Chapter 65

Xander

The ride to Phoenix's territory felt longer than it should have. I was anxious to get there for some unexplainable reason. There was something strange happening, and it was driving me insane not knowing what. Nevertheless, I would get to the bottom of it. Even if it meant disbanding each of the packs involved and imprisoning the leaders.

"My Council, are you okay?" I was tapping on the window and fidgeting like a mad man. I needed air.

"Pull over."

"As you wish."

I got out of the car and before I shifted, the being in my wolf form calmed me. We weren't far, so I could run the rest of the way. I mindlinked my driver to meet me there and took off.

When I arrived, I could tell there had been chaos. I could also tell there had been something supernatural by the way the trees were uprooted and the earth was scorched in a specific area. The soil was also wet and damp, covering a large bit of land. It must have been where the freak storm that Julie mentioned took place.

I headed to the pack house to find Phoenix. I wanted answers.

"I've arrived. Have my clothes waiting at the pack house. I'm headed there now." I mind linked Jacob. He was an excellent driver and servant. If I had a beta, he would have been it. Being a Council Leader was nothing like being an alpha, so I didn't need one. We met and made a decision for werewolf kind, not just a pack. It was our job to keep the were world under control and running smoothly, otherwise we risk exposure. Once I sorted things out here the trial could begin. From what I could tell, it would be much needed.

I made it to the border and neither of the patrol men questioned me as I ran through. The power radiating from my wolf let them know it would have been pointless. I hated wasting time.

I made it to the pack house, and my clothes were folded neatly at the doorstep. I shifted back and caught a whiff of an enchanting smell. It was nothing like I had ever smelt before. It was purely feminine, mesmerizing. A mixture of something sweet with and essence that could only come from the owner.

Focus, you can't get distracted, I told myself, walking into the house. My wolf didn't seem to agree, but I had years of experience keeping him under control. Whatever the scent was would have to wait. What needed to be done was much more important.

"Where is Alpha Phoenix? I need to see him at once," I told a random pack member.

"He's resting sir. I don't know if you should-" The look I gave her made her immediately cower.

"I'm sorry sir right this way."

I followed her to what must have been the pack doctor's room. It was your typical infirmary, but more lab-like than clinical.

"He's right through those doors," she said, not making eye contact. I went through the doors and found a semi conscious Phoenix, with who I'm guessing was his mate.

"Who are you?" she said, giving me a puzzled look.

"I could ask you the same. But first I have some questions that you will answer."

"I don't have to tell you-"

"I wouldn't finish that statement unless you want to find out exactly who I am in the worst way."

She reconsidered. I was a man of few words, and loud obnoxious behavior didn't impress me. I wasn't made Council Leader because I negotiated or tolerated disrespect.

"Let's try this one last time. I'll ask the questions, you answer. Straight forward and simple. No more or less than direct answers to the best of your knowledge. Leaving any information out can be catastrophic."

She nodded, although I could tell part of her was reluctant.

"What happened to Phoenix?"

"He was hurt during the battle."

"More specific."

"He was injured and then thrown about fifty feet."

"How?"

"I'm not sure. A storm and some powerful wind."

"And it came out of nowhere?"

"I'm sure it came from somewhere. But can I tell you more than that, no."

She was lying; that much was clear. She knew something. But I would find out soon enough.

"He's your mate?"

"Yes."

"How long before he is said to recover?"

"I don't know. A day or two."

"Gather your things. Make sure that he has everything he needs to travel in the next few hours. The trial is set a week from today. I want to question him before then."

"So you're the-"

"Council Leader, yes. And by the time this is over I will find out what you're hiding."

I left her and went to find the room that belonged to the one known as Hunter. I was most anxious to meet him, considering he is rumored to be king of the rogues. He was good at avoiding capture, and no one had ever been able to bring him up on any serious charges for him to be put on trial. That is, until now. After getting guidance to his room, I pushed open the door. Like Phoenix, there was a woman by his side, who I assumed to be his mate. She looked up, but didn't speak. Either she was warned, or very wise.

"Do you know who I am?"

"I have an idea."

"Then you know why I am here."

"I have nothing to tell that would interest you. Even if I did, it wouldn't change anything. You know who he is. You know what has been done. There is nothing left to do but defend ourselves at the trial."

Not what I expected, but nevertheless she was right.

"Fair enough. Gather his things, and yours. We are headed to Council Headquarters. The trial will be a week from today and I want him at full strength by that time." She simply nodded and I left. She obviously loved him. I could tell that she would follow him to the ends of the earth. That made her dangerous. If he was found a threat she would be as well. They were one in the same.

I proceeded to leave the pack house and let Jacob know of my plans to return with the four of them. Before I could, the same intoxicating smell caught my attention. This time I couldn't ignore it. I followed it out of the doors and around a corner. It was then I saw her. A she wolf so stunning it should have been illegal. Even in dreams I couldn't have fantasized about someone so beautiful. She looked innocent, delicate, but at the same time bold and fierce. She was helping some injured pack members it seemed. She had badges and what seemed to be a first-aid kit. She smiled as a young girl hugged her and ran to her parents. She would be perfect as a luna, even though being mated to me would involve so much more. She sensed me and I was caught between wanting to go to her and just watching her. Her jaw dropped in shock and I decided on the latter.

I walked up to her and got down on one knee. I never bowed, but to her I would.

"Hello my enchantress."