38
"Have you found your mate yet?"
"Why is that always the first question you ask me?" Savannah lifted an eyebrow.
Melody just laughed her trademark laugh that echoed long after she'd stopped. "Because I know how much you can't wait to be bossed around, like the way you boss everyone around. You secretly look forward to being beaten in a wrestling match, am I right, girl?"
"I beat her a few weeks ago," Justin grumbled, pushing into the conversation.
Melody just made a pfffing sound and waved him aside. "She probably let you win to keep you happy. Now back to the important stuff: I found mine!"
"Found your what?" Savannah asked, her mind a million miles away from the conversation. Instead, all she saw was Baby Bax howling in rage after losing to her arm wrestle. Then his angry scowl morphed into the smug smirk of Zion's handsome face, and she wondered how long it would take for him to beat her in an arm wrestle. She'd never doubted his superior strength over her.
"My mate! He's amazing. And so, so hot. I can't believe how blessed I am."
"Of course you think he's good-looking," Alpha Jonas interjected with a roll of his eyes, "He's your mate; what did you expect? Personally, I think he's ugly," he said, earning himself a sharp jab in the ribs from Melody. But that didn't stop him from adding sourly, "And he's a total self-centered ninny. I'm not letting him join the pack."
Melody threw up her hands and sighed exasperatedly, as if she'd had this argument with her brother a number of times already. "Knock it off, Jonas! You just don't like him because he's better than you at surfing."
"No one's better than me!"
"Yeah? I saw the way he surfed that nine metre barrel last week. You wiped out on the first set."
"I was dodging a pod of dolphins."
"Excuses, excuses..."
While the siblings continued bickering, the head of Council, Lord Alistair, stood up and approached the podium. Everyone hushed as he warmly welcomed them all to his territory and formally began the conference. The Council, made up of wise and respected elders from a number of packs across the continent, then proceeded to give everyone an update from their regions.
After bringing up a few of the more important topics, the small groups of Alphas then began discussing local problems that affected their packs and families on a personal level. They then brainstormed solutions, and brought them before the Council for consideration.
The most prominent matter was the capture of the Silver Rogue. To Savannah's increasing horror, a few Alpha's rose to address everyone of their immediate concerns. The Silver Rogue had been to their territories, stealing things of worth and killing anyone who stood in his way. One Luna told them all tearfully of how he had entered her house and murdered her son right before her eyes.
Savannah recognised her as Bastien's mate, and wondered at the true story behind her agonising tale. She knew that Zion had been to Bastien's place and searched his office for information. He'd been desperate to know who had funded the large reward for hunting him down. Who had paid Bastien to kill Leila? He'd expected it was the Council, but the bank accounts trail he'd uncovered suggested otherwise.
While in Bastien's office, had he been caught by the Alpha's son? Had Zion then killed him in order to make his escape?
Savannah shuddered at the possibilities. Having just lost his soulmate, a grieving male was capable of anything.
Speaking of Zion, he was nowhere to be seen and for that Savannah couldn't be more grateful. Every minute she was scanning the crowd, hoping not to see his familiar face. It would be suicide to even step foot in this place. But seeing as he didn't have her as his invitation in, she couldn't see how he could attend anyway. It was so much better that they'd parted ways before the conference. She told herself to breathe easy, and that there was no chance Zion would show up for his own funeral.
The first day of the conference ended without getting any closer to uncovering the Silver Rogue's identity, or having solid ideas of how to capture such a cunning and lethal wolf. Still, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and even festivity, as it always was when so many dominant Alphas gathered in one place. The first night of every conference was set aside for a formal gala dinner, where the Alphas and their Betas would dress up and enjoy the finer things their social status offered.
As everyone prepared for the evening of fine food, wine, and music, Savannah contemplated spending the night in her room and away from curious questions.
Her Beta protested the moment she voiced her thoughts, insisting it would look even stranger to the Council if she didn't show for the event. Considering how she wanted to keep a low profile, she conceded and put on the little black dress Talei had helped her buy when they went shopping together. It was far more modest than the rogue shewolf would have liked, but Savannah wanted the dress to be appropriate for all occasions. Slipping it on now brought back waves of memories she wasn't sure she wanted to keep buried or remember.
"Wow, you look amazing," Justin complimented when he wandered in from his adjoining room.
"You're not so shabby, either," she laughed, stepping closer and reaching to adjust his bowtie, then patting his chest with the familiarity of a sister.
