52

Luna Estelle followed him all the way up and into her mate's office.

Alpha Lucas turned in circles, taking in the room from all angles, the decor and art hanging on the walls, to the columns of bookshelves, and the picturesque view out the bay windows.

"Now this is something I could get used to," he commented, sharing a pleased look with one of his close advisors before turning back to the floor to ceiling windows. The scenic countryside beyond was bathed in golden sunlight, the hues of jade, forest and sage melding into a patchwork of harmony.

"Excuse me?" Estelle gasped, once more shocked at the way the Alpha of Black Halo commandeered the situation. When he sat in Alistair's rich, leather chair, leaned back and rubbed the armrests comfortably, she thought she might rupture an aneurysm. No one dared lay even a finger on Lord Alistair's sacred desk, let alone claim his chair so brazenly. Alpha or not, this man needed to understand his place.

"Oh my." Lucas suddenly looked up from where he was flipping through binders and documents. "Did your dear, departed mate not tell you?"

Estelle's breath caught in her throat. Losing her mate, the other half of her soul, in such tragic and shameful circumstances had been horrible enough. What could Alpha Lucas say that would hurt her any more? "Tell me what?" she asked, her curiosity burning despite her better judgement.

"Lord Alistair--bless his soul--and I made an agreement a while ago," Lucas began explaining, lifting his hand and waving it as if this was a trivial matter, while the Luna's heart began pounding with an awful sense of foreboding. "If anything were to happen to him and his sons, I would be kind enough to step in and take care of things for you."

"Step in? Take care of things?" Estelle repeated, the words sounding like clanging cymbals in her ears.

"Hmm. To put it more bluntly," Lucas added, rising from the chair like a king standing to issue a proclamation. His broad shoulders and tall stature served to fill the atmosphere of the office, making it appear smaller than Estelle had ever noticed. His lips lifted in a small yet darkly sinister smile. "I would take control of the pack."

Estelle swayed on her feet, wishing she hadn't heard right. "Take... control?"

Lucas' smirk slipped, an impatient frown instead taking its place. "Do be a dear and listen to me the first time I say something. Here is the document, signed by your own mate, giving me full control of Villawood land, members, and monies in case of his death and sons' absence."

"But Finley--"

"Isn't on the territory."

Estelle grasped for the piece of paper Lucas had pulled from a file on her mate's desk. It was indeed signed by her husband, and formally handed over all rights of Alistair's possessions to Alpha Lucas of Black Halo. How had she not known about this? These past few weeks, she'd been finding out many things her mate had kept from her, and a wave of anger collided with the grief that had been suffocating her since his death.

"Then what about Merrick? He is only eleven..." She thought of her second son, of all the hopes and dreams he had of serving his people in whatever capacity befit him. It was clear from a young age that he had more strength and leadership qualities than his older brother.

"Oh, he can have the pack when he comes of age," Lucas replied blandly. "That is," he added, holding Estelle's gaze with dark, swirling eyes that hinted at amusement, "if he wishes to challenge me for the position of Alpha."

"Challenge?"

"Must you repeat everything I say, woman?" Lucas growled, his calm facade cracking to show the irritation simmering underneath. "Yes, a challenge. Duel to the death. Struggle for power. Hostile takeover or impeachment. Whatever you like to call it around here."

Estelle stared at him with fear in her eyes, and slowly backed out of the office to the sound of Lucas ordering his men around, removing Alistair's rare and expensive artefacts and throwing them out like trash.

It almost felt like she was losing her mate a second time. This was his home, his land, his territory. And no matter how cunning or devious he was in life, all this wealth and entitlements had become hers in death. How dare Alpha Lucas invade her pack like this and conquer it without question! Who did he think he was? A god?

"I'm really sorry it had to come to this," the Beta of Black Halo, a young man by the name of Javed, whispered as he passed her in the hall. He stretched out his hand to lay on her arm as though the gesture would comfort her or atone for throwing her out.

"Don't you dare touch me!" she jittered away, growling and feeling her wolf come closer to the surface than she had in years. For so long, she'd lived under Alistair's protection. Now, she realised that had all just been lies. Now, she could trust no one but herself, leaving her to rely solely on instinct.

The instinct to survive.

