss!"
Smack! Lyra slapped his chest and groggily opened her eyes. He burst out laughing, sputtering something about how princesses were supposed to be woken with a kiss but she saved him from calamity. He was wiping tears from his own overtly dorky display. Lyra giggled and let him pull her out of the vehicle. Her legs were sluggish and weak from the long drive. She wasn't accustomed to travel, so even though she slept most of the drive, her body was sore from the motion. No matter the situation, he never failed to lighten her mood and keep her grounded. Even if she didn't possess his same charisma, she hoped that she provided that kind of grounding for him too, in her own way.
It was already evening as they stood in front of a stone mansion nestled in the middle of an open clearing. Patches of partially melted snow lingered in the shadows. The surrounding trees were tall, but not tall enough to obstruct the view of a magnificent, snow capped mountain directly behind the mansion. Basil Peak. Or was it called Gibbous Peak now? A touch of nostalgia creeped in, mixed with dread. But Lyra tried to focus on the present. There was an expected level of commotion from all the wolves arriving at once. At least for now, she could disappear in the crowd, unnoticed.
"Beta Nathan!" The Alpha's commanding voice boomed, snapping Lyra from her sight seeing.
An authoritative man with a brown man-bun quickly walked up from the direction of the mansion. He was dressed in casual, ripped jeans, a fitted black t-shirt and converse shoes, yet his appearance reflected a formal nature. He responded in a tone less formal than any of the others.
"Yes Alpha?"
"Take the refugees to the clinic and have Delta Raymond treat their injuries. Tell Ms. Greta to prepare the quarters near his clinic for their temporary living space. Also gather all information for their desired futures."
Without waiting for a response, the Alpha walked toward the mansion and disappeared through the front doors. Beta Nathan turned to the ex-prisoners, who had regrouped after exiting their respective vehicles. All but Dana, who was nowhere to be seen, likely returned home with her mate. His eyes were full of sympathy and a touch of avenging anger.
"Alrighty then!" He clapped his hands, his posture relaxed and he approached them with a friendly smile, "I'm Beta Nathan Conner. If you could please follow me, Doc's clinic is in the packhouse here. He'll get you all patched up. Oh, I bet you all are starving! Ms. Norallai! Perfect, you're here. Could you…"
The lean, tough looking woman smiled while she tied her peppered hair up away from her face. She rolled up her sleeves as she interrupted him, "On it, Beta. Looks 'a me like we be need'n four jumbo servings of oh-so nutritious meals 'n be easy 'a digest. I'ya be bring'n 'em to ya' new rooms 'fore long. So please've Doc give ya' once o're first."