The Guardian

Eighteen

Two days. Two long days Cadence had ran, walked and even dragged herself as she moved further and further away from theIsm Slade pack. She figured the further she went the better she would feel, but she didn't. The pain in her chest stayed and at times when she had sudden thoughts of either Joey or Connor the pain became so unbearable she couldn't breath.

Cadence stopped for the day, wanting nothing more then to rest. She closed her eyes, took a couple breaths and hoped that she would just fall asleep. As soon as Cadence heard the snap of a branch her eyes snapped open and she glanced around. Her body stiff and beer senses open. Cadence stood up, her back against the tree either ready to run or fight.

Cadence instantly relaxed with a sigh as Mac came into view. "Mac you have got to stop sneaking up on me."

Mac laughed, relieved. He had searched high and low for Cadence. He knew that if something happened to her he would never forgive himself and neither would he. "Cadence where have you been? There are rumors flying around!"

Cadence frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Rumors of a female rogue helping a pack runt." Mac explained watching Cadence's every expression.

Cadence was suddenly consumed with anger, unable to school her emotions. "Don't call him that!"

Mac's jaw tightened. Even if he hadn't seen it, he knew it was Cadence. There wasn't a part of her that wouldn't have helped a pup in need. She was always sweet, generous and had always been good with the pups. Even when she was young. "Cadence what pack was the pup from?"

Cadence shrugged. "Slade."

Mac's eyes widened. "Is that where you've been? You seen Connor?"

Cadence's narrowed her eyes at Mac. "How do you know Connor?"

Mac snapped his mouth shut. For a moment he thought that her memories had returned, but it seems they haven't. "You should have stayed there. You aren't safe out here anymore. The rogues are passed that you helped the pup." Mac would have no choice, but to reunite her back with him. And along the way he would have to keep her safe. She had made an enemy of the rogues and they wanted blood.

"Mac seriously? You of all people should know I couldn't stay. They didn't accept me and never would. You warned me and for jut a moment I actually-" Cadence shook her head, chuckling. "It doesn't matter. I'm a rogue."

Mac wanted to tell her the truth, but couldn't. Instead he walked forward, "come, we have to go." Mac grabbed Cadence's hand and proceeded to drag her with him.

Cadence yanked her hand free and became a bit irritated. "Mac what-" she wasn't even able to finish.

"I know you're confused. I know. I'm sorry, but it really isn't my place to explain. All can tell you right now is that if we don't leave now we won't make it past this night alive." Mac said grimly.

Cadence could tell that Mac was serious and nodded. She didn't have any clue what he was freaking out about. Where exactly did he plan to take her?

*
*
Connor hadn't been acting right since Cadence left. Jake had seen the change in him the moment the female had left their lands. Connor seemed withdrawn, a bit more colder even crankier then he's ever been. Worse, Jake not only had Rio watch Connor, but also Joey. The boy hadn't talked to Connor since he was told what happened.

Jake sighed as he looked between Connor and Joey. Both kept their gaze on their food and neither started conversation. Jake began to worry about them. Jake looked to Isabeth who was also worried about them. On several occasions Jake and Isabeth had spoken, trying to figure out just what to do to get both Connor and Joey out of their funk.

"Son don't forget the meeting you have." Isabeth reminded Connor gently. "Alpha Monroe is- was a great friend to your father and is still mine. He needs help and I believe you can help him."

Connor nodded and stood. "When he arrives send him to my office." Connor needed to be alone. He had chose this, and while he still felt he had made the right choice he felt horrible. He couldn't help, but think of her.