37

As she and Justin packed their car to leave, Phoenix gratefully joined them with Emerald by his side. She didn't want to let him go so soon, and Savannah grinned at the giddiness in her sister's eyes that reminded her of her own feelings when she first met Zion. Like magnets, the mate bond draws mates together and holds them captive no matter the circumstances.

Hunter rushed up and begged to join them, explaining he wanted to spend the day with Elias and Isaiah who were already visiting with Malachi's son Hudson. The group of boys, all around the same age, were great friends and did many things together. Hunting, fishing, camping and exploring the neighbouring territories had formed a bond that would last for many years to come, and was especially important as they grew up to lead the packs as men.

Before they left, Justin spoke a few parting words to Cale who would look after the pack in the Alpha and Beta's absence. "And remember," he then addressed his younger brother Jacob, "Cale is superior to you. So no bossing him around, you hear?"

Cale grinned with delight at being in charge, then snickered at the way Jacob pouted.

They eventually took off with the young wolves racing by the side of their car, and it wasn't long before they arrived at DoubleEdge's pack house. Ariella was waiting on the doorstep, and Malachi came rushing out with a bag slung over his shoulder and a coat on his arm. As he tugged it on, his adoring Luna pulled him in for a kiss.

Savannah watched with a bittersweet smile as she thought back on all the couple had gone through. They'd battled demons and rogues to be together, Ariella even giving her life to free Malachi from the chains of his dark heritage. If anyone deserved a happy future, it was them, and testament to their blessings were the three children they'd had. Ariella radiated with joy as she carried their fourth, and giggled when Malachi knelt to whisper something to her swollen belly.

Savannah reluctantly dragged her eyes away from the intimate moment.

Her younger brother Isaiah soon came running from the woods with future Alpha Hudson by his side, and Charles and Lexi's miracle son Elias hot on their heels. It was truly thanks to their all-powerful King that Lexi had been able to conceive a child after her body had been wounded by rogues years before.

The boisterous teenagers tumbled into Hunter, all rolling in the dirt before picking themselves up and curiously inspecting Phoenix. They jumped and climbed all over him, babbling about a bear they tracked and a wild cat Elias rescued from a ravenous python. Emerald tried to pull them back, admonishing them to show some manners, but Phoenix didn't seem to mind their exuberance and excitement at meeting a potentially new pack member.

Isaiah quietly observed from a few feet back, his serious temperament showing itself as he appraised Phoenix with a wisdom beyond his years. It was almost as if he felt something was off about the man, even after being assured by Savannah and Emerald that he was safe despite his rogue status.

Only when Ariella came over to greet them did the others notice something amiss.

The Luna, known for her perceptiveness and insight into mystical things, tilted her head and studied the young rogue carefully. Her jaw clenched, and Savannah watched with growing dread as Ariella's eyes narrowed in agitation. "Why have you brought them here?" she asked, not taking her eyes off Phoenix as though he was a threat she couldn't turn her back on.

Savannah stepped forward to make the formal introductions. "He wants to talk to Malachi--"

Ariella waved aside her explanation as if it was far from the truth. A probing frown appeared between her usually serene eyes. "No, they want to cause trouble. They're dangerous, can't you see that?" Ariella turned to her, a rebuke in her tone.

"They?" Savannah grew tense when Ariella then approached Phoenix, her hands outstretched as if to touch him.

He backed away, his breaths becoming heavy as a snarl formed on his lips. "Stay back!" he hissed, the sound of his roughened voice causing Emerald's eyes to widen in fear. "Don't touch us!"

"You have no right to be on my territory," Ariella told him calmly yet firmly. Her small figure was dwarfed by Phoenix's, yet she was larger with the dominance and authority she exuded.

"We're not going anywhere until we have answers," Phoenix replied harshly, layers of voices issuing from his mouth as he defied her.

"Get out!" Ariella held his face in her hands, arresting him in place, "Leave this man alone!"

"No! He needs us. He wants revenge and we can help him." He growled back, eyes flashing with a crimson hue that frightened Savannah to her bones.

Savannah glanced at Malachi as he stood ready for a fight, conflicted over rushing to protect his mate or letting her confront the threat in a way only she knew.

"I said leave!" Ariella demanded, her strong voice vibrating through the air and causing the ground to tremble beneath them.

Phoenix flinched, his body tightening in rage, his hands coming up to grip Ariella's arms as a throaty roar was wrenched from his chest.

