Chapter 44

The afternoon was spent relaxing and eating among the Alek and his people. My mates had explained that the Asketill Territory took up all of Maine, but because the area was so big there settlement leaders. Alek was the leader for the area we were in.

I’d gathered that Alek was a good man, who ruled with a firm, but fair hand. He had trained and spent a lot of summers with my mates, which had formed a brotherhood between them. Alek’s pack hadn’t found their mate yet but remained hopeful that they would soon.

We were gathered outside under the almost full moon. It was beautiful night, warm enough to remind us that spring was near, but the heat of the fire was much appreciated. I was curled up against Rune, covered in a blanket with a mug of cocoa.

“As nice as catching up has been, I think it’s time we address the reason for your visit.” Alek’s expression turned serious and focused on my pack.

“Astrid has been gifted with old magic, some of which we are still figuring out. Part of her gift is visions. She saw the clearing in a vision last night, along with a rogue and female wolf fighting. We try to help the wolves that are facing the rogues in the visions and stop the rogues from finding others.” Frode shrugged.

“So, you’re here to kill the rogue?” Alek asked, his voice overly even-like he was focused on not giving away emotions.

I couldn’t sense anything from him. I’m sure as close as my pack was with Alek that he was aware of Sten’s magic. Which also mean that he had a firm grip and use of the mental wall to keep Sten out. The only conclusion I could come to was that he was hiding something.

Curiosity grew in my chest as I considered his recognition of me, or my name and now he was hiding his emotions. I still didn’t sense any malicious intent, but I was getting the sense that he had a secret-one that felt big.

“We’re here to help with the rogue.” I interrupted before Frode could respond.

I wasn’t sure what Alek was hiding, but I felt like the answer to this question could change how our visit was welcomed with his settlement. I doubted any of them would harm us, but I felt like we may not be as welcomed. Maybe they wouldn’t be as open with us or would try to do something behind our backs.

Alek’s eyes flashed something I couldn’t read, but his face stayed neutral. I had been right. That question was a set up. None of my mates said anything, but Rune’s arm tightened around me.

What are you up to, angel? Rune asked through the bond.

I’m not sure, but they are hiding something. That question was meant to trap us into an answer-one they would use to decide their next actions on. I replied, being sure that all my mates were included also.

Frode’s jaw clenched-he’d understood. I waited to see how he responded, wanting to follow his lead. Rune’s arm tightened around me again, sensing my unease.

I leaned into his body heat, enjoying the closeness with him. It felt like lately I’d been more distant with him, and I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed him. He pressed a kiss to my forehead before we both focused on the conversation that was unraveling before us.

“How do you want the rogue taken care of Alek?” Frode asked, appearing calm and relaxed.

Silence fell around the fire. Everyone had stopped their chatter and were focused on our conversation. Tense bodies focused, readying to defend their leader if need be. Erik and Rune stiffened, noticing the change in posturing around us.

“I know how you normally handle them. But this one is different.” Alek’s tone was cautious, and his words slow as he carefully chose his words.

“Different?” One of Erik’s dark eyebrow hit his hairline.

“He’s mated to Jenna.” Alek said.

“So, you want to capture him alive and then do what?” Frode asked, his jaw was clenched, but otherwise he seemed calm.

“We’re hoping that his mate can help. He doesn’t seem like he’s been a rogue that long. We’re hoping that he can be brought back.” Alek’s gaze never left Frode’s.

“Can that happen? Can rogues be brought back into a pack?” I asked Rune softly.

“It’s rare, but under certain circumstances it can be done. Having his mate is a big factor. Also, how long he’s been gone and if he even wants to be saved will play a part.” Rune explained.

“If he can’t be saved? What will you do?” Frode asked.

“What needs to be done. This isn’t something we’re just winging Frode, you know me better than that. I wouldn’t risk my wolves if I didn’t think there was a chance.” Alek’s tone was starting to turn to aggravated.

Parts of my vision came to my mind. He hadn’t wanted to hurt the female he was fighting. He was scared for her. He didn’t seem overly feral-but he couldn’t stop fighting either.

“Can you tell us anything of the vision?” Alek turned to me.

I looked to Frode, who nodded.

“He was chasing a small, brown female. She was well trained and doing well against him. Tiring him out, making him play into her plan. I didn’t see how it ended.” I sighed.

“What about his demeanor?” A small female asked as she stepped into the flickering light of the flames.

I had a suspicion she was the wolf in my vision.

“He didn’t seem extremely feral, but he was fighting back. It was like he didn’t want to be there. Didn’t want to fight. He was afraid of hurting the female but couldn’t stop himself from going after her. He was much bigger and should have been able to take her easily, but it seemed like he was holding back.” I met her stare.

Hope flared in her eyes. She was the wolf from the vision, and I bet that meant he was her mate. I wanted this to work out for her.

“What is your plan?” Frode asked, leaning on his knees.

“We’re going to use Jenna, who volunteered, to lure him into the clearing. My warriors will dart him with wolfsbane. Then we’ll bring him back to the settlement, make him shift and see if he’ll talk.” Alek shrugged.

He talked like his plan wasn’t to capture a wolf that anything but reasonable. Like they were just going to sit down and have afternoon tea with him. Frode’s jaw clenched as he considered. I found myself wanting to help. Wanting to save this rogue, to see if we could save a life instead of taking one.

“When do you plan on doing it?” Frode leaned back, sitting tall.

“The day after tomorrow, during the full moon.” Alek winced.

During the full moon we’d all be at our best. Stronger, faster, more aware. But so would the rogue, who was feral and didn’t think before acting. He had no grounding like the rest of us had, and he would be a big liability. Using his mate was smart, but dangerous. If they couldn’t subdue him enough with the wolfsbane, he could be more dangerous when they tried to approach his unclaimed mate to capture him. His wolf would be the one we’d be fighting, and the only thing his wolf would want was Jenna.

Frode nodded and looked to us before turning back to Alek.

“Is ok if we take the spare cabin for the stay?” Frode asked with a smile.

“Of course. I was hoping you’d say that.” Alek said, smiling.

I paused. His smile wasn’t at Frode or my mates, it was at me. Something stirred inside me again that made me uneasy. I wish I could place this feeling that I kept getting from him. I still sensed that I was safe, but it made me uneasy. Maybe staying would give me a clue, or if I was lucky, I’d get an answer.