Chapter 29 Chapter 29 Riley was working at the desk area in her room, pouring over the reports for most of the morning. She had to. admit that for such a remote and isolated pack, Red moon stayed on top of their paperwork and technology. She saw what Patrick had described to her about the increase in the number of attacks and the force used. She was in the midst of the reports when there was a knock at the door. Riley opened it to see Wesley. "I heard you were going over the reports on the rogue attacks. I've read through them too, so I'd be interested in your perspective." She nodded. "That sounds good. I like thinking out loud. I'll grab my stuff and come out to the sitting room." He walked away as she grabbed her computer and notebook. Once she was situated, Wesley reached out and turned her notebook towards him, skimming her notes. "Find anything interesting?" he asked as he skimmed. "The attacks within the last year feel strategic," she said. He nodded. "I thought the same thing. The attacks starting two years ago felt intentional to me, but more like they were just testing out different tactics to see which stuck. Then within the last year, it was much more strategic." "Exactly. I looked back three years ago, but all those attacks involve only one to three rogues. Nothing to suggest they were more than the normal attacks. However, two years ago they seem like they're testing times with shift changes and weaker patrol spots to see what happens. Then you can see where Patrick and Max start adjusting patrol shift changes and numbers. The attacks wane for a few months but then come back with more intensity." She pointed to a part of her notes, showing a couple dates. Wesley nodded. "Like the rogues notice the pack changed the schedule so they dropped back to observe." "Right. Then the attacks start happening at points around the grounds that are further away from the warrior barracks - where the majority of the pack's reinforcements would be. That gives the rogues advantage to overpower the warriors on patrol before help can arrive." "I didn't notice that," Wesley said, leaning in to look at her notes. "Then there was the attack six months ago, the one with two separate attacks was well timed. The rogues waited for the majority of the reinforcements to reach the first attack before launching the second. It was a clear diversion, but Iwonder why they didn't attack with more force in the second wave. The rogues had the potential to do a lot more damage, but they put most of their numbers in the first wave." Riley motioned to the paper. "Why would they do that?" Wesley looked out the window for a moment before looking back at her. "They didn't have the numbers?" "I don't think that's what it was," she replied. "I think they were looking for something." "But what?" Wesley furrowed his brow. Riley shrugged. "I don't know." She rubbed her temples, her head starting to pound. "Too much thinking, clearly," Wesley said with a smirk. "I can see it's frying your gears." "My gears work just fine, much better than yours," she muttered with a glare. "I'm just tired from traveling and 1/3 < Chapter 29 stress and I haven't been sleeping well." "You'd sleep a lot better with your mate next to you," he remarked. "Goddess knows I don't need this from you too," she groaned, shutting her computer. But her mind flashed to waking up wrapped in his sweater, wondering what it would be like to have him in the bed too. He shrugged. "You know I'm twenty-six and I haven't found my mate yet. If I find her, I won't hesitate." "It's different for you," Riley sighed. "You've never had a mate. You don't understand how wrong things can go. "Maybe," he said with a shrug, "or maybe you don't realize how right things can go." She felt a sharp pain in her chest that made her flinch. "Are you ok?" Wesley leaned forward to put a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah." She shrugged his hand off. "I just don't want to talk about this anymore. I think we should get some lunch." He hesitated before nodding. "Ok, let's go find some food in the dining hall." He stood up and helped her gather her things. He waited in the hall while she put her stuff away and then they headed down. When the elevator doors opened on the first floor, Max and Kent were standing on the other side. Both were shirtless, covered in sweat and laughing at something when the doors opened. Kent looked at her and smiled, causing her heart to flutter. She felt her flush yet again and cursed the stupid mate bond. Both men stepped back to allow them off the elevator. "Find anything good in the reports?" Kent asked, graciously ignoring her flushing face. "I think so," she answered. "Wesley and I were discussing it. I would like to talk it over with you guys and Patrick when we can." "Sure," Kent said. "We can find time this afternoon. I also have a report back from our scouts, so we can hear their reports together. I'll talk to Patrick and let you know." He looked at Max and Wesley. "Can I talk to Riley privately for a second?" Max nodded and punched the button for the elevator to open. Wesley looked at Riley. "I'll see you in the dining hall," he said and she nodded. Once Max and Wesley were gone, Kent leaned in again. "Are you feeling ok?" "Are you going to ask me this every time you see me?" she asked. "Until I know you're all better, yes." She rolled her eyes. "I feel fine right now." Which wasn't a lie. She wasn't sure if it was the promise of food or the giddy feeling she got when she saw Kent, but her ill feeling had gone away quickly again. He nodded. "I also wanted to talk to you about Patrick. You asked earlier and I did talk to him. I apologized to him for the way I acted and I feel really bad about it. I wanted to apologize to you again." Her expression softened. "You already apologized to me." "I know," he whispered, leaning closer, his scent almost overpowering. "I just still feel really bad. I was being stupid and mean and I don't want you to think that's me or how I usually act. Patrick made me feel like a real 2/3 < Chapter 29 +15 Points > idiot." He rubbed his chin for a moment. "I also feel like your fall was partially my fault. If I hadn't been trying to upset you, it wouldn't have happened." She looked at her feet for a moment before looking up. "Please don't blame yourself for that. I'm glad you talked to Pat. I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me." He reached out and trailed his fingers down her arm, his breathing slow. She felt herself lean towards him slightly lifting her hand to run her fingers lightly over his stomach. She felt his muscles contract under her touch. "Ok, but I'll still worry," he breathed. "I think that's my job now." She felt her heart rate pick up, her face flushing again. "Your face is red," he whispered, smiling. "Goddess," she said, dropping her hand and reeling away from him. "I'm going to find Wesley." "Bye Riley," he called after her, chuckling to himself.