Chapter 23

Mason

^~Five days before the attack at Midnight Rose Pack~^

^~ ~My team is huddled around the large wooden table that fills the room.^

They’re all whispering to each other, not grasping the gravity of the situation.

“What’s the situation?” I demand.

They all lower their gazes as the room falls silent. “Well?” I press, my patience wearing thin.

“S-sir, during our p-patrol, we observed the target training.

“She’s getting stronger, but there’s still no sign of her w-wolf, so she’s not a threat to us yet.” Liam, one of my scouts, stammers.

“Alright. Anything else?”

Two weeks have passed and we’re still far from capturing her without getting caught ourselves. This isn’t good enough.

“W-well, we saw the target spending time with who we believe is the head guard of Midnight Rose Pack.

“We think his name is Axton, based on the data of who has been the head guard for the past few generations. They all share the last name, Jones.

“We researched this, and the newest member of the Jones family to reach adulthood is a male named Axton.

“So we’re assuming he’s following in his family’s footsteps.” He takes a deep breath before continuing, “Also, the target has been getting very close to a young pup.

“We don’t know her name, but we believe the target has grown quite fond of her.”

I take a moment to process the information. It’s not much, but we can work with it.

“Alright, everyone keep doing what you’re doing. Liam, I want a full report on this pup by Monday. I want to know everything about her.

“Where she lives, who her parents are, when she eats, how often she sees our target, even when she goes to the bathroom. Every...single...detail. Got it?” I command.

In unison, they respond, “Yes, Sir.”

“Good. Now get out of here, you’re dismissed.”

They all practically race out the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts. This isn’t good enough. She needs to pay for what she’s done.

I start brainstorming, considering all the possible strategies given our need to remain unseen and unsuspected by the council.

I come up with a plan and decide to act on it immediately. I stride out of the packhouse and head East. I let my useless Beta, Billy, know that I’m leaving the pack grounds but will be back soon.

I cut off the mindlink before he can respond. I don’t have time for his questions, the nosy pest.

I navigate through the forest until I reach my desired destination. Pairs of eyes scrutinize me, but I don’t submit. I’m the Alpha. I won’t bow down to a bunch of rogues.

I continue on my path until I find who I’m looking for: the Alpha of the rogues.

“Alpha Thompson, we meet again,” I greet with feigned enthusiasm.

“Alpha Mason, what brings you here?” he asks, his brown eyes attempting to intimidate me with a hard stare. It only works slightly.

“Can we talk in private?”

“Of course, follow me,” and with that, he leads me to the largest tent in the territory.

I take a seat and Alpha Thompson hands me a shot of Vodka, which I gladly accept. His long jet black hair brushes the small of his back as he turns to grab his own shot.

Dressed only in grey sweatpants, Thompson seems comfortable despite the weather outside, but that’s probably due to his werewolf genes. What surprises me, though, is his lack of footwear.

I knew rogues valued freedom, I just didn’t realize how far they took it. But desperate times call for desperate measures, so I keep my judgments to myself.

“So...” I lay out the entire predicament that Bloodnight Pack is in and that we need their help.

“I see. That woman has certainly given you a run for your money. We might be able to help. What’s your offer?”

“If you create some chaos at Midnight Rose Pack, I’ll ensure that each of your men gets a few females as a gift. But if you manage to capture her and bring her back to me, I’ll reward you with not only the females but also a portion of Bloodnight Pack's territory to expand your group.”

“That does sound tempting,” he muses, tapping his chin. “I think we might be able to help you... let me get the guy who trains all my men to discuss this further.

“I’ll be right back.” And with that, he leaves the tent, mud clinging to his bare feet.

You won’t escape this time. Enjoy your happiness while it lasts, because it won’t last much longer. Oh Hayley, you better be ready. I’m coming for you..

Luke

^~Present~^

I’m prowling around the border of Midnight Rose Pack, keeping an eye on Hayley who is currently walking with Alpha Jax. Where is he taking her?

I keep watching, expecting them to head to the dungeons, but he leads her towards... the packhouse. WHAT? Why would he do that?

Did she tell him? He couldn’t know, otherwise, he would have killed her. What is Alpha Jax up to? What if... what if they’re mates. Oh no. This is not good. This is very not good.

I start to head back quickly to inform Alpha Mason, but my senses are overwhelmed by the most enticing, sweetest scent I’ve ever smelled.

My feet carry me deeper into Midnight Rose Pack territory, drawn by the irresistible aroma.

As the scent grows stronger, drool forms in my mouth and trickles down my chin. My wolf stirs as we get closer and my heart pounds as if I’ve just run a marathon.

I come to a sudden stop when a woman with the longest, silkiest brown hair turns around and our eyes meet.

Her striking blue eyes lock onto mine as realization washes over both of us. I move closer to her, and hesitantly raise my hand to cup her soft cheek.

This is the moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life.

“What’s your name, buddy?” My wolf asks in a low, purring voice.

“Rose...”