16

"What was that?" Savannah stood up quickly, her body instantly on alert as she scanned the area. The scream seemed to have come from inside, so she slid the door open and was about to race across the threshold when Zion grabbed her hand.

"It's probably just the baby."

"Baby?" Savannah listened carefully, tuning out the heavy thrum of falling rain and the occasional rumble of thunder, and instead heard the clear sounds coming from in the house - low murmurings of bickering wolves, running water in the pipes, and the unmistakable cry of a newborn.

"Yolanda gave birth last week. The pup is inconsolable, Marlon tells me," Zion explained. "Makes me happy I'm a single wolf."

Savannah shot him a dark glare, her mouth gaping at his apparent dislike for parenthood.

"I mean, I'm glad I don't have any pups to worry about now. Not that I don't ever want to have any, I just mean—"

"I get the picture," Savannah threw up her hand to stop him from digging a bigger grave. "You hate pups. Got it. Good thing I don't want any, either."

"You don't?" Zion's eyebrows rose and a hopeful expression lit his face.

"I'm kidding! I want ten!"

His eyes seemed to widen in horror, and Savannah couldn't stop the laugh that burst from her throat. "The look on your face right now," she pointed and giggled some more. Shaking her head, she stood directly in front of her mate. "You know, I'll walk away right now if you don't want any children. I was joking about the ten, but I can't imagine my future without at least six. If you don't ever want to have any, find some other shewolf to claim as mate, because it definitely won't be me."

"Of course I want pups someday," Zion quickly amended, sitting up straighter as if reaching for her. "And I'm sure you'll be an amazing mother. So one day, if...when things work out between us, I'll be ready to give you the children you want."

Despite being in a joking mood about this, something about his words caused a fire to spark in Savannah's stomach. It curled to life and had her mouth watering as she gazed at her mate sitting sprawled out on the chair. She almost leaped onto his lap and kissed his gorgeous mouth until they were both senseless, but she held back, instead focusing on his next words.

"It's just that, Marlon and Yolanda are barely getting any sleep, and I couldn't handle that right now."

Savannah felt the desire leach from her body and she scoffed. "Of course you couldn't. Having a pup would definitely mess with your killing schedule. Wouldn't want to come home from murdering your enemies and have to change stinky nappies, right?"

"Savannah..." Zion groaned, annoyed that she would bring that up again. He sighed and ran a hand through his damp hair, pushing it back off his forehead. "I suppose you're right, though. I'm a heartless rogue. You wouldn't want me to be a bad influence on our children, right?"

She narrowed her eyes and grinned sarcastically. "That's a good point. Seems you and I are going nowhere until you break your addiction."

"Is that what it is now?" he smirked. "So...." Tilting his head, he regarded her in a smug way that caused her stomach to tighten in knots. "If someone were to drive past and start shooting at you, you wouldn't want me to hunt them down and catch them?"

She lifted a shoulder, then dropped it, disguising the shiver that ran through her body from his intense gaze. "Catch, maybe. Kill? I think that's a little harsh."

"Tell me you've never done that." He suddenly rose from the chair, his large frame now silhouetted by the light shining out from inside. Golden light spilled around him, and Savannah backed up against the railing to preserve some space between their magnetic bodies.

"Done what?" Her breath quickened, her pulse kicking into an unsteady pace the closer he came. Each footstep he took, her brain forgot one more way of how to function. All reasoning began to evaporate like the air in her lungs.

"Never killed someone for threatening your family, your pack. Never thirsted for revenge on those who have treated you cruelly or taken from you what you loved." His voice was low and rough, bordering on a growl. His eyes gleamed like a predator stalking his prey. As he exhaled, his warm breath tickled the wispy hairs on Savannah's forehead, contrasting to the cold wind that blew behind her.

"I....I have." Closing her eyes, she recalled to mind the time bloodthirsty rogues crossed her border and attacked the nearest guard. If she hadn't been near at the time, the small group might have overpowered her guard and slaughtered him. She still remembered the feel of their warm blood under her claws as she ripped their throats out first before throwing their bodies down a deep ravine at the edge of her territory.

