Chapter 18 Chapter 18
In her father’s office, Suki picked up the sealed documents and slipped them into a tote bag to take to the Alpha’s mansion later.
Rey stood by the door, leaning against the frame. ‘This is your excuse to see him, isn’t it?’
Her cheeks flushed, briefly forgetting that her best friend knew her all too well. ‘No. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t consider it a bonus.’ She held his hand, lacing her fingers between his, and looked him in the eyes. ‘He deserves to know my intentions, too.’
His gaze flickered between her eyes.
Suki could tell a million thoughts were going through his head, even if she couldn’t hear his personal thoughts. “Say it,” she said.
“Say what?”
“Whatever’s bothering you.”
He sighed, “Another time, I’ve got to get to training and guard my sector.”
A nod. “They’re trusting you more and more with all the responsibilities they’re giving you. I’m so proud,” she smiled, leaning into him.
Reynard took her hand in his and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on the back of her hand. “Be careful out there, okay?”
“Brendan won’t hurt me,” Suki squeezed hand.
“For once, I wasn’t talking about him.” Rey tucked a lump of her hair behind her ear, reading the question painted across her face. “As I told you yesterday, we didn’t find anything suspicious after your report, but I’ve had a bad feeling ever since. So, please, promise me you’ll be careful out there, and if you need me–”
Suki hugged him tightly, halting his speech. “You’ve always been the first person I call.”
✧ ✧ ✧
The Wilder mansion looked the same as it always had, yet it still felt surreal for Suki to be walking through the gates, passing the gardens that she and Zale used to spend time together playing as children.
As promised, she respected her father’s wishes and did not stop until she reached the entrance of the mansion, informed the doorman of whom she needed to see, and was then led directly to his office.
Knock knock.
“Come in,” that deep, rumbling voice she heard so much as a child hadn’t changed much, perhaps only a little raspier with age.
Suki entered slowly, shutting the door behind her before greeting her Alpha with a bow, “Hello, Alpha Wilder.”
His head shot up from his scribbles. “Suki?” He stood up and opened his arms out welcomingly. “Good to see you, child! What can I do for you?”
“I’m here on behalf of my father,” she said, hastening over to his desk, pulling the folder out of her bag and holding it out for him. “He told me you urgently needed this, but he had no time to deliver it himself because of a pack meeting he’s attending later. I offered to help.”
Alpha Wilder took the folder, breaking the seal and slowly pulled the papers out to briefly peek inside. He slid everything back in, a glimmer of worry in his eyes, but he put on a smile. “Your father mustn’t have wanted you anywhere near here. He’s made it abundantly clear about his thoughts on the Rogue I’ve permitted to live within the pack.”
Suki’s head lowered. “He was disapproving at first, but I told him I wanted to help the pack as much as I could. It’s what I’ve been trained for my whole life.”
“Delivering a package is far from what your father has trained you for.”
“It’s something.”
Humming in amusement. “I’m impressed,” Alpha Wilder said. “Thank you, Suki.”
She bowed again and made her way back to the door. Pausing, gripping the door, Suki bit her tongue, knowing she should just leave, but she had to know. “Alpha Wilder, may I ask you a question?”
“Suki,” his tone was unamused, “you are the child of my best friend and Beta, you used to call me Uncle Wilder. You don’t have to ask for permission, you are family, ask away.”
Swallowing thickly, she leaned against the door, hesitating as she spoke, “Why did you allow a Rogue into our pack?”
Taken aback, the Alpha didn’t expect that to be her question.
“I just mean… Zale and I were once close, and now we’re not because of–” She sighed, “Well, you know the story, I don’t need to explain.”
He nodded, “It’s my duty to protect the pack, but it’s also my duty to train the future Alpha, and, if I do say so myself, I believe I trained him to have excellent instincts. He trusted him, explained the situation to me, and, with my permission, I’ve allowed him here.”
“May I ask what the situation was?”
His eyes narrowed, “I fear it’s not going to be as detailed as you hope, dear. He was 14 years old, alone and scared. He was banished from his pack for breaking a serious law. Zale found him and brought him to me, arguing he was still young, still had much to learn and an opportunity to grow into a decent man if he were able to be in a good home. My son’s argument was composed well and compelling enough that I allowed it. There are rules in place for him that he must stick by; otherwise, he too would be exiled, but I’ve allowed him a place in our pack in the hopes he can better himself.”
Suki bit down on her tongue, knowing she should stop, but she desperately wanted more about her mate. “Do you… Do you know why he was banished?”
“Why so interested in the Rogue all of a sudden, Suki?” Alpha Wilder placed the folder down and circled his desk, leaning back on it and crossing his arms. “He’s not giving you trouble, is he?”
She shook her head, “No, sir. I think I’ve just become more curious about these things as I’m getting older. I did have to surrender my friendship with Zale due to this, after all. I suppose I just needed some clarity.” It wasn’t necessarily a lie, but it wasn’t entirely the whole truth either.
The Alpha paced over to her, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Suki,” he spoke sternly. She lifted her head, looking him in the eyes. “Are you sure everything is alright?”
“Yes, sir. My apologies, I’m being too curious for my own good. If my father knew he’d–”
“Your family is far too serious,” he chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t utter a word to your father. Unless I have any reason to be concerned…?”
She smiled. “I promise everything is fine.”
“Good, now I’m sure you have duties to tend to–” Alpha Wilder paused suddenly as his gaze dropped to her neck. “Where did you get that?” he asked, pointing to her necklace.
Taking hold of the crystal, Suki stumbled over her words. “I-It was my mother’s.”
He gazed at the beauty of the crystal. “Remarkable. I haven’t seen one of those in a long time, especially your mother’s stone. They are very rare, said to have immense powers – well, so the legends say.”
“Yes, mother used to tell me those stories,” Suki grinned, reliving the memories of her late mother.
“I recall this looking different,” the Alpha questioned.
“Rey – Reynard, I mean – with my father’s permission, he took it and got it turned into a necklace for me for my birthday.”
“May I?”
Suki nodded, releasing her hold of the crystal.
Alpha Wilder took hold of the crystal and ran his thumb over it, “Beautiful. Look at this craftsmanship. Are those moonstones surrounding the stone?”
“Yes, sir.”
In awe, he exhaled, “The silver casing is covering the stones just right to represent each phase of the moon. He must’ve taken it to a trusted jeweller to make this for you; anyone else would try to steal that stone, likely to see if the legends are true. Reynard must really care for you.”
Suki blushed, “Yeah, he’s my best friend.”
Releasing the stone and stepping back. “Hm, seems to be more if you ask me.” Suki’s eyes flickered wider. “But that’s none of my business,” he added in a whisper. “You best be off before your father gets word that you’ve lingered here too long.”
Bowing her head in respect once more, Suki said her goodbyes and left the mansion. As she left the grounds and moved through the forest, disappointment struck her. She’d hoped her scent lingering around the outside and inside of the Wilder mansion would be enough to lure Brendan to her.
Saddened, she continued walking through the forest when the sudden hit of sweat blended with citrussy orange and sandalwood consumed her nostrils. She turned towards the scent and saw him walking her way.
Her eyes bulged slightly as she realised he was shirtless and sweaty. Catching his breath, Brendan’s eyes met hers, and he froze. “Well,” he began with a smirk growing on his face, “hello, love.”