Saving His Feral Mate
Chapter 86: Visiting the cave

Chloe POV

I had the best sleep I’ve ever had last night. Being in my mates arms probably had something to do with it. Knox looked so much better in the morning and I knew he had slept as well as I had. He didn’t have the dark circles around his eyes and they didn’t look tired and empty anymore like the day before.

We were getting ready to head out and meet the twins. The first thing I wanted to do was introduce the twins to Freda and Toby. I really wanted to get them out of rogue territory as fast as possible. They deserved a safe home and not to constantly be looking over their shoulders for the endless number of threats that surrounded them.

Next, we were going to visit my father. I tried several times to get Knox to tell me where he was, but he didn’t cave. Even when I tried seducing him for information, he still held strong. I was actually impressed with his willpower in keeping his secret.

Max and Jo were coming with us, Max seemed just as excited as Knox when it came to the secret. That only added to my curiosity and made me a little nervous. If Max was excited about it, it was either something big or something really crazy.

We loaded up into a Black SUV that was waiting out front of the pack house. Max insisted that I sit in the backseat with her so she could ask me all kinds of question. She was mainly curious about the afterlife, which I tried telling her I never made it there but she refused to believe me.

I made the decision not to tell her or anyone about my meeting with the Moon Goddess. Max has already been through enough in her life and hearing that she was intentionally matched with her first mate could bring up old memories. Personally, I don’t think it would be beneficial for her to hear the truth. Some things are better left alone.

Knox was driving and Jo sat in the passenger side, while Max talked my ear off in the back.

“So, what were these two rogues like? The ones who saved you?” Max asked curiously.

“They were so nice. Freda was the one who found me, she was sweet and caring and very friendly. Toby, her son, was a bit more stand-offish and untrusting but he eventually warmed up to me. He’s only a few years older than me.” I replied.

“Was he hot?” Max whispered, causing Jo to growl up front.

“Sorry, I miss phrased that question. Was he ugly?” Max asked and Knox and I both chuckled. Jo simply shook his head in disapproval.

“He was huge, not just tall but built like a tree trunk.” I replied and Max playfully growled in approval.

“Max!” Jo warned and we all laughed. She was seriously good at pushing his buttons.

“I actually have a question for you, Max.” I said, getting her full attention.

“Shoot, Red.” She said casually.

“The night of the attack, what happened when we got separated? How did you manage to take out so many of Cameron’s warriors?” I asked curiously and she chuckled but it was humourless.

“They thought they could take me in human form so a couple of them shifted to fight me. Well… Turns out two of the guys were the unknown warriors from the video Lilly brought forward to the council. The ones who took part in hurting her. I took my time with them, they got a little extra attention, if you know what I mean.” Max replied with a devilish look in her eyes. I could only imagine what she did to them. Whatever it was, they deserved it.

“Wow… Now you and Lilly can both finally move on without worrying about those disgusting pigs.” I replied and she lightly nodded before looking out the window. She wasn’t one to show many emotions and I could tell the topic wasn’t a pleasant one for her, so I decided to change the subject.

“Will you come with me and the twins to meet Freda and Toby? I think they might feel more comfortable around a bunch of ex-rogues.” I asked and she immediately looked in my direction. I knew she would be excited, Max was like me, she had a soft spot for the good rogues.

“Absolutely, I can’t wait to meet the tree trunk.” She replied excitedly.

“Max.” Jo warned and she rolled her eyes.

“I’m not letting you go out there alone, I’m coming with you.” Knox stated firmly.

“Not letting? Pfft…” Max scoffed.

“You know what I mean. I just got her back, I’m not ready to risk losing her again.” He argued.

“I know Knox, but I promised them I wouldn’t tell anyone where they live. Toby agreed to talk to the twins because they met once when they were all rogues. I know they won’t feel threatened by Max because she was also a rogue. I’m sorry, but you and Jo can’t come with us.” I replied and he let out a defeated sigh.

“At least the twins will be with them.” Jo stated with his own sigh.

“Stop inferring that we can’t handle ourselves. It’s annoying. Plus, I could easily kick your a*s if I wanted to.” Max retorted.

“I’d like to see you try.” Jo replied with a mischievous grin. Max didn’t reply, she simply shook her head at him.

We arrived at The Desert Hill Pack. I got goosebumps when we crossed onto the territory. My mind was suddenly full of old memories seeing the place where I grew up. Some where good memories with my mother, but the others were all bad.

“You ok?” Max asked when she noticed my demeanour had changed.

“Ya, it’s just been a long time since I was last here. It’s bringing up a lot of memories.” I admitted while looking out the window at the scenery.

“I bet, where did you and your mom live?” Knox asked.

“About five minutes that way. It was a rundown little cabin by the border.” I replied.

The rest of the drive was silent. I couldn’t believe how rundown the place had gotten since I had last been there. Cameron really didn’t do anything to maintain the buildings or territory.