She took another step back, and felt the cool railing stop her progress. Fat rain droplets falling at an angle hit her back as she now stood at the edge of the sheltered balcony. They soaked slightly through her already damp shirt, sending goosebumps racing up her spine.

"Then don't ask me to refrain from doing the same for my family, and especially for my mate. I had to kill them, Savannah," he said seriously, causing her heart to flip on itself. His arms reached out and settled on her hips, his eyes searching hers.

Nodding mutely because words failed her, Savannah let him hold her. She understood his drive, and had to let go of the disgust she felt for what he did that morning. She knew now his killing wasn't indiscriminate, but each death had a reason and purpose behind it—much like her own behaviour. Maybe he wasn't the lawless rogue everyone painted him as. Maybe they were more alike than she wanted to admit. Maybe the fact his heart was now speeding up its tempo was to match hers, racing in her chest like a horse spooked by a hundred snakes.

She could practically feel the vibrations in his chest as he leaned in closer, his woodsy cypress scent tantalising and consuming her every sense. Lost in his eyes, the occasional flashes of lightning highlighting the strange golden glint in his irises, Savannah couldn't breathe or even form a coherent thought beyond one word—mate!

The male in front of her was all hers, confirmed by the sparks that jumped between their connected skin and the bond that pulsed like a storm surge between them.

But she pulled back, remembering the awful fact that he was a rogue. He would never come home with her. He would never submit to living in a pack or giving up his illegal activities. He thrived off this lifestyle, the dark deals that his rebellious nature craved.

Rain began hitting her face, and she realised she'd leaned too far back in her effort to clear her senses of him. Before she toppled over, completely off balance, her claws reached out and snagged the closest object—his shoulders.

"Are you trying to push me off the balcony?!" she growled up at him.

"I'm doing the opposite. If it weren't for me, you would have fallen right over the edge yourself," he answered in a no-nonsense tone.

Her chest pressed against his as she held herself to him, and the smirk on his face showed he knew precisely what he had been doing. He was standing so close to the edge with her sitting on the railing, that her only option was to hold onto him for dear life. With his lips dangerously close to her own, Savannah turned her head and instead looked at the short drop behind her. The slick pavement was only a few metres down. She'd survive even if she were six storeys up, but it wasn't a fall she fancied making. Turning back, her lips were engulfed by his before she even realised he'd leaned closer.

The kiss instantly sent hot flames of fire licking through her entire body. The cold rain sizzled on her skin as it fought for dominance over her body's natural reaction to her mate. His tongue was hot and demanding as it ran over her lower lip, making her squirm against him. She wanted more, craved more, but a little voice in her head screamed that this was wrong.

So wrong.

"What are we doing, Zion?" she breathed against his mouth, trying to take in enough oxygen since her body felt depleted in the afterburn of his touch.

"Killing each other?"

She leaned back and punched him in the arm. "You know what I mean." But you're not half wrong, she added in her mind.

He grinned, the expression making him appear younger. "Isn't it obvious?"

Shaking her head, she didn't know what to say other than ask something that would definitely ruin the mood. "What do you want from me?"

"Who said I want anything from you? What if I just want you?"

"It isn't that simple." Hopelessness began crawling up from her gut and spreading out to her extremities, adding to the ice that was surely forming on her skin.

Zion shrugged. "So make it simple. Live in the moment or die with regret."

She scowled at his flippant sentiment and pushed him back before hopping off the railing. A hundred comebacks sprang to her lips, diatribes about responsibility and planning for the future. But before she could respond, he snagged the front of her jacket and pulled her close out of the rain. "We're mates, Savannah. What's so hard about that?"

The baby screamed again, his high pitched wail trying to be heard above the peals of thunder and throbbing of rainfall. "I..." Savannah's eyebrows drew together in anguish, "I should go see if they're okay," she eventually murmured, her gaze still trapped in his.

Zion didn't respond immediately, but she felt him slowly release his grip around her waist.

