The Luna's Pure Heart

Chapter 6- Rumor has it

(Eleanor pov)

By the end of the day, I was absolutely exhausted. After finishing cleaning the kitchen, I dragged myself back towards the basement when I suddenly heard two people shouting. Stopping, I pressed my back up against the wall, not wanting to be seen.

"Alpha, we can't keep doing this. Don't you think they are getting suspicious?" I heard someone say harshly.

"Keep your voice down Beta. I don't give a f**k if they are suspicious. This is the only way to keep them off our backs. Just a few more girls and our debt is paid." Another voice said, which I recognized as the Alpha's.

"This just isn't right..it has gone too far..these girls..don't you understand what is happening to them?" The Beta Luke said angrily. Before he could even finish his sentence I heard a loud slap, causing me to jump and clamp my hand over my mouth.

"If you ever question my decisions again beta, I will rip your f*****g throat out. Do you understand me?" He growled, causing a whimpering sound to leave Beta Luke. I knew that Alpha Richard was using his status and Alpha presence to overpower the beta.

"And since when did you grow so f*****g soft? We already have the girls picked..it's too late. Tell the guards to be ready in three days." He commanded and I needed to get out of here immediately.

I quietly crept back down the hall towards the basement, feeling uneasy about what I had just heard. What could they of been talking about? Was this about auctioning off the girls to other packs? Was the rumor true? I hope to the goddess it's not..

I was right at the basement door when I heard someone behind me, causing me to jump.

"Hey, it's just me. I got worried because you weren't back yet." Zack said quietly, his voice calming me instantly as he reached out, touching my arm gently.

"You okay Elle? You look freaked out." He stepped towards me, his concern causing me to bite my lip nervously.

I looked down the hall, feeling uneasy that anyone could be around to hear us talking so I decided to mindlink him.

'I overheard something Zack.'

I linked quietly, not sure if I should repeat what I heard, but felt compelled to.

'What is it Elle, you can trust me.'

He linked back, his hand reaching out and grabbing my own. The action caused my heart to flutter as I swallowed hard looking into Zack's light green eyes.

I linked him telling him about everything I overheard, causing his body to stiffen as he now looked down the hallway nervously.

'Fuck..it's true then.'

His voice was full of nerves as he took my hand now, pulling me through the basement door.

'Elle..you can't stay here, I wasn't sure if what Freddy said was true..but now I know..you aren't safe Elle.'

Zack linked back hastily, yanking me down the stairs as he stopped abruptly, his hand gripping mine even tighter now.

'Zack wait, what are you talking about? What do you mean?'

I was fully confused now. How was I in danger? I know his cousin Freddy was a mid-ranked warrior and they were pretty close. Had he told him something?

'Freddy said there was a rumor that they would be gathering a group of girls and trading them with a man that the Alpha owes money to. Elle..they want unmated young girls..'

His words chilled me to the bone..could I be on that list then? Oh goddess..what were we going to do.

I froze, unsure of what to even say at this point.

'We need to escape tomorrow night Elle, we have a plan..all of us do.'

His words were full of determination and he suddenly pulled me into him, his arms wrapping around my waist as he held me close to his chest.

"I won't let anything happen to you, I swear.." he whispered into my ear and I hugged him back, his hands gripping my waist as I inhaled his deep cedar and orange scent. I nodded my head, too stunned to speak as Zack pulled away slowly. His hand reached up, brushing my cheek softly as I leaned into his touch.

"Elle, after we leave..when we find our own place to call home..I want you Elle, I want you to be mine." He breathed against my lips nervously. His warm breath tickled my skin as I continued to nod my head once more. I wanted that too, I wanted to be his more than anything. Even if he wasn't my fated mate, I still wanted to be his.

He hugged me again, my head pressing against his hard chest as he stroked my back gently. The feel of his hand caressing my back caused a soft smile to pull at my lips. Zack looked down, saw my smile, and returned his own.

"f**k Elle..you just made me the happiest man in the world." He whispered happily and I couldn't help but giggle softly and bury my head deeper into his chest.

"You know we can all hear you, you two better come down here so we can talk. " Helen yelled up the stairs with a hint of amusement in her tone, causing my eyes to grow wide as my cheeks turned beet red.

"Whoops." Zack said, pulling me back and looking at me with a huge smirk. Embarrassment filled me as I tried to hide my face once more.

"I can't believe they heard that." I whispered, trying to fight the embarrassment away.

"Come on, let's go talk with everyone else. We have to come up with a plan." He laughed softly, taking my hand in his as all I could do was nod. I was definitely useless in the word department today.