Chapter 23

***Alpha Maximus POV***


I stared at my mate, my eyes raking over her lovely face. Lilian had spoken with decorum in her voice, but I also detected that it was a few octaves lower than normal. That meant that crystal was part of this conversation. Brutus immediately pushed forward and demanded the same. I allowed it.
This was only something Alpha and Luna’s can do. They are able to bring their soul-sharer forward, without the need to shift into the wolf. That meant, parents of pups could all have a voice, at the same time. Regarding the welfare of the family, or in times of need.

Brutus and I, looked at Lilian and crystal, through the same eyes. Although we were Alpha and Luna, we could not hold this joining, as it was called. For very long. So we got straight to the point.
‘My love, you believe our pup is being poisoned by something? Who would do such a thing. And to the next in line!’


‘My darling,’ spoke the lower voiced crystal. ‘I have suspected Jackson was taking something, for a while. I thought it, maybe, the hemlock that grows around the pack house. You know yourself, that variety of the plant, doesn’t harm us. Having used it ourselves when we were young. But Lilian and myself now suspect that something stronger is being used.’
‘Like what?’ I barked out. Impatiently. Lilian smiled at me and told me to shush. Allowing her to carry on the conversation, I rudely interrupted.
‘Max, please. This is as hard for me as it is for you’.


I lowered my head as a mark of respect to my Luna. Of course this was hard for her too. I’m such an arsehole at times. ‘Please continue, my love. What do you suspect Jackson is taking?’
Lilian drew in a deep breath before answering me, ‘I do have some thoughts on what he is taking. The thing that has me rattled, Max. Is that if I am right. There is no way, Jackson or any wolf would take such a thing. I believe our son is being manipulated. Do you know what adding Nasturtium to a potion can do?’


I shook my head, I admit, things like this were not something I was educated enough in.
‘Well, Nasturtium is often used with other herbs, it is very rarely used on its own. Depending on what the other herbs will be. If any. Nasturtium has the effect of altering one’s perception of your surroundings. Or of people. Things.’

Lilian’s voice trailed off and I rushed over to her and enveloped her in my arms. I let her sob, quietly on my chest for as long as she needed. I knew how frustrated she must be. How angry she is, that someone is messing with Jackson. I could feel my own anger, bubbling just under the surface. Brutus was also, angry.
He was currently trying to dissuade Crystal, into starting an inter-pack war.


This was ridiculous, within a few weeks, everything had shifted. I hated not being in complete control. And this was something that neither Lilian or myself, had control over.
‘Do you have a theory? About who is doing this and why?’ I asked Lilian, hesitantly.


Lilian raised her eyes to mine. Tears still clung to her lower lashes, I bent my neck so I could kiss them away. My heart ached to see my mate so upset. I placed my forehead against hers. Not really expecting an answer to my previous question. Nonetheless, Lilian whispered, ‘the Mason’s. I believe it has something to do with the Mason’s.

***Julia POV***

I had been allowed to leave the hospital. I knew I would be ordered to stay in the pack house, as I was not a member of this pack. But I was also not a member of any pack.

When we pulled into the small turning off the highway, I didn’t expect much. Reece had alluded to the pack being almost wiped out, during the attack that killed my father, the Alpha. I thought with derision.
I didn’t even have a wolf, and Reece expected me to accept what he had told me. I know I was a bit out of it, still. With my mind playing tricks on me. Memories being there one minute, only to forget them the next. It was so bloody frustrating.

I was so distracted by my train of thought I didn’t realised the car had stopped until the driver, spoke gently to me. Telling me we had arrived. I smiled back at the man, who, for whatever reason, looked very nervous. I was about to open the door, when it was opened for me.

Standing outside the car, holding the door open for me was a man that seemed so familiar to me. His name was on the tip of my tongue. I could feel it, just sitting there. I went to explain my hesitation in exiting the car, when I finally took a quick peek at my surroundings.

When I say, I almost fell out of the car, I am not exaggerating. The man, who’s name escaped me, jumped forward and held out his arms, as if to catch me. But, thankfully, I caught myself. Was it my imagination, or did the man look a little disappointed at not being needed?

My reaction was caused by being in the most beautiful clearing I had ever been in. Where the road, or drive, I supposed. Was on one side, the three remaining sides were surrounded by forest. The smells coming off the trees were so alluring I could fully imagine losing myself within their majestic heights.
And the sweet smell of the wild flowers, that were sprinkled at the feet of each tree, made my fingers itch to pick them. Turning them into a wonderful bouquet. I twirled around, slowly. Taking in the beauty. Letting it ease my troubled heart.


I took in a deep breath, forgetting that I had not long been in an accident. It started a coughing fit that made my eyes water. I was aware of someone shouting something. The next thing I was aware of was a bottle of ice cold water, being placed into my hand.
I gratefully took the bottle, opened it and drunk it down. Throwing my head back, in an effort to get the drink down my throat faster.


My eyes closed as the ice cold water slid down my throat, soothing it after Coughing so much. I opened them slowly, thanking the Goddess, I had stopped. Then I promptly spat the water left in my mouth, all over the man who had opened the door for me.
I knew I should be apologising. I mean, I spat my water at the guy. But I was frozen.


As I looked up at a massive structure. At least six stories tall. And so wide, I swear I couldn’t see where it ended, as it sat nestled comfortably within the forest that surrounded it.
Logically, the building should have looked ludicrous where it was. But the structure, however it was built, had a façade of log. It was a giant log cabin. Or log mansion, might be a more accurate description.
I was mesmerised. I could see the late morning sun hit the windows, making them look like they were glowing with fire. As I Let my eyes travel down the huge building, I took in a few of its features. Like shutters on all the windows, and a wrap around porch. That had swing seats, and rocking chairs dotted around it.


It was the most terrifyingly large, yet, also the most charming building I had ever seen.
My eyes landed on the man again. He was wiping his face down with a tissue. I blushed to the roots of my hair and started to apologise. He held up his hand to stop me. As he was about to speak, the huge wooden door opened and out bounded, Alpha Reece.

‘I’m so sorry I wasn’t outside to meet you, Julia. You are earlier than I expected.’
I made to apologise again, feeling like a huge burden. But found my attempt being brushed away with a wave of the hand.

‘Nonsense, you have not done anything wrong. Right.’ Reece clapped his hands together and rubbed them, as if he were excited.
‘Steven, could you please take Julia’s case up to the shadow room. And Brad, could you make sure a tray is brought to Julia’s room when she is settled.’ After issuing the orders to his people, Reece finally looked at the man he called Steven. I could see his eyes widen, and once again, felt my cheeks burn.

‘What the fuck happened to you?’ He said quietly to the man. Curiously, his response made my eyes narrow, questionably. I was about to ask why he had said what he had said, when I was scooped up into a pair of strong arms, and carried into the building.