This is the cousin's, the warlock, house in the woods. It is nice because he likes his comfort.

Isabella's P.O.V

*Two days later*

We left our refuge about two days ago and have been running towards my cousin ever since. I set a ruthless pace whenever I feel the separation pain lessen. It meant our mates were closing in. At this rate, we would arrive at the warlock's house in an hour. This was good. Our mates could not get into my cousin's territory because they had 'bad intentions' so his spells would keep them out until they found another witch or warlock. 

Suddenly, the pain in my chest decreased. I pressed us faster. We had come so far, not to fail at the last step. Everyone was in good shape, since I had been training them a lot lately. But right now it was not enough. The pain in my chest continued to lessen showing me our mates were approaching. We needed a distraction and I knew what to do. I was in wolf form like the rest of my pack, so that could distract them. I mind-link,

"Keep going! I am going to distract them and try to join you. If I do not, tell my cousin (the warlock) what you need and say it is from me." I cut them off before they could answer. I used my Alpha tone to make sure they would all go. I stopped and turned around to patiently wait for our mates. 

I was not disappointed. Two minutes later, our mates came running into the clearing where I awaited. The sight of me as a white wolf stopped them short. No one moved a muscle for a good five minutes until Carson decided to shift. It took him some time to come back but when he did, he asked,

"Have you taken our mates?" Smart, he is only using yes or no questions so I could answer. I shake my head. "Do you know where they are?" I nod and see him grow angry. "Did you help them escape?" I shake my head again. "Did you find them?" I shake my head. "So they found you?" I nod. That throws him for a loop and I see he is mind-linking with the other Alphas. A little while later, he questions again,

"Are they alright?" I nod yes. "Would they come back with us willingly?" I do not answer, but Carson seems to read another meaning in my wordless response. "Are your friends nearby?" I chose to nod yes. I mean they always are, just not which friends you think. The questioning has lasted about half-hour. Since it is Carson doing the questioning, he does not feel the pain that comes from the separating of the mates. I am right here. Eventually, Elina mind-links me,

"We are in the safe zone. Run!" I know it is time to do as she says run. There was a big chance I could outrun the Alphas thanks to my white wolf speed. So I turn and start sprinting away. It takes them a second to realize what I have done before chasing after me. I run faster. It amazes me how fast I am running. I never truly realized the extent to which my who]ite wolf speed reached. I now understand why the warriors were scared of me. I am currently losing the Alphas at my speed and I went faster than this when Emma was attacked at the camp. It would have freaked me out too if I had thought it out. I get lost in thought until I find myself in the arms of my pack. This meant I was in the safe zone. I took two more steps before shifting and collapsing. I have been collapsing too much recently for my taste. That was my last thought as I closed my eyes to pass into unconsciousness for the second time this week.

*Three hours later*

I opened my eyes to a warm light. I quickly get up, but have to sit back down because of dizziness. I hear,

"Woah, slow down coz!" I smile. It's Andrew's voice, my cousin the warlock. I say warmly,

"Andrew, I would hug you, but it seems I am indisposed currently."

"It's fine."

"How long was I out?"

"Three hours. And I should warn you that the Alphas who chased you here are looking for a witch right now to get my barrier down."

"How do you know?"

"My neighbor, the first witch they contacted, informed me about it to tell me she had declined the offer."

"That's nice. I am truly sorry about barging in on you like this." 

"It's fine. Whatever reason brings you by is a valid one for me to see my cousin. But out of curiosity, what the hell is going on?" I groan before saying,

"Those Alphas are our mates."

"Oh hell! Your poor friends! Oh, and before you start to worry, they are fine and fell asleep an hour ago."

"Good. They need the rest. It has been a long time since we rested properly."

"Why? How? Tell me more!"

"Geez, you're more into gossip than a high school girl." He looks at me indignant.

"It's called information gathering."

"Whatever you want. This is the second time we have been running. The first we eventually agreed to come with on certain terms. Our dearest mates broke those terms be trying to forcefully mark us." I hear an intake of breath. Forceful markings are shocking to most people. "We needed to run before they tries something else. The only problem is that we anted to go to Europe but the pain from the separation would kill us."

"I see. What do you need me for?"

"Two things: a safe haven for a night and a favor that you owe me."

"I was wondering when you were going to bring that up. What is it?"

"I need you to give me the power of life-or-death over my pack."

"Why?"

"It is the only way we can bargain with the Alphas."

"Okay. What is this 'pack' of yours anyway? You did not tell my about a full pack, just your friends."

"My friends are the pack. We are the White Wolves pack."

"Dangerous name for a pack. White wolves are hunted, you know."

"I know. It was a white wolf that helped us escape them the first time around." I had to keep up the lie about that because even though I love Andrew, he is quite the gossiper. It is not a good idea to trust him with a secret.

"Is your pack okay with this?"

"They said yes when I asked, but we can ask them again."

"Let's wake them up."

"In 30 minutes. Let them rest some. They deserve it."

"Only if you make your famous pancakes!" I chuckle at his childish comment,

"Sure." I get up and go to the kitchen to make his pancakes.

A little while later, the pancakes are done and my pack is waking up on their own. Elina is the first one up. She does not even say anything, just goes straight to the food. Andrew is not around. He is making the preparations for the spell that gives my the power of life-or-death over my pack. Eventually, everyone piles into the kitchen, including Andrew who came back for more pancakes. Once they are all sitting, I ask,

"Do you all still agree about giving me the power of life-or-death over you?' They all nod, but Andrew mentions,

"I need verbal agreement during the spell for it." They all nod again before realizing their mistake. Elina speaks up,

"We will do it at the ceremony. Now, when are we doing it?" Andrew says,

"Now if you want." 

"Yes." 

"Follow me then." We all get up and follow my cousin into a dark room. I get to my assigned position and I hold hands with my pack. He starts chanting in a strange language,

"Hér mun ég flytja kraft lífs eða dauða í hendur hennar. Þar er samkomulag um að félagar hennar." He then points at each one of my pack member for the agreement which they give,

"I do." He continues,

"Þessar konur eiga það til að vernda sálir sínar og kalla við völd við mikla þörf. Þau eru gjöf til að vernda. Moon gyðja tengja mig og gefa mér kraft til að flytja líf sitt í hendurnar á henni. Þeir treysta og svo getur þú." Andrew puts both his hands on my shoulders and I feel a zing go through me, and not a moment too soon. The proud at his accomplishment look on Andrew's face changes to one of worry. I knew what that meant

The barrier is broken and they are coming!