Ariella held her ground, refusing to back down as she stared at the monsters in front of her. After a few seconds, Phoenix squeezed his eyes shut, his face twisting as if in terrible pain, then he went limp.

Crashing to the ground heavily, his entire body slackened, his chest flattening as he stopped breathing.

"Phoenix!" Emerald cried, throwing herself down at his side and putting her ear to his chest. "He's not breathing!"

Savannah stared in shock for a moment, as soon as Luna Ariella had touched him and his body convulsed in a seizure. Having no idea what just happened, her analytical mind soon pieced together the immediate facts: he wasn't moving, breathing, and she couldn't hear his heart beating.

He was dead to the world like the rogues she'd so often killed in her life as Alpha and protector of her territory.

But this one was different. This was her friend, her sister's mate, and a rogue who had grabbed his second chance with both hands no matter how much it cost him.

So without even thinking twice, she shoved past the young pups who had crowded close in panic, and knelt opposite her sister beside Phoenix. "Give us some room!" she ordered the gathering crowd, and watched from her periphery Alpha Malachi corralling everyone away from them. Extending her claws lightly, she tore through Phoenix's shirt and jacket to reveal his chest, then placed her hands over his sternum.

Every year at Alpha camp, she'd attended mandatory first aid training, refreshing the life-saving skills and learning up to date techniques in resuscitation and stabilization of injuries.

She'd hoped to never have to use it, but that if the time came, her reflexes would take over and recall exactly what to do.

That time was now.

As if she wasn't even aware of what she was doing, the Alpha compressed the lifeless chest over and over, keeping count in her head while Emerald clutched his hand desperately. His ribs cracked around the solid sternum, the grating sound of shattering bone giving way to soft squelches as the blood mixed with spongy tissue.

She was aware of Ariella whispering something over and over, probably praying to their Creator for a miracle. The Luna was known for those kinds of things, and seemed to have a direct line to God for help when she needed it most.

Savannah supposed God would listen to everyone who cried out for his guidance and healing hand, but Ariella was closer to him than anybody else she knew, and had witnessed more than most of the unseen power of their Lord and King.

Would he listen to her now? Did he care for this unruly rogue who lay cold on the ground, his past littered with cruel and senseless crimes? Would the King grant Phoenix a miracle despite how rebellious he'd been up to this point?

All these worrying thoughts raced through her mind as her body kept Phoenix' viable. Every thirty compressions she gave him two breaths, watching as his chest inflated before it fell flat without a response of his own.

Even as Beta Hamilton arrived with a defibrillator and Savannah attached the pads to his chest, she could see the tears tracking down Emerald's face. Even though she hadn't known him long, her sister had become deeply attached to this man who deserved dungeon chains more than her loving arms.

"Stand clear!" Savannah instructed as the machine prepared to give him a shock. But even after a few rounds of CPR and electricity, his heart refused to start. "I don't understand..." She couldn't keep the desperation from her voice, refusing to give up even as the body remained void of vital signs.

"It's not your fault," Ariella spoke quietly yet firmly. "They're still holding him captive. It's up to Phoenix to wrestle his demons."

Emerald seemed to shudder at the ominous words, yet she bravely continued urging her mate to stay strong and come back to her. He was too young to die. They hadn't lived their life together yet. She hadn't met him only to lose him so soon.

Savannah's muscles weren't growing weary even as she put her whole body into keeping Phoenix's blood flowing around his system, but her chest was growing tight with the awful reality. Maybe he was too far gone to fight. Maybe he wasn't strong enough to battle the evil influences he'd given into all his life. Maybe today, instead of welcoming him into their pack, they'd be cremating his body while his soul languished in the hell of the afterlife. Maybe--

Phoenix gasped, pushing her way with strong arms as he struggled to sit up. Blood trickled from his mouth as it climbed up his esophagus, his face blooming red with exertion as he tried taking a deep breath.

"Easy, now," Savannah gently pushed him back down, turning him onto his side to rest in the recovery position so he could breathe easier.

Emerald was all over him, her hands cradling his face, her eyes peering into his own as they slowly focused on hers, and her voice whimpering cries of relief mixed with soothing sounds to her agitated mate.

He trembled, his whole body shuddering with emotion and his eyes darting from side to side in obvious fear.

