My Alpha Mate's Christmas Gift novel Chapter 107

　　For the past week, he had spent more time with her and they had gotten used to their company. The feeling he got when he was with her was sublime. However, the feeling he had was tainted by pieces of guilt within him.

　　While she had indeed cheered him up, would she still do the same if she knew what he was really going to do?

　　“I wonder… What kind of eyes would you use to look at me, if you knew the terrible things I would do… But it doesn’t matter. As long as it is for you, to keep you safe… To keep my lack safe, to keep the tribe safe… I will soil my hands no matter how terrible it may be.” Asher thought deeply.

　　The night ended and they went to their respective places. Asher, to meet with the members of his pack who would be taking part in the expedition. They all met at Rockwood Peak. Asher looked around and they were all complete.

　　Himself, Dax, Damien, and 90 percent of the warriors. They all had resolved looks in their eyes. They knew what they would be doing, the purpose for their leaving the village the next day.

　　“Everyone. It seems just like yesterday when I became Aloha of this great Pack. Back then, the opposition was so great that a lot of our members left us, abandoning our pack. Our numbers dwindled and our future looked bleak, yet you all stayed. You remained because you loved this lack, and you still do. Now, another dark cloud rises over us. You must all be aware of why you are here. The Hunters have been spotted by our scouts to be approaching our village from the northeast area. It will take them less than three days to reach us. Within that time, we must intercept them and exterminate them, no matter what. Now, I know the time of bloodshed has ceased for quite some time. Some of us have forgotten what it is like to dirty our hands with blood, to give in to our savage instincts and rip apart the enemy… However, I also know that we all love this pack and we have precious ones here. To protect those precious to us, we must fight." Asher spoke, addressing the small crowd that gathered before him.

　　“And so I ask you all, will you join me and defend our pack? Will you fight with me?!”

　　Everyone cheered and raised their hands in support. They were ready to do whatever it took for their people.

　　“Good. Get all your affairs sorted out before the end of tomorrow! We move in the evening, before dusk!” Asher declared.

　　They all affirmed. He dismissed the meeting, and everyone left the Peak, everyone except Dax and Damien, as they remained behind to talk to Asher.

　　“Do you really think this is a good idea, taking all our forces to face the enemy?” Damien asked.

　　“He has a point… Leaving just 10 percent in the village, isn't that going to arouse suspicion among the members of the pack?" Dax added.

　　“If we don’t take this much, we may not be able to subdue them. It’s fine if they suspect. We are doing this for them anyway, so they don’t have to face what we are going to do.” Asher replied.

　　“Have you told Roxanne?” Dax asked Asher, looking concerned for his friend and leader.

　　“Have you told Rita?” Asher responded.

　　Dax looked away, having a guilty look.

　　“Then you have your answer. I only told Roxanne I would be going away for some time, I’m guessing you did the same…?”

　　Dax nodded slightly in affirmation.

　　“You're fortunate, Damien… You don’t have a woman in the pack yet” Asher smiled.

　　Damien returned the smile and shook his head.

　　“Doesn't make lying to her any easier…”

　　The three men sighed.

　　Damien thought about Roxanne though, he was going to train her for the last time the next day, before leaving the village.

　　“I better put her to work!” He smiled to himself.

　　Everything was about to change… For everyone!

　　Roxanne slept after eating with Rita.

　　Dinner was not as fun as it had been previously. Dax wasn’t present, and Rita seemed to be in deep thought. Before sleeping she wondered whether Asher was wherever he told her he was going… And while she didn't know why she had a strong and terrible feeling.

　　“Asher… Be safe…” She muttered as she fell asleep.

　　Unknown to her, the one who needed those words the most… Was her!