29

Savannah didn't kill Tori, but she sure came close to it.

The moment she stepped outside in search of the mate-snatching shewolf, Talei squealed and ran over to her, looping her arm around hers and dragging her away. "Look who's finally awake!"

"Sleeping beauty, good to see you could make it," Phoenix grinned and waved her over. A group of wolves were gathered around a large bonfire that was slowly catching alight, while they barbecued juicy meats over a smaller flame grill set a few metres away.

Chayton rose from the other side of the stack of logs, matches and tinderbox in hand. He looked at the growing flames with satisfaction, then lifted his dark eyes in silent greeting. A new scar was etched on his chin, adding a brutal roughness to his already toughened features.

Savannah nodded at him, then glanced around, slowly taking in the relaxed scene. She was amazed at these wolves' desire for flames after narrowly escaping becoming barbecue themselves just last night. The last thing she wanted was more heat, but Talei shoved her down onto one of the many logs that ringed the bonfire, regardless of her protests, and sat heavily beside her. Cale took the seat on her other side, and between them, Savannah was their prisoner.

"I wouldn't really kill her, you know," she grumbled, accepting the glass of water that Willow offered.

"We know. But that glint in your eyes says otherwise," Willow smirked, drinking from a dark bottle as she sat beside Talei. "I fixed your jacket," she held out a piece of leather to Savannah.

She stared at it in surprise. The sleeves had been cut off, refashioning it into a biker vest with silver studs now around the seams. "What happened to it?"

"The fire burnt through some of the leather. I salvaged what I could. You're welcome."

"Thanks, I guess?" Savannah pushed her arms into it, and tucked it snugly against her chest. It warmed her a little against the cold that now slinked from the shadowed forest that surrounded them.

"There's that smell again," Cale commented, leaning over to sniff Savannah like a curious puppy. "What did you wash her jacket with?" he asked Willow.

The apathetic shewolf just shrugged. "Found some liquid soap in Tori's laundry. Nothing fancy," she replied, holding out her hands to the fire that now radiated out heat in waves. When Ethan sat beside her and tried sliding his arm around her shoulders, she shoved him away with a disgusted snort.

Savannah dismissed the low murmurings of their continued conversation, and focused on calming her mind. The scents of roasting meats wafted over the gathering, mingling with smoke, the sweet smell of burning camphor laurel, and something bitter. Looking back over the top of the two-story house, she noticed faint wisps of smoke rising into the darkening sky.

"We lit a funeral pyre earlier," Cale explained, following her line of sight. "A few of Tori's men didn't make it."

Her heart tightened at the reminder of the brutality of the rogue wars, and even though she came from a different world to these wolves, she still felt connected to them in some way. Looking around at the men and women gathered here, Savannah didn't recognise most of them, and surmised they were part of Tori's Nightwing gang. They clearly had a support system going on, these wolves running together much like a pack though they'd probably never admit it. Wolves were social creatures, relying on each other and becoming stronger together. That was a universal truth no matter how much some tried to deny it.

She saw Chuck and Olly, Zion's friends, chatting around the barbecue, beers in hand and smiles on their faces. Zion soon joined them, and though Savannah had her gaze pinned to the back of his head, he didn't seem to notice. Firelight danced on his leather jacket and highlighted the golden tones of his wavy hair.

As the light faded from the western sky, stars began dotting the velvet expanse above, sparks rising from the fire to join their atmospheric brothers. The mood was light, laughter echoing around them as drinks were shared, plates of food passed around, and stories swapped with growing excitement. These wolves were clearly having a good time, relaxing after the horrors of last night as if they never happened.

Savannah couldn't understand it. She had so much to think about, so much to discuss with Zion since eavesdropping on his conversation with Tori. What was it he wasn't telling her? Sure, she knew there was a lot about the enigmatic Silver Rogue she didn't know, things he didn't trust her enough to share with. There were many layers to his dark mystery that she wasn't even sure she wanted to unravel. What would she find if she fully immersed herself in his world? She'd already seen the fierce and ruthless side to him, and there were no doubt numerous things in his past she'd hate him for. All the stories of his destruction and carnage, raiding pack houses and killing innocent people... But, thinking about it now in the light of what she'd seen of Zion firsthand, was he really capable of doing that? The people she'd seen him kill had deserved to die.

And who was Leila? How was she connected to Regan, and more importantly, to Alpha Bastien? Regan's dying words and Zion's hate-filled response kept replaying in her mind.

Time to pay.

This is for ratting us out to Alpha Bastien.

