Chapter 24 24
Odette's Pov
My throat dried. “The Rogue territory?”
The Rogue territory was a wolf pack notorious for its war, slavery and sheer cruelty. Unlike other packs, they were not affiliated with any pack in the realm. They were dangerous and feared by nearly every wolf. Visiting their territory was quite a travel and would be a dangerous one due to its strategic location — in the Northern border.
I suddenly remembered Gerald's words : “Deep in the Northern mountains, beyond the icefalls.”
I could find the Witch of Delacroix there.
I didn't appear too optimistic about it so I hid my excitement and asked. “Are you sure going there is a good idea?”
“I believe it is,” Aaron pulled me closer. “I know their Alpha and he's a good friend of mine.”
When he said that I wasn't surprised. I had once read in a book at the castle that the Alpha of the Rogues was as ruthless as they come and Aaron's nickname was the “Beast of BlackWood Castle” so go figure.
“Okay,” I breathed. “As long as he's our ally.”
“He is,” Aaron nodded. “Now, get some rest.”
A few hours later, we continued our journey in thick coats and winter boots. We were getting closer to the North.
We rode the whole day, taking a few breaks to eat and rest, then we continued riding for the rest of the night. I wondered how Aaron could stay awake. I would fall asleep and wake up now and then, and wake up hours later in his arms.
This time when I woke up, it was morning. The sun shone brightly, the breeze warmer than that of last night.
“Good morning, darling,” Aaron greeted softly.
I whispered the greeting and looked at my surroundings. I noticed that everyone rode slowly and chatted and laughed as they rode, without a hint of tiredness showing on their faces, even though they didn't sleep the whole night. These men were powerful. And women, if you're counting Jane.
“We have arrived. You will be able to rest soon,” Aaron said while we rode over a bridge that led to a big metal gate with a guard on each side.
Caesar jumped down from his horse and went up to one of the guards. They spoke a few words and then the two guards opened the gate for us to enter.
As we entered, I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. I was not looking forward to meeting the Rogue Alpha, and I became even more worried when Aaron and his men were told to leave their weapons in a storeroom before entering the Pack's main building.
Aaron did so without hesitation, and his men followed. I just stared at them, wide-eyed. Were they on a death mission?
I put my hand on Aaron's before entering, giving him a worried and questioning look. He returned with a reassuring smile before following the guard that would show us the way to the bloodthirsty Alpha.
“His Majesty, Lycan King Aaron, Lord Alpha.” the guard informed them before opening the door to what looked like a throne room.
“Scar!” A deep male voice echoed in the throne room.
My eyes darted to where the sound came from. A tall man dressed casually stood in the middle of the room, a smile plastered on his face as he walked closer to us.
“Lord Alpha,” Aaron replied, bowing.
Wait? Alpha? I had imagined the Rogue Alpha to be a short, ugly bald man over his thirties with dirty teeth. Why? I don't know.
Maybe because of his reputation, but this man was tall and seemed to be in his mid-twenties. His brown shoulder-length hair perfectly matched his sun-kissed skin, coupled with his ocean blue eyes, he was good looking.
“Oh, please,” the Alpha drawled while rolling his eyes. “I hate that title.”
He tipped his head to one side as he noticed me standing next to Aaron and studied me with his piercing blue eyes.
“This is my wife, Odette.” Aaron introduced us.
I tried to smile as the Alpha looked near.
He took my hand in his and placed a soft kiss on my knuckles.
“It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady. The name is Ivan.” he said, then turned his gaze to Aaron. “I never thought our Scar would marry anytime soon.”
This was the second time he had called Aaron by that nickname. I was confused. “But of course, with your looks anything is possible, isn't that right, Odette?" he asked, looking my way. I froze up, unable to reply. When I didn't respond, he laughed. He made me nervous in a bad way.
“You guys must be hungry and tired. Let's eat!”
We were served lamb skillets, mashed potatoes and a basket filled with an assortment of fruit stood in the middle of the table.
A servant whispered something into the king's ear and he smiled at us.
“My sister, Astrid, will join us for breakfast. Astrid has been dying to meet you since you saved her life.” Alpha Ivan said, looking at Aaron. Aaron saved the Alpha's sister? Is that why he thought that the Alpha would help us?
“Oh, here they are,” he said as a beautiful lady entered the dining room. She looked just like Ivan with their long brown hair and blue eyes and seemed to be around my age.
“This is my sister Astrid,” Ivan said, gesturing to her.
Astrid was wearing a brown dress that made her eyes stand out even more and her hair was pinned on the crown of her hair in beautiful jewels.
So she was the one Aaron saved? She was stunningly beautiful. I couldn't help but wonder if that was the reason Aaron had saved her.
“You know Aaron, and this is his wife, Odette,” he said, introducing us in return.
Astrid's eyes widened as she stared at us, confused, but quickly got over her puzzlement and smiled. ”Welcome. We are happy to have you here.”