Page 64 of Fated to the Rogue

“That’s what friends are for,”he replied exhaustedly, but with a smile nonetheless.

“If you can please follow me. I’ll show you to your rooms, then we can get the negotiations started.” Alpha Sanders gestured towards the entrance, and the three of us quickly obliged.

The two leaders led the way as we roamed the narrow hallways of the two-story packhouse. We stopped by the guestsuites to drop off our belongings before heading to the office, located on the top floor. We quickly took our places in front of the desk, while the Alpha of Sapphire Pond sat behind it in a fancy chair, right beside his Beta.

“Alpha Ruben. Since you were the one who called this meeting, would you like to get it started?”

“Sure thing.” The leader of Dune Drifters smiled, crossing his legs before turning to us. “Just like I informed Alpha Zephyr over the phone, I would like to assist Wind Howlers in your battle against the Fallen, should they enter your territory. I’m willing to offer you a hundred of my best warriors.”

“We appreciate your kindness, Alpha Ruben.” Malin nodded with impressive spontaneity. Since he was representing our leader, it was only natural for him to conduct the negotiation, but I wasn’t expecting him to behave so…Alpha-like. “May I ask what you’d need in return?”

“Just to be on good terms with Wind Howlers,” the man replied casually. Noticing our shock, he didn’t hesitate to clarify, “I might be young, but I recognize a strong leader when I see one.”

“Yet you refused Alpha Zephyr’s deal when you met with him personally. What’s changed?” I inquired curiously.

“Good observation. You do think like a Gamma.” Ruben smiled amusedly. “During our meeting, I could tell Alpha Zephyr was conflicted. He insisted he was strong, but he didn’t believe in himself at the time. I have a feeling he’s grown to be who he said he was.”

“Why?” I couldn’t help but ask, earning myself an elbow in the ribs. Malin was clearly displeased by my attitude.

“A very reliable source of information told me that your Alpha has not only defeated another Alpha in combat, but also said Alpha’s Beta.” We turned to Amaya, who lowered her gazeguilty while a subtle smile lit up her face. “That leads me to believe he fully trusts his she-wolf now.”

“Very well,” Malin chimed in before I could ask any more questions, putting an end to the interrogation.

Just as I thought the issue was settled, the two Alphas exchanged glances. In the end, Sanders cleared his throat. “I would also like to propose an alliance between Sapphire Pond and Wind Howlers. We can’t afford to send a meaningful amount of warriors to train with you, but we live close enough to help you in the event of an attack. Should the Fallen strike, we will all fight by your side, myself included.”

Malin shot me a side look. We certainly weren’t expecting that, but we wouldn’t miss the opportunity. “Name your price.”

We spent the next two hours determining the essential points of our treaty and signing documents to enact it. By the time we were done, we agreed to celebrate the success of our meeting over lunch, but my plans changed the very moment Alpha Sanders opened the door for us to leave his office. Standing right outside of the room was an exotic creature - something deep inside of me would dare say she was beautiful.

The dazzling female had an athletic build like most warriors, and she was just as tall as me. Her straight, messy onyx hair was short, reaching just above her shoulders. The features of her heart-shaped face were powerful, whilst still embracing her femininity. She held her head tall like an Alpha, yet the second her huge baby-blue eyes met mine, a breath helplessly escaped her plump lips.

I stormed through the door, running past her as fast as I could.

“The fuck are you doing, dingbat?! Get back there now!” Talon’s roars echoed in my head, but I kept fighting him off. It was a good thing I had the nose clip on; had he been able to catchthe scent of her unique fragrance, he would easily overpower me and track her down.

When I finally made it to my guest suite, I locked the door behind me, pressing my back against it with arms wide open to make sure it wouldn’t open. Talon was still growling like a ravenous beast inside my head, which led me to decide to block him out. Once he was silent, the only sound rocking the walls of the room was my heart drumming in my chest as I panted frantically, adrenaline rushing through my veins.

Taking one of my shaky hands off the wall, I used it to press the clip harder against my nose. All I could do now was stay here, plotting how I would murder Zephyr; if I left the room, I’d be doomed. I knew this was going to happen. I fucking knew it!

Why, oh why, Moon Goddess, did you have to pair one of your children with me? Why couldn’t you leave me in the shadows, away from your light?

A loud bang on the door interrupted my thoughts, almost making my heart stop.

“Zach! Open the damn door!” I was somewhat relieved to hear Malin’s voice outside.

“Never!” I shouted back adamantly.

There was silence for a moment. I thought I was winning, until he yelled again, “Either you open it, or I’ll knock it down. Your choice!”

Part of me wanted to believe that the straight-laced Omega-turned-Beta would never damage another pack’s property, but another part was too afraid to test him. Unwilling to let him destroy the one thing that kept me away from my downfall, I allowed him to come in at last. When he did, the furious expression on his face made me think he would drag me outside. Instead, he took a deep breath.

“This has gone too far, Zach. You’ve even still got that dumb thing on your nose!”

“If I take it off, Talon will stop at nothing. I won’t be able to fight him any longer.”

“Why do you wanna keep fighting him?” He studied my terrified expression for a moment. Then, it dawned on him. “Is this because of Simone?”

I looked away from him. He didn’t understand it; no one did. Malin didn’t go through what I did. Yes, most she-wolves wanted a piece of him, but he always turned them down. He didn’t make the same mistake I did. Like him, I should have stayed away from them. I should have never trusted them enough to confess my feelings.

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