Chapter 9

After the howling, Alexander, without a second wasted pulled Iliana out of the meeting grounds and out of the forest into the town. Alexander was sure that nobody followed them; he can hear or smell anyone following him.

“Rachel, are you alright?” He asked.

“I’m fine. I just couldn’t believe my eyes.”

“You liked what you saw?”

“Liked? I loved it!” Rachel couldn’t contain her excitement. “It’s completely different from…” She held back. “From what I thought.”

Alexander let out a soft smile. “I’m glad you liked it.” His smile faded. “I’m sure you noticed everybody looking at you.”

“I did. It felt uncomfortable.”

“Rachel, from now on, be more careful,” Alexander warned. “Your chances of getting killed have been lowered but if you make any mistake, it’ll be all over for you. Do you understand?” Iliana nodded. “Try to avoid as many as you can, especially David and Erik. Naturally, you’ll be avoided because you were seen with me but still, stay clear until everything is balanced.”

“I completely understand.”

“Good.”

“I have a question.”

“Go on.”

“I’m not sure I’m allowed to ask about it but… it’s about the spies that were captured.”

Alexander furrowed his brows in perplexity. An odd question for her to ask, he thought. “Why do you want to know?”

“I…get curious.”

“You shouldn’t be worrying about them. It’s late. You should get some sleep.”

Alexander smiled at Iliana who agreed to get some sleep. The both went opposite direction and Iliana to her motel. Iliana couldn’t stop thinking of Samuel and Stuart now that she knows that they are still alive. She made it her personal mission to save Stuart and Samuel, any other mission Jonah had sent them for would come after. She felt a weight of responsibility. It saddened her that Jonah, Damien and the rest of the shadow pack had no clue about what was going on. She also made it a side-mission to find a way to communicate with the Shadow pack.

10:32am. There was a knock on Iliana’s door. She recognized the person who could knock like that. She opened the door and it was who she thought it would be.

“Hey.” She greeted “Come in.”

Iliana looked out before shutting the door.

“It has been quite a while. Where did you run off to?” The masked man asked.

“Long story. I have something to tell you.”

“You have joined the pack?” The masked man figured what she had to tell.

“I have but it’s all according to your plan.”

“I know. I saw you with Alexander Robinson.” The masked man claimed.

“That’s his last name?” Iliana asked.

“You don’t even know the last name of the alpha you’ve lumped yourself with.”

“I didn’t think I would need that information.”

The masked man furrowed his brows. “Don’t be reckless. Every information is important if you want to survive.”

“That is why you are here.” Iliana said.

“How did you even get to Alexander so easily? He did not intimidate you? Why did he agree with your plan?”

Iliana had no clear answer to the masked man’s questions. How did she meet Alexander? When did she meet him? “Well, we met…” When? “We met a few days ago.”

The masked man placed his hand on his jaw “I’m only surprised how he agreed to the plan. Anyways, I should tell you everything you need to know.”

The masked man and Iliana sat on the bed. The masked man told Iliana every about the pack from the origin of the pack to each highly esteemed member.

“You should be careful around David and Erik Robinson. David’s silver eyes can make you say things you don’t want to and Erik’s golden eyes can make you do things you don’t want to. It’s no magic.”

“What about Alexander’s? His eyes are silver and gold. Why?” Iliana asked.

“I can’t say for sure but he’s the most feared. Although he’s the youngest amongst his brothers, some call him the king alpha.”

Iliana felt a chill run through her spine. She remembered when Samuel mentioned something about the alpha. She couldn’t believe that she had the supreme alpha a part of her plan. She was relieved at first but disturbed but the pack’s mission to find a spy. What will Alexander do if he finds out about her? “I see.” Iliana said.

“I’m watching you from the shadows. If you’re going out of hand, I’ll come to your rescue. Don’t mess up.” The masked man said before getting up from the bed. Iliana stood with him. “Be careful.” The masked man said as his eyes caught Iliana’s. He shut his eyes and looked to the door. “I’m leaving now. There’s a meeting tonight. Don’t miss it.” The masked man said as he left Iliana. Iliana let out a smile.

The meeting came to an end and Alexander hurriedly stood by Iliana to avoid anybody from coming close to her; it did not stop them.

“Alexander, brother, I see you have a beautiful one for yourself.” Erik commented. “We never knew.”

“You don’t have to know” Alexander responded.

“Oh, come on. We’re brothers.” David came in. David looked at Iliana who stood beside Alexander. They made a sudden eye contact but Iliana removed her eyes from his alluring silver eyes in an instant. “Well, hello. I’m David. You are?” David stretched his hand out to Iliana. Alexander noticing David’s gesture pulled himself and Iliana away. Alexander knows his brothers too well. If they start talking to Iliana, it’ll be over for her. It was a miracle the captured spies have told nothing.

“It’s getting late, David. We’re leaving.” Alexander said as he walked away with Iliana in his hand.

“Why is Alexander always so protective?” David asked Erik.

“You should know your little brother by now.”

Alexander and Iliana walking down the tree trunk were met by Catherine and Jacqueline. Iliana instantly recognized Catherine as the woman from the park. Iliana’s heart began to race. She feared Catherine might remember her being with Samuel, one of the spies they may have captured. Iliana desperately avoided eye contact.

“I remember you!” Catherine excitedly said. “You’re Rachel, right?”

Iliana had to engage. “I also remember you. I don’t know your name.”

“It’s Catherine. I never see you around in the pack. Maybe I’m too short-sighted.” Catherine giggled.

“I’m always around here. I just never make myself visible.” Iliana said.

Alexander cleared his throat, drawing attention to him.

“Alexander, why didn’t you tell us about this?” Jacqueline asked.

“Yes, Alexander, why didn’t you?” Catherine also asked.

Catherine and Jacqueline were two people Alexander respected. He does not take pride in disrespecting them both for they have been his caretaker from start. He owes them a lot.

“I did not want to bother you.” Alexander answered.

“Nonsense, my dear. We did not expect this; we’re even more bothered now.” Jacqueline said. “Anyways, who is she to you? I’ve never seen her around you like this.”

Alexander was given the question he wished not to be asked. He has to give an answer. What answer? He needs to give an answer. He must give an answer.

“She…is my mate.”