The serious expression on his face melted, and she watched as he cracked a grin. "Sure. Good luck. If you can get that pup to stop screaming, I'll give you a medal in the morning," he chuckled and stepped back to let her enter his room. "I'm going to bed," he informed as he followed her inside.

Her mind still in a turmoil, Savannah mentally shook off the despair that settled in her heart. She'd known since meeting Zion that they had a long road to walk before reaching the same destination. It wouldn't do either of them any good if she kept questioning him and pushing for a bond he wasn't ready for. "Okay, goodnight. Don't let the bedbugs bite," she called on her way out.

Zion shook his head in amusement, but Savannah turned and grinned mischievously. He would get a nice surprise when he crawled into bed, and found something else already crawling in there.

Heading down the hallway, she stopped in front of a door through which little whimpers and mewling sounds could be heard. The familiar cry of a newborn pierced her heart and made her long for home. How many times had she lain awake at night listening to her little brother or sister when they couldn't settle? How many times had she crept downstairs where her mum was rocking a restless baby, and offered to tell them a story? How many times had she then snuggled with the baby and breathed in their sweet scent until sunrise?

She knocked softly.

The door was opened a moment later, revealing a disheveled male wolf in dire need of some sleep. "I'm sorry if we're keeping you awake. He just won't stop crying and we've done everything we can."

She looked beyond his shoulder to the distressed mother, holding a tiny pup close to her chest and murmuring comforts in his ear.

"It's okay. I'm Savannah," she introduced herself and gave them a sympathetic smile. "Would you mind if I tried?"

With weary eyes, the mother looked up at Savannah. "You would do that? You don't even know us..."

Savannah waved her hand dismissively. "Marlon and Yolanda?" She noted their olive complexions and dark amber eyes. Though beyond weary and almost haggard, the new mother was beautiful in an exotic yet innocent way, while her mate radiated an alert strength that his youthful looks belied. "Zion told me you could use a hand. I'm happy to help any way I can."

Any way that doesn't involve cold-blooded murder, she added to herself. Holding a baby was the least morally convicting thing she could be doing.

"Savannah? Are you the rogue he rescued from the Vicious Fang pack?" Marlon studied her thoughtfully.

"No, I'm not a—" she paused, choosing her words carefully. Telling this couple outright she was an Alpha would probably go against her. "I'm his mate. We met—"

"Mate?!" Yolanda's eyes widened. "How is that possible?"

"How is it not?" Savannah mirrored her own surprise.

The mates shared a silent look after Yolanda averted her eyes from Savannah's curious gaze.

"What my mate means is, Zion gave up on hoping for a mate years ago. That's all," Marlon said quickly, casting a stern look that was easy to interpret. Yolanda pressed her lips together, further intriguing the Alpha. Whatever they weren't saying had Savannah burning with curiosity, but when the pup cried again, he drew all their attention.

"Here," Savannah held her arms out in question. "I can show you how to hold him."

Yolanda seemed to sense she was trustworthy, and handed her her pup with a grateful smile. "He's just fussy. His name is Matheus."

"It means gift from God, in our mother tongue," Marlon added, his eyes shining with pride as he gazed at his little son.

"That's a beautiful name. He definitely is a gift," Savannah beamed as she took the baby in her arms. He fit perfectly, his little body warming her from the inside out. "Every baby is so precious, hey little guy?" Savannah cooed and patted his soft hair before turning him over in her arms and supporting his stomach with her forearm. "If he has an upset tummy, this way will be especially comfortable. It takes the pressure off his back." As she rubbed soothing circles on his back, the baby slowly quieted down and grew content. A few minutes later, as she continued swaying side to side, he stopped crying altogether and settled right down.

"Wow, you're a natural," Yolanda said with admiration. "You have pups of your own?"

Savannah shook her head. "Four younger siblings. I helped my parents care for them since they were born. I can't wait to have my own."

Yolanda's eyebrows rose. "I'm surprised Zion wants—" her words cut off with a sharp look from Marlon. "You'll make a great mother, I know it," she instead offered weakly.

