CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX - AERON
CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX - AERON
I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe she’s gone. I’ve smashed up my entire office and half the Residency because I lost control and my Wolf took over.
Cain is in the infirmary. He’s alive. Though barely. They did a good job of gutting him, but my brother is better than that. Layla and Savannah sit beside his bed. Waiting for him to wake up but in truth we know he won’t. Not for a while. His Wolf is healing him and until that is done, he’ll stay as he is. Asleep.
I try not to let the frustration rage because right now I need him. I need my brother. My mate needs him too.
I can’t mind-link her, she’s too far away, too distant but that doesn’t stop me from feeling every emotion that wracks through her, every flash of fear, of pain but most of all I feel it when he’s touching her, violating her. Perhaps that’s why my Wolf went berserk.
Perhaps.
Only, now I feel nothing. Like she’s been abused so much it won’t register. Or worse, he doesn’t need to now because he’s got what he wants, that she’s already pregnant with his pups. The rage that hits me at that thought is enough to make me almost transform again. Almost. Because I need to stay focused. I need to be in control. I have a plan. I always have a plan.
There’s a knock at the door, though why I don’t know because it’s half hanging off its hinges.
“Alpha Aeron.”
I snarl instead of respond. What sort of Alpha am I when another Wolf can come in and steal my mate?
“Alpha Aeron.”
I look that time. It’s Juan. He’s stood in my Residence. Though I didn’t summon him. My Wolf flares. He wants to gut him, to rip his throat out even though we both know this Alpha had nothing to do with our attack.
“We need to talk.” He says.
“Why?”
“Knox has your mate.”
I growl at the name. He dares speak it in front of me?
“The Aurora Pack is willing to stand with you. To fight with you.”
“Why?” Last time he said those words he wanted to bargain my pups. He wanted a piece of the pie.
“The situation has changed.” He states.
“Excuse me?” I growl.
“Knox has your mate. He’s no doubt breeding her already.”
I lose it at that, flipping the table that I only up righted a few minutes ago. Juan lets out a low breath but we both know he’d be the same if it was me. If it was his mate being held captive.
“He has your mate.” He continues. “If he produces Lycans then we both have a problem.”
“You want to stand beside me now that the threat is at your doorstep?” I sneer.
He pulls a face. “Show me contempt if you will, but don’t refuse an offer of help when you know you need it.”
“I don’t need it.” I snap. It’s a half truth. We both know the numbers would help. But we’ve already got more than enough to storm Knox’s Packhouse and that’s exactly what we plan to do. The last of our numbers are arriving today. We’re almost ready now.
“I have someone there. In his Pack.”
“What?” I snap.
“She’s been passing on information.” He states.
I snarl. “If she’s your Wolf, then why did she not warn you before Knox made his move?”
Juan shrugs. “It’s complicated.”
Like fuck it is. I don’t believe him. It feels too convenient.
Another knock at the door makes us both turn.
“Alphas.” A She-Wolf says her eyes darting between us.
“What is it?” I recognise her but in my anger, I can’t place her.
“I need to tell you something, Alpha Aeron. About my father.” She half whispers it as if she thinks speaking any louder will put her in danger.
“Speak.” I say.
“Alpha Aeron, my father is the reason Alpha Knox has your mate. He told them where you were. He gave them your location, and he made sure the guards on duty would conveniently disappear.”
My stomach drops. My anger rages. Elder Seth. That’s who her father is. I can place her now. She’s the girl from the Kitchens. The one who picked a fight with Rosalie so many months ago.
“Why are you telling us this?” Juan asks. “Why are you betraying your father?”
She winces but then her face turns so hard. “He’s betrayed us. Betrayed our Pack. He’s been passing information for years. Ever since the War started.
“Why?” I growl. Elder Seth was Gamma to my father. He was loyal. At least I thought he was.
She lets out a deep sigh. “He wanted to be Alpha. He knew he’d never be strong enough but he made a deal with Knox, that if you and your brother were removed, then I would be mated to Knox’s son.”
“And you don’t want that.” Juan says as she screws her face up.
“Of course I don’t.” She spits. “This is my Pack. I’m loyal to my Alphas. Not Knox.”
I sink back against the half ripped up couch. At least this explains it. At least this answers how Knox was able to know where we were. To time his attack so perfectly.
“Hunter.” I bellow.
His face appears almost immediately.
“Find Elder Seth. Bring him to the Residence. Make him think he’s needed and when he’s no longer observed put him in the cells.” I won’t risk anyone else being a spy. I won’t risk Knox knowing that we know.
Hunter nods immediately turning to carry out my instructions.
Amber takes the hint to fuck off and then I’m sat staring at Juan.
“You want to help?” I say.
He nods.
“Then get as many Wolves as you can. And bring your Witch. We’re attacking at nightfall.”
Juan grins. “Yes, Alpha Aeron.”