Chapter 36 Unshaken Loyalty
Zayne's POV
I let out a soft groan as I went over the document in front of me, an action that I seem to be doing more often these days. First, it was the meeting with the elders which was draining. My mom had gotten to them first and they wanted to know if I planned on making Red the Luna…but that was the least of my problems because whether they liked it or not, they were going to accept her.
The rogue attack was the only thing he wanted to get out of the way. They were becoming bold as the past few days, their appearance became more frequent but they were still not making any move, just the random smell and they were gone.
“I've looked into the smell like you ordered." Tristan said, "I don't think we're dealing with more than one person.”
My brows furrowed, "Just one?” It sounded ridiculous but at the same time, it'll make sense why they aren't attacking.
"I think we're dealing with a witch here, Alpha." Xavier added. “This is beyond just masking his smell and covering his tracks properly, I think we're looking at it from the wrong angle."
“Witches? How's that possible?" I asked, “they've been banned from practicing. Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
He shook his head, “it's the only way to explain how he's able to avoid the cameras and hide his scent that even our best trackers couldn't find him."
I nodded, taking another look at the reports Xavier had gathered that were now scattered all over my table. Paying attention closely, I noticed how before now, the visits were once in two weeks but the past few weeks were more consistent.
“Whoever the person is, he's becoming more desperate which means they would probably be attacking soon…if that's their plan.” I told them, pointing out what I noticed in the reports and they both agreed.
“I'll have the warriors train even more." Tristan said, "just so we're not caught unaware.” He added.
Xavier suddenly stood up, causing Tristan and I to look up, wondering what was wrong with him. "What if we set a trap for him?” He asked.
I paused, “that'll work, what are you suggesting?"
He thought about it for a few minutes, before explaining how in order to unmask his smell properly, we needed to match his tactics, which means finding a witch who would undo whatever spell was making it hard to catch him.
While that was an amazing idea, finding a witch was harder than anything. They had all been sent out of the Pack by my dad for something they did even before I was of age.
“But how are we going to find one?" Tristan asked, “this is turning out to be the longest case we've worked on. I'm starting to think about retiring early."
I snorted, "yea right,” I murmured, rolling my eyes. As if he'd ever give up having control over a lot of things, especially the warriors which was one of the areas he took care of personally.
“I’m going to look into witches from other packs, it shouldn't take time.” Xavier said, turning to leave.
"When I eventually catch this person, I can already see myself standing over his body.” Tristan said, his hand forming a fist. “He'll be unrecognisable by the time I'm done with him."
Even if I didn't say it, I would definitely definitely make whoever was behind it pay and his punishment would be long and painful.
Once they both left to get started on our next mode of action, I threw myself into work, sorting out paperwork that was important and needed urgent attention. But I'd barely gone through half of it, partly because I was distracted by Red and fighting the urge to go see her, when the door burst open again and this time, Xavier looked worried.
“What happened?" I asked, ignoring the nagging feeling I felt.
“We might have a problem.” He said and Kael let out a soft growl. "Is mate okay?”
"There's a rumour about your meeting with the elders,” he started, picking his words carefully. "They're saying there's a selection for a Luna.”
I jumped up so fast my chair slammed against the wall, “what?" I said, the words came out sharper than I intended. “Why the fuck do I need another Luna?" I was already walking towards the door to go in search of Red before she heard it.
My phone rang before I could step out and it was my mom…just the person I wanted to talk to.
“What did you do?" I asked, the moment I picked up the call.
“What I should have done immediately after Nyra's death." She snapped. “The elders support my suggestion, so you're going to be a good Alpha and choose a perfect Luna for the Pack."
Kael growled, pushing himself to the surface, “I'm not going to repeat myself, Red is my Luna and that's not going to change anytime soon."
I was holding on to the last bit of restraint that I had which was proving to be harder than I expected.
She went on about how the elders weren't going to accept someone who couldn't shift into her wolf to become Luna, repeating the fact that she didn't mind if I still kept her after picking a more suitable person. And the thought of another person that wasn't Red, standing close to me didn't sound right.
"Alyssa can hear everything.” My sister said through our mindlink and I froze. “She's running again, fix it." She added before I could say anything.
Fuck!
I ended the call while my mom was still going on about duties and whatnot.
Using my wolf speed, I opened the door and dashed after Red. I caught her before she shut the door in my face.
A growl escaped my lips when I saw the tears streaming down her face. “Fuck! I'm so sorry, Red." I apologized, hating how I seem to be doing a lot of that since I found her.
She shook her head, “I don't know why I-I’m crying." She said.
Helping her sit on the bed, I knelt down in front of her, wiping her tears softly with my thumbs, while trying to not scare her with how angry I was.
“I'm going to take care of my mom." I promised her. “I'm not taking another Luna…that's never going to happen.”
She looked away, her tears now reduced to small hiccups. "Then why won't you mark me?" Her voice was small, but I heard every word and I swallowed. If only she knew how much I was holding back, to be the gentleman she sees me as.
“You won't tell me what you're working on…it doesn't make me feel usefulvto you.” She admitted and my chest tightened. I hated that I made her feel that way which was the opposite of what I wanted to do.
“They say I'm not good enough for you, what if they're r–”
I didn't let her finish before my lips came crashing on hers and I fought back a moan.
The kiss lasted for barely ten seconds before I put a space to look at her. “You think I don’t want you?” I whispered, breath still tangled with hers. Her eyes were wide, glassy, searching.
I cupped her jaw, forcing her to really look at me.
“Red… I’m fighting myself every damn day not to mark you. Not because I don’t want to but because I want it too much.”
Her lips parted, hope flickering.
“I’m not marking you because I want to protect you, not because I don’t think you're good enough... you're fucking everything I want.” I brushed a tear from her cheek.
“You’re already my Luna. The mark will come when everything is safe… when you feel safe.” I told her and Kael rumbled in agreement. “And I didn't tell you about the rogues I'm dealing with because I didn't want you to worry…but if you want to know, I'll tell you.”
I waited, hoping she sees how sincere I was. "Promise?” She asked.
"Promise.” I repeated.
She stared at me for a few seconds before throwing her arms around me. “Kiss me to seal it." She murmured.
I chuckled softly, "that's my girl!” I thought, as my lips met hers again.