23

"Oh, shoot!"

"You want to shoot your phone?" Zion asked, coming up from behind and looking over her shoulder.

"No, I mean, shoot as in--never mind. What should I do?" she bit her fingernails as she contemplated answering it or hitting the decline button.

"Who's Alistair? Another boyfriend from your pack?" Zion asked sternly as he snatched the phone from her hand, glowering at the caller ID.

"Oh, for goodness sake, no! Lord Alistair is part of the council."

"Lord Alistair?"

"He's the head of council, the one we all answer to."

"Well, then, you better not keep him waiting," Zion smirked and hit the answer button before handing the phone back to her. "Time to prove you're trustworthy," he whispered in her ear.

"He-hello?" Savannah hated the shakiness in her voice, but it was hard to remain calm while nursing a splitting headache, a rogue mate breathing down her neck, and the dread of what head of council was calling her about.

"My dear Alpha Savannah," Lord Alistair greeted in a smooth voice, the one that was always calm, sophisticated, and slightly intimidating.

Savannah had never looked forward to meeting with him on the rare occasions that called for it. The elder wolf was so smooth and charming, surrounding himself with an air of authority that even the young Alpha submitted to. Attending such meetings with her father when she was younger was no problem, but since holding the rank of Alpha of her pack, Lord Alistair always had a way of making her feel small and inadequate to the role, as if she had to try doubly hard to gain his approval of Alpha. As if he was just waiting to catch her out and prove she wasn't fit for the position.

"It's good to hear your voice. You're sounding well," he continued in a very friendly manner.

"I, uh, I'm fine, thanks. How are you?" she swallowed hard, trying to keep up with his words yet being slightly taken aback by the unusual start to the conversation.

"Never better. You know me," he chuckled, causing her stomach to twist. "Say, I hope you're keeping out of trouble. Rumour has it the Silver Rogue visited your territory last week."

Was it really only last week? It felt like a lifetime ago that she was home, minding her own Alpha business like normal, no thought to mates or the deadly tightrope she was walking now. "Oh, yes, I'm fine. No problems. We dealt with him and his rogues easily enough." The words were mostly truth, she just left out how they'd dealt with the problem. She felt Zion's hand settle on the small of her back, and tensed. Knowing he was listening to the conversation made this all the more difficult.

"So you learned his true identity? I haven't yet received an information report, Savannah. I trust you will have it ready before the conference next week. You understand how important it is for all our territories to have the Silver Rogue arrested and brought to justice."

The conference! Savannah felt like punching a wall. How could she forget that the annual Alpha Conference was next week? All the Alphas and Council members on the Pacifica continent would gather and discuss future plans, disputes over boundary lines, rogues, and how to deal with common problems. At the top of the agenda was the arrest and sentencing of the most dangerous criminal rogue—her mate.

"Of course, Lord Alistair, I have it under control. I will have a full report by then," she assured the head of council, wondering just what on earth she was going to write. That she'd gone undercover to keep track of the rogue's criminal activities? That she hadn't arrested him because she'd fallen in love with her mate? Yeah, all the other Alphas and council would totally respect that decision. They would tear her apart to get to Zion and claim the reward for his head.

"I don't doubt it. Unless, of course..." Lord Alistair paused and made a small humming sound in the back of his throat, sending shivers of dread up and down Savannah's spine, "You have more pressing matters. I'd hate to interrupt your busy schedule. How is Hierapolis City at this time of year, by the way? I hear the night scene is very...titillating."

"Um, wh- what--?" Savannah choked on her words, unsure if she'd heard right. When her phone buzzed, she pulled it from her ear and saw a message from Lord Alistair. It contained images, a few grainy, but the content clear as day under bright flashes and contrast filters.

They were images of her, semi-naked in the pool at Chuck's, with her arms and body wrapped around Zion as they shared a heated kiss.

"I am so dead."

"Relax. It's not that bad. Lots of people have compromising pictures taken of them," Niko said blandly, shrugging a shoulder as he tapped away on his laptop.

His words did little to calm Savannah. "But you don't get it! My parents are gonna be so mad. They're gonna freak, and be so devastated, and never wish to see me again!"

"Stop being so dramatic!" Talei exclaimed as she guzzled a glass of water. She and Willow had just gotten back from a jog around the block, and were cooling down while watching Savannah's theatrics.

"How can I not be dramatic? Have you seen these pictures? And Lord Alistair has them..." Savannah tugged on her hair, nearly pulling it all out as she stared at her phone.