Hurrying down the hallway to her suite, she grabbed her favourite tapestry travel bag and began filling it with essentials. As she rushed around the room, she spied on her duchess the sapphire encrusted necklace that had been Alistair's last gift to her, for their twentieth anniversary. It was worth many thousands, and would provide for her for months. Snatching it up, she almost stored it in her bag before a heavy thud from down the hall interrupted her thoughts of selling the jewels.

Is this what her mate had intended? For Lucas to come and take everything from her and cut her off from land and title? Or had the Alpha of Black Halo interpreted their agreement for his own benefit, claiming far more than anticipated? Whatever the history was, the facts of the present remained. As she listened to heavy footsteps carrying out Lucas' orders, invading her home and stealing her possessions, the finality of Alistair's secret deal twisted like a knife in her stomach.

The necklace grew heavy in her hand, as though all her mate's lies were bound like dark spirits to every token of his love for her.

Anger, along with her disgruntled wolf, bubbled to the surface as the sharp dagger of betrayal cut her heart to shreds. "How could you do this to me?" she suddenly screamed, throwing the necklace against the wall with all her strength. The sound of it shattering, of the jewels breaking from their claw settings, was relieving. Like a symbol of her own release from her mate's dark web of deceit, she gave the detached gemstones one last look before turning and hurrying back downstairs.

"Come on Merrick, we have to go now," she quickly told her son, interrupting his art lesson. She ignored the scowl coming from his prestigious tutor.

"But Mum, I heard Alpha Luc--"

"You don't want anything to do with that man, believe me. I'll explain everything on the way." Tugging their jackets from the coat tree in the foyer, she pushed Merrick out the door before slamming it shut behind her. A dozen or more of Lucas' men hurried about the courtyard, organising the removal of her furniture, and the arrival of his own dark, almost sinister looking appointments. How long would it take him to make her pack unrecognisable?

"But where are we going?" Merrick persisted, looking around him with a bewildered expression. She knew he must be even more confused than Finley was, being younger and not as aware of his father's misdeeds. But weren't children sometimes even more perceptive than adults? Perhaps he would understand better than she their need to leave this place as fast as they could.

"I'm not sure yet. Somewhere far away," she muttered as they shifted, and picked up her bag between her teeth before running down a small trail behind the estate and disappearing into the forest. Somewhere Alpha Lucas would never look, should he care to bother with us again. Maybe...to your uncle's place in Greystone.

Uncle Albert? Merrick's eyes widened, his smaller strides keeping up with hers through youthful energy. I thought he disowned Father before you even met? He hated his brother, didn't he?

Estelle panted with anxiety as much as exertion as they ran and continued running, over the land she'd fallen in love with, across the river border to the east, and onwards over the mountain range and through the valleys that soon flattened to plains before reaching the Sea of Eloah. That's what I'm counting on.

The Alpha of Black Halo, and now also of Villawood, stood by the window and watched as the Luna and her son ran east. "Such pathetic creatures. Their cowardice almost repulses me."

"But it's not unexpected," Baltazar, his most trusted advisor and friend, commented as he came to stand beside him by the window. "If she does as you've predicted, she'll gather a small army against us, and we'll have our reason to claim one more territory. Greystone won't take much to fell."

"You're right, of course," Lucas turned to Baltazar. "Territory by territory, it will soon be ours. The continent cannot resist us for much longer."

"Especially not with all the hard work you've done over the centuries, placing men in each key battleground."

"And women. Don't forget the women," Lucas reminded him, a sly smile on his face as he called to mind the deadly and seductive wiles of his dear friend Seneca. Even with the setback that occurred on her territory, he always had reinforcements in place. "You can't fight me forever, Joshua," he whispered, gazing beyond the scene before him and into the realm of spiritual beings.

_____

Savannah held her breath, waiting with a hollow heart for Zion's decision.

"For so long," he began, swallowing hard before continuing, "I've let the fear of losing you dictate my every move. But now I realise that all this time, it was I who pushed you away."

"Zion..." She lifted her hand and laid it against his cheek, using her thumb to brush away the tears that escaped his eye.

"I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, Savannah, but I need to apologise anyway. I'm sorry for messing things up so badly. I'm sorry for leaving you in Hierapolis. I'm sorry for thinking I could get justice for my family on my own. I'm sorry for..." He let out a shaky breath, keeping his eyes focused on hers as he struggled for the right words. But he knew no amount of words would make up for all his mistakes. "I'm sorry for not being completely honest with you from the start, and for all the terrible things I've said to you these past few weeks. You shouldn't have to put up with such a wretched mate. I don't deserve you, Savannah," he muttered, his voice heavy with dejection as he dropped his eyes to the floor between them.