Once we pulled up to the pack house, I noticed the twins and Sheryl standing outside by the front doors. They all had excited looks on their faces and I knew it was because Knox had given them the heads up about me over the phone.

“Oh my goddess, Chloe! I can’t believe you’re really here.” I heard Sheryl squeal as I got out of the vehicle.

“Wow, we almost didn’t believe Knox when he told us you were still alive.” Preston added.

“It true, I’m really here.” I said as I made my way towards them.

Sheryl was quick to wrap her arms around me in a tight hug.

“Dang girl, that belly sure has grown since the last time I saw you.” I said and she chuckled.

“Ya, he’s kicking me like crazy now too.” She replied while rubbing her belly.

“I’m surprised the twins let you out of bed.” Max stated as she made her way over to stand next to me.

“They didn’t have a choice. After the doctor cleared me, I couldn’t stay in bed a minute longer. I was going out of my mind.” She replied while giving the twins a pointed look.

“Hey, we just want to make sure our Luna and pup were healthy.” Parker said while putting his hands up in a mock surrender.

“I’m really happy you’re ok, Chloe.” Preston said before giving me a bone crunching hug.

“Thank you.” I replied.

“Missed you, Red. Glad you’re here.” Parker said before he also gave me a tight hug.

“Knox, Jo.” Preston greeted with a nod.

“How’s everything going over here?” Knox asked the twins.

“Good, we’re just cleaning up Cameron’s mess. The guy really didn’t do anything with this territory. We’re basically starting from scratch.” Parker replied.

“I can see that. Doesn’t look like any maintenance has been done in years.” Jo said and the twins shook their heads.

“The poor people have been so deprived it’s disgusting. Some were living without power and water.” Preston said in a disapproving tone.

“Wow… That’s sad. They must be happy that you guys took over.” I replied.

“Ya, the ones that are left are really happy with the change.” Parker stated.

We chatted for a while and I told the twins about everything that happened. When I told them about Freda and Toby they vaguely recalled the time they had helped them in a rogue attack. The twins were completely onboard with trying to talk them into joining one of our packs.

“We can take one of our vehicles. I know the area where they’re staying.” Preston stated.

“Great.” I replied excitedly. I was actually really looking forward to seeing Freda and Toby again.

“Well, if I’m not allowed to come, maybe Jo and I can just meet you guys at the place.” Knox said to the twins, clearly still trying to keep his secret from me.

“Sure, we can meet you guys there when we’re done.” Parker replied.

“Meet him where?” I asked Parker, hoping that he would slip and tell me.

“Nice try, but your lover boy already warned us not to tell you.” Parker replied with a playful smirk on his face.

“Fine, I don’t want to know anyway.” I said, pretending not to care when deep down I was dying to replace out.

“Ya right, I can see the curiosity etched all over your face.” Preston chuckled.

“Alright little Luna, take it easy while we’re gone. No lifting anything and if you need something make sure to call Bert for help. Ok?” Parker said to Sheryl.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” She replied.

“Of course we’re going to worry about you. Promise you’ll ask for help if you need it.” Preston said with a pointed look.

“Fine, I will.” Sheryl replied with an eye roll. I nearly choked on my own saliva at her boldness. The Sheryl I once knew wouldn’t dare roll her eyes like that. Goes to show how good the twins were for her. She was already becoming more confident.

“Did you just roll your eyes at us?“ Parker asked, sounding completely shocked.

“Maybe.” She replied shyly while glancing between the twins.

“Hmmmm… Brother, what do you think about that?” Preston asked playfully.

“I think our little Luna is coming out of her shell.” Parker replied with a hint of amusement in his tone as he inched closer to Sheryl. Preston did the same but towards her back. It didn’t take long before they had her sandwiched in.

“I kind of like this new attitude.” Preston said.

“Me too.” Parker added with a playful smirk on his face.

“Ummmm… hello, we’re still here.” I said and successfully got their attention.

“Damn it.” Preston cursed, realizing their playtime was over.

“We’ll have to get back to this little chat when we get home, little Luna.” Parker said before leaning down and kissing Sheryl.

“Yes, when we get back later tonight I’m going to make those pretty little eyes of yours roll, but for a different reason.” Preston added with a smirk, before grabbing Sheryl’s face and forcing her to look over her shoulder at him. He then also kissed her passionately.

“s**t, stop that. You’re making me all hot and bothered.” Max said as she fanned herself with her hand, causing everyone to laugh.

“Be good little Luna.” Preston said, as both twins looked down at Sheryl with so much love in their eyes.

“Let’s go. You’re leaving for a few hours not a week.” Max stated before rolling her eyes at them.

“I’ll see you in a little bit, stay safe. Ok?” Knox said before leaning down and kissing my lips.

“I will.” I replied with a smile.

The twins got into the front of a navy blue SUV while Max and I hopped in the back. We waved goodbye to Knox, Jo and Sheryl before driving off.

