Chapter 72

Chapter 72
There was a silence in the room when James said he accepted the challenge without hesitation. Cassidy was speechless that he would just accept a challenge from Nash. She stared at James before she growled. “Absolutely. Not.” She said with as much force as James had, drawing the eyes of her mate who had started to pace already with the thought of getting his hands on Nash. “It will not happen James. I forbid it. He can rot in his cell but he will never touch you.” She stated, her fingers digging into the arm of the sofa.

James looked down at Cassidy when she forbid him from taking Nash’s challenge. He was about to argue with her, assert himself if need be, but Julian was quick to cut in and keep the two Alpha wolves fighting. He could understand it. They were both possessive and extremely protective of one another, as mates should be. “There is more.” He said as he came over and gripped his son’s shoulder in quiet warning for his son to collect himself and keep control of his emotions. “One… Jaxson scented his mate at their camp and he is being difficult to control. You will need to have words with him. Two… Nash, is secure. He will await your words. We put our most trusted as guards for him.” He said and walked away with a troubled expression.

James was able to calm down with his fathers hand and he listened carefully as Julian listed off the information about his brother and Nash. The man’s name alone made his blood boil. He let out a breath and went over to Cassidy who was still shooting daggers at him with her eyes but the minute he sat down next to her and took her hand it was a balm for both of their tempers. “What else is there?” James asked, watching his father go to a window and look outside of it.

Julian was quiet for a few more seconds. “Paperwork. We have been pouring through it all. We found more in the vans. It is believed they were in trade with packs… for humans and wolves alike.” He said and closed his eyes briefly before turning to look at his sons and the new Luna. “The so called Rogue King has been busy building an army and you must tread lightly from here forward son. There is more things you must consider now as an Alpha.” Julian told James and looked to Cassidy, raising his glass to her in a salute before he downed what was left. “I am old. I am tired. The news of your pup warms my heart my son. Your mother and I will be leaving the Packhouse. It is time you took your proper rooms. You will need them.” He said and sat himself down in a recliner, setting his glass aside as he faced his family.

Cassidy took everything in that Julian said and she squeezed James’ hand, glancing over at him for a moment before she spoke up. “Thank you Julian for all the work you have done while James and I recovered.” She said softly. “With Nash in the prison and that unit of rogues killed off we shouldn't be expecting any kind of attack again soon?”

“No.” Hunter spoke up. “Nash likes to brag. What we have pieced together so far has been he was on his way back from selling or delivering a bunch of slaves and wanted to bring the Rogue King the Alpha of Blackstone's head. You seem to be his biggest threat big brother.”

James snorted at his brothers words. “Does this Rogue King even have a name?”

Julian nodded and sighed. “Samuel. That is all that was signed on some of the captive papers. King Samuel.”

Macy came from the kitchen with two plates of food and brought them to James and Cassidy. “Did we not know a Samuel back when you became alpha dear?” she asked as she handed the alpha pair their food and went over to Julian, sitting on his lap.

Julian looked thoughtful for a moment and frowned, shaking his head. “I do not remember it was so long ago. All I know is the man is dangerous and has many many rogues under him.”

Silence fell on the room while James and Cassidy ate slowly, James thinking over everything his father had said. “All of this can wait. None of it needs to be settled now. The men need rest after the battle and we have the pack bonding to do tomorrow night. We will wait awhile, see what we can find out about the rise of the captive trading again and find out what packs have been trading. I know it was never outlawed.”

Cassidy looked over at James with a worried look. “Jett told me about the captive things but I had no idea it was still going on. We don't.. Have slaves here do we?”

“Oh goodness no!” Macy said quickly. “BlackStone has never and will never rise on the backs of the shackled.”

Cassidy nodded, relieved and sat back against the sofa. “Thank goodness. I would have to have to go to war with my own mate over something so archaic.” She said and gave a quick smile to James.

James returned Cassidy’s smile and chuckled lowly. “I am not sure I would win a war with you. Neither would my father against my mother.” He teased and once the mood had lightened a little in the room, he set his plate down and leaned back, wrapping an arm around Cassidy’s shoulders, pulling her close as Max rose from where he had been sitting and approached.

“Alpha. Luna.” Max said in his normal quiet manner. “I have done as you asked of me brother. All is complete.” He said and smiled. “Little sister, I look forward to welcoming you into the pack tomorrow. Ive been up awhile and I'm going to bed. The emails will be on your laptop.” He said and headed to the stairs.

Everyone in the room turned to look at James for answers as he watched his youngest brother climb the stairs to go to his own room. “I asked him to find a way to get better security. He has sent for wolves who specialize in technology we haven't embraced quite yet. Its about time we as a pack become a little more modernized.”

Julian frowned when James spoke about things becoming modernized and before he could speak, Macy smacked him on the knee. “Dont make such a sour face my love. Do you remember the complete and total fit your father threw when they created the car and then lord forbid we install electricity here or have indoor plumbing. Dont become your father.” She teased him and Julian growled and grumbled, but did not argue. Macy smiled and cupped his jaw before turning to her son. “You and Cassidy run this place now. You do as you see fit.”

Hunter groaned loudly and rubbed a hand down his face before he got up from his seat. “Four Alphas in one room is too much for any wolf to handle. I'm gonna go pull Jaxson off our captive and have a go at him. I will see you later brother. Luna.” He said respectfully before heading out to get to the prison, leaving the elders and Cassidy and James to speak alone.

— —

Jaxson was like a rabid dog. He tried to hold it together, he really did. He did his best and failed. He was able to have some control until he got in front of Nash. The man goaded him about all the females he had bed in his tent, that if he had found his mate it was one of his whores. After that he only seen red and began to harshly interrogate the rogue.

Alaric and Jett stood outside the door, looking through a two way mirror and ready to go in if needed. Just incase they had to save Nash from the Gamma’s rage. When Hunter finally arrived, the Beta’s looked to him with concerned expressions. “The rogue is asking for an early death with the things he has been saying about our Luna and whoever the female is that Jaxson wants.” Jett said lowly while Alaric just shook his head.

“When James comes tonight… The rogue will wish he was dead. James accepted the challenge.” Hunter said, joining the betas to watch Jaxson take his anger out on the man.