It was clear he was struggling to articulate the tumult of emotions inside him, as the uncertainty and stress of the trial still had him bound in hopelessness. Savannah grasped his hands, pulling him closer until he couldn't avoid her gaze. "It isn't about what we deserve, Zion. It's about what we do with what we're given. None of us deserve mercy, but we've been given a second chance. I've already forgiven you for everything you've done. So please, don't waste any more time running." Reaching up, she placed her hands on the sides of his face, trying to show him just how much he meant to her. "No more running."

He nodded mutely, then leaned forward until his forehead pressed against hers. Nudging her nose with his in a gesture almost more intimate than a kiss, he closed his eyes and inhaled her scent deeply. He recognised each summery note and sweet fruity undertone that he'd memorised the moment he first met her in the forest. "I won't ever leave you again, Savannah. I am yours, always. You can have all of me."

Savannah felt her heart leap at the sound of his promise. Her vision swam, and she blinked back the tears that blurred the image of her mate, her beautifully handsome and courageous mate as he smiled down at her.

I am yours, he'd said. They were the sweetest words she'd ever heard.

"And..." he began again, his chest rising and brushing against hers as his breaths came faster, heavier. An intense look entered his eyes as he regarded her seriously. "And you are mine."

With the words still on his lips, he lifted his hand and brushed her tears away. His fingers traced down the side of her neck, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder. The warmth sent shivers down her entire body. Then, leaning down, he kissed her jaw softly, leaving a trail of gentle kisses down her neck until he reached her collarbone.

Savannah shuddered at his touch, her mouth turning dry as she closed her eyes and let the feel of his strong arms around her transport her to another time, another place. No longer were they in the courtroom at Villawood, surrounded by the people and Council members, some of whom had just been advocating for his death.

Instead, they were on her territory, her homeland in a field of rain lilies and narcissus, the sun shining down hotly on their skin. A cool breeze stirred the air around them, carrying the scents of pine, cedar, and sweet brunfelsia flowers.

As his embrace grew tighter and his kisses hotter, the Alpha suddenly realised what her mate was doing. Her heart raced wildly in excitement and anticipation--she'd been waiting for this for so long.

A moment later, his teeth sank into her neck, causing an intense shiver to run through her body. Her arms tightened around his own neck, pulling him closer still. The air around them seemed to dance with electricity, the ground shake with small tremors and their surroundings disappear in the glow of a golden haze. It was as if his claim, the final seal of their bond, had solidified the breaking of the ancestral curse that had held his family in chains for generations upon generations.

With nothing else but his thoughts of regret, apology and deep love rushing into her mind, Savannah stared at her mate with a wide grin on her face. The tears fell unashamedly now, her heart and soul full of love for the incredible man in her arms. She rose up on her toes and crushed her lips to his. Desire ripped through her, demanding it be satiated like a fire storm ravaging the land in its path.

It was only the wild cheering of the wolves around them that made her remember where she really was.

Zion smiled down at her, his eyes just as intense and mischievous as perhaps her own were, before he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Watch yourself, little Alpha. We have an audience."

Savannah felt her skin heat up in a blush, and she buried her face in her mate's shoulder. His earthen scent of cypress and wild fruits calmed her, centering her like an anchor in an unpredictable storm. With the warmth and strength of his embrace surrounding her, she felt like nothing could ever tear them apart again, and finally she could relax. She melted against him, yet remained standing in her own strength and dominance.

As an Alpha, she'd always wondered what her mate would be like, whether he would submit to her, or if he would be stronger and dominate over her. With the example of her parents, she'd seen how both Alphas came to a compromise of give and take, leadership and deference, equals while remaining true to their differences.

Now, she knew how perfect Zion was for her. They both deeply respected each other. They both wanted to love and be loved, and selflessly give their everything for the other, because that's how it was intended for mates since the beginning of time.

Pulling back to look up at him, she laughed, her tightly coiled body unwinding as the mirth overtook her. "Good thing I have you to look out for me. Always the sensible one." She patted his chest lovingly, then stepped back and greeted her mum who raised her eyebrows knowingly, then embraced her tightly.