Then she suddenly stepped back, a memory flashing in her mind of Zion adjusting his suit and tie before heading out for the heist of the investment company.
"Yeah, I think I finally washed out all the dirt from my hair," he said, raking a hand through the damp curls that refused to remain in place.
"I don't know," Savannah teased to take her mind off her confounding mate. "I'm sure I could find some." Knowing the Beta was a man of the forest, much more comfortable with mud on his boots and dirt under his nails than in polished shoes and a well-pressed suit, she put her hand on his shoulders and rose on her toes to inspect his head.
"Don't be ridiculous. Come on, let's go." Justin guided her out of the suite, his hand on the small of her back as they descended the grand staircase.
His touch was warm and secure, helping settle her nerves in a way that only a best friend could. Putting on a brave face, she entered the main hall and convinced herself to enjoy the evening.
"Some champagne?" a waitress offered with a tray full of glittering glasses as they mingled in the hall. Savannah sent her scurrying away as soon as the scent of alcohol reached her nostrils. She'd vowed to never touch the toxic stuff again.
"I see the contingent from Black Halo is as motley as always," Justin remarked as people chatted and lingered in the conference room before moving outside to the beautifully decorated patio. His dark eyes tracked across the room, a disapproving look in them.
Savannah turned to see who he was speaking of, and wasn't surprised to see that Alpha Lucas had again refused to show up to the annual national conference. Now that she knew more about the large pack firsthand from rogues who had left it behind, she was almost glad the Alpha wasn't here.
On the one occasion she'd met him years ago, his brooding presence had left her feeling cold and icky. He seemed to always drape himself with aloofness, projecting an attitude of being far superior and better to everyone he met. It was if he couldn't fathom why they wasted his time with their meaningless existence. If anyone could match Lord Alistair's imposing presence, it was Alpha Lucas of Black Halo.
What did surprise Savannah was the appearance of a former pack member of ForgedHearts with his mate, the sister of Beta Hamilton.
"What on earth is Harlow doing here?" Hamilton muttered under his breath.
"Have you found your mate yet?"
"Why is that always the first question you ask me?" Savannah lifted an eyebrow.
Melody just laughed her trademark laugh that echoed long after she'd stopped. "Because I know how much you can't wait to be bossed around, like the way you boss everyone around. You secretly look forward to being beaten in a wrestling match, am I right, girl?"
"I beat her a few weeks ago," Justin grumbled, pushing into the conversation.
Melody just made a pfffing sound and waved him aside. "She probably let you win to keep you happy. Now back to the important stuff: I found mine!"
"Found your what?" Savannah asked, her mind a million miles away from the conversation. Instead, all she saw was Baby Bax howling in rage after losing to her arm wrestle. Then his angry scowl morphed into the smug smirk of Zion's handsome face, and she wondered how long it would take for him to beat her in an arm wrestle. She'd never doubted his superior strength over her.
"My mate! He's amazing. And so, so hot. I can't believe how blessed I am."
"Of course you think he's good-looking," Alpha Jonas interjected with a roll of his eyes, "He's your mate; what did you expect? Personally, I think he's ugly," he said, earning himself a sharp jab in the ribs from Melody. But that didn't stop him from adding sourly, "And he's a total self-centered ninny. I'm not letting him join the pack."
Melody threw up her hands and sighed exasperatedly, as if she'd had this argument with her brother a number of times already. "Knock it off, Jonas! You just don't like him because he's better than you at surfing."
"No one's better than me!"
"Yeah? I saw the way he surfed that nine metre barrel last week. You wiped out on the first set."
"I was dodging a pod of dolphins."
"Excuses, excuses..."
While the siblings continued bickering, the head of Council, Lord Alistair, stood up and approached the podium. Everyone hushed as he warmly welcomed them all to his territory and formally began the conference. The Council, made up of wise and respected elders from a number of packs across the continent, then proceeded to give everyone an update from their regions.
After bringing up a few of the more important topics, the small groups of Alphas then began discussing local problems that affected their packs and families on a personal level. They then brainstormed solutions, and brought them before the Council for consideration.
The most prominent matter was the capture of the Silver Rogue. To Savannah's increasing horror, a few Alpha's rose to address everyone of their immediate concerns. The Silver Rogue had been to their territories, stealing things of worth and killing anyone who stood in his way. One Luna told them all tearfully of how he had entered her house and murdered her son right before her eyes.
