70

"I don't understand..." I begin slowly. There are now hundreds of questions whirling in my mind, and I don't know where to begin.

Malachi paces behind me, yet always within arm's reach, a dark look on his face. It's nothing like the dark looks he used to wear, but I can tell he is deeply bothered by this.

"So you mean to tell me, you weren't briefed on the history between our packs as part of your formal Luna training?" the rogue, who is actually an Alpha, stands and looks at me puzzled.

I laugh, an effortless sound that seems to release the tension in my chest and throat. "Formal Luna training?" I look at Hendrik who shares a boyish smile, then look at Hamilton who is frowning just as darkly as his Alpha.

It is Malachi who responds. "We've had our hands rather full these last few weeks. And in case you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of a crisis and many of my wolves are dead and I've just lost my mother since she nearly turned me into a demon, and we don't have time right now for your games!" Malachi shouts, waving his arms before raking both hands through his hair.

I loop my arm around his waist and rest my head on his shoulder, feeling his agitation vibrate through every muscle and tendon of his strong body.

"Malachi, it's okay. Let's just all calm down and discuss this in a reasonable manner," I make eye contact with each man present, my eyes then wondering to gathered women and children who watch on expectantly.

They don't seem to feel threatened by the presence of the rogue, and Malachi isn't lunging to tear his throat out. So despite my initial concerns of meeting Zander, I feel them slip away as a feeling of honesty and integrity radiates from him. I feel I can trust him, as I did when I first offered my hand to him.

"Then allow me to begin," Zander speaks, his tone formal and his words eloquent. "My father, Vanko, was the Alpha of the land we are standing on, the Pack of Siyah Mağara, named for the numerous caves that riddle the mountain ranges." He gestures his hands to the hills behind us that extend north along the edge of the plains. I am suddenly eager to explore this foreign land.

"Your father also killed my father," Hamilton speaks up, his voice a deadly and low growl.

I gasp, swivelling my eyes between the Beta and rogue. I remember the story Hamilton told me about his father following Dennison's orders to check on a disturbance by the border, only to be ambushed and killed by the Alpha of the neighbouring pack.

"I am sorry," Zander lowers his head to Hamilton. "I am sorry that all I can give you is an apology. Alphas Vanko and Dennison had many disagreements, both were hot-headed and arrogant wolves—I mean no offence, Malachi," he glances at Malachi, who nods in acceptance. Not one of us is offended by the slur against Dennison.

Zander continues, "Though I tried to reason with Vanko to stop the arguments before they led to something worse, he decided to cross our border to confront Dennison. By the time I found out what he'd done, it was too late and he'd already taken the lives of your father Beta Arthur and his warriors. I never wanted that to happen, you have to believe me," he looks sincerely at Hamilton, who remains with his arms crossed over his chest and his jaw clenched tight.

When he finally releases a sigh and lets his arms hang by his side, he speaks in a rough voice, "I know it's not your fault, Zander. I just wish..."

"You wish my father was here so you could rip out his throat yourself," Zander finishes the sentence, the sentiment mirroring the look of simmering anger and bitterness on Hamilton's face. "I almost wish the same, as the man broke the law of the land, destroying our pack when our very homelands were taken from us.

For years, I've hated him for how he handled the situation, and almost wish he could come back from the dead so I could demand why he could be so impulsive and ruthless. But the bitterness has stolen too much of my life. I've chosen to let go of my anger, and move forward so I can take care of my wolves. They need a strong leader, though heaven knows I'm not the best man for the rank of Alpha, not my any means."

I'm taken aback by his honest and direct way of speaking, at the personal trials he's just shared with us, and I step forward to lay my hand on his arm. "Zander, whatever it is you need to discuss with us, I am ready to listen. We all are." I meet Hamilton's eyes, then Malachi's as he steps up behind me and pulls me back against his chest. Zander smiles knowingly at the possessive reaction.