Willow grabbed her phone, then promptly laughed at the photo. "Girl, I've had way worse shots of me plastered all over social media."

"Like that time at JJ's you thought it would be a good idea to skateboard on his roof in a mini skirt? Then you fell off into the neighbour's garden and their security cameras got the whole thing on tape!" Talei cracked up laughing at the memory.

"Goodness, don't remind me. I looked like a total furball. These are so much more flattering."

"Yeah, this is actually hot," Talei leaned in to study the photo of Savannah more closely. "I can totally see it making magazine covers, and--"

"You girls are not helping! You're already rogues with terrible reputations, but I'm a responsible Alpha, who is supposed to be good, and a role model for my pack members, and people are meant to look up to me, and I can't believe they're gonna see me looking like a slut at some frat party," she finally stopped to take a deep breath, gasping for air as she began hyperventilating.

"Done!" Niko pumped his fists in the air. "All deleted. You're welcome," he smirked at the panting Alpha, cracking his knuckles and slamming his laptop lid shut.

The sudden sound made her jump a mile and almost fall off her chair. Zion laid a hand on the back of her neck, his touch instantly calming her a little. She felt herself relax, but it wasn't enough to stop the snakes churning like a cement truck in her stomach.

"One question," Talei tapped her chin thoughtfully while still looking at the picture on Savannah's phone. "Did this lord council guy recognise Zion?"

The question made Savannah grimace. "No, I don't think so. At least, I hope not." Sighing, she dropped her head in her hands. "He seemed to think it was just some random guy. Like I would make out with a complete stranger!" She made a gagging sound in her throat. "Is that how little he thinks of me?"

While Savannah continued wallowing in her misery, Willow shared a concerned look with the others. "What exactly did he want out of sending these to you? Clearly, he asked for something."

Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly before answering, Savannah sounded defeated. "He said he'd expose me to the entire council if I didn't turn over all information about the Silver Rogue by next week. He basically reprimanded me for partying instead of doing my duty. Which, I guess, is true in a sense..." she groaned again.

"So he's blackmailing you?"

"He's doing his job," Savannah could only shrug.

"Why are you defending this guy? He's a creep, that's what he is."

"Yeah, he's probably staring at your photos for his own sick enjoyment."

Zion gave a low, aggressive growl as he paced back and forth behind Savannah, never moving too far from her.

"Well, no chance of that anymore. We've deleted all trace of the photos on the internet and dark web," Niko pointed out. "So if he tries exposing you, no one will believe him— if your reputation is as good as you say it is."

"Are you sure?" Savannah dared to hope the pictures were gone, but her phone buzzed as soon as she opened her mouth. It was a new message from Alistair:

Your friends think they're so clever. But don't worry about losing those cherished memories—I have copies.

"Great! He has copies! I am so so dead." Savannah hiccuped, a sob managing to escape her chest as she buried her face in her arms. This was worse than getting caught in the middle of a shootout or well-planned heist. How was she going to get out of this horrible mess?

"At least Zion isn't recognizable. The lord of the council still doesn't know who the most wanted rogue really is. He can't trace any of this back to us, right?" Phoenix offered, his expression hopeful as he looked around the table at his friends.

Tasman and Chayton had joined them, each looking alert and healthy despite a night of partying. Savannah eyed them with envy. Why weren't these rogues as wasted as she was?

Marlon, the new father, leaned against the bench, slightly removed from the group. As he munched on the last of her banana pancakes, his face was lined with concern and even some hostility. "That's not a risk I'm willing to take. Having the council breathing down our neck is the last thing we want now."

Cale nodded in agreement. "We don't want to put any of you at risk," he told them, then gripped Savannah's arm urgently. "Alpha, my advice is we leave and go home right now. Hanging out with rogues to protect our pack is one thing, but to go against the council—"

"Stuff the council, will you? They're just a bunch of idiots," Willow rolled her eyes and threw him an annoyed look.

"They might destroy my reputation!" Savannah yelled back, angry at everyone but mainly herself. This was a big deal, yet no one seemed to take it seriously besides saving their own skin and precious criminal activities. Maybe she really should just hand them over to the council authorities for getting her into such a compromising mess last night.

"Don't be such a pansy," Talei shot back at her, hazel eyes blazing with indignation.

"Don't bring her name into this!" Phoenix leaned forward and growled.

"Woah, calm down, lover boy. Not my fault you couldn't impress big bro."

