Needing More Answers

Nathaniel's POV

I pace around my room at the visitor building while Tobias is sitting on the small couch in here. I could hardly sleep the night before, and I called Tobias into my room to discuss things since my mind is racing and it's taking a lot of my willpower to not just go over to Cole's office, raging at what happened the night previous with Ivy.

"She's bound with silver. That's such an ancient punishment."

"It's also pretty much illegal. No packs have used that punishment since the war with the witch covens' generations ago." I state and he gives me a solemn look.

"The question is, what did she do for Cole to apply that punishment to her? I looked into our records and there isn't a report of anything severe from this pack. A few thefts and other small petty shit, but nothing that even comes close to needing to bind a wolf with silver to suppress them."

"I'm wondering the same thing. But we know Cole won't admit it, and as the things look now, Ivy won't either. We might be able to get it out of Kane or Genevieve, but I don't want to break her trust like that."

I roll my head side to side, trying to release the tension I am holding.

Who thought having a mate would be this stressful?

"I've gotta get her alone somehow and get her to trust and open up to me."

I pace more and try to think of how I can get her alone, without Cole being aware. I don't know how much time passes, but I stop dead in my tracks as Tobias shoots up from the couch.

"What?" I question, the eerie smile forming on his face making me slightly uncomfortable.

"You said this year that the mating ball retreat wasn't going to happen right?" I shrug. "Well yeah. There wasn't much interest in it this year due to the drama that happened last year with those who were invited."

"Obviously she's your mate, but no one else has to know that."

"What the hell are you saying Tobias?" I question, not fully grasping his plan.

"Keep the retreat on. Since you're Ivy's mate, she won't have another one at the ball. That way she can be invited and go to the retreat and be away from Red Moon and Cole for two weeks. With you."

It's then that I smile.

"What in the hell would I do without you?" Tobias laughs.

"I honestly don't know."

"It's a good plan. I'll have a better chance of getting her alone and building up trust with her when she doesn't have to look over her shoulder."

"Precisely. Let's just hope that nothing interferes with her getting to the mating ball." Tobias says as he walks to my door.

I follow behind him. "I've got that covered already. I talked to my mother, and she wasn't opposed to Ivy performing at the mating ball, so she will technically be a hired staff member. So, I'll just have to "remind" Cole of that before I leave."

Tobias laughs again, twisting the door handle. "Well, there you go. Seems like some things are falling into place now."

"Yes. Thank you, my friend. Talk to you tomorrow."

He nods and walks out, the door closing with a small click.

- - -

Ivy's POV

I'm so angry with myself.

Why did I have to push Cole? Why do I keep doing it? Why can't I keep my head down and just survive?

It's not in your nature.

I groan as I roll over in bed, the dull ache in my side protesting at the movement. I still can't believe that Nathaniel saw the whole thing and hasn't made a spectacle of Cole. It's been eerily quiet, but also, I've been in bed so I can't really say that it's been quiet all over the pack. It's just been quiet for me.

With my side still protesting, I push myself up into a sitting position and see the state that is my hair in the full-length mirror across the room. Dear god.

There's a small knock at my door and then Evie walks in with a small tray of breakfast food. I smile at her.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better."

"That's good. Here's some food." She places the tray down near me on my bed and then sits beside me, reaching up to turn my face from side to side to examine it.

"It's not that bad today. Bruising definitely there, but the swelling went down so that's good."

There's a small moment of silence and I take her hand and squeeze it gently.

"You can tell me what's on your mind. I won't be offended." She looks at me sternly, clearly debating on whether to say anything.

"You could have told Nathaniel everything. Then he would have done something about it."

I sigh. "I honestly don't know if he would have done anything about it. I don't know him enough to be comfortable revealing everything to him. Who knows? He could have taken it either way, and I wasn't willing to risk it."

"I can understand that Ivy. I just want this to end for you, and end well." She leans in and hugs me. "You're so strong. It amazes me everyday that you get up and keep going. I know it's been hard for you over the past year or so, but I just want you to know that your effort and strength isn't going unnoticed."

"You've got that right, Evie." Kane states as he walks in and stands near us.

"You are one of the toughest she wolves I know, Ivy. Don't let that asshat of an Alpha get to you. One day, you'll kick his ass, and it will feel so good. And I'll be cheering from the sidelines."

I half smile.

"You guys are too good to me."

"You deserve friendship. Anyone who says otherwise is an idiot." Kane says as he heads back towards the door. "I'm glad you're okay though. Tobias and Nathaniel seemed pretty angry and worried about you, I'm sure they would like to see that you're okay."

I sigh, contemplating if I want to go see them, but I know I should, at least to say thank you.

"I guess I'll eat my breakfast and then head over."

"Sounds like a good plan for the day." Evie states, and her and Kane smile as they leave me to eat.