Chapter 62

Rebecca's POV.

Everyone was gathered around in the library. It was time for me to get to the bottom of a few things. Like how did Darius get so many rogues? I wasn't sure how far I could trust Ryder. I know he's been Darius's right-hand man. Would he really be willing to betray his Alpha? Somehow, I doubt it, but amazing things have been been happening all month now, so who knows. I was happy to have Jack here, he could help me figure out the lies from the truth. Other than family, Jack was the only one I truly trusted. I wonder if he has figured out what I think I have.

"So, you called me here to stand and stare I take it? If that's the case, send me back to your cells." He really is just an ass.

" There are questions that need to be answered first. You don't seem like a normal rogue. Where did you come from? How do you know Darius? Do you know where Darius might be hiding?" I knew I should only be asking one question at a time, but they all just seemed to come spilling out.

" Darius is my Alpha, but you already knew that. No, I don't know where he went. If I did, you would already know. I want him dead as much as you do. He's not my Alpha by choice. He attacked my pack when I was fifteen. I survived like a few others. We were forced to join his rogue pack. That way he could keep an eye on us. He's cruel and uncaring. I'm happy to be done with him. So, you can kill me and be done with it. I don't care." I'm sure he was telling the truth.

" I don't want to kill you. I want to see your memories. If you'll allow me into your mind that is. Let me see everything." This is my chance to find out more of what's really going on.

"Do what you want. It's not like I can really stop you." He was right, but I still wouldn't without his permission. He didn't need to know that though.

I had everyone join in so I wouldn't have to do this again. What we saw were things we already knew. It was seeing the sadistic look on Darius's face that shocked us the most. The way he enjoyed killing men, women, even children made me sick. To think the man, I thought of as an uncle and my Alpha, was a monster the whole time.

I saw how Darius would torture members of packs he had destroyed until they willingly submitted to him. Then he would force them to attack other packs and the process would start all over again. Next, I saw what I was sure was Jared's pack. His grandfather fighting valiantly through the attacking rogues to save his wolves. Even though they were outnumbered, he still fought. He truly was a great Alpha.

I saw as they took prisoners away in chains back their camps, hiding in the mountain caves. There was a couple I recognized. They looked like Jared's parents, Oliver and Iris. But they're supposed to be dead. Did Darius really keep them alive all this time? Jared's parents are alive! I can't believe it.

Out of everything I saw, the most shocking was how Ryder had tried to keep everyone safe. He had taken the blunt end of all punishments that were dealt. He didn't want to see anymore wolves beaten down because of the hate in Darius's heart. That is when I knew what must be done. I broke off the connection to the memory spell and sat there crying my eyes out. My heart was breaking for all those wolves that had suffered at that demons' claws. So much innocence destroyed because of one so called Alpha.

"What's she crying for? It's not like any of this happened to her. She's never had to face the whip before I bet. And if you're crying for me princess, well don't. I don't want or need your pity." Ryder was trying to act tough, but I knew the truth.

"Watch your tongue boy. She doesn't just cry for you. She cries for all the wolves that have been killed or tortured because of Darius. All the lives he has ruined over the last twenty years." Jack somehow knew.

"I can guarantee if she does cry for you, it's not out of pity. It's because she could feel your pain. We all felt what you went through while watching your memories. We don't pity you. We feel bad that this happened to you yes, but we couldn't possibly pity such a strong protective wolf. Instead, we honor your bravery and strength for everything you have done to help those around you. It couldn't have been easy." Alpha Nick Vega was right in his words. Ryder deserves to be honored.

"I don't deserve to be honored. Maybe if I had just killed that bastard, then maybe I would deserve some kind of mention. But I didn't, I wasn't strong enough to stop him." I could see the tears forming in his eyes.

" That's not true Ryder. You helped all those wolves that needed you. You took beatings for them. They all know what you have saved them from. And now you get to help set things right. Jack, if he agrees, will you guide him?" I looked at him for reassurance.

"I would do anything you ask of me my Luna. Are you sure about this though. Do you really believe in him so much?" Jack stood up next Ryder.

" I do Jack. Do you have any hesitations? Or are you confident in my choice?" I smiled at him.

" I have no reservations; this choice is one I believe to be in the best interest of all." He smiled back at me.

"Ryder, kneel before me. I would like to carry out your sentencing now." The other two Alphas looked in horror.

" Becca, didn't we talk about making rash decisions. He doesn't deserve this. He was forced to do all those horrible things. Darius is the one that should suffer." They feared for Ryders life. That made my choice look even better.

"Just wait, you will see." I turned back to Ryder to watch as he lowered himself to his knees before me. "I, Rebecca Ardith Daniels, Luna to the Four Prairies pack and heir to the Moon Goddess, wish for you Ryder, to become my Lunar Warrior. To protect me in times of need. To be a companion, a friend, and an advisor. To protect your community and pack from threats far and near. To guide the young and learn the old ways from the elders. What say ye?" Everyone was in shock by what I was asking, except for Jack.

" I don't deserve to be anything Lunar, let alone a warrior. You don't really want someone as weak as me. I'm not good enough." Ryder cried out.

" That's where you're wrong. I know you don't see it now but think about all those you helped. You have the strength to take punishments for others and you have a pure heart. I know you mourn for those that have fallen by your hand. Through all the ugliness and hate, you never lost your compassion. I don't know very many wolves that could have gone through what you have and not lose themselves to the darkness of it all. Most would have ended up as bad as Darius. I understand if you decide not to become my warrior, but will you at least give it a couple weeks' worth of thought before you decline." I had to prove to him that he's worthy.

" Fine, but I'm not making any promises. I would like to help with the others though. I know most of them. I can tell you which ones are genuine and which ones can't be trusted. Like you said, not everyone could have kept their compassion." He gave me that cunning look.

" That would be great! I actually want to ask you about someone. There was a couple that you took from the last raid. I saw you protecting them. Do you know where they are now?" I hope they're still alive.

" Yes, I know them. They're probably in your cells. Unless they were any of the ones we lost." Please let them be there.

" Jack, can you go get Nathaniel and Lolina. Please bring them here. We'll meet you back here in just a bit. There's someone else I need to go get." They have to be there.

" Yes, my Luna. After all that, I want you to rest. Do you understand? The food should be served any moment now, so let's hurry. I want to get you fed. You need to get your strength back up." He really is such a good man.

"Oh yes, I'm starving too. I would wait until after we eat, but this is way too important. So, let's hurry up, shall we? Nick, Brett, would you like to come with?" I wanted to make sure I had plenty of protection with me.

" Of course we will Luna. Don't worry Jack, we'll keep her safe." And we all left the room in a hurry to get back.