Savannah recognised her as Bastien's mate, and wondered at the true story behind her agonising tale. She knew that Zion had been to Bastien's place and searched his office for information. He'd been desperate to know who had funded the large reward for hunting him down. Who had paid Bastien to kill Leila? He'd expected it was the Council, but the bank accounts trail he'd uncovered suggested otherwise.
While in Bastien's office, had he been caught by the Alpha's son? Had Zion then killed him in order to make his escape?
Savannah shuddered at the possibilities. Having just lost his soulmate, a grieving male was capable of anything.
Speaking of Zion, he was nowhere to be seen and for that Savannah couldn't be more grateful. Every minute she was scanning the crowd, hoping not to see his familiar face. It would be suicide to even step foot in this place. But seeing as he didn't have her as his invitation in, she couldn't see how he could attend anyway. It was so much better that they'd parted ways before the conference. She told herself to breathe easy, and that there was no chance Zion would show up for his own funeral.
The first day of the conference ended without getting any closer to uncovering the Silver Rogue's identity, or having solid ideas of how to capture such a cunning and lethal wolf. Still, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and even festivity, as it always was when so many dominant Alphas gathered in one place. The first night of every conference was set aside for a formal gala dinner, where the Alphas and their Betas would dress up and enjoy the finer things their social status offered.
As everyone prepared for the evening of fine food, wine, and music, Savannah contemplated spending the night in her room and away from curious questions.
Her Beta protested the moment she voiced her thoughts, insisting it would look even stranger to the Council if she didn't show for the event. Considering how she wanted to keep a low profile, she conceded and put on the little black dress Talei had helped her buy when they went shopping together. It was far more modest than the rogue shewolf would have liked, but Savannah wanted the dress to be appropriate for all occasions. Slipping it on now brought back waves of memories she wasn't sure she wanted to keep buried or remember.
"Wow, you look amazing," Justin complimented when he wandered in from his adjoining room.
"You're not so shabby, either," she laughed, stepping closer and reaching to adjust his bowtie, then patting his chest with the familiarity of a sister.
Then she suddenly stepped back, a memory flashing in her mind of Zion adjusting his suit and tie before heading out for the heist of the investment company.
"Yeah, I think I finally washed out all the dirt from my hair," he said, raking a hand through the damp curls that refused to remain in place.
"I don't know," Savannah teased to take her mind off her confounding mate. "I'm sure I could find some." Knowing the Beta was a man of the forest, much more comfortable with mud on his boots and dirt under his nails than in polished shoes and a well-pressed suit, she put her hand on his shoulders and rose on her toes to inspect his head.
"Don't be ridiculous. Come on, let's go." Justin guided her out of the suite, his hand on the small of her back as they descended the grand staircase.
His touch was warm and secure, helping settle her nerves in a way that only a best friend could. Putting on a brave face, she entered the main hall and convinced herself to enjoy the evening.
"Some champagne?" a waitress offered with a tray full of glittering glasses as they mingled in the hall. Savannah sent her scurrying away as soon as the scent of alcohol reached her nostrils. She'd vowed to never touch the toxic stuff again.
"I see the contingent from Black Halo is as motley as always," Justin remarked as people chatted and lingered in the conference room before moving outside to the beautifully decorated patio. His dark eyes tracked across the room, a disapproving look in them.
Savannah turned to see who he was speaking of, and wasn't surprised to see that Alpha Lucas had again refused to show up to the annual national conference. Now that she knew more about the large pack firsthand from rogues who had left it behind, she was almost glad the Alpha wasn't here.
On the one occasion she'd met him years ago, his brooding presence had left her feeling cold and icky. He seemed to always drape himself with aloofness, projecting an attitude of being far superior and better to everyone he met. It was if he couldn't fathom why they wasted his time with their meaningless existence. If anyone could match Lord Alistair's imposing presence, it was Alpha Lucas of Black Halo.
What did surprise Savannah was the appearance of a former pack member of ForgedHearts with his mate, the sister of Beta Hamilton.
"What on earth is Harlow doing here?" Hamilton muttered under his breath.
"She moved to Black Halo," Malachi informed them when Justin and Savannah turned curious looks to him. "Apparently, she and Max were offered a higher position than I felt them worthy of in my own pack. Harlow jumped at the chance to 'be what she was born for', in her own words."