"What happened? What did you see? Were you dead? What's it like?" Hunter pushed his way closer and asked Phoenix a bunch of questions. They were fair questions, ones Savannah herself was pondering, but she held her rambunctious brother back to give the poor man some space to breathe.

"Are you okay?" Emerald asked quietly, her question holding far more than the simple words ordinarily meant.

Phoenix stared up at her, his eyes holding hers like they were the only anchor tethering him to this world. "It was horrible. I... I don't know how to describe them..."

"Them?" This time, it was Isaiah who peered closely, watching him for any peculiar symptoms that might indicate just what he went through. "Them who?"

After a coughing fit seized him for a few moments, Emerald wiped his mouth clean so he could explain. "Demons. They looked ghastly! I never even believed they were for real."

"Oh, they're real alright," Malachi spoke up, a grave look on his face as he stood a few feet away, his hands on Ariella's shoulders as she rested against him.

"How'd you see them? Did you fight them? Are they dead?" Hunter asked curiously, as if they were discussing a pack of hyenas on the plains, and not invisible beings of the spiritual realms.

Phoenix nodded. "They were pretty vicious, but I sent them packing eventually."

"Thank God, you did," Emerald pulled him closer, hugging him to her chest and squeezing her eyes shut as prayers of thanks fell from her lips.

Isaiah tilted his head as he posed his next question. "So... how did that actually work? You were dead. I saw you here, not moving. So did the demons kill you, then you came back to life?"

Ariella shook her head when Phoenix just shrugged. "Not really. His soul never died. It just left his body."

"Yeah, that makes sense," Phoenix agreed. "When you ordered them to leave, they tried taking me right along with them. I guess they've been inside my head so long, they thought they owned me," he swallowed hard, his jaw clenching as a frown crossed his face. "For so long I've just given in to the urges, the idea that I can do whatever I want without consequence. I've wanted to murder my sister's killer in the worst way possible, but now..." he paused again and laced his fingers with Emerald's as she clutched his hand tightly. "Now I realise that wouldn't change anything. The anger and pain wouldn't go away. I just feel... lost. And sore," he rubbed his chest and grimaced. "I think you left one rib intact. You wanna break it for good measure?" he turned to Savannah with a hint of a grin on his pale face.

Savannah felt like crying at the humour in his words. "Well, clearly I did a good job at keeping you alive, and you're not suffering too much brain damage," she teased, kicking his foot with her own then turning to shield the tears in her eyes. Her own body felt tight and wound up, the surge of adrenaline that had enlivened her body now leaving her shaky and jittery.

The others continued talking but she wasn't listening. All she could hear was the thudding of her own heart, sounding tinny in her ears, and the rising of sobs in her chest. Squishing down the emotion, she tried not to think about how close they'd come to losing Phoenix. As Alpha, she felt the desire to fight for and protect those she cared about.

But how could she fight an enemy she couldn't even see? Was Zion facing the same kind of demons? How would he even know to fight the influence on his mind as they warred for his allegiance? Were they even now dragging him down the path of destruction and ruin, pushing him to commit crimes of hate and vengeance? Would he ever come back from that dark destination? Was he too far beyond her reach? If she ever caught up to him, what kind of man would she find?

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

A warm arm slipped around her waist, and Savannah turned into Ariella's comforting embrace. "I'm okay."

The wise Luna lifted an eyebrow knowingly. "No one does that kind of thing and comes out of it okay. You should take a moment to catch your own breath."

"I know. Thank you," Savannah placed her hand over Ariella's as a silent understanding passed between them. Savannah knew Ariella had been through her own fair share of emergency situations. The young Luna, when just a teenager, had delivered baby Hunter into the world in the middle of the dark forest at night with rogues on their heels and traitors hunting them. As the story went, Ariella's angelic friends had lent a helping hand when it counted most.

"I wanted to ask you..." Savannah began slowly, her fingers coming up to touch the pendant on her neck in a gesture that had turned into habit. "Have there been any other... disturbances, like... demons or angels around your territory lately?"

Ariella's lips curled up in a wry smile. "There are always demons around. They can't seem to stay away. Thankfully, Joshua and his legion continue to patrol the borders and fill in any gaps our wolves leave. We can't be in every place at once, so I'm thankful for the warriors' help."

"Joshua...?" Savannah questioned, knowing the name was familiar but unable to place it.

