CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Blaze sat still on the chair while waiting for his beta's report. He jolted when he heard the door open. Caleb entered with a pained expression on his face, and Blaze knew from that moment that something terrible had happened.

"Alpha," Caleb began. Blaze clenched his hand into a fist. "They're dead," he added. Blaze cursed under his breath and punched the wooden table in front of him out of pure rage. He angrily growled.

"Did you already inform their family?" Blaze asked. Caleb nodded as a response. Burial was the least he could do for the fallen warriors. Ruth, one of his female sentinels, found the warriors, Ryan and Martine, at the border of the territory, severely wounded. Their suspicion led them to think rogues caused the attack, but it wasn’t. A bullet was found in their bodies, and it was laced with wolfsbane.

There were so many things running through Blaze's mind. Hunters had been actively killing werewolves around the North, leading him to think that they were declaring war against their kind. If that was what they wanted, Blaze would give it to them. A life for a life.

"Caleb, you and the three idiots will be the leader of the sentinels. Patrol the border 24/7. I need you to report immediately if you find something suspicious," Blaze ordered. "They will pay the price for killing my people," he added earnestly.

"Understood, Alpha," Caleb said and bowed his head. He excused himself and went out of Blaze's office.

"Fucking shit!" Blaze angrily yelled and kept on punching the table until it gave out. He pulled his hair in frustration at what he was feeling. He couldn't do anything to save his people. It was the same people who trusted him to be the Alpha of the pack. He felt powerless.

"Blaze," Candice called her son's name. She was crying. Blaze looked up, waiting for his mother's comfort.

"I'm sorry, son. I know this is tough for you," Candice said while shedding tears. Blaze hugged his mother tightly; his heart felt hollow. He lost two great warriors and a family.

"I am such a failure, Mom," Blaze said. His wolf whimpered, searching for his mate's embrace. Blaze needed Ella; he needed her on his side.

"No, Blaze. You are not a failure!" Candice said, cupping her son's face. "You did everything you could. It's unfortunate, but we are not the ones who hold their fates," she added.

"Go to her. I know you badly want to see her right now," Candice muttered and smiled. Blaze shook his head. Even if he wanted to, he couldn't just storm off and leave everything behind. It would be irresponsible of him if he did that.

"I can't, Mom," Blaze quietly said and leaned his weight on the swivel chair, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Go, Blaze. We will take care of this," Candice said and gave him a reassuring smile. Blaze smiled back and hurriedly left the house to go to his mate.

Ella was engrossed in reading her favorite book when she felt her phone vibrate beside her. She picked it up and saw Blaze's name on the screen. Ella's forehead creased but regardless swiped the screen to view his message.

"What does he want? I thought he had something important to do?" Ella asked herself.

"Sweetie, look out the window."

"Why would he want me to look out my window? What is he planning this time?" Ella couldn't help but ask herself. She closed the book on her lap and got up. Ella went to the window and slid the curtain to the side. She peeked outside and saw Blaze leaning on a tree, looking so tired. Ella raised her eyebrows and opened the window. Her phone vibrated once again.

"Can I come inside?"

"Wait, I'll go downstairs and open the door for you." Ella turned back as she typed these words on her phone.

"No need. Step a little backward, sweetie."

Confused, Ella followed what Blaze had said. She was surprised when Blaze landed inside her room. Ella gasped and looked at him like he’d gone crazy.

"You jumped! I'm on the second floor, are you crazy!" Ella shouted as quietly as she could. Blaze chuckled sexily, sounding like music in Ella's ears.

"Relax, sweetie. You'll wake your mom if you keep yelling," Blaze said while smiling, but Ella knew there was something wrong with him. He may be smiling, but his eyes said otherwise.

"Do you have a problem?" Ella asked him cautiously. Blaze's smile instantly vanished. He walked to where her bed was and slumped down. Ella closed the window to prevent bugs from coming in and sat beside him. Blaze leaned his head on Ella's shoulder.

"Blaze, talk to me," Ella sternly said. He sighed and looked at the ceiling.

"Will you share with me what's on your mind?" Ella asked.

"Can I hug you, Ella?" Blaze suddenly asked. Ella nodded her head obediently and let Blaze hug her. Deep inside, she knew he needed this right now. She knew something was up, but she didn’t want to force Blaze to tell his problem. She was not going to pry.

"Ella, am I a bad person?" Blaze asked, which surprised Ella.

"No, Blaze. You are not a bad person. Why did you think that?" Ella asked. She felt Blaze shake his head and kiss her hair.

"Blaze, I know something is bothering you right now, but I won't force you," Ella said. "Always remember that I am here if you need me, okay?" she added. They stayed hugging for minutes and decided to lie down on the bed.

"Should I sleep in here?" Blaze said. Ella sat up and glared at him. It was already midnight.

"No, you have to go home, Blaze," Ella said. "Go on. I'm going to sleep," she added and pushed Blaze. He smiled and pulled Ella close.

"Thank you, sweetie," Blaze whispered in her ear. Ella couldn't help but smile. She was glad that Blaze was now okay.

"You really don't want me to sleep here?" Blaze asked and pouted his lips. Ella frowned, grabbed a pillow, and hit him on the face gently.

"No. Go home now," Ella said.

"Fine, but next time, I'm sleeping in here," Blaze said. He leaned closer and kissed her on the cheek. He finally got up and went to the window while Ella watched his back.

"Good night, Blaze," Ella muttered.

"Good night, sweetie. Dream of me," Blaze said and jumped down. Ella rushed to see if he was okay, but he had disappeared in the dark. She sighed and closed the window once again.

"I love you, Blaze."