Savannah nodded. It was clear the shewolf was used to being the centre of attention, having grown up as the strong Beta female of DoubleEdge. It was no secret she'd been close to Alpha Malachi and had envisioned herself as the leader of his pack alongside him. Since Ariella met Malachi and turned the pack on its head, Harlow had found it hard to hide her bitterness at her relegation to a lower-ranked warrior. Especially since meeting Max from ForgedHearts, a feckless man not even interested in running patrol for his territory, she'd relied on cunning and careful planning to rise to her former glory. Black Halo had been in need of a Head Guard since the last one had mysteriously gone missing, so she'd received permission from her Alpha to transfer packs for the job.
Now, as she walked up to greet them, Savannah steeled herself for the arrogance etched in every curve of Harlow's toned body, wrapped in a revealing dress that might only classify as formal attire on its navy colour alone.
"How nice to see you all again," she purred, her eyes never leaving Malachi's. "Life treating you well in these small parts of the nation?"
"Excellently," he replied graciously. "We've expanded our trade with Alpha Zander, and are now importing coffee from Catalya via his port on the coast. Do you have Catalyan coffee in Black Halo?"
Harlow visibly paled at this jibe. She'd always loved the bitter drink that stimulated her senses, but with the fragile relations between her childhood pack and its neighbours, she could rarely get her hands on the best quality beans. Now, Malachi couldn't help rubbing in the fact that she'd left despite so many positive changes happening at her old home territory.
Harlow quickly regained her composure. "Good for you. I'm sure you're enjoying your newfound friends. Or do you miss the old times?"
Malachi chuckled lowly. "What old times would that be? All I remember is the darkness and depression." He reached up and loosened his tie, as if even the memories were making him feel trapped.
"Surely the good times with me brighten the memories of your dark past? Or do you need me to remind you how close we were?" she asked coyly, her voice dropping to a whisper as she stepped closer to the Alpha and laid a hand on his arm.
Savannah wanted to scratch the sly shewolf's hair out.
The light vanished from Malachi's eyes and he looked at her coldly. "Perhaps you need reminding what happened the last time someone tried to stand between me and my mate."
Harlow immediately dropped her arm and recoiled. She could never forget the ear-splitting screams and soul-shuddering curses that echoed through the forests of DoubleEdge as rogues and demons were cut down by angels of light. The spirits of darkness had tried their best to keep the Alpha from his Luna and his true destiny with their years of deception, but nothing could prevent truth and bravery from being victorious.
Muttering a flustered excuse, Harlow hastily retreated, dragging Max along with her.
Another man who'd accompanied them stepped forward, an apologetic look on his face. He was tall, with jet black hair cropped short, and a determined set to his strong jaw.
"Sorry about that," he extended his hand in greeting, his eyes kind. "I'm Javed, the new Beta of Black Halo."
Justin accepted his hand while Savannah just stared at him. So this was Tori's mate, and the brother of Leila. That would make him Zion's brother-in-law. Since Savannah was now Zion's mate, did that make her related to Javed? It was a dizzying thought.
A gentle nudge to her arm snapped her from her train of reasoning. She glanced sideways to see Justin staring at her expectantly. "Oh, sorry," she mumbled and gave Javed a smile. "I'm Alpha Savannah."
As soon as she'd introduced herself, he tilted his head and studied her curiously. "Savannah, hey?" Then his lips twitched in a secretive smile. "I'm extremely pleased to meet you." He bowed over her hand, his touch warm and respectful.
It left her puzzled long after he'd walked away. Had Tori mentioned her to him? How much did he know of her connection to Zion? Would he work against her in protecting Zion, or would he be an ally in keeping the identity of his rogue family secret?
"Earth to Savannah," Justin again nudged her arm, and she realised she'd been staring at the same spot on the wall a few moments too long. "Are we gonna get some food or just keep standing here like furballs all night?"
"Oh, right. Food. Good idea," she nodded, but her stomach growled in a way that was more a protest than agreement.
Just as she moved to step outside, drawn by the elegant decor, strings of lights that festooned the low ceiling, and the aromatic scents of various dishes, a strange tingling made its way down the back of her neck. Her body became hyper-aware in a way that had grown familiar over the last few weeks. With a hammering heart, she stood still and resisted the urge to turn around.
She knew what she was going to see, but hoped it couldn't be true. Another large part of her hoped it was true, her heart yearning for even just a glimpse of the man she'd come to care for and distrust in equal parts.
