Finding Her True Alpha
Chapter 80: With or Without Them

Ashlyn

Nathan came running over to me while I stared down at this b!tch of a dragon. I was furious with my mates.

They seem to trust everyone but me. This was my destiny. This is what my gifts were for, and they just hid me away.

I looked behind me and noticed that the group Sage and I arrived with were all kneeling. Even the warriors that Chantel came over with were kneeling.

“Ashlyn, are you okay? We have been so worried about you?” Nathan breathed out.

“I’m fine, Nathan. Where are my fvcken mates?” I growled out and even Tundra let out a growl.

“They are out looking for you. Liam called and told us you and Sage weren’t at home when he arrived back.”

He explained while I walked back to my group.

I willed my clothes back, and I changed back into my regular clothes with my backpack on. I slid my backpack off and dug through it until I found my phone. I knew they had cellular reception. I pulled it out to notice that I had about 100 missed calls and texts. When I unlocked my phone, I called Mason. He picked it up after the first ring.

“Ashlyn, where the hell are you?” He yelled into the phone.

“I’m at the camp outside of Emerald Lake. Where the hell are you?” l asked him calmly. He didn’t answer, and I knew he was probably thinking about what he should say that wouldn’t immediately piss me off.

“What nothing to say?” I asked him.

“Derek and I will be right there.” He told me and I hung up. I turned my attention to Nathan.

“Nathan, I need clothes for everyone here and they all need a place to sleep and food.” I told him.

“Ashlyn, would you like someone to take you to where your mates are staying?” He asked me and I shook my head.

“These people are in my care and I will stay with them.” I told him firmly.

You can will up some tents.” Tundra was in my head. She nodded when I looked over at her. I walked away from the group to a little clearing near the stream. I closed my eyes and pictured three larger outfitter tents with rows of cots and sleeping bags. Enough for everyone l had in my group.

I also pictured a smaller tent with two coats for me and Sage. Everything materialized where l pictured it to be when l opened my eyes. I turned to my group and pictured all the naked ones in sweats and t-shirts. And thank the goddess. When I opened my eyes, they were all clothed.

“Now, they just need food and water,” I announced to a stunned Nathan.

“You couldn’t have done the clothes earlier.” Sage said under her breath.

“l just figured this out now,” I told her. Tundra walked over to me and sat down.

“I need to go back. You are using too much of your strength. I need to check on the baby.” She told me in my head. And I nodded. I wasn’t looking forward to throwing up again.

She walked back into me, and I turned away from everyone and gagged. I guess there isn’t anything left in my stomach to throw up. Sage came over to me when I turned back around to the group.

“Are you okay?” She asked me, holding on to my cheeks. I nodded, and she rested her forehead against mine.

“You need to go get some rest. I’ll get everyone organized.” She told me.

“Sage, I’m fine.” I tried to argue.

“Ashlyn, think about it” And I pushed my lips into a line. I knew she was worried about the baby and me miscarrying again.

“Okay.” I sighed out.

“I’ll take you.” Nathan volunteered to walk me over to my tent.

“It’s okay, Buttercup. Get some rest. You’re one badass Queen.” Eric said, giving me a hug.

“Thank you, Eric. I’ll be in the little tent over there if anyone needs anything.” I spoke loud enough that they could all hear me.

I walked towards the tent I made for Sage and I and I noticed Chantel was staring at me. I wanted to flip her off, but I just kept walking. Sage was right. I needed to take care of myself and the baby first.

“Ashlyn, How are you doing?” Nathan asked me, falling into step with mine.

“Nathan, what the f**k is going on?” I asked him and he sighed.

“It’s been an uphill battle and not just against the enemy. Not everyone is happy about working with someone different. That’s why Mason and Derek had to stay.” He told me.

“I should have been here, helping, from the beginning,” I said.

“I know, and I’m sorry. I don’t know what they were thinking.” he said. We stopped at the flap of the smaller tent.

“Nathan, can you please bring me some water and maybe a snack? I need to lie down.” I asked him.

“Of course, sis, I’ll be right back. And congratulations.” He smiled at me.

“For what?” l asked him, confused, but he just zipped his lips and left. Sighing, I walked into the small, cozy tent.

“Tundra, is the baby okay?” I asked my wolf while I was getting ready to lie down. I didn’t realize how tired I was until Sage told me to slow down.

“Baby is doing good. He’s a strong boy, just like his momma.” She purred. And I dropped my backpack that I was now holding.

“Did you say boy?” I asked her.

“Yep, we are having a boy.” She confirmed.

My mother’s side of the family hasn’t had a boy in generations. I only remember my mother talking about her family, only ever having girls. How can I be having a boy? I was shocked and excited all at once, and my mates weren’t here to share in the joy I was feeling over our baby. They didn’t even know I was growing their baby boy inside of me.

I laid down on my cot with my mind racing again. I had so many questions for my mates and then this pregnancy just became so real. We are having a baby boy. I cried. I wanted them here, but then I also wanted to punch them both in the face. The feeling of loneliness seemed to consume me and I couldn’t help it.

“Ashlyn, calm down and rest. Baby boy is happy and healthy but he needs momma wolf to get some much needed rest.” Tundra said.

I closed my eyes and willed myself to think of nothing, and it didn’t take long before I was asleep.

Tundra

Yawning, I willed myself outside of Ashlyn’s body. I could hear my mates outside and I didn’t want them to wake her. She needed her rest. She was carrying our pup, and I refused to lose another pup.

Wandering out of the tent, I found Derek and Mason arguing with Sage. I walked over to them and immediately let out a growl. I could smell that b!tch on both of them, and I was furious at their lack of respect.

All three of them turned their attention to me. Derek and Mason tried to approach me, but I let out another growl, baring my teeth.

“Ashlyn, shift.” Mason ordered, and I let out a huff, shaking my head.

“Ashlyn is sleeping.” l growled. I let Sage approach me. She kneeled down, patting my head.

“Tundra, how are you here without Ashlyn knowing?” Derek asked.

“I can will myself out. I didn’t want you both to wake her up. She needs her rest for our pup.” I told them. Both of their eyes went wide, and they looked at each other and then back at me.

“Ashlyn is pregnant?” Mason exclaimed.

“Yes,” Sage sighed.

“That’s why Magnus has been acting more aggressive,” Derek said.

“And you thought it would be a good idea to bring our pregnant mate out onto the battlefield?” Mason growled out.

“I wouldn’t let her go alone. She is my sister, and that’s my niece or nephew. Are you insane? I would have protected her with my life.” Sage yelled.

“Ashlyn doesn’t need your protection! This is her destiny, and she is more likely to succeed with her mates’ support. And if you two don’t pull your heads out of your asses, I will reject you both.” I huffed.

“l agree with Tundra. She can clearly take care of herself. But when she smelt Derek on Chantel, she was about to burn this whole place to the ground. Nothing was going to stop her. What the fr*k were you thinking about bringing her here?” Sage growled out. And I could tell that they both felt guilty, but I didn’t care. I was worried about Ashlyn and our pup.

“Can we see her?” Derek asked, and Mason nodded.

“She is sleeping, and she needs her rest. This stress is becoming too much for her. You both are supposed to lift her up, believe in her, like so many others do, but all you two seem to do is make her feel worthless. This is her destiny, with or without the two of you. So, get your sh!t together, because we don’t need either of you.” I told them.

I rubbed up against Sage before wandering back into our tent. I jumped back into Ashlyn and listened to our pup’s heartbeat until I was fast asleep.