Savannah furrowed her brows in question, but words never made it to her lips as the door to their room suddenly opened.

A shirtless Zion stood on the threshold, his eyes casting about before settling on Savannah. They narrowed, an irritated look hardening his jaw, and his fists clenched against tremors of anger.

Savannah had to cover her mouth with her fingers to smother a chuckle. The scent that radiated from him was unmistakable. She screwed up her nose and turned the baby away so it wouldn't bother him.

"What is that smell?" Yolanda waved her fingers in front of her nose.

"Ask Savannah." Zion's voice rumbled with contained fury. His body was locked, muscles taut as he restrained himself from acting upon his irritation.

The Alpha met his intense gaze with a triumphant smirk. "Halyomorpha halys," she said simply, followed by a wink.

Zion growled, his fists clenching. "Stink bugs...." he shook his head and clucked his tongue. "You are in over your head, little Alpha."

As soon as the words left his lips, the atmosphere shifted in the room.

"Alpha?" Yolanda and Marlon both gaped, their eyes widening.

Savannah almost felt bad for having kept the truth from them.

"Oh, you failed to mention who you really were before rocking their baby?" Zion lifted an eyebrow in question before shaking his head in rebuke. "You deceitful Alpha."

"You failed to mention to them you were storming a territory to kidnap an Alpha? You sinister rogue," she mimicked his actions.

"You're not going to... arrest us, are you?" Marlon asked her shakily.

"Do I look like I want to do that?" Savannah swayed side to side with Matheus in her arms before giving her most sincere look to the startled parents. She would understand if they didn't trust her, but she'd hoped to build their trust and not be enemies before even knowing each other. "Zion is my mate, and because of that, I'm willing to be just another wolf around here. Don't let my rank scare you. As long as you're not breaking the law, I have no problem with what you do or why you're not park of a pack."

"Thank you," Yolanda released a heavy sigh, her shoulders loosening after tensing up. She'd come close to snatching up her son, but at the sight of his peaceful expression and innate trust of Savannah, she'd let her keep holding him.

With the tension cleared, Zion tilted his head and regarded Savannah carefully.

She resisted the urge to fidget under his heavy gaze, but instead held it with her chin up and confidence flashing in her eyes. His expression slowly shifted from irritation about her prank to bewilderment at the sight before him. She watched as his eyes landed on Matheus held gently in her arms, and the Alpha could only guess what he was thinking. Zion's hardened eyes softened, the lines around his lips disappearing as they parted slightly. When his eyes flickered back up to hers, she couldn't dismiss the notion that there was wonder and fascination in them. He swallowed hard, once more clenching his fists, before turning abruptly and leaving.

"What was all that about?" Marlon wondered.

"I have no idea..." Savannah did have some ideas, if the swirling desire in her own body was anything to go by. She'd felt a fraction of his own heavy and conflicted emotions swirling between them as she stared at him, his muscled chest swelling with each deep breath he took, his large and perfectly defined arms flexing as his hands clenched and unclenched, the golden flecks in his eyes darkening and flaring as he surveyed her own body with unwavering attention.

The bond with her mate seemed to vibrate with all the unspoken words that had passed between them with just a glance, and Savannah decided she needed to go to him. It was almost instinct that tugged at her heart and caused her body to react sympathetically. She handed back a sleeping Matheus to his thankful mother, then quietly left the room in search of her mate. His scent, sharpened by the pungent odour of the bugs she'd found in the tree earlier and placed in his bed, led her straight through his room and back out onto the balcony.

She found him stretched out on the hard wooden bench, a jacket under his head as a pillow.

A sudden wave of pity washed over her, and despite trying to fight it, she retreated to the bedroom and came back out with a clean pillow and blanket. Her caring heart couldn't stand to see her mate uncomfortable, even though she was still trying to get even for the pranks and trouble he'd caused her.

As soon as she'd carefully slid the pillow under his head and draped the blanket over his long body, she turned to go inside only to find herself trapped.

