Chapter 44: I don’t feel well

**Alice’s Point of view**


Awkward. That's the word.
Our 3 packs are gathered in this small lounge where we have been waiting for the King to meet us for at least two hours.
Each pack has eight representatives: the Alpha, the Luna, the Beta, the Gamma, their children who will take their place and the former Alpha.
The tension is palpable and the atmosphere is heavy. I observe Alpha Vincent, Derek's grandfather, observing with an impassive air my grandfather and Alpha Georges. His sisters were their mates and they both committed suicide. Yet, he doesn't seem to hold a grudge.  
Besides, he sorts of raised my mother and Luna Lily and he has no contact with them now. And from what I can see, he doesn't seem to miss them. 
*"I'm sure he does, but there are so many secrets between our packs that he doesn't let on, for fear of it getting out."* Cassie says to me.
*"Huh. Cassiopeia?"*
I jumped violently at the familiar voice. My mother, sitting next to me, gives me a questioning look and I reassure her by shaking my head slightly.
*"Leo? Is that you?"* Cassie asks, overjoyed.
*"It's us, actually."* Replies Elliot. *"Can anyone else hear us?"* 
I discreetly look around at everyone, carefully avoiding Elliot.
*"I don't think so."* I reply.
*"There's no way we can mind-link. That we can do things that only mates who have marked can do is one thing. But this is crazy. You have to be in the same pack to do that!"* Says Elliot.
*"I have to admit, I don't understand anything for a while now."*
A very elegant man finally enters the room to ask us to follow him. As we walk towards the throne room, I still feel the connection.
*"Alice?"* 
*"Yes, Leo?"*
*"Did you do it?"*
I frown internally. *"Did what?"*
*"Touch yourself in the shower."*
I nearly stumble.
*"Leo! What the hell is wrong with you?"* Elliot lectures him, as embarrassed as I am.
I was going to ignore his question, but Cassie is not on the same page. *"We totally did. We were thinking about you and when we came, we moaned your name."*
Oh, Goddess. 
*"I wish I could die right here, right now."* I say, humiliated.
My embarrassment makes Elliot laugh and Leo tries to reassure me. *"Don't be ashamed, Alice. We thought of you too when we touched ourselves in the shower."*
*"Leo!"* Screams Elliot.
Ah, now it's my turn to laugh. 
We finally enter the throne room. The King and Queen are sitting with their crowns on their heads. Ben is here too, standing next to his father.
Our 3 separate groups stop at the bottom of the platform and we bow our heads in respect.
The King speaks. "Welcome, everyone. I am delighted to welcome the members of the three most influential packs on the continent, although I would have preferred it to be under better conditions. I have heard about the problem you are having with the rogues and it seems you are refusing to cooperate." He says in a harsh tone. "Even you, Alpha Jack, have failed to maintain peace and goodwill, even if it is your mission." 
I see Alpha Jack swallow and look down. 
Elliot speaks up. "Your Majesty, don't blame Alpha Jack. We understand that the rogues come through the corridors and stay in the town. And as you know, we can't intervene in this area, even if we agreed to go all together. We need your agreement." He says, slightly out of breath.
My father huffs. "We can't work together. I don't trust them." He says, pointing at the Reds, which makes Alpha Mark snicker. 
"Because you think I want to work with you? We know damn well who is behind all this!" He says in an accusatory tone.
"Yes, we do." Ben says with a clear voice. "An investigation has been conducted and we have a suspect. A case is being built against him, we are collecting evidence."
"Who is it?" Asks Derek.
"We can't tell you that right now. We can only affirm that we know you are innocent. All of you." He adds as he stares at Alpha Mark.
I clear my throat. "Your Majesty, I believe there is more behind this. I believe a witch is involved."
He pretends to be surprised, to keep our interview from yesterday a secret.
"Explain yourself."
I tell them all about my discovery about the plants, especially about the potion that allows crossing a territory without the Alpha knowing it.
Everyone seems worried, except for my father and grandfather who give me angry looks.
*"Do you think we should tell them about the grey wolfsbane?"* Elliot asks me.
*"I don't think so. We'd have to tell them what we did to find out and they look pissed enough."*
*"By the way, I completely forgot to tell you yesterday, but Owen found out that the Alpha of the rogues, Rudy Foley, was paid off by an Alpha with shares in Orion Resort."* 
*"The hotel chain? A lot of Alphas have shares in it, like a hundred including our dads and Alpha Jack."*
*"And an Alpha whose computer used to make the transfers was located at White Mountain pack."*
I'm both thrilled that we finally have proof and disappointed that I can't tell anyone. 
I glance over at him and see him blink a few times.
*"Elliot, are you okay?"*
*"Yes, why?"*
*"You're sweating."*
"Thank you Alice for all your information. Now we know who we are up against." Says the King, bringing me back to reality. "You have my approval to chase them out of the city center."
My father and Alpha Mark are about to protest, but the King doesn't let them. "You will all cooperate under the orders of Alpha Jack. I hope that he will be able to do the job. But I warn you. If there is any trouble between you, you will be banished from your lands and your titles will be taken away." 
Everyone gasped, in shock.
"Very well. I think the matter is settled. I will not keep you any longer." 
We bow our heads once more before retreating.
As we all return to our respective planes at the same time, I meet Elliot's increasingly pale gaze.
*"Alice?"* 
As I walk away, I feel our bond weakening. Obviously, we can only mind-link when we are close.
*"Are you okay? You're all white."*
*"No. I'm not feeling well."*