"You shoulda seen how hard he was trying. It was almost painful," Tas made gagging noises while Chayton shook his head in amusement.

"I'll show you what painful looks like!" Phoenix shot to his feet, his fist pulled back as he aimed at Tas's face.

Pack War Three was definitely about to break out until Zion slammed his fist down on the table, making them all freeze and shut up immediately.

"Enough!" He glared at them all, then turned to his mate. "Savannah, we'll figure this out. I promise," he told her in a soft voice, running his hands up and down her arms to comfort her.

"Don't make promises you can't keep," she blurted, then bit her lip. Looking up at him apologetically, she said softly, "Thanks. I just can't see how we're going to fix this."

Zion sighed, a cold edge creeping into his features again. "Well, I'm afraid we don't have time for worrying about this now."

"But--"

"The conference isn't until next week. We have until then to figure this out. But have you all forgotten what's tomorrow night?" he addressed his gang who had only slightly settled their heated tempers.

"Damn, the full moon!"

"Rogue wars!"

"I am SO on Chayton's team this year!"

"Are you still mad you lost all because Tas couldn't keep his hands to himself?"

"Hey! I only had one chance with this super hot girl. Tell me you wouldn't have taken it."

"Who's the manwhore now?"

"You're gonna pay for that--"

"Rogue what?! Will someone please explain to me what you're talking about?" Savannah yelled above the frenzy of voices, causing them all to mutter and throw her annoyed looks. Rogues might be smart, but they could so easily get on her nerves. Maybe she was just still on edge from last night and now the horrible threats from the council.

"Every year," Phoenix began in a solemn voice, "all the rogues in Pacifica gather and hold a games night."

"I love games! Is it like a trivia night? Is there a rogue history book we could read to give us a fair shot?" Cale's face lit up.

"So cute, Gamma," Talei gave him a patronising smile, causing him to growl at her.

"These games take place in the Black Woods under a full moon," Chayton picked up the story. "Rogue gangs from different regions compete in matches to prove their strength. Tactical, strategy, brute force, and intelligence gathering are the main areas of testing. Only the strongest make it out alive."

Nobody said anything as this sunk in, Savannah staring at Willow's smug expression a moment too long.

"Sounds like Alpha camp," Cale piped up eventually, forcing a sunny smile on his face though it was clear his complexion had paled a few shades.

"Are there rules at your little Alpha camp?" Tas smirked.

"Sure, it's how we stay safe and learn to be good leaders," Savannah lifted her chin and answered him proudly.

Chayton gave a dark chuckle. "Then this is nothing like your wimpy Alpha camp, Vannah darling."

_____

Preparing for the rogue wars was the perfect distraction for Savannah. She could almost forget the council had a timer on her playdate, and that they would most definitely expose her soon for not reporting the infamous and deadly Silver Rogue. She could almost push to the back of her mind that she was only adding to her debt of sins by training with her new rogue friends in the dark arts of cunning and deviousness.

For all her life, she'd been training to fight against rogues and protect her territory, and this wasn't much different. She'd be fighting rogues, but...she'd also be fighting with rogues.

"Hasn't anyone ever taught you how to do a roundhouse kick?" Tasman growled as he paced around her, eyeing her from head to foot as she prepared for his next attack. The gang had all gone to a nearby park, and were sparring beneath a canopy of beautiful trees, the ground covered in exercise mats and various gym equipment. Anyone passing by would think they were a crossfit class.

"Yeah, my Uncle Charlie. And I just gave you a perfect kick, so what's the deal?" Savannah wiped sweat from her eyes and tugged her ponytail tighter, then crouched into position.

Tas just laughed. "Whatever it was you did, it was a perfect imitation of Tinker Bell on Christmas morning."

"I happen to love Tinker Bell," Savannah snarled in retaliation to his insult, watching Tas carefully as he shook his arms loose and gave her a smug grin. "Especially the part where she attacks Wendy." And with her words dancing between them, she spun and launched herself at the muscular rogue, catching him off guard. His arm came up to block her, but the small Alpha had anticipated his defence and ducked in time. Rounding on him, she jumped on his back and flipped over, her arm wrapped around his neck. They both crashed to the ground, Tas trying to throw her off, but Savannah kept a firm and relentless grip. After a few seconds, Tas grunted and tapped out.

Savannah smirked as he gasped for breath and struggled to his knees. "Never underestimate me, rogue."