"Gabriella's brother. Well, all angels are brothers and sisters. Even the demons were once part of the King's angelic forces before they rebelled against him. Now they roam the earth, looking to cause mischief like there isn't enough already. Joshua has led his legion in protecting your territory for nearly a century now, and splits his time between there and here. He can't seem to keep away from his nieces," Ariella smiled as she watched her dear friend Gabby leading her two daughters up the path to say goodbye to their father Beta Hamilton.

Savannah thought about the Luna's words. "I've always believed there were angels around helping us. But why haven't I ever seen them?"

Ariella shrugged. "My understanding is they only show themselves to those who really want to see them. Otherwise, they remain hidden in the Interealm."

"Do you think one of the angels might do something so trivial as find a lost necklace?" the Alpha asked timidly, feeling stupid but needing to know.

Chuckling, Ariella admired the pendant that Savannah unconsciously kept touching. "Small things like that are Joshua's specialty."

Savannah nodded gratefully. "When you see him next, tell him I said thanks."

"I'm sure he knows already."

They made their way back to the group, and laughed at the sight of Phoenix still sitting on the ground as he recovered, but now with a wild cat purring contentedly in his arms. The mottled grey furry creature seemed happy to be surrounded by wolves as Elias recounted the story of finding it caught in a bear trap.

After saying goodbye multiple times, Savannah was finally able to get away with the men and continue their trip to the Alpha conference, but just as they climbed in their car, Phoenix struggled to his feet.

"Before I forget, I just want to mention you might see Zion at the conference."

Savannah thought her own heart might stop at this small piece of news. "Wait, what?" she gaped, falling out of the car and peering at the nearly-dead wolf with the most confused expression imaginable.

"Zion, he..." Phoenix wheezed, leaning against Emerald as his ribs and lungs slowly knit back together. "He's been planning to attend for ages."

"Attend the Alpha conference? Does anyone else find this hilarious?" Savannah looked around at her Beta, then the DoubleEdge command, finding solace in their confused expressions. "It's like a bank robber just waltzing into a police station and confessing his crimes. Why on earth would Zion go to a conference with a hundred Alphas who all want to kill him?"

"They don't actually know Zion is the Silver Rogue, remember? And besides," Phoenix waved his hand as if her argument was inconsequential. "He was going to go as part of your command. You were his key to getting in."

"Me?" Savannah was sure she hadn't heard right. "How am I relevant to Zion stupidly trying to attend the Alpha conference?"

Phoenix grimaced as if he knew they weren't going to like the answer, but having come too far to wrangle his way out of the truth now. "You have everything to do with it. That's why we came to your territory in the first place-- to abduct you and gain entrance into the conference. You were the key to his plans all along."

"Alpha, slow down. We all want to make it there in one piece, you know," Justin growled and clutched the door handle even tighter as Savannah took a turn particularly fast.

"Shut up and let me drive!" she retorted, her hot tone and irreverent words causing the men in the car to exchange raised eyebrows.

"I am letting you drive, and I think that's the problem," Justin gave her a sharp look.

Savannah fumed at his insolence. "Don't push it, Justin. Just because you're my Beta doesn't mean I won't strangle you."

Justin pursed his lips, glaring at her sternly in a way she felt and promptly ignored. Stepping even further on the accelerator, she swerved into the right lane and overtook a car doing only mildly less than the speed limit. Justin could only hope no police would spot them speeding.

"We don't need any more hold ups today," Savannah felt the need to explain herself. "We're going to be late as it is." She responded to his thoughts out loud, checking the rearview mirrors for any signs of highway patrol.

"A crash would most definitely hold us up," Justin quipped, his voice dripping with practicality.

Hamilton kicked the back of his chair. "Trust your Alpha. She's not gonna crash. Or have you forgotten how good of a driver she is? I recall the way she beat you in the hazardous driving course during Alpha training a few years ago, crossing the line ten minutes before you without a single scratch on your vehicle."

"That was a fluke."

"I doubt it."

"She's reckless and trusts in her guardian angels too much. We shouldn't take risks just because someone's there to save us every time," Justin fired back, glaring in the rearview mirror at the Beta in the backseat.

"You're just jealous you don't have your own for a mate, aren't you?" Hamilton smirked, content in his bond with an angel. He loved Gabriella with every fibre of his being even though she was millenia older than him.

The young Beta growled. "I'm not jealous of anyone."

Malachi chuckled. "Clearly."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

The men in the backseat ignored Justin's question, instead exchanging knowing looks as they studied the pair up front.