Then the rogue Alpha looks at Malachi with a seriousness in every aspect of his gaze and posture. "I request the re-acquisition of my territory, so my pack can rebuild and finally have a future on our own land."

I smile, seeing the sense in his request and wishing for all to be made right after so much loss in his past. "There now, that wasn't so hard—"

"Absolutely not!" Malachi growls at the rogue, and I flinch at my mate's abrupt response.

"But Malachi, it's his land. Your pack only acquired it because of the tragic events that should never have occured. Why can't you let it rest and—"

"How can we trust him?" Malachi takes my arm and leads me away from the group, talking in harsh whispers to me. "He's been a rogue for seven years, packless, wandering in the wilderness. His mind might not be right—"

"Oh, for goodness sake. Does he look like he's crazy to you?" I look pointedly at the refined and calm man who is waiting patiently for our discussion to reach a conclusion. Returning my gaze to Malachi, I see him studying him just as closely. I understand his hesitancy to just hand over land so quickly. Alphas are extremely territorial, especially when blood debts are owed and feuds remain between the commanding families.

"I still don't like the idea..."

"Well, I do. I have a feeling we can trust him. He only wants what's rightfully his, so he can finally lead his people in a better life. It's what we all want," I say carefully, reminding him of our own determination to rebuild our lives after the tragedy of last night.

My mate sighs, takes a deep breath and then sighs again before heading back to Zander and the others. "Alright, you may have your land back. Next week, I will go over the paperwork and draw up the original boundary lines so we are all clear on our territories. We will help you with the initial resources and supplies you need to rebuild your town since it was burnt to the ground by my father."

"And we will also lend you some of our warriors if you need help running border patrol while you get back on your feet. And you're invited to our next Fire Night in two weeks' time on the new moon," I add, feeling the weight of Malachi's stare as he wonders why I'm being so generous.

"Thank you, Luna. Much appreciated. However, we will not be needing the warriors as my own men are strong and capable enough," Zander bows over my hand once again, ignoring the intense glare from Malachi and instead smiling at me warmly.

Then he and Malachi grip forearms, formally shaking on the agreement. I let out a sigh of relief and share a smile with Hendrik, who is far more happy than Hamilton with the outcome of our discussion.

"What's this?" Malachi suddenly growls, his entire body bristling as he reaches around Zander's neck and pulls free a leather cord. Hanging in the middle is a ring, and he holds it up to the light to examine it closely. "My sister's ring?" He roars in shock, his face twisting as snarls vibrate from his throat. "Why do you have my sister's ring!?"

Zander throws up his arms in defence, and I tense in fear of what Malachi might do. The young Alpha is thoroughly ticked off, and I swallow my nervousness and snag the back of his shirt.

"Malachi," I tug him back but he only advances on the new Alpha, ignoring me completely.

"She gave it to me. Why else do you think I would have Violet's ring?" Zander explains slowly and calmly, not giving any indication of fear of the advancing and enraged Alpha before him.

I again try to call my mate's name, but he just keeps glowering with animosity at Zander.

"My sister was murdered, somewhere up here beyond our border. It makes too much sense that you, having her ring, would be the murderer," Malachi says boldly.

I shudder and cover my mouth to keep from gasping, the accusation seeming to be logical without any other facts. But from the gut instinct I feel about Zander, I know he can't be the killer. "Just let him explain, Malachi. Don't do anything rash," I say loudly, rushing forward again to stop a potentially bloody fight from breaking out.

But Hamilton grabs my arm and holds me back, shaking his head in a warning. Coming between two Alphas is dangerous, so instead, I pour energy from my heart into our bond, hoping Malachi feels something and calms down. His body remains alert, tense, poised to strike in pent-up retribution for his dead sister.

"I would never hurt Violet," Zander begins.

"Why not?" Malachi interrupts, crowding closer to Zander's face, his hands inches away from wringing his neck. "Why wouldn't you, a packless rogue wanting revenge for having his territory ripped from him, take away the one thing my father cared about?"

