Chapter 7

Alpha Rick

A few weeks have passed and now is the time. Tonight we are going to pay a visit to the Lack Moss pack. Their Alpha Marcus is protecting that bastard Justin and I knew it.

I have got rid of every threat to my sweet angel, except for the one who caused her the most pain. She is over the nightmares and a perfect Luna. I cannot handle her relapsing into her old self after all the progress she made. I have to prove I could protect her like I promised I would. I have to make her feel safe once and for all.

I know Marcus said that he interrogated Justin and that he denied having information, but that wasn't good enough for me. I was running out of leads. As much as I hate to admit, that fucker who made her life hell is clever. He manages to slip through my grasps every time, but no more. I didn't know what this Justin character knew, but I would make him talk and neither Marcus nor his pack would stand in my way.

"Baby what's wrong? You seem stressed," Jasmine said, standing in the doorway of my office.

"I'm fine beautiful," I told her, holding out my arms for her to come to me. She came and sat in my lap and I immediately felt calm. Her scent invaded my senses and I knew that I would do anything to keep her with me. I couldn't tell her that I was going to Lake Moss territory. I didn't want to upset her and I knew she would think that she was being a burden and that wasn't the case.

My plan was simple. I was going into their territory with some of my best men and demand to see Marcus. I didn't want to kill, but I wasn't opposed to it. Once I saw Marcus, I would tell him that Justin is to be taken with me and remain in my custody until my mate was safe. It sounded simple and I hoped it would be. I didn't want to make demands to a fellow alpha, but drastic times called for drastic measures.

"I have to go for a bit, babe. I won't be long, alpha business," I told her, not wanting to lie.

"Can I come with you?" she asked. I normally involved her in everything, and she took great pride in being consulted. It made her feel important, which she was.

"Not this time, sweetheart. I know you like being involved, and I love having you around and listening to your opinions, but this is hardly important enough for you to worry your pretty head about." It wasn't a complete lie, at least I hoped it wouldn't be. I still felt guilty nonetheless.

"Okay. Even though I know you're keeping something from me, I won't ask. Just come back to me and be careful,"

Everyday I fall more and more in love with her because of moments like this.

Daniel

I was waiting on the call from Rick to let us know that things were a go. We were going into Lack Moss territory to retrieve a prisoner who he thought would lead him to the one who abused Jasmine, our Luna.

I wasn't too sure of his reasoning, but I couldn't disobey a direct order. Not that I would want to anyway, Rick and Jasmine were great leaders, though lately Rick has not been himself. He was worried about his mate. I understood as much as somebody like me, who wanted a mate and couldn't find her, possibly could.

"Let's go. Everyone meet at the border now," Rick said through mind link.

There were a select few of us going with him, and he left Richard in charge. I shifted and ran to the border to meet the others. It took us a couple of hours to run there, but we were used to it.

The closer we got, the more anxious my wolf became. I started to run faster than I ever have, but I had no idea why, I almost beat Rick there.

We were met by two huge guards. They gave us the coldest stares they could muster, but we weren't intimidated. We shifted and quickly pulled on shorts.

"I need to see Marcus, it's urgent. I have no doubt you're communicating with him now, so tell him he has three minutes to get here, or I forget the formalities and come through on my own," said Rick to one of them.

"He will be here shortly, and I must inform you that your presence is not welcomed," said the closet one to us. He seemed to be the strongest of the four.

Rick didn't respond. Just stood there with an uncaring expression. It wasn't long before a large dark grey wolf appeared. He shifted and dressed quickly. I recognized him as Alpha Marcus, although I had only meet him once at a meeting.

"Rick, what brings you here?" he asked. I could tell he knew the answer.

"You know very well why I'm here, Marcus. I want to see Justin," Rick spat coldly.

"We already discussed the matter and I have no desire to discuss it further. Take your men and leave," said Marcus. His tone just as cold.

"If you have nothing to hide, there is no reason that we can't come to an agreement. Unless you are in fact protecting him," said Rick.

"I'm not protecting anyone. I just refuse to give in to your demands," said Marcus, his wolf just below the surface.

"I don't want a war with you, but a war is what you're asking for if I leave now," said Rick. I knew he wasn't lying.

I watched as Marcus thought over Rick's words. I'm sure he didn't want there to be a bloodbath.

"I agree to let you see Justin under some conditions. I will be present, and he will not be harmed regardless of whether you think he is lying or not. He is my prisoner, and you have no rights to him. If you get out of hand or lose control, it is a war you will get."

Rick seemed to be conflicted. He did not simply want to' talk' to Justin. He wanted his head on a platter, but he knew Jasmine knew nothing yet and starting something now would be risky.

"Alright, I will agree. But if I can prove he's lying, I want him released into my custody until I can assure the safety of my mate."

Marcus didn't say anything, only nodded. We were allowed to pass the border, and the anxiousness of my wolf came back full force. He was clawing at my insides wanting to be let free but I contained him.

When we got to the dungeons, I couldn't stand it any longer. I couldn't focus on anything that was happening.

"You alright, Daniel?" Rick asked. I was pacing back and forth, running my fingers through my hair like some mad man.

"I'm fine, but my wolf is just on edge," I told him truthfully.

"Step outside, go for a walk or something. I'll let you know if I need you, " he said, and I was quick to oblige.

I thanked him and headed out. Maybe a walk would do me some good.

"What's up with you?" I asked my wolf once I was in the fresh air again.

"I don't know. I feel something. I can't explain it. Just let me have control for a moment, please."

I didn't shift but granted his request. I was now running as fast as I could to only God knows where. When we finally stopped, I was hit with the most amazing scent. I could smell it even though I was outside what I presumed to be the packhouse. It smelled of cinnamon and honey. I inhaled deeply, letting it wrap around me, but something was off. The scent seemed to mix with one I didn't like. That I hated. The smell of it repulsed me.

I burst through the door and ran up a flight of stairs, probably scaring the daylights out of most people. I finally came to a door where the scent was the strongest. I didn't know what I would find behind it, and frankly, I was a little nervous.

"Ryland, what's going on, and what's that smell? " A female voice said. That's all it took for me to break the door down.

The woman screamed, and we locked eyes and I knew she was mine. She was naked under the sheets, wrapped in another man's arms.