What did it all mean?

Savannah gripped her head, clutching her hair as a headache began forming at the base of her skull. A soft hand tugged on her arm.

"Alpha, just try to relax," Cale encouraged.

"Here, have this," Talei held out a beer.

"Not on your life," Savannah shoved it back. "I'm never touching that horrible stuff again."

"It's not that bad," Talei refuted, but couldn't help screwing up her nose as she sniffed the alcohol. Regardless, she took a long sip and sighed contentedly.

"How can you all sit here so casually after what we just went through? Can't you show any respect for the dead?" Savannah leapt to her feet and rubbed her hands down her face, agitation causing her bones to jitter under her skin. "I mean, just look at Chuck! He's laughing and joking like it's spring break!"

Talei studied the brawny male as he took another beer from the esky, popped the cap off, and downed it one gulp. "He had to put down his best friend."

"Excuse me?" Savannah stopped her pacing and stared at Talei.

"Baxter. We had to put him down early this morning. He went nuts after you killed his mate," Talei explained flatly, her expression finally somber.

"Mate?" Savannah frowned. Why was her brain taking so long to put the pieces together?

"Calista. He watched as you tore her throat out. He wanted to die in the fire right along with her, but Chuck managed to drag him to safety. It was pointless, though. Bax lost his damn mind, ranting and raving and nearly killed us on the trip over here. Chuck had no other option but to end his misery."

"But...but...why is Chuck just acting like nothing happened?" Savannah sank back down to the log, her head aching even more with the knowledge of the consequences her actions had led to. Bax was a jerk, but that didn't mean he deserved the pain of losing his mate, and now his life.

Willow shrugged, taking a sip of her own beer before speaking matter-of-factly, "It's his way of dealing with it."

"Just burying the pain under alcohol? That's ridiculous. Everyone knows that--"

"Hey!" Tori suddenly appeared in front of Savannah, her tall figure silhouetted by the glow of the fire. "Shut up, will you? You're disturbing our peace."

"Well, sorry for being the only one taking your losses seriously," Savannah returned the rogue's heated glare with one of her own.

Cale laid a hand on her knee, subtly reminding her to stay calm.

"You're not the only one, princess. Don't you think we feel it too? Or are you so stuck up in your Alpha ways, so prejudiced against us that you don't think we're capable of pain or sympathy?" Tori propped a hand on her hip and pressed her mouth shut, clearly wanting to say more but thinking the better of it. An argument was the last thing she wanted.

Savannah narrowed her eyes at Tori, but bit her tongue. She noticed others around the fire were watching, expectantly waiting to see what would happen between them. Some grinned stupidly, eager for a fight to break out. Even Zion was looking at her, his hazel eyes glowing dangerously with the firelight yet not revealing any of his thoughts. It annoyed her how much distance there was between them, as if Zion didn't want to be associated with the crazy Alpha and her childish tantrum in front of all his roguish buddies.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she figured it was probably wise not to draw anymore attention to herself, especially since Tori recognised her as an Alpha. And at the end of the day, Tori owned the place and made the rules. Savannah would abide by them for propriety's sake.

"Fine. Do things your way. Who am I to question it?" she stuffed down her natural dominance and deferred to Tori, though it took all her restraint not to leap up and challenge the shewolf then and there. That would most definitely make her an enemy, and Savannah didn't need any more of those.

Tori's stance eased a little, her shoulders loosening. "Here," she held out a plate with a massive burger assembled from salad and a meat patty. "This is how we cope with the loss. Now take it or leave it. You're free to walk anytime you like, but I doubt you'd get far in these parts. My estate is safe. So chill," she stared at her evenly, a dark warning in her eyes that allowed no further argument.

Savannah took the offering, her expression softening as she nodded her thanks.

Tori huffed one last time before walking away, her steps heavy and sure. She walked beyond the light of the fire and towards the forested hillside. Before disappearing into the treeline, she paused and glanced over her shoulder.

Following her every move, Savannah saw who the shewolf had in her sights. Zion. His own gaze was on Tori, silent words passing between them with one very intimate look.

A few moments after she left, Zion followed her steps into the forest.

Shoving the rest of the burger into her mouth, Savannah rose to follow.

"Uh uh. Not a good idea. Just trust him. There's nothing going on between those two," Willow stopped her in her tracks, her brown eyes heavy with meaning as she read exactly what Savannah was up to.