"Well, I'll be!" Justin exclaimed beside her, making her entire body tense in apprehension. "What on earth is she doing here?"
"She?" Savannah spun around, her eyes skimming over Zion for a full perusal later, and instead focusing on the woman by his side.
"Yeah, you don't recognise her?"
She did, and promptly felt like throwing up. Savannah could only stare at Persia, the assassin from Vinlarhk who strode purposefully down the hall towards a group of Council members, her shoulders back and head held high. She wore a glittering black gown that accentuated her toned figure majestically, while her hair and makeup were flawless in a natural yet glamorous manner. She looked perfect enough to be royalty.
Justin whistled softly under his breath, eyes riveted to Persia. "She's even more beautiful in real life."
"You know of her?" Savannah could only gape like a dying fish when the deadly assassin caught her eye and began making her way towards Savannah instead. Dread spiked her blood like a paralysing drug. With her heart doing mickey flips, she refused to look across at Zion, who she knew for sure was watching her with every sense in his impressive body.
"Of course," Justin breathed, clearly in awe. "She is Her Royal Highness Princess Persia of Vinlarhk."
"P-p-prin... Princess?" Savannah eventually got the word pushed past the shock that constricted her throat.
Justin looked at her strangely. Get a grip, Alpha! He spoke in her mind. Have you forgotten how to be polite?
Persia was eyeing her with a knowing smile on her elegant yet fierce countenance. "What's wrong, little Alpha? Got a bit of fairy dust stuck in your lungs?"
Savannah choked on her own saliva, swallowing thickly to clear her throat as a multitude of insulting words suddenly rose to her lips. "Very funny, Miss Vinlarhk Assassin!" She suddenly felt like smacking the lying shewolf, and lurched forward with her arms raised.
Her wrist was suddenly gripped by a vice, the strength of it arresting her in place. Her body jerked back and nearly fell against the tall and imposing figure of the man she was pointedly ignoring. Refusing to meet his eyes, she struggled against his grip and tried freeing her hand.
It was futile, the strength of her mate far exceeding her own in a way that only infuriated her more.
"That's not a very nice way to greet the Princess of Vinlarhk, is it?" His warm breath fanned her face, his scent enveloping her in a sea of uncertainty and doubts as his deep voice sucked her into a whirlpool of memories.
"Not very nice?" she finally turned to face him, ire boiling like lava in her blood. "I'll tell you what's not very nice." She nearly stumbled over her words as his hazel eyes collided with hers.
Wanting to scream and curse at him, she suddenly felt the fire turn into something different the longer he held her trapped by his gaze. Her heart, like a rebellious young wolf who never listened to its sensible parents, was telling her to throw herself at him and crush her lips against the soft hardness she knew his would feel like.
When he lifted a brow in question, urging her to continue, she pushed down the desirous thoughts and tried to remember just why she despised him so much. "What's not very nice is you coming to my territory and blackmailing me for the express purpose of using me," she hissed in a deadly quiet voice. "You only cared that I was an Alpha so you could extort me for your own hidden agenda. You—"
Savannah! Justin's frantic voice entered her mind. Lord Alistair...
The name was enough to snap her from the red haze that had consumed her. Stepping back, she felt him instantly release her hand. A bereft touch of coldness lingered on her wrist, and she tore her eyes from Zion's just in time to see the Council lord approaching them with a sly smile on his placid expression.
Her heart that was galloping like a wild herd of antelope stuttered and nearly derailed like a driverless train into a bottomless canyon. Could her night get any worse?
"Your Highness, how fortunate we are to have you here," Lord Alistair bowed his head in honour to Persia. "May God bless you for your kindness."
The royal shewolf nodded in acceptance of his respect. "Don't thank me too soon," she lifted her chin. "We have yet to sign the treaty."
"What treaty?" Savannah blurted, eyes darting back and forth between the two.
Alistair turned to her as if only just realising her presence. "Ah, my dear Savannah."
She felt Zion stiffen at Alistair's endearing tone, and smiled inwardly. What she would give to see her mate teach the presumptuous Lord Alistair a thing or two about personal boundaries and what happens when one crosses them.
"It is my great pleasure to introduce you to the Princess of Vinlarhk," Lord Alistair continued. "She is here on behalf of Queen Safiya to discuss the conditions of the treaty we have been negotiating for months now. God willing, we will soon have a trade deal in place for generations to come."
