19

Savannah wanted to continue ignoring her infuriating mate, but he made it extremely difficult when he lifted her carefully from the car, carried her securely to his room, and placed her in the bathroom before telling her to have a long hot shower. He even produced his own comfortable shirt and sweatpants that felt so soft under her touch.

She was still cold from her spontaneous swim in icy water, and didn't have to be told twice. When she eventually came out after using all the hot water, Zion rose from his seat by the desk and motioned to the bed.

"What are doing?" she asked, bristling as he sat behind her on the clean bed covers. Her body shivered as he moved closer, his warmth wrapping around her.

"Your hair is still dripping wet. You'll catch a cold if you don't dry it straight away."

Even though nasty retorts echoed in her mind, her body instinctively submitted to his gentle commands, her head tilting back as he placed a fresh towel over it and rubbed her hair carefully. Despite still being angry at his silence and refusing to answer her questions, it was his very silence now that permeated the air with a thousand soothing words unsaid. With each motion of the towel, each brush of the comb through her short locks, he cared for her and made her feel like the most cherished woman in the world. It wasn't exactly an apology for what he did earlier, but it sure was close.

"Why are you doing this?" she breathed into the stillness, hating to break the enchantment that seemed to wrap around them.

"Shh," he hushed her and tugged her closer once her hair was dry and combed, then guided her head to his chest. Leaning back, he rested against the headboard and wrapped his arms around her waist.

She closed her eyes and soaked up his warmth and soothing scent while listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. Every so often, it would speed up and Zion would clear his throat roughly. Glancing up, Savannah noted lines between his eyebrows, and his jaw clenched in a very contemplative manner.

She finally took the moment to wonder just what his father had spoken to him about. It must have been pretty important if this was his reaction. Perhaps Zion's harsh behaviour and words from earlier were due to him processing the information. What he'd done might not have been the best way to treat her, but Savannah tried to understand it from his point of view. She was the one who'd insisted on going with him, without even knowing who the captain really was to Zion, so she couldn't be the one making demands. Zion would share with her when he was ready, so for now, she just patted his chest with her hand and let him think in silence. Her own breathing grew easier the longer she was in his arms, and soon she drifted to sleep, her body realising she was entirely safe and secure in her mate's embrace.

She awoke to muffled voices, and found herself placed under the blankets in Zion's bed, alone. Crawling out, she padded softly to the living room and found her mate seated at the work table with Chayton and Phoenix.

"So why did he summon you if he doesn't want us to go after the ruby?" Phoenix asked, clearly puzzled.

"He just wanted to bring me up to speed on the matter," Zion replied.

When his eyes flickered to hers, catching her standing silently in the shadows by the doorway, her breath caught and he shifted uneasily in his seat. She didn't have to guess that there was more than one matter his father talked about, but she did wonder just what they were. And what was this ruby that Phoenix mentioned?

"So what do we do now?" Chayton asked, pen in hand as he scribbled on a notepad. These two were clearly Zion's right-hand men, helping him make plans and discuss strategies for their next roguish mission.

"Nothing. Just sit tight while Victor's men on the ground in Catalya find out what they can. It's too risky to go there ourselves. We might blow their covers," Zion replied, his words flat but by the twitch of his fingers, Savannah could tell he didn't like the notion of sitting tight.

His eyes clashed with hers again, and she jumped, afraid he'd be angry she was eavesdropping. When he beckoned her over with a subtle nod of his chin, she came and sat down beside him.

"Tell me what you're working on. I may be able to help," she offered.

Chayton scoffed, earning a glare from Zion.

Phoenix just eyed her warily, a frown between his dark eyes.

"If you're still mad at me for ripping into you, don't be," Savannah met his gaze with a dark one of her own. "I could've done a lot more damage, but I held back. Don't ask me why; you were being so rude! I should've torn your thro—"

"That's enough!" Zion brought his hand down on the table with a heavy thud that startled them all. "If you want to kiss and make up, take it elsewhere."