Savannah was just as clueless, and put it down to an inside joke the DoubleEdge command had going on between them. If they wanted to tease Justin and leave her out of it, fine. She had bigger things to worry about.

The journey lasted three more hours, giving Savannah plenty of time to ask herself over and over if Zion had been using her the last few weeks. If Phoenix's words were to be believed, Zion had come to her territory for the express purpose of blackmailing her into following him away from her home. He'd fooled her, made her believe she was special and that the mate bond meant something to him. But had it all been lies? Had he only been interested in her status and ability to take him places he couldn't go alone?

When they finally arrived at Villawood Pack, she had a raging headache. Ignoring the beauty and grandeur of the countryside around her, she drove with tunnel vision into the main city. Villawood was the largest territory on the continent, in a central location that everyone could easily reach. The Alpha of this pack, Lord Alistair himself, greeted them at the hotel where the conference was being held.

Savannah made sure to evade his searching eyes and greedy hand that lingered on the small of her back too long. A chill spread through her body at his touch, and she couldn't wait to get the conference over with.

After a few dreadful minutes of polite conversation, they were shown up to their rooms, their luggage having already been sent up. They were assured they had everything they needed for the three-day stay. They refreshed themselves, then met with the other Alphas and Betas in the large, ornately furnished conference room to begin discussions.

As they sat at round tables, Savannah smiled and greeted her friends through clenched teeth and aching bones. The weariness in her body was surprising, but she put it down to being constantly on edge and stressed about the days ahead. She walked a fine line of not betraying her rogue mate to his mortal enemies, yet appearing to be in harmonisation with every Alpha's goal of taking him down for good.

Alpha Jonas of TidalBay pack slid smoothly into the seat beside her. "How's my favourite female Alpha?" he asked with a wink, pushing back the wavy blond hair that fell effortlessly across his forehead. He was so alike his father Alpha Jackson, and Savannah smiled good-naturedly as she enjoyed his company. He was an uncomplicated male, focused only on looking after his pack and having a good time with family and friends. His friendship gave her something she didn't need to overthink or stress about.

"As the only female Alpha, I'm the same as always," she replied airily, a mask over her features as she sipped on a glass of iced tea.

"Really now? That's not what I've heard from the rumours. Tell me honestly, did the Silver Rogue really kidnap you?" Jonas leaned forward with excitement lighting his ocean blue eyes, his fingers tugging the strands of her black hair teasingly.

Her good mood was doused before it could even fan into flames. She didn't miss the flicker of concern that crossed his expression, before he pushed it behind an easy smile. Did he care about her, or was he just upset the notoriously dangerous rogue had gotten away?

"I'm fine. He didn't hurt me. In fact, he let me go without making any threats or demands, unlike other people I've met." Her eyes unconsciously strayed to Lord Alistair who was laughing gaily at something one of the Council members had just said. His pleasant expression belied the cunning and intimidation she just knew he was waiting to impose on her.

"Glad to hear it," Jonas nodded casually. "Well listen, darling, if you ever find yourself in trouble, you let me know, okay? I'd be glad to help you out." With a final wink, he settled back in his chair, ready to get things underway and completely missing the way Justin was glowering at him darkly.

"Maybe we should have chosen that table over there," her Beta leaned in and whispered, motioning across the room.

Savannah followed his gaze, and found Alpha Noah of Greystone Pack sitting quietly with his demure little mate. The pair were quite the exception when it came to the leaders of the territories. Everyone was so bold and strong, yet Noah and Marlene were rather diminutive and meek in comparison. Savannah guessed it had something to do with the mild political landscape surrounding their territory. They ruled over a small strip of land by a large lake, their pack members consisting of gentle farmers and peaceable fishermen. Without attracting any conflict, the Greystone territory enjoyed a quiet existence of self-sustenance and peace. Perhaps this was why the Alpha could get by with a stutter and fear of public speaking. She almost felt sorry that no one at the conference cared to sit with them, as everyone knew they had little insight to offer in regards to the struggles and unrest most other packs faced.

A pair of arms circled her shoulders, causing Savannah to nearly jump out of her skin. "How are you, Sis?" a voice greeted loudly right against her ear.

Savannah spun in her seat and smiled brightly at Jonas's younger sister Melody. She was an outgoing, vivacious female without fear of anything, and had even taken on the role of second in command since the Beta family had no children of their own.