Chapter 151 – Exile

Ella

The journey to the hidden territories was swift once we reached the coast. We boarded a small plane and ascended rapidly. Sinclair, I swear, didn't relax until we were cruising at 30,000 feet. I hadn't realized how tense he'd been, even after leaving Moon Valley, until we were out of danger and his muscles finally unwound.

The flight took over six hours, though I slept most of the way. Upon landing, Sinclair gently disentangled our bodies, instantly waking me. I emitted a sleepy moan, looking up at him blearily. "Are we there?"

"Yes," he confirmed, leaning over to cup my cheek. "But stay here until I can ensure it's safe, okay?"

Without another word, he disappeared out the door with his men, descending the small staircase to the tarmac. I lurched to my feet and went to the window. My first glimpse of the hidden territories took my breath away: a glittering lake dominated the horizon, framed by towering, snow-capped mountains. At the lake's center, appearing to float on the water, was an opulent city visible only from certain angles. Otherwise, it looked like nothing more than a ball of light.

Eager to explore, I quickly spotted my mate, prowling the area with Hugo and our guards. In the distance, a line of shiny cars awaited us. Overprotective wolves, I thought, rolling my eyes.

Emerging from the plane, I breathed in the foreign air, my newly awakened senses assailed by strange scents. I cradled my belly, feeling a wave of curiosity from my pup. Rafe may not have known what was happening, but he sensed my excitement. "Are you ready, my darling?" I asked. "We're going on an adventure." He fluttered in my womb, and I felt thoroughly encouraged.

Before I reached the end of the platform, Sinclair saw me. A wave of disapproval washed over me, followed by his voice in my head: I told you to stay put.

So you can protect me from this fresh air and beautiful landscape? I retorted mentally, taking the first step down the stairway. Sinclair was instantly at my side, scooping me up and growling deep in his chest. "Naughty mate, you have no idea what dangers await us."

"Oh, like the bath snakes you once warned me about?" I asked archly, smiling at the memory.

"That was a joke. This isn't," Sinclair grimaced. "We're in unknown territory—literally. Don't take your safety for granted, Ella. I won't."

"We have to feel safe somewhere, Dominic," I replied gently, stroking his jaw. "Otherwise, we'll drive ourselves crazy with worry."

"The only place I feel you're safe is in my arms," Sinclair said, and I suddenly understood why he was always touching me—not only for affection, but for his own comfort as well.

"Then what on earth were you doing leaving me alone on a plane?" I teased, nuzzling his neck.

My mate shook his head with an indulgent purr. "How we ever thought you were human, I'll never know," he remarked dryly. "Only she-wolves can be so insolent and sweet at once."

I giggled as he carried me down the steps, belatedly realizing we'd likely left the secrets of my past behind. Thinking of my past inevitably led to thoughts of my sister. "When will Cora arrive?"

"Soon," Sinclair promised, kissing my brow. "They were coming from the Shadow Pack." I needed no further explanation. When we fled, we took different paths for safety; Roger, Henry, and Cora had gone east, while we went west. It made sense their journey was longer.

As Sinclair carried me toward the cars, the back door of the middle vehicle opened, and a distinguished-looking man emerged. He was probably five or six years older than Sinclair, and a decade older than me, but he welcomed us with a wide smile and open arms. "Dorn!"

"Gabriel!" Sinclair replied, flashing his fangs but showing no aggression. He set me down long enough to embrace the other man, then promptly tucked me under his arm. "This is my mate, Ella. Ella, this is King Gabriel Montclair of Vanara."

My eyes widened. My mate was almost a king, and now this. I extended my hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

Gabriel clasped both my hands. "It's an honor," he replied warmly, a somber note entering his expression. "I'm so sorry for all you've been through."

"Why? You didn't do it," I quipped before I could stop myself.

Gabriel's tender expression cracked, and he threw his head back with laughter. "Well, I see why you picked her, Dorn," he said to Sinclair, though the mood had lightened considerably. "But I do feel for you. It's all over the news. I can't believe how one man could take out the entire Alpha Council, all the Betas. It's unthinkable."

"He didn't do it alone, or honorably," Sinclair grumbled. I'd been updated on the Prince's coup, and knew these wolves considered the use of poison cowardly and disgraceful. "Still, it's hard to fathom," he agreed, squeezing me tighter. "But we're here now, and we can only move forward."

"Damn right," Gabriel confirmed, gripping Sinclair's shoulder. "Come on, we've got a welcome party awaiting you."

I dug in my heels. "But what about Cora and Henry? What about Roger?"

"A couple of cars will stay behind to collect your family upon their arrival," the King announced, surprising me. He seemed remarkably informed about our affairs, which made sense given his arrangements.

I remained unconvinced, but though Sinclair could easily have swept me along, he turned to me, resting a hand on my tummy. "We need to get settled and find you a doctor. As soon as the others arrive, we'll meet them."

"Why a doctor?" I demanded indignantly, feeling defiant for reasons I didn't understand.

Sinclair seemed to understand perfectly. He purred and moved closer. "You haven't been examined since your wolf woke, and we've been through a lot. You need a checkup."

"But Rafe is fine," I insisted, chin lifted.

"He might be, but I want to know about you," Sinclair murmured firmly. "Don't you want to find out if you can come off bed rest?"

I peeked up at him from beneath my lashes, sulking despite—or perhaps because—he was right. "Yes," I murmured sullenly.

Sinclair chuckled, lifting me back into his arms. "That's what I thought."

Sinclair gave me the window seat in the car so I could stare out at my new surroundings, marveling at the incredible landscape that overturned everything I thought I knew. Sinclair, having been here before, was more concerned with logistics with the King, stroking my spine as I gazed out in awe. It was beyond surreal. Once, people had to travel to see the world; now, with modern technology, I'd thought I'd seen everything. I was wrong.

"What do you think, trouble?" Sinclair asked as the Alpha's conversation paused.

We were speeding over a mirrored bridge, making it seem as if we were driving across the lake's surface. As we neared the city, I understood its glow: it was made entirely of glass. It reminded me of intricate ice sculptures, entire worlds crafted from a beautiful but impractical substance. "It's incredible," I breathed. "I've never seen anything like it but how is it possible? I would have thought glass was too fragile for such complex structures."

"Ah, but it's not glass," King Gabriel corrected with a wry smile. "It's a rare crystal found only on this continent—called Vanarium. It's stronger than diamonds and conducts energy, powering the city without polluting fuels or alternative energies."

"Amazing," I murmured, my heart skipping a beat as we entered the city gates. The cars wound through glittering, peaceful streets so clean I could have eaten off the pavement. People waved as we passed. I wondered if the King's vehicles were distinct enough to be so readily recognized. I was surprised to see some shifters in wolf form, galloping alongside to greet us. They all looked so happy, but I felt something was missing. "There are no forests," I realized.

"Not all wolves are forest dwellers," Sinclair explained. "Each pack has its own element. The Vanarans draw strength from water and prefer wide-open spaces."

"Oh," I deflated slightly, and Sinclair squeezed me. "Don't worry, little wolf. We'll find you some trees to frolic in."

"Actually, we have different biomes set up around the city for wolves who immigrate. And at the palace, we can turn your rooms into a miniature Moon Valley, if you like."

"Where is your palace?" I asked.

Gabriel smiled widely, pointing through the windshield. "There."

I followed his finger and my jaw dropped in astonishment