Beyond frustrated, Savannah sat back down. "If you think I'm gonna let her steal my mate--"

"She has her own, or did you forget that?" Talei interrupted, sounding annoyed as usual. "The only reason she's still here and not with him is to give him a chance to prove himself to Alpha Lucas. She kinda had a fight with that prick years ago and doesn't want that interfering with Javed's chance at being Beta, so here she is. She's no threat to your precious mate, so get over it."

"Wow, I feel so much better. Thanks." Savannah said sarcastically, scrunching the plastic plate between her fingers and staring into the fire as deadly thoughts ran through her mind. Maybe Zion could teach her some of those ways of killing someone with his eyes closed, and let her practice on himself. That would relieve some of this simmering anger that bubbled inside her.

Everyone had gone back to joking and laughing, and for that she should have been grateful. But she couldn't seem to shake the icky feeling that crawled over her skin.

These rogues seemed to have no problem playing such deadly games, then carrying on with life after losing friends and brothers. This knowledge did lead her to hold them in low esteem. Her own pack avoided conflict at all costs, and on the rare occasion they did lose a man, they would grieve and honour them with ceremonies of remembrance, not some backyard barbecue with copious amounts of alcohol to numb the senses and forget the misery. Pain was meant to teach you something and make you smarter, stronger. Wiser.

"I've had enough of this foolishness." Standing quickly, she excused herself and marched around the back of the house. Her steps slowed as she neared the still smoldering pyre, grey ashes resting atop as coals glowed beneath. The smoke stung her eyes, but she approached. She bent and scooped up a handful of soil.

"From dust..." she sprinkled the dry soil over the cremated bodies, "...to dust. May your souls rest where they belong. Be it Hell or Heaven, may your pain be short, and your joy a life long."

Lifting her face to the night sky, she studied the stars and the waning moon now risen in the east, covering the countryside with a silver blanket.

Her lips murmured the ode to the dead again, knowing the departed souls were entrusted to the King of the universe. Not many believed as she did, that human souls were stitched together intricately by a divine hand and that their fragile bodies were formed from dust before being gifted the breath of life. Each life was fleeting, like wisps of smoke, only passing through the earth temporarily before their souls moved on to the unseen dimensions. Depending on their faith, one could spend eternity with their Maker, or suffer judgment for their sins in a fire far more ravaging than those known on earth.

Savannah could only hope Baxter, Regan, and the other fallen rogues weren't paying the ultimate price for their cruel actions, their bodies burning a second time before their souls faded into oblivion. She clung to her own hope of a better future beyond this earthly turmoil, and thanked God for the faith that strengthened her even amidst such darkness.

Turning to go inside, she didn't see the shadow that followed her across Tori's threshold.

Walking quietly down the halls, Savannah's mind pondered her situation. Zion clearly didn't want to speak to her about anything worthwhile. Should she and Cale just pack their bags and head home? Was she wasting her time trying to reform Zion and his gang from their corrupt and roguish ways? She knew he cared for her, but was it enough to change his life around? Or was he a lost cause?

The shadows lengthened as she stepped through a large double-door that opened into a spacious sitting room. She found a light switch on the wall, illuminating an antique chandelier that hung from the middle of the ceiling. The light showed off a few neatly arranged settees, upholstered in lavish designs, and a sleek, black grand piano in the corner. Her fingers twitched, realising they hadn't touched ivory keys in a long time. A knife and, since most recently, a handgun felt more at home in her palms.

Settling herself on the plush seat, she closed her eyes and imagined the disturbance in her mind gliding away as soothing music filled its place. Her fingers danced on the keys, playing a haunting melody that mirrored her heart.

"Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. One of my favourites."

The deep voice startled her, and Savannah nearly fell off her seat.

"Don't stop on my account, Sweetpea. I enjoy this song immensely," Olly sat down beside her on the seat.

Shuffling over, she managed to give enough room to the tall, broad-shouldered rogue. After giving her a grateful smile, he lifted his hands at the same time she began to continue playing.

They played the sonata together, Savannah playing the low notes she memorised years ago, while Olly added his own harmony a couple octaves higher. The duet brought a winsome smile to her face as she remembered sitting at the piano as a young girl, her mum patiently instructing her to play it over and over again until the piece sounded angelic. The young Alpha had a natural tendency to thump the keys like they were Justin's face, but had finally learnt to use a light touch, tenderly playing songs that gave wings to the joys and aches in her heart.

As the song drew to an end, Olly turned to her, a brilliant smile on his face. His white teeth stood out brightly against his dark skin. "Marvellous," he praised.

She couldn't tell if he was genuine or not.

