39. Tristan

Everything was a blur in Tristan’s mind. The last solid thing he remembered before waking up back in that wretched cell was Farryn forcing his wolf to come forward. He had felt every bit of Rorus’s excitement at feeling the power from the female Alpha. He enjoyed toying with her and riling her up but the other female had ruined his good mood. Being questioned was the last thing he remembered clearly. He opened his eyes with a quiet hiss, one of his hands drifting to his head as a splitting headache pierced his skull.

“Well you woke up sooner than I was expecting.” Tristan had found himself hoping that his first visitor would be the young alpha, instead he was greeted by the grim expression on Jason’s face.

“As pleasant as it is to see such a lovely person such as yourself, I must admit, you’re not the one I care to see right now.” Tristan could see the way the males shoulders stiffened, attempting to contain his building anger.

“But while you’re here maybe you can tell me what the hell happened out there? I’m assuming you know?” Tristan forced himself to sit upright. It was the closest he would get to showing Jason any respect for his title. The Beta flashed a wicked grin as he leaned closer to the bars.

“What happened out there?” He repeated slowly, unable to hide the smugness in his tone of voice.

“You finally admitted to your crimes is what happened, well your wolf did but that isn’t what matters. What matters now is, come sun up tomorrow? This pack will have torn you limb from limb.” Tristan’s brows slowly knitted together in clear confusion. He could feel Rorus’s hackles rising at the accusation being thrown their way.

“Really? Do you really believe our Alpha will let that happen?” Tristan could see a brief moment of doubt in the Beta’s eyes though his expression didn’t change.

“My mate will do as I say.” Jason rose to his full height as a flurry of emotions flooded Tristan’s head. The strongest emotion of all was confusion. He found it too difficult to believe that Jason and Farryn could be mates when he and Rorus both felt a connection to Farryn and Lola. His lips pressed together tightly in disgust at the sudden image of Jason and Farryn coupled together. Tristan rushed to his feet with the slightest wince and grabbed the bars to the cell to help pull himself as close to Jason as he could get.

“Even if Farryn wasn’t an Alpha, she still wouldn’t listen to you even if you are her mate. She is smarter than that. She isn’t like your typical female who will roll over just because her mate tells her too. She can think for herself, and make decisions for herself. More importantly than that, she wouldn’t settle for a male like you by her side. She deserves someone just as strong as she is.”

Jason scoffed at the male behind the bars, his lips parted in the beginnings of a response when a piercing female scream echoed through the village. He turned with alarm and made no hesitation to leave so he could make sure everything was okay.

“Jason let me out!” Tristan barked as his fist hit the bar, but Jason didn’t bother looking back as he left the building. Tristan stood in disbelief that he had been left behind when he heard another scream, whoever it was sounded devastated, as if they had witnessed the worst possible thing in their life. Tristan found himself worried that that the cry came from Farryn. He growled with frustration as he turned away from the bars, he had no choice but to wait until he was set free. He seated himself in a corner of the cell to keep his body propped up as he leaned his head back and slowly closed his eyes. With a few deep breathes he calmed his mind until he found himself standing on a foggy moor, the trees surrounding him were barren, the grass was brittle and dead. The area was vaguely familiar, in a deja vu sort of way.

He breathed in the wet air. It was crisp and untouched by human pollution, a scent he hadn’t smelled in years. He was just getting his senses under control when a twig snapped behind him, with a quick look over his shoulder he found Rorus approaching.

“Rorus my friend, what’s happening? Tell me that Jason was lying, tell me what’s going on!” Tristan turned to his wolf with building worry. The large beast huffed in annoyance before seating himself.

“*I didn’t say anything, I had nothing to say but…*” Rorus’s words echoed around Tristan. His brows furrowed in confusion as Rorus turned his head. Tristan had entered his mind many times since he was a child to speak with Rorus, they had endless conversations about all sorts of topics. But never before had Tristan seen more than one wolf in his mind. To his horror he watched as a large black wolf and a small light brown, almost golden furred wolf materialized and approached until they were seated beside Rorus.

“W-Who are you?” Tristan noticed the way Rorus’ ears flicked back to his head, he seemed guilty suddenly.

“*I’m sorry Tristan, I had to tell the Alpha, she asked and-*“ The golden wolf was cut off by a sharp growl from the black wolf, the hatred radiating from him was almost tangible.

“*You spoke because you’re weak!*” He snarled sharply before turning his heated gaze too Tristan.

“*Don’t act so surprised, you know who we are. You have always known us. Rorus tries to keep us suppressed but you are the one who lets us out*.” The wolf’s lips pulled back to reveal bloodied teeth. Tristan flinched as his hand lifted to his temple, his headache returning in full force.

“*You know us as Deacon and Carthel. We are Rorus’ other halves.*” The black wolf almost seemed smug as he spoke, even more so as Rorus let out a deep growl.

“*You are the only one who calls yourself that. You are no part of me.*” He stated arrogantly before rising to his paws and approaching Tristan whose face had paled.

“*The Alpha will be searching for answers soon Tristan, the half-breed is the key. Go with the Alpha, she will help.*” Carthel paused as his gaze turned to Rorus.

“*Let him remember this, he needs to remember*.” The wolf pleaded as Rorus used his head to force Tristan back a few steps.

“*It is time for you to wake up. Blood has been spilt, the Alpha might be willing to help you, but you need to help her first.*” Rorus nudged him one last time, creating a space between the two of them large enough to allow the fog to seep in. The pleading golden eyes of Carthel were seared into his memory, beside the murderous gaze of Deacon.

Tristan’s eyes snapped open as the front door of the jail opened. He could smell blood on Jason as the brooding male approached but he didn’t see any on him.

“Who’s hurt?” He asked as he pulled himself to his feet. The Beta unlocked the cell slowly, his eyes kept on his hands before finally he sighed as he threw the door open.

“Asher is dead.”