"Never underestimate me, weak little packling! I'll get you next time." His icy blue eyes bored holes into hers, but she just shrugged it off.

"You wouldn't think I just beat him three times in a row," she bragged as Talei joined her for a drink.

"That boy never knows when to admit defeat," his twin sighed as she poured water all over her head. The sun was out, blanketing the park with heat despite the late hour of the afternoon. "Back home, he'd always spar with the Beta and Alpha sons after regular training. He'd even insist on taking them both on, knowing it would only result in a broken nose and two black eyes."

"I wondered why it was so crooked."

"I guess it makes him feel stronger. Battle scars, you know?"

"Yeah," Savannah nodded in understanding, her fingers absently going to her hip where a small scar remained from a fight with rogues. While most scars healed, there were always some that never faded, especially if silver was involved. The bullet hole in her shoulder was testament to that.

"It's a macho thing, I think," Talei added, watching Chayton punch Tas right in the nose and pummel him into the dirt, only to have the younger rogue jump back up and raise his fists, ready for round two.

Okay, so maybe people wouldn't think this was just crossfit.

"Alright, guys, the sun is almost down. We've got to get on the road." Zion rallied them together, and they stopped training to pack up.

"Watch this," Tas whispered in her ear before creeping up behind Chayton and Phoenix. Before they even caught wind of his approach, he'd launched into a roundhouse kick, knocking Phoenix off his feet. With momentum behind him, Tas swung in a full circle and tackled Chayton from behind. With a perfect flip and balanced landing, Tas stood over his comrades who both groaned in the dirt.

"That, little Alpha, is how you take down two enemies at once," Tas winked at Savannah, then jumped back with the reflexes of a cat when Chayton took a swipe at him.

"Duly noted!" Savannah laughed and clapped at his display, but was startled when Zion growled lowly.

"No one calls her that except me," he shot Tas a hard glare.

A surge of heat scorched her insides when Zion then pinned her in place with an intense and very possessive look. With a racing heart, she watched him throw the equipment into a crate before hoisting it to his shoulder.

Savannah marveled at the way his muscles rippled under the heavy weight. As they walked the few blocks back to the gang house, she couldn't seem to take her eyes off him. All these guys in his gang were athletic and strong, easily rivalling the warriors in her pack, but her mate stood head and shoulders above them. She regretfully hadn't sparred with Zion as he worked some hard routines with Chayton and Phoenix, but just the thought of going toe to toe with him had fire swirling in her stomach. Her competitive nature would never let him win, but it was clear her strength was another matter. Zion could easily take her down without so much as breaking a sweat. She may have outsmarted him on the basketball court, but she'd hate to meet him as an enemy during these mysterious rogue wars.

"So, watcha gonna wear tonight?"

"Does that even matter in the broad scheme of things?" Savannah huffed, annoyed that Talei would bring up something as inconsequential as clothes, when it was her in the first place that landed Savannah in the mess at the party. That was the last time Savannah would take the rogue shewolf's advice about clothing.

"I guess not," Talei shrugged as she rifled through her drawers and closet. Everyone was quickly rushing through the shower, grabbing food, and packing gear for the big night. Savannah really had no idea what to expect, and she didn't trust Talei to give her any accurate and helpful information. "Unless you want to win."

"Life's not all about winning, you know," Savannah grabbed a pair of clean grey trackpants and a navy pullover.

"It is when your life's on the line."

"This rogue war isn't really about fighting to kill, is it? Because if it is, you rogues really are as barbaric and bloodthirsty as I've always believed."

"Relax, it's nothing like that," Talei raised her eyebrows and drew her finger across her neck in a slicing motion. "But I'm just saying, if you wish to preserve your skin, be careful with how camouflaged your clothes are. You don't want the wrong wolf sniffing you out, do you?"

With those last puzzling words, Talei skipped out of the room.

What on earth did she mean? Would Savannah really be in danger tonight at these mysterious rogue games? A shiver ran over her skin as she visualised vulgar and uncivilised wolves dancing around fires, chanting weird words as they prepared to fight in an arena till the death. Images of coliseums built for gladiator fights or public executions sprang to mind, vicious shouts and cries for blood filling her ears.

She picked out her black jeans, a black shirt, and threw over her leather jacket just as Zion finished his shower and entered the room.

He gave her a once over, the feel of his eyes sending even more shivers over her skin.

"Hey, don't worry about tonight. It'll be fun," he commented while combing his damp hair neatly in place. "We can finally let our wolves out to play. They get rather restless from hiding out in the city. These games are a chance to go wild," he chuckled lightly.

