The Tripartite Mate Bond Chapter 16: CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“ARES' POV”

I've been working hard to recover our losses during the previous fight with the DarkMoon Pack. Even though it wasn't on our pack grounds, a lot was spent to move an army that large for a distance that far.

And normally, it'll be so easy seeing as we were two Alphas and we usually worked in tandem; but since Aurora came with me, my twin has been pretty much unpredictable.

He was back in the pack before me and I had expected him to increase the pack’s productivity on our lands as well as getting reports from our investment in the human cities but it's like he'd lost the motivation to be an Alpha.

I didn't say anything about it as I was busy trying to control the mate bond, I couldn't let it take over my mind. It was a constant struggle not to talk to her, or take that rebellious strand of hair that keeps falling across her face and put it behind her ear. When I see the sadness on her face, the strongest urge to make a joke or pull her in for a hug tries to overtake me but I remind myself that I don't want this. I don't want to get involved or fall for her. The mate life wasn't for me, my brother will continue the NightShade Line.

When I woke up this morning, I noticed a tiny mark on my shoulder and I panicked. I read during my free time and something tells me we are in the middle of recreating history; I just wasn't so thrilled about the impact it'll have on my life.

After the scuffle with Axel losing control and hurting Aurora's emotions, I took her home and changed from my suit to my work out gear

“Axel, what do you say we warm up a little at the gym? Or are you too busy with Ashley?” I taunted my twin brother using the mindlink.

“Don't hold that over me, I couldn't think straight. And yes, I could do with a little work out. Besides, I owe you a punch, I took it too easy on you the last time” he replied

“That's what you always say brother. We both know who is the stronger twin” I said as I tied my laces properly on the sidewalk, pausing to wave at my pack members.

“Ugh! Too much talking. Walk faster, I'm already there” he said and I picked up my pace.

Regardless of our differences, my twin and I always connected over several activities. I would have preferred a hunt but I wanted to be in close proximity to Aurora in the case of any danger.

Damn! I'm already doing everything with her in mind. This wasanother reason why I didn't want a mate. I loved my life just the way it was, a mate would turn it upside down and make me obsessed with someone who is so weak anything could take her life; leaving me a shell of myself.

I finally got to the training ground and I noticed litter all over the place.

“Hey! Gerald, call everyone who trained here today. I know we are animals but we also have human instincts, littering where we live is irritating. Get everyone here immediately!” I shouted.

I joined Axel in the boxing ring.

The training area was a lot of training compartments walled in without a roof. There was the sparring area, the boxing ring, weapons, body building and so many others. I was a work out freak so I was always adding something to the place.

“You look like shit” I said to Axel as I ducked his angry punch.

“Well, that's what happens when who you crave is next door but you can't even come close to her. Her scent has been driving me insane!” He explained as he threw another punch, his frustration making him innefective.

We kept going at each other, my hits getting sloppier as I began to pity him. It was obvious he needed an outlet for his frustrations and I didn't mind being the one. Better me than Aurora.

He landed a punch on my jaw and I threw away the mouthful of blood that poured out before my wolf healed me.

“You know, you should apologize to her soon, rather than later. I don't know her too well but I do know she's been through so much all her life and that must have taught her how to bear grudges. If you allow her to hate you, I doubt you'll stand a chance at the end of this whole thing.” I told him as I landed a hit on his stomach.

He doubled over before he responded to me.

“I feel like shit right now so I'm finding it difficult coming up with ideas on how to get her to forgive me” he said, dodging the kick I sent to his neck.

We were both panting now and I noticed some of the pack were around the training area, watching us.

I raised my hand, signaling the end of the fight as we were drenched in sweat.

“You called them to watch you lose?” Axel asked me as he drank water from the flask he carries with him all the time.

“Haha, very funny. Even you could tell I let you win so calm down meanwhile, they littered the whole place after training so they are going to clean it up but I'm adding a twist to it” I replied with a smirk.

He laughed and came out of the fighting ring with me as I nodded to our pack.

“So you all feel like being wolves is too much of a burden and want to become pigs instead?” I asked loudly.

Of course they start shaking their heads and murmuring different variations of “no”.

“Well then explain why our training field looks like a dustbin.”

Silence.

“Cat caught your tongue? Your Alpha asked a question!” Axel roared at them, letting his aura pour across the entire field and in no time, they were all on their knees, bending their necks in submission.

“Now, I've got a lot to do so all of you are going to crawl around this field and clean it up. For the next two weeks, that is your job.” I commanded them as I walked away, Axel in tow.

I was about going to bed when I realized the guards who were supposed to be changing shifts at this time weren't doing that.

“Axel, what's the time? Maybe my watch is faulty” I said in the mindlink

“It's 9PM. Why? Late for a date?” He asked and I could hear the jealousy in his tone.

“Date? No man, the guards. What could be holding them? And why aren't they saying anything about whatever it is?”

He looked around and realized what I was talking about was true.

“Let's go and catch them by surprise” he replied conspiratorially.

We quickly shifted and began running towards the border.

But right before the tree that separated the hospital from the first pack house, we smelt them.

Rogues.