Chapter 59 Brother's Bargain
Zayne's POV
I sat in my office, my back against the chair, wondering if I was doing everything wrong. I'd being so mad the previous day…not at Red, maybe at her a little for throwing herself into danger despite knowing how I would feel about that. But I was more mad that my suspicions about him not being the shooter was right which means we were back to the beginning with no clue and no idea where to start from.
The door creaked open and Tristan entered with Xavier behind him. They made themselves comfortable on the chair in front of me.
“The Pack doctor said they'll be fine." Tristan said, as if reading my mind.
I nodded, “make sure the warriors do not leave their spot and I want a report on everything that happens."
“When you say everything," Tristan started, "what exactly do you mean?”
Xavier just shook his head, "I’d love to hear your definition of everything.” He murmured as he placed the file he was holding in front of me. “I just got this a few hours, the shadowmoon Pack was attacked and they're requesting a meeting with you."
My brows furrowed slightly slightly, “was anyone killed?"
“Yes and according to the report from the Beta, it was the second one in the last week.” He explained, "There was also a case of rogues stealing and taking Pack members from their homes.”
I frowned, "what have they done about it so far?”
He shook his head, "the attack happened a few days ago, so the only thing they're doing is increasing the warriors on patrol.”
I took a much needed breath, "we'll meet them tomorrow.” I said, and he nodded. "Any luck with the witch?”
"Yes, about that, I found one but she won't be around for another two weeks.” He replied. "Claims she's handling some business and will come once she's done.”
Even if it was two weeks later, at least we were going to get some lead on this faceless culprits. Both of them soon excuse themselves to go continue their duties, leaving me to wonder what Red was doing, if she was still with him and what they were talking about.
It took all the self control in me to not match over to the guest room and drag her away.
The door opened again and this time, Aileen entered, causing me to frown seeing how the only time she came on her own accord was to ask…more like demand for something.
“To whom do I owe this surprise?" I asked and she rolled her eyes, pulling a chair and sitting down.
“Can’t a girl visit her brother because she missed him?” Even Kael snorted at that.
“So, did you miss me?" I asked, knowing what her answer was going to be, the grin that appeared on her face proved I was right.
“That's not the point." She said, “Tristan told me what happened with Ally last night."
My frown deepened, “since when do the two of you talk without biting off each other's neck?" She froze, but shrugged it off almost immediately.
“We decided to be civil with each other…I'm very reasonable, and I want to make sure we all help you make the pack as peaceful as it can be…again, not the point.”
I nodded, choosing not to argue, knowing it could go on all day. “I was just…” I sighed, "I can't stop thinking that something could've gone wrong and I'll lose her too.”
Everything she told me about her family played over and over in my head, making me wonder why she would care about someone who clearly didn't give a shit about her. “It doesn't make it any better that you ran into her stepsister in the city–”
"About that,” Aileen interrupted me. "We met them again yesterday…Alyssa handled it properly.”
Kael let out a growl just at the thought of everything being a plan that we were walking into. My hand formed a fist, "why am I just hearing about it?”
"Before you go all Alpha male, that's not all.” My eyes snapped to her. "There's more?”
She nodded softly, "I found this,” she continued, placing a black object that looked like tracker on the table. "I didn't want to make her more worried…I was going to tell you yesterday but…”
"How?”
She explained that after they left the mall, Red met with someone that she recognised. The girl hugged her and although it was harmless and Red told them it was okay, something about it didn't sit well with her, so she didn't drop her guard and it was then she saw it in her pocket and turned it off.
“She was an Omega, so I guess someone put her put to it."
Although she wasn't saying it, I knew exactly what she was talking about. “Ryder!" I growled, my hand tightened, my nails digging into my palm.
“Are you okay, baby?" Red's voice came through our mindlink. I forgot she could feel my feelings now.
“I'm fine…just saw something.” I replied. "Are you still with your brother?”
"I'm with Elara…I'll tell you about her later."
I nodded until I realised she couldn't see me. “Okay baby." I murmured before ending the mindlink and blocking her out, knowing with the conversation I was currently having, I was bound to get angry.
“I do agree that her first mate is behind it,” Aileen continued. "But if he was certain about the trackers working, he wouldn't send his Beta, whose sister he's currently mated to, to go in search of his mate…that he rejected.”
I paused, thinking about what she said and it made sense. I was blinded by anger…maybe jealousy to think it through.
“And I think she mentioned how she was able to escape from the Pack because of him.”
I didn't remember her telling me that but it changes things.
“When did you become so smart?"
She glared at me playfully, “I'm going to take that as a compliment." She told me and I just smiled. "And about Ally, you have to understand that she cares about people and forgives…take Lori for example.” She added. "They're talking like they've been friends since childhood.”
"That's going to take some time getting used to it.” I admitted.
"I agree, but that's not going to stop me from punching Lori's face of she tries to take my position of her best friend.” she murmured.
Their relationship was something I was choosing not to question, and hence why Mel wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
“You still haven't taken her on an official date…I wonder how she's still with you.”
I glared at her, but she just shrugged. "You have a lot of making up to do…I can help if you want."
My eyes narrowed, “what's the catch?"
“I love my brother and I don't want Ally to realise she deserves someone who'd take her on a regular date and leave our crazy family…”
"Not funny.” I told her. The thought alone sent a sharp pain through me. She was mine…mine alone.
“The catch is that I can date anyone I want…even if you don't agree?” she said, “Yes, I'll probably meet my mate but before that happens, I'm going to date someone."
She stood up before I could respond, “tell me when you want the date to be…it was nice doing business with you brother.” And she was gone, leaving me to process what just happened.
But if everything I just found out was true, it means Jace was here on his own accord…which would mean that he had a reason, first for helping her escape, knowing it would put him and his position at risk. And also for looking for her now knowing he was putting his life in danger.
“I guess we have some questioning to do.” Kael said, and I agreed, pushing my chair back.
Thank you so much for reading another chapter! Your support, comments, and theories mean more to me than I can ever put into words. Every time you show up for these characters, it reminds me why I love writing this world so much.
Things are about to get even more intense, secrets are shifting, loyalties are changing, and Zayne and Red are stepping dangerously close to truths that can reshape everything they thought they knew. I hope you’re as excited as I am for what’s coming next.
Thank you for staying with me, for rooting for these characters, and for letting this story live in your heart.
Stay ready… the next chapter hits hard.