"You did good, darling," Alpha Chesca said as she pressed a kiss to Savannah's cheek. "I'm so proud of you. Now the question is--are we having an acceptance ceremony or was that it?" she asked, looking almost disappointed that they'd now both marked each other and neither at an appropriate time or place.

Zion held Savannah close, wrapping his arm around her and tucking her against the side of his body where she fit perfectly. "I can always do it again, if you like. I'll accept Savannah every day of my life. You'd like that, wouldn't you?" he teased, his hand brushing her waist in entrancing circles.

A hot blush stole up the young Alpha's face, and she groaned. "Save it for later, Peaches," she mumbled into his chest, grasping for something witty or humorous to say. Her emotions were all over the place, pounding like a raging sea against rocky cliffs while a part of her lay tranquil and at peace like a glass-surfaced lake. "Well, I definitely want to have a big celebration to officially welcome you into my pack," she told him, then looked around her at Justin, the warriors who'd accompanied from her pack, and beyond them to Zion's gang of rogues. They too had stood trial for their crimes, and had been included in Zion's pardon on the conditions of joining Savannah's pack and remaining bound to her territory for a number of years. "All of you," the Alpha swept her arm to include them. "I want all of you to become full-fledged members of ForgedHearts Pack."

Chayton lowered his head, humbled by the generosity extended to him. Tas and Talei exchanged glances then nodded solemnly in acceptance. Niko looked apprehensive for a moment before giving her a small smile. He too had been reprimanded once his affiliation with the rogues came to light. Stripped of his position as detective with PEACE, he was given the option of joining Savannah's pack or returning to his home territory. Knowing no other Alpha would be as merciful as Savannah, he decided to give her his allegiance.

"Alright, I hate to break up this little party, but it's time to get moving," Enforcer Hartley announced before he and his guards began rounding them up and directing them outside to the waiting prison vans. Extra guards in riot gear and with military grade weapons stood by the secure transport cells, watching them closely.

"Wait, you want them to travel to my pack like this? Like they're violent criminals?" Savannah protested, stepping up to the chief enforcer of Villawood. "They've all been pardoned."

"Until they're safely on your territory and serving their sentences, we're taking no chances, Miss," he replied tersely, gripping Talei's arm and holding her head down while guiding her into the back of the van. The others followed, soberly and without argument. Their meek attitudes, while best under the circumstances, only aggravated Savannah more.

"Fine. Then I'm travelling with them." She began climbing into the van, when Justin tugged her back.

"Alpha, there aren't enough seats."

The stern warning in his eyes, that she was going too far in lowering herself to be transported in such a demeaning way, did nothing to deter her.

Looking back into the van, at all the occupied seats, her eyes caught Zion's and she smiled. "Oh, yes there are." Climbing in, she settled herself on his lap despite the disapproval from her Beta. He would have to get used to Zion being her mate sooner or later. "Home we go."

They took off with a jolt, the motion nearly throwing her to the ground. As they rounded a corner and bounced onto the wide road leading out of Villawood, Zion wrapped his arms around her securely, pressing her close to himself.

Turning her head, she pressed her cheek to his and smiled. "Now this is what I call a good seat."

His lips soon found the new mark on her neck, and she had to bite back her natural instinct to moan in pleasure.

"If you guys keep this up," Talei glared at them from across the van, "I'm going to open the door and throw myself out."

________

In a few hours they reached ForgedHearts territory, and Savannah tingled with excitement at being home and among her people. She couldn't wait to introduce her mate and new friends, sure her pack members would welcome them all warmly.

Enforcer Hartley made her sign a few documents before he left with his scowling guards.

Then, taking Zion's hand, Alpha Savannah lead her mate down the road towards the centre of town and the pack house. It felt incredible to finally be home with her mate by her side.

"Vannah!" her dad called out from down the road as they came closer, many of the pack's members following to greet them.

She waved, a massive smile on her face before she noted the frown lines between his brows. Something was wrong.

Running to meet him, she grasped his hands just as her mother, Justin, and warriors arrived from Villawood in their own cars.

"Dad, what is it?" Savannah asked, dread once more crawling up from the pit of her stomach.

Alpha Kaiden waited until Chesca was in his arms before telling them all gravely, "Hunter's gone missing."