"Because she was my mate!" Zander yells, losing some of his composure but standing up confidently against Malachi.

Malachi freezes, some of his rage deflating as his shoulders lower a fraction, and I see the confusion written on his face. "Mate?" he repeats in a thin voice.

I take my chance to slip beside him and hold his hand between my own. He wraps his fingers around mine tightly as if to steady himself. "How?" he asks, and Zander rakes his hand through his hair as he sighs in relief that the tension has eased between them.

"Not long after the fight between our packs and we lost our territory, I met Violet. You know how she often liked camping up here near our border."

Malachi nods, "But after the fight, my dad prohibited anyone from coming up to Sunset Falls except for the extra border guards. We didn't trust you wouldn't try and cross again in retaliation."

"Yes, well..." All of us listen intently as Zander formulates his reply. "That was a good call. We were angry and wanted revenge, as I said before. I lurked along the border, actually trespassing onto your territory when I met Violet. She obviously broke your father's command."

Malachi frowns darkly, processing this information.

"We both knew the danger of being in this precarious zone of land, but I guess our bond drew us together. You can't fight destiny," he gives me a knowing smile, and I fight back a grin as Malachi looks at me sharply.

Destiny by God's designs will always pull mates together, no matter how impossible the circumstances.

Zander continues, "We only met a couple of times before she gave me her ring as a symbol of her commitment to be with me." He motions to the gold ring in Malachi's palm.

"I still don't entirely believe you," Hamilton interjects hotly. "Violet never told us she'd found her mate." He looks to Malachi, who nods in agreement.

I know she was like an older sister to them both, so why would she hide such exciting news from them?

"Of course she didn't," Zander replies calmly, yet sadly. I can see it affects him to discuss his dead mate like this, having to defend his relationship with her.

His face darkens in a sad expression, almost wistful as he recalls the past. "Can you imagine Dennison's reaction if he found out his daughter's mate was a rogue, the son of his enemy who killed his Beta? It was a mess, when all I wanted to do was meet with my mate's family and gain approval as any mate would. Instead, we had to hide it from everyone. We couldn't mark or claim each other at the time, hoping things would calm down and Dennison would become more reasonable. But then..." he pauses, swallowing unsteadily and I dread the next part of the story. "Then she was killed, right before my eyes."

Malachi tenses, his body becoming completely rigid as he squeezes my hand with almost enough force to crush my bones. Hamilton stares off into the plains, blinking his eyes as he clears them of emotion.

"Who killed her?" Malachi asks quietly, his voice trembling slightly, but mostly dripping with a heavy threat. I can tell he wants to tear Violet's murderer to shreds, and I wouldn't stop him.

"A few of your father's many enemies. I didn't stop to find out their names before tearing their eyes out, then their tongues, then slicing their bodies to ribbons with my claws. I was blinded by rage and pain, too hurt to really care who they were. They took my mate from me, and nothing compared to that soul-crushing pain that ripped through my heart as if they had killed me, and not her."

Zander swallows quickly, biting his trembling lip as I see his eyes glisten with unshed tears. With a shaky hand, he runs his fingers through his tousled hair, his gaze searching the distance for a sense of calm. My own heart begins to ache for him and the obvious grief that still lingers in his soul.

Malachi nods. He knows that very pain, and I lean into his side as he holds me closer.

"How did it happen? Why couldn't you stop them?" Hamilton asks lowly, a hint of accusation in his voice.

"They were opportunistic, taking a chance I never saw coming. Violet was on her way to meet me here. She was halfway up the hill when the devils jumped from the rocky cliffs and ended it all in only a few seconds. I ran down as fast as I could, the fastest I've run in my life, but I was too late. I heard them swearing, cussing out Dennison before I slaughtered them. I knew the Alpha was an arrogant tyrant, I just hadn't anticipated his own foolish actions in the past would result in the death of his daughter. As you can imagine, I became even more hateful towards him, and actually cried in joy when I heard he'd been killed."