"You know, this was the first song my grandmother taught me when I moved in with her," Olly continued, brushing a hand over his short black hair. "She would tell me stories of how brilliant Beethoven was, that I couldn't help being enamoured with his compositions. Such classic pieces, he wrote."

Savannah felt her defences slowly lowering. "They definitely are classics. Harder to play than they sound. Do you know any contemporary songs?" she asked, an idea forming in her mind.

Olly shrugged, his carefree attitude putting her further at ease. "I haven't played in years, so I'm a bit rusty."

"After listening to what you just played, I wouldn't call it rusty. Go on, show me," she urged, knowing how much guys liked to show off and have their talents appreciated.

After Olly played a slow rendition of a modern song, Savannah gushed. "Amazing!"

"Yeah, it's alright. My grandma encouraged me to play songs I enjoyed, so I wouldn't get bored of the piano."

"That's nice. I never knew my grandparents." She almost felt bad for the way Olly's smile slipped instantly from his face at her words.

"No?" his eyes crinkled in concern.

"They were killed by rogues when my mum was just a teenager."

Olly swallowed hard, his fists clenching. "I'm sorry to hear that. Is that why you hate rogues so much?"

Savannah shrugged, blinking her eyes rapidly as tears gathered. "Part of the reason. I've just..." she paused, sniffed. "I've seen them devastate too many lives of those I care about. Why do they have to be so cruel?" She was careful not to include Olly personally as she spoke of rogues.

"We're not all cruel," he looked at her with sad eyes. "Most of us are just misunderstood. We've lost our direction somewhere along the way, and try our best to make do with the situations life throws us in. Others might judge our actions as cruel, but they don't know the full context."

"I've met some pretty cruel rogues. No context could justify the murder of an Alpha and his Luna."

"I'm not excusing anybody for what they've done to you. There are monsters out there, but don't think the worst of Zion just because he calls himself a rogue."

"Zion?" Savannah glanced up at Olly, surprised. "Since when did this conversation have anything to do with Zion?"

"Since the start," Olly lifted an eyebrow, challenging her to argue with him. "What is it that's bothering you? I saw the way you were looking at him earlier, like you wanted to slit his throat while he slept."

"Nothing of the sort," Savannah covered her cheeks, horrified that he caught her out and by the heat that bloomed in her face. Thankfully, silvery moonlight shone through the thick drapes that hung, pulled aside from the window, disguising the blush of her face. "I was just curious. After what happened last night... Regan was the enemy, and Alpha Bastien was a part of it. I just don't see the connection."

"Regan wanted Zion dead for his own reasons, but knew it would look bad to the rogue brotherhood if he killed one of his own. So when Bastien came sniffing around, Regan gladly handed over information on Zion's whereabouts."

"All Alphas want to end the Silver Rogue, so I can understand Bastien's intentions. I guess it didn't go well for him when he finally did catch up to Zion," Savannah said softly, trying to understand it from her mate's perspective. She'd been so disgusted at him for killing an Alpha, but really, he'd only been defending himself as any wolf would do.

"No, indeed it didn't," Olly agreed, knowing the details better than Savannah of Bastien's failed attempt at bringing down the strongest, impervious rogue. He was torn limb from limb, then stared into the cruel eyes of Zion as his heart was torn from his ribcage.

"So, who is Leila?"

Olly startled from the memory, glancing at Savannah as he shuttered the disturbing images behind his eyes. "Leila was Regan's other daughter. He has...had three children."

"Javed, Calista, and Leila." Savannah chewed on her bottom lip, untangling the family relationships of these rogues. "And Regan held Zion responsible for her death?"

Olly nodded his head, anger overtaking his features. "Regan was a bitter man, always blaming others for the consequences of his mistakes. Zion had nothing to do with her death. He would never hurt someone as beautiful and innocent as her, believe me." His voice and nearly black eyes held an imploring tone.

"I do," she responded simply, yet deeply meaning those two small words. She hesitated from asking any more questions, as it was apparent from the distant look in Olly's eyes that he felt something for the tragically dead girl. Instead, she offered him a small smile. "Thanks, Olly. I'm glad Zion has friends like you."

"And he's a lucky mutt to have a mate like you," Olly returned the playful grin, reaching up to ruffle her short hair.

"Savannah," the deep voice had them both instantly jumping apart.

Swivelling on the narrow seat, Savannah watched as her mate approached, his body detaching from the shadows along the far wall and stalking towards her like a silent predator. How long had he been there, listening to their conversation about him? His solemn expression, devoid of any emotion save the golden glint in his hazel eyes, gave nothing away.