“So Chloe, do you think they might agree to come with us?” Preston asked.

“I’m not sure, but I really hope so.” I said truthfully.

The drive was only around 15 minutes until the road ended and we had to continue on foot. We hiked for another 15 minutes before we finally reached their cave.

I was nervous for some reason. I really wanted them to come with us, but I wasn’t sure if we would be able to convince them.

I moved the rocks out of the entry way, before announcing our presence. I didn’t want to be rude and just walk right in.

“Chloe? Is that you?” I heard Freda’s surprised voice coming from within the cave.

“It is. Toby said it was ok for me to stop by with a couple friends to talk to you guys.” I replied, as she came into view at the entrance to the cave.

“Yes, he did warm me about this visit. I just wasn’t expecting you to show up so quickly.” She said with a smile before giving me a big hug.

“Freda, this is Max, Preston and Parker. They were all rogues like us.” I told her.

“It’s nice to meet you all. Please, come in.” She said and motioned with her hand for us to follow.

“Where’s Toby?” I asked curiously.

“He’s inside. He’s going to be happy to see you.” Freda said with a big smile.

We reached the main part of the cave, the area where they had set up camp. Toby was tending to a little fire and had his back turned to us.

“Toby, look who it is.” Freda said and Toby immediately turned around.

“Hey Chloe. Didn’t think we would see you back her so soon.” He said before giving me a hug. He seemed genuinely happy to see me.

“Ya well, I wanted you to get a chance to talk to Parker and Preston sooner rather than later.” I replied and that’s when Toby looked behind me where the twins and Max stood.

“It’s nice to see you guys again.” Toby said as he shook the twins hands.

“Likewise.” The twins replied.

“Damn Chloe, you weren’t kidding when you compared him to a tree trunk.” Max joked and Toby looked at me with a questionable look on his face.

“A tree trunk? Really?” He asked with a scrunched up nose. I couldn’t believe Max said that to him. I shrugged my shoulders while my face turned bright red from embarrassment.

“Anyway, Trunk, it’s nice to meet you.” Max said.

“Already on nickname terms, eh?“ Toby asked with an amused chuckle.

“You should be flattered, I only bother to give people I actually like a nickname.” Max replied with a shrug.

“Anyway, how about we sit down and have a chat.” I suggested and everyone made their way over to the small table in the corner, there were only 4 chairs so Max and I stood beside the table. I really wanted to give the twins the chance to speak with them.

I listened as the twins told Freda and Toby about their lives. How they became rogues and also how they were the rightful heirs to The Desert Hill Pack. Both Toby and Freda seemed surprised by everything they said.

“So, would you guys be interested in joining our pack?” Preston finally asked in a hopeful tone.

“I’m not sure, pack life isn’t really for us. We’ve been on our own for so long that I’m not sure we would fit in very well.” Toby admitted with a thoughtful frown on his face.

I noticed that Parker and Preston didn’t seem bothered by his hesitation.

“Hey Max, do you mind taking Chloe outside for a minute? We want to discuss something in private with Freda and Toby.” Parker said before glancing over at me and winking. What the hell was that about?

“Sure thing.” Max replied casually.

“Let’s go, Red.” Max said as she pushed my back to guide me towards the exit.

“Why can’t I be involved in that conversation? I set this meeting up.” I said with a huff.

“Quit being a baby and get outside.” Max stated as she slapped my a*s.

“Ow.” I said as I rubbed my stinging butt cheek.

“That’s right, there’s more where that came from.” Max taunted.

“There’s something wrong with you, you know that right?” I said when we reached outside.

“And that’s why you like me.” She replied with a smirk.

We waited for fifteen minutes until Freda finally came to get us.

“Are they done having their private conversation without me?” I asked with an edge of annoyance to my tone.

“Yes, they are.” She replied with a chuckle.

“So whiny.” Max mumbled and I shook my head in disbelief.

I walked back into the cave and I noticed Toby putting stuff into a backpack.

“What’s going on?” I asked with a frown.

“They’re coming with us.” Parker replied with a big grin.

“Are you serious?” I asked with my mouth wide open in shock. What the hell did the twins tell them to convince them to come with us?

“Yup, they had an interesting proposition for us.” Toby replied while continuing to pack his bag.

“And what might that be?” I asked curiously.

“Can’t tell you.” Toby replied shortly and continued to pack his bag without looking back at me. I once again huffed in frustration. Why was everyone doing this to me?

“Don’t be such a baby.” Preston teased.

“Right?! That’s exactly what I told her.” Max added.

“I hate you all right now.” I said and they all bursted out laughing. I felt like this was some sort of conspiracy against me. What was everyone hiding? It was starting to drive me crazy.

As annoyed as I was that they were all being secretive, I was beyond happy that Freda and Toby agreed to come with us. They would be much safer on the twins territory and they would also get a chance at a normal life there.