"It's okay," Phoenix shook his head, then gave Savannah a sheepish grin. "Vannah's right. I deserved it."

"Such a mama's boy," Chayton scoffed. "She making you go all soft? Where's your guns, and whatever happened to sticking to them?"

"Ignore him," Phoenix slapped his hand in Chayton's face. "Are we good?" he asked Savannah.

She smiled inwardly at the way he used her preferred nickname, and gave him a sharp nod.

"Good, because what I really want is your help in picking out a shirt for tonight's party. There's this really cute girl I'm trying to impress," the young rogue gave her a confident smile, receiving a slap on the head from Chayton.

"When is there ever not a girl? Besides, you don't have trouble picking up anyone. Don't know why you try so hard," Chayton growled, shaking his head in disapproval of the younger rogue's antics. It was common knowledge among Zion's rogues that Phoenix was the handsome player among them. Despite them all being good-looking in their own way, Phoenix had the natural charisma that attracted shewolves effortlessly.

"What's your deal, man?" Phoenix glared at Chayton and punched him in the shoulder. "You're just grouchy ever since your mate ran—"

"Watch your mouth, young mutt!"

"Who's party?" Savannah yelled over them. They were at each other's throats, gripping their shirt collars and turning red in the face, but the Alpha's stern words made them freeze. Ignoring the angry glare from Chayton, Savannah smiled and gave all her attention to Phoenix. Maybe if she helped him in this way, he'd trust her enough with information about Zion's father and the ruby they spoke about. So many questions now buzzed in her mind that she couldn't sit still any longer.

"Niko's brother's best friend's girlfriend is having a birthday party for her niece. We're all unofficially invited. Her place is down on fifth avenue, a real hot part of town. You'll love it," Phoenix's face lit up as he told her the details. "We're leaving at eight, so you have exactly five hours to get ready. Think that'll be enough?"

"Are you kidding? I only need five minutes to get ready," Savannah threw him a challenging look.

"Oh no, girl, you need more time than that. This isn't just any party," Talei swung into the room and plopped into a chair beside Chayton. "All the top boys are gonna be there, and you're gonna wanna look your best."

Her words elicited a low growl from Zion, and Savannah looked at him in surprise. "My mate isn't trying to impress anyone," he tossed a heavy frown at the blonde rogue.

She just shrugged like his veiled threats meant nothing to her. "I don't see a mark on her neck. Fair game for all, if you ask me. I'll help you get ready, hey girl?" she reached over and grabbed Savannah's hands, pulling her from the room before anyone could protest.

"But I wanted to know—"

"Know what? Ask me anything, and I'll spill. Those guys can be so tight-lipped sometimes, and act like total prudes. Imagine Zion wanting to keep you to himself? He hasn't staked a claim as far as I can see, so why not make the most of it and party?"

That isn't what Savannah was asking, but it did spike more questions. She understood why Zion hadn't marked her yet, but why was he being so possessive? Did he really see a future for them? Who would bend first, and who would give up their morals and principals to be with the other?

"So what's on your mind? I could see Chayton was giving you a hard time, but don't mind him. He's been like that ever since Cindy, his mate, decided to move out and travel the world. She always was too flighty for him, never loyal or committed to their relationship. I think it broke his heart, but he won't ever show it, the crusty old pooch."

"That explains a lot," Savannah rubbed her chin thoughtfully, remembering Chayton's dislike of her ideals of the matebond. "I wanted to ask about this ruby I heard Phoenix mention... Is it something you want to steal?" Savannah asked once Talei had pulled her up to her room, and sat her on the bed before going through her closet.

"Not just any ruby. I suppose you've heard of the Lava Mount Ruby?"

"A little," Savannah shrugged. "A precious gem from the Vinlarhk province?" The Alpha recalled idly flipping through a jewelry magazine and reading about several rare gemstones.