He laid a large hand on her shoulder, standing over her as he looked at Olly with a silent death threat.

"I was just leaving," Olly rose quickly and bowed like a gentleman. "An honour to play with you, Miss."

As Olly left, Savannah slowly stood and turned to her brooding mate. "We were just--"

"Time for bed, young lady," he interrupted, taking her hand in his and tugging her upstairs.

She clenched her jaw in irritation of his perplexing behaviour. So he would ignore her completely one minute, then boss her around the next? "Yes, Dad," she muttered sarcastically, glaring daggers at his broad back.

He stopped instantly, causing her to run into him and nearly fall backwards down the stairs. He caught her easily, pulling her close so her nose was only inches from his. "Don't ever call me that," he growled sharply, his voice darker and deeper than she recalled ever hearing.

She swallowed hard, trying to read the mystifying emotions swirling in his eyes. His scent washed over her, pure and untainted by conniving shewolves. At least Tori hadn't tried anything funny with her mate while they were alone together in the woods.

But there was something else in the hard set to his jaw, the way his lips twitched and the tendons in his neck pulsed with restrained energy.

Zion stared at her silently a few more seconds before stepping back, turning and hurrying up the last few steps.

She followed him to their room, and once the door was shut behind them she finally found her voice. "I'd rather not sleep in the same bed as you." It came out weaker than she hoped, her voice thready and nervous when it should have been full of conviction.

"Why not? Afraid you won't be able to keep your hands off me?" Zion turned to face her, his tone teasing and light as a smirk grew on his face.

His sudden change of demeanor astounded her. "What? No! I.. I'm afraid you won't be able to keep your hands off me, Mr Sticky Fingers." She crossed her arms over her chest and did her best to appear intimidating.

"What are you talking about?" he eyed her suspiciously, as if there was more than one meaning to the phrase. Perhaps there was.

"I mean, you're a thief who can't help himself stealing anything of value. Like rubies, for instance. How can I trust someone who has no regard for personal property?"

Zion shook his head, chuckling as he took a step towards her. "Correction: ruby. Only one worth stealing," he held up a finger as if lecturing a class. "But darling, you are far more valuable than all the rarest gems in the world combined. Would I really steal you without permission?"

She matched his step back, only to find the wall right there, as if deliberately waiting to block her retreat. "Who's to say I won't kill you in your sleep? After all, you still don't trust me," she pointed out, scrambling to come up with a good reason why they shouldn't sleep together. She didn't trust herself, but would never admit it. He was her weakness, breaking down her defences with each smug smile and arrogant kiss.

"I know you won't kill me. You've only assured me a hundred times of that fact. And as a straight-laced Alpha who wouldn't dare be dishonest, I take your word for it." His hand came up and rested on the door beside her head.

She took a fortifying breath as his face once again descended so it was within kissing distance of her own. His chiselled jawline was so sharply outlined by shadows, his lips so beautiful in the pale moonlight. It would be so easy to just reach out and give in to the desire growing between them... "You've taught me how to blur the line between right and wrong. I might feel like lying to you, my dear mate," she whispered, slowly sliding her hand up his chest.

His reaction fascinated her, the way his pupils dilated until his irises were swallowed by black. "So never believe me when I say you're everything I want." Her lips brushed his, teasing him, tasting the remnants of alcohol on his breath. Her hand wrapped around his neck, nowhere near large enough to encase the muscular circumference. His pulse thundered rapidly under her fingertips, and she could so easily boast in the way she affected him. Maybe he could be brought to his knees just as thoroughly as she.

But this wasn't her, nor who she wanted to be.

Summoning the strength she knew she possessed, she shoved him back.

He stumbled, his eyes widening with shock before blinking, the need to clear his head making Savannah giggle. But his vulnerable expression disappeared in less than half a second, instantly replaced with the cocky smirk she knew so much better.

"I'll play your game, little Alpha," he conceded, raking his fingers through his hair all while keeping her pinned against the wall with just his eyes. "But be warned. I'll get you one day. And there'll be no escaping me then."

With the ominous promise hanging between them, he crossed to the balcony doors, slid them open, and stepped outside.

"Wait! Where are you going?" she hurried after him, stepping out just as he jumped up onto the railing.

"I'm going to sleep on the roof." He gave her a two finger salute before reaching up to the eave and swinging himself up and over the gutter with his powerful arms.

"Do you always have to be so dramatic?" Savannah yelled after him as he disappeared from view, huffing to herself when she got no reply.