Like a fly caught in a spider's web, she felt her body get dragged back until it landed on a hard yet wonderfully comfortable surface. The curves of her body seemed to meld into her mate's perfectly, and she gave up fighting when she realised Zion wouldn't be denied.

"Just go to sleep. I won't try anything funny," he whispered against her ear as he tucked the blanket up around her chin, then settled his strong arms around her snugly.

Nuzzling her nose against his neck, she figured he must have showered thoroughly as the smell wasn't so bad anymore. His natural alluring scent of cypress forests and exotic fruits invaded her senses. Without even trying, her tense muscles unwound, her body grew languid, and sleep overcame her as suddenly as an equatorial sunset.

When she next became conscious, her mate was thoughtfully tucking the blanket around her again before he placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Let me come with you," she gripped his collar and pleaded with her eyes. The twilight before dawn played softly with the planes of his face, and she saw the indecision in his eyes. "I won't get in your way. I just want to come along with you," she assured him, hoping to dismiss whatever reasons he had against her joining him on his early morning walk.

"Alright. But only if you can dress quickly. It's almost sunrise," he conceded.

As she sat up, excitement tingling along her body, she realised he was already dressed and ready for the day. It didn't take her long to change clothes into something decent and comfortable, brush her teeth, rake a comb hastily through her ruffled hair, and grab her warmest jacket. Then they were on the street, hurrying through the grey fog that blanketed the city and muffled the sounds of early traffic.

As they crossed the bridge to its centre, the sun was just below the horizon, its glow evident as it grew brighter and stronger. Casting long rays of gold and orange light, it lit up the clouds until they blazed purple and magenta. Savannah's smile grew as the sun peeped over the horizon, and she didn't have to wonder why watching this beautiful spectacle had become routine for her mate.

"Beautiful, isn't it," he commented wistfully.

"You took the words right out of my head."

"Are you saying I can read your mind now?" Zion gave her a suggestive smirk. They both knew what it would take before they could read each other's minds and establish the mind link.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, lover boy," she teased, but her efforts to play off his comment only resulted in a fierce blush crawling up her neck and staining her face. She hoped he would just think it was a reflection of the sunrise. To distract them both, she whipped out her phone and took a couple photos as the sun rose and set the clouds blazing like fire. She conspicuously took a picture of Zion's silhouette against the majestic backdrop of the painted sky. It was a memory she wanted to keep forever.

"Here," Zion motioned, and it took a moment for her to realise he wanted her phone. "Let me take a photo of you."

She leaned against the railing and smiled over her shoulder. It was hard to look at the camera instead of riveting her gaze on her mate. He looked gloriously handsome with the glow of light on his face and the wind ruffling his hair.

As soon as he was done, she looped her arm around his waist, pulled him close, and took a selfie of them both. She could already imagine the picture framed and sitting proudly on her desk in her office back home.

They stayed together on the bridge for another few minutes, just basking in the warm light and the presence of each other, before heading back to the rogues' house. The roads were busier on the journey back, but Zion led her through lesser known streets and alleys, following shortcuts only locals would know about.

They were nearly home when suddenly the road they traversed became filled with a few wolves dressed in black and brandishing sharpened weapons. Zion immediately pushed Savannah behind his back, extended his claws, and readied his muscles for a fight.

The Alpha had to peer around her mate's broad shoulder, her heart rocketing in her chest, before realising the scents of the assailants were more than familiar.

"Dean! Landon! I've missed you guys so much!" she strode forward and smiled brightly at the men who were in crouched positions, ready for an attack. Faltering when she saw the dark frowns on their hooded faces, she grew puzzled and felt a knot tighten in her chest. "What's going on?" she slapped at her guard's hands when he came close and tried dragging her to himself.

"Beta Justin sent us," Jamie, Savannah's Head Guard, began explaining as she approached Zion like a predator, claws extended on her hands and a deadly knife gripped between them. The Alpha watched her warily as her expression remained cold and dark towards Zion. "He sent us to bring you home, and kill the Silver Rogue."