"Found in the most remote location possible— Lava Mount, the active volcano in the province's western region. Usually rubies are mined on the flat plains that cover the surrounding areas. But this one, the largest ever found, was discovered on an expedition up the slopes and near the volcano's crater. It was a seriously dangerous trek, but worth it. The ruby is worth millions."

"Where is it kept? A museum?" Savannah had been to a couple local museums in nearby towns and seen semi precious stones, yet was fascinated by stories of other rare diamonds and pearls being displayed in high security locations across the continent. Instead of being hidden in private collections, she liked the fact these gems were on show for all to admire and appreciate.

"No. It was privately owned for centuries by the Vinn aristocracy, but has since been sold. Or stolen," Talei gave her an amused grin. "Most believe it's been placed in a gold faceted necklace, and been worn by celebrities and royals over the years."

"If it was stolen, why haven't the owners demanded they have it back?"

"Who knows," Talei shrugged. "All part of the mystery. They probably hold a deed, and don't actually need the gem to own its worth. How about this?" she held up a black shirt with a sequined logo on the front.

"Didn't you say this party is a big deal? Shouldn't I wear that dress we got the other day?" Savannah asked, sitting cross-legged on the bed while Talei threw clothes down around her.

"It is a big deal, but unless you want to look like you're dressing for a wedding, don't wear a dress."

Savannah raised her eyebrows in confusion.

Talei rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You still gotta go casual, and not like you're trying too hard. With the right hair and makeup, we can really dress this up. Just pair it with your ripped jeans and studded boots, and you'll totally rock it."

Savannah took the shirt, unsure what 'rocking it' really meant, but she figured she'd have to trust Talei on this. After changing, she was promptly sat in a chair and spun around so the rogue shewolf could work on her hair.

"So tell me, anything else you want to know?"

Savannah bounced her legs nervously. "You and the gang want to find the ruby for yourselves?"

"Who wouldn't?"

"Good point," Savannah agreed, trying to keep the nervous tremor out of her voice.

"It will be the biggest heist we pull off, assuming Zion actually finds the ruby. We have a dozen plans all ready to go for when we locate it. Word is, his father has had eyes and ears everywhere, tracking it for years. It just has to sit still long enough for us to pounce."

Savannah chewed on her lip, wondering how she was going to explain to her pack why she'd been caught stealing an internationally renowned rare gem. How was she going to go along with this heist? How would such a large network of rogues go undetected by the council authorities long enough to get away with it? She could already see her mugshot splashed on the Alpha Chronicles with an incriminating story of her involvement. She decided to change the subject. "Okay, when did the Captain kill the group of Alphas, and why?" Savannah fiddled with the bottles of dark nail polish on Talei's antique duchess. "I know it had something to do with the queen of Vinlarhk, and Zion said it was over two hundred years ago. But some of the captain's friends I met said it was more recently."

"Those crazy old rogues," Talei made a snorting sound in the back of her throat. "Don't believe a word they say. It was about thirty or forty years ago when Captain Forrester was trekking through Vinlarhk. He ran into a group of Alphas who were on their way to kill the queen. He stopped them, and earned legendary status among rogues ever since," Talei's voice held the same reverence Zion's had.

"I see. So...why did the Alphas want to kill the queen?"

"Why else would Alphas want to kill someone of power? They wanted her territory, clearly. Or at least her riches and wealth, or status and title. Alphas are greedy mongrels—no offence," Talei gave her a wink in the mirror.

"None taken. I think..." Savannah watched her warily as she blow dried and combed her hair to give it lift, teasing it and then spraying with hairspray to help it hold. Talei was still confusing to Savannah, and while she could clearly see the rogue's dislike towards Alphas, she seemed to connect with her on a personal level that made them almost friends. Still, she couldn't help feeling there was more to the story of the Captain, Alphas, and Queen of Vinlarhk.

"Now, don't move while I do your makeup," Talei pushed the chair around and began applying dark shadow to Savannah's eyelids.

"I have one more thing to ask."

"No talking."

"Zion keeps a photo in his pocket. Who is she?"

Talei straightened, her hand pausing midair as her entire body locked.