At her frightened look and full body shudder, Zion soothed her with a comforting hand on her shoulder. "If things get weird, I'll protect you. You know that, right?"

Savannah let him tug her into his arms, and loved the feeling of security she got from resting her cheek against his solid chest. Sure, things were still unsteady between them with the whole 'I don't trust you' conversation, but she was hopeful that this event would help them bond and understand each other better.

"I know," she looked up with a small smile.

He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead. Just a small one, barely containing anything beyond simple affection, but it was enough to calm her fears, set her pulse raising for a whole different reason, and leave her breathless for more.

"Come on, let's hit the road," he winked, taking her hand and leading out to the car where the others were nearly all waiting.

Phoenix was the last to race out of the house and jump into the van, causing Willow to snicker and trade looks with Cale.

What was that all about? She mindlinked her Gamma.

Phoenix is just worried about getting his throat slit by Judah tonight.

There it was again, a reference to killing and brutality. Judah?

Pansy's brother.

Savannah nodded in understanding, watching from the corner of her eyes the way Phoenix clenched his fists and breathed deeply through his nose. It was kinda cute to see how badly he wanted to make a good impression for a girl. If he ever found his true mate, Savannah was sure he'd take their relationship even more seriously than this.

It didn't take them long to drive beyond the city's edge, and for the suburbs to turn to nature strips, which in turn became densely wooded forests. The topography also changed, becoming hilly and grooved. Their van turned off the main road and onto a smaller one that wound for miles through scrubland before turning to a dirt track.

"Alright, guys, nearly there," Zion informed as he pulled up in a small clearing and leapt from the driver's seat. The others followed, and Savannah watched her mate for any further instructions as they all grabbed their bags of weapons and spare clothes. Apparently, it did get messy at these games, so it was best to come prepared for anything.

Tas slid the door closed just as Zion slammed the driver's side shut. They all lined up facing the darkened trees that led away from the road and civilisation. Cale stepped up beside his Alpha and projected his confidence, knowing she needed moral support in this.

"Now what?" she looked to her mate as he swung his bag deftly over his shoulders.

"Now," he looked at her sideways and gave a small grin. "We run."

In a matter of seconds, they'd all shifted into their wolf forms, and shook out their fur under the fading light of the sunset. Savannah raised her head, stretching her neck and shoulder muscles as she stamped the ground with her paws, and sniffed the calming scent of forest and freshwater. Getting back to nature was something she hadn't realised she'd needed so much.

Zion took the lead, his large wolf clearly standing out in the waning light. Contrary to his rogue moniker, his fur was a golden colour that drew Savannah like the lights in his hazel eyes always did. He stood proudly by the treeline, watching them all with a keenness that characterised a leader more than anything. He was so in tune with his wolves, giving them time to shift and stretch, but when his eyes met hers, his attention solely focused on one thing.

She stared into his hazel orbs, never wavering, never backing down from the dominance he exuded. Even when she felt his gaze skim along her body, over her strong shoulder blades and straight spine, she never buckled under the intensity of what he made her feel.

Her wolf preened under his attention, standing straighter with an arrogant tilt of her chin. His scent of cypress and something tropical mixed with the natural atmosphere to create a heady drug that infused her senses. It not only excited her, but strengthened her. No matter what lay ahead, she was with her mate, and he would protect her.

With a proud toss of his head, Zion turned and leapt into the treeline. They all bounded after him, jumping over fallen logs and small shrubs as they left the car behind and disappeared into the shadows of the forest.

Savannah relished in the freedom she felt, the wind rushing through her fur and against her skin beneath, and the thud of her paws as they thundered over the earth and loose leaf litter. But with each step, each mile they drew closer to their destination, she sensed more and more wolves closing in.

Rogues, each of them, all congregating in the same place.

She was getting agitated, her wolf itching to take the lead and hunt them down. Cale felt it too, she knew. He ran beside her with a gleam in his eyes that betrayed how uneasy he was about the impending situation.

Zion must have sensed her jittery mood because he slowed and fell into step beside her. From the corner of her eye, she found him watching her, analysing her every move.

Soon they came to a halt at the edge of a cliff that overlooked a wide river. It rumbled through the canyon below, white froth bubbling around exposed boulders, rapids echoing up and down the rocky cliffs. Looking left, Savannah saw the river meander its way east, cutting the dense forest with a silver ribbon.