The Last of US Chapter 4 Read Online for Free

{Aris POV Con.}

"Shhh, sweet child, and listen,” she said softly, her tail covering my mouth to force me to stop talking I did as Gemma asked and listened closely. I was unable to understand what was being said since I was in Gemma’s realm. Everything sounded like I was listening underwater. So my parents' whispers were almost impossible to hear. Gemma could hear more clearly since this was her realm. From what she heard, she must have been happy as her tail wagged. “This is it; this is our chance to get out of here, our chance to run, “she purred happily.

With those words, I found the will to smile a bit, lifting my head. It was difficult to believe what Gemma said. Was there a chance? "Really?" I asked softly. Then Gemma purred louder “Yes, they are all leaving in three days, even Mason, and then they will lock us downstairs with plenty of water and food to survive. They are heading to the Oasis and probably hunting. However, if we get out, we can tell someone we can get all of them locked away to help," she said.

With this information, I became more alert. Was it possible I would get out? I refused to get my hopes high, but it could happen now. I couldn’t quell the excitement and was glad I was in Gemma’s realm and could stay until I calmed myself; if not, my parents would know everything.

{Von's POV}

I decided to call a Pride meeting; we gathered in the Pride's Main House. It was a vast, round building made from bamboo, mud, and thin bamboo cuts woven together. The door faced west, as did all homes in the pride. The main house had three floors instead of two floors. The basement level had storage. It was used for storing food when winter came. They also had areas on the lower floor to make cooking supplies; clay was suitable for making plates and bowls, and any art they could sell or trade to other communities. Being a Pride from Africa, they grew almost all their food and dried things for the winter. The second floor was the main floor. This is where everyone gathered it had. It is the living area, kitchen, dining area, and office. The third floor was for sleeping and sleeping alone. The home inside was decorated with traditional African artwork and pottery.

I gathered warriors, trackers, elders, and the upper class. It was time to tell them their thoughts on what was taking place. I sat at the head of the table. Garren was off to my right, and the warriors were beside him. The elders sat along the left side. On the other end opposite me was an empty can for the Queen, the Queen when she was found. I was 21 and still without a mate, causing me and Aztec to become restless and angsty; I tried to hide this from my pride. However, they knew what was happening. Some of them are struggling through the same thing or have in the past; others were lucky, found their mates at 16, and never experienced this feeling. I shook off the surface of loneliness and cleared my voice; it was deep and gruff, a voice that demanded respect.

“Well, I’m sure you know why I called this meeting; children are disappearing,” I said and looked at Garren Somee. Even in our own families, I have increased security around all of the children, but I fear it simply won’t be enough. I said I knew I would get murmurs at that point. I saw the shocked look on everyone’s faces and waved my hand to ask everyone to remain calm. “The reason I believe this will not end things is because our trackers cannot pick up any scent." I paused for a moment. “This has led me and Garren to believe we are dealing with the Falling Snow Pride,” I added. I watched as everyone processed the information.

Everyone's faces were filled with emotions, from disbelief to fear and worry. That was when one of the elders of the pride spoke up; she was a tiny woman approaching her early 90's, and she had been around for a long time and was one of the wisest members of the pride. She had black hair in tight curls on her head and was now turning white; it was short, her eyes were deep black, and her dark skin was littered with wrinkles that showed her age. At this point, she used a cane plus another to get around and came when necessary. “Well then, I assume you are thinking this because of their ability, “she replied, her tone soft and calming. “I would say they have not been a threat for some time. They don’t have the numbers, she said. Other elders nodded.

The Falling Snow Pride was once a powerful pride. They had the bravest warriors and were one of the top species. They were held in high regard as they fought in the armies of the Royal family for centuries. However, about 100 years later, things started changing. They became all about themselves and money, and behind the scenes, darker things happened to no one’s knowledge. It all started when the Paxton family killed the former leaders and took control. Up until about 20 years ago, everything went about with pride. That wasn’t possible anymore as their pride was barely 100-strong, and most were without their leopards and losing their minds.

I spoke up, “Yes, I know they have lost all their glory and that their pride is shrinking at alarming rates; however, their ability still makes them a threat; fighting what we can’t sense, smell, or see isn’t easy and we need help." As the words came from my mouth I instantly felt sick. The thought of asking for help from those outside of my pride made me angry, but it was necessary this time, which I knew.

Who, though, was I meant to turn to for help?-

{Ari's POV}

Today was the day they were leaving. I did my best to act as if I didn’t know anything.

-My stupid parents thought I was too afraid, stupid, or both to run; little did they know we were enacting our plan.-

They didn’t mind what she and Gemma heard while lying on the bed. The other night she found it hilarious that they thought so poorly of her. But she didn’t give them a reason not to.

I sat up and heard the door unlock; I started getting up when a voice told me to sit back down. My father, Konor, moved to where I could see him clearly. He was dressed nicely. He wore a button-down top and jeans. Clearly, they were stepping out to pretend to be a happy family. It was unlikely that they would leave their terrority, however, due to the pride's reputation. It wasn’t that they did anything, but when the pride started shrinking, and the rumors spread of people losing their leopards, everyone assumed it was cursed; they tried not to speak or even look at any of the leopards.

My father walked towards me. He stopped a few feet short of the cot I was sitting on; I could tell he was unhappy with the idea of leaving. It was evident in how he looked at me like he was trying to decide if he could stuff me in his bag and take me.

-God, no, I can’t leave, leave me be -

That was when he said, "Oh, dear daughter, your mother and brother and I are heading on a trip." We won’t return for a week, so you’ll stay locked up here. Well, leave enough food and water for you to live. "Can't have my favorite play toy dying on me,” he said as my mother came down with a tray.

I saw bread, cheese, and a water pitcher on the tray. I wasn’t sure it would last for a week. However, he said it was just enough to live; he never said I wouldn’t be left hungry. I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t noticed it before he told me I was his favorite toy; that meant there were more.