Everyone is silent for a few moments as the story sinks in, the details about Violet that Malachi and his pack have been wanting to know for years finally out in the open. Maybe now, they can find closure even though the loss hurts like fresh wounds, reopened to torment them all over again.

I see Malachi swipe under his eye, and I lift my hands to wipe away his tears, as he's done for me. Holding his face in my hands, I look him in the eye until he's regained control.

Lowering his forehead to mine, he murmurs his thanks before wrapping his arms around me and resting his head on my shoulder. I can still feel the tension in his body, my heart aching as his aches, and I say in his ear, "I trust him. I know it's hard, but I'm sure Zander can be trusted. He's not the enemy we've thought him to be. He's an ally."

Malachi slow nods, then takes a fortifying breath. "Thank you for sharing that with us, Zander."

"Yeah," Hamilton adds quietly, his voice still rough. "It means a lot. Honestly," he scuffs the ground with his shoe before clearing his throat. "Could you tell us... where she is buried?" he asks in a thick voice.

Zander swallows heavily, his throat bobbing. "We buried her on our sacred burial ground, up beyond the main cave entrances. The meadow is surrounded by tall sequoias, protecting it like a fortress as they overlook the main township. I knew she would have wanted to be laid there, seeing as she was... would have been.. Siyah Magara's Luna," he finishes slowly, looking down with a sorrowful frown between his eyes. "I can take you there if you like," he lifts his head and offers to Malachi.

My mate shakes his head. "No, not... not right now." He shifts on his feet, and I feel the anguish in his soul. He has already been through so much today, I understand why visiting his sister's grave is more than he can bear.

Emotion has overcome us all, but I still have questions. Something still doesn't add up.

"But why now?"

Zander looks at me, puzzled.

"Why tell us this now? Why only ask us now for your territory back?"

Zander takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. "Obviously I would have never asked Dennison for it. That unreasonable scoundrel would have killed me the moment he saw me. Violet told me he was volatile and I shouldn't even think of approaching him.

But she said her young brother Malachi would be a different kind of Alpha, and I'd have a better chance with him once he became Alpha. After she died, I wandered the plains for a couple years, not caring for my pack or anything really. They scattered as well, finding places to settle and survive without a leader. Every now and then I would come back and check on things, and was pleased when I heard Dennison was finally gone.

But it still wasn't the right time to do anything about my territory. I heard you," he looked at Malachi, "were having troubles in your own ranks, not enough of the elders respecting your leadership. I didn't want to cause you any more drama or division, so I waited. For what, I wasn't sure. Then, Ariella, I heard about you," he flashes me a bright smile.

"Me?" My eyes widen in shock.

"Wait a minute! Hold up," Malachi steps in front of me protectively and holds up his hands. "How did you keep hearing all this stuff? Do you have a spy in my pack?"

Zander chuckles, clearly at ease even when Malachi is not. "Let's call it, a friend on the inside."

I watch as his eyes slide to Hendrik, who presses his lips together as though smothering a chuckle.

"You mean I have a traitor on my hands?" Malachi crosses his arms and glares at his Gamma.

"Mal, don't be so dramatic!" I interject quickly and tug on his arm.

"It's not like that," Hendrik defends himself. "Zander and I were friends before your fathers were enemies. We used to run together along the border when we were boys. After the falling out and tragedy between our packs, I couldn't bear to see him lose so much hope.

I kept him in the loop of how things were going, always looking for an opportunity to approach you about restoring his pack's territory. We all know how things haven't been going well since you officially became Alpha after Dennison's death, so we waited and bided our time. But then I met Ariella," Hendrik pauses in his side of the story to give me a smile, and I feel my stomach twist in something akin to unease, but more just apprehension at what my part is in this, whatever it might be.

"Since the day I met you, I saw how strong and courageous you were, yet quiet and gentle in your own way. No one took you seriously, or gave you the respect you deserved, but I saw something that I just knew would benefit our pack immensely in the time to come. I've watched you become more confident in not only yourself, but your faith and convictions.