She is Alpha, not Luna

9 - Friend or Foe

Sophia

We are heading towards Deena's pack, the Regal pack. Her and her mate Zane have one of the biggest and strongest packs in the world, but it's no secret that Alpha Zane wasn't one to be concerned about the unorthodox methods he used in acquiring more territories and people as he rose to power.

Though Zane did a complete 180 since meeting his mate, his reputation precedes him and everyone still considers him one of the most feared Alphas. And despite the deep friendship between myself and Deena, the truth is our packs don’t have a signed peace treaty or an official alliance in place.

Their pack might be quite far away from mine, but that doesn't mean Zane and Deena couldn't be after it. It just kills me that I am even thinking about my friends in such a way.

I take a brief second to draw a long breath and pull myself together. 

I’ve been travelling with Blaze, just like last time, but I have a few SUVs following me closely and a lot of great fighters with me. Men that are so loyal that they would put themselves between me and a blade without a second thought. And I dread the actual possibility of that happening.

“It’s now or never.” I smile towards the cat and I get completely ignored in return. This time I refrained myself from mentioning any witches, for it seems the furry animal is allergic to that word. And no, despite me literally being able to see and talk to the Grim Reaper, I refuse to believe what he said about Blaze. He’s a cat for crying out loud. It didn’t escape my eyes how said cat disappears and appears mysteriously, but I have a feeling that's the Reaper’s doing, and my new pet is not a demon.

"I'm so, so sorry, Soph." Deena lets out the waterworks as soon as she sees me. I'm instantly locked in a tight embrace, fighting hard to keep my own tears at bay. I'm supposed to be a strong Alpha, damn it!

My friend's words and embrace seem genuine, and I have to admit that it brings me the same slight comfort that Alana and Lenox's hugs have.

"Alpha Stone." Zane acknowledges me with a growl. Friendly as usual, I see.

Straightening my back, I extend my hand to greet him back, delivering the same apologetic speech about the unexpected visit, that I gave in Lenox and Keith's pack.

While Keith has quickly been absolved of any suspicion and is now helping me to find out who wants me dead, Alpha Zane is a tough nut to c***k. Him and Deena are opposite sides of a coin, I tell you.

If I wasn't so suspicious about Zane, I would say that he's very suspicious of me, going as far as treating me as a threat. And that's only reinforced when my guards are taken to some guest huts far away from the packhouse I'll be spending the night in.

At least I'm 'welcome' to bring my cat in, though if Alpha Zane would have had his way, the poor animal wouldn't even have been allowed through the border. Deena is really the best thing that happened to this world by being Zane's mate and keeping him in check.

And speaking of mates, because I'm alone with the couple, I clear my throat to tell them the reason, well a reason as to why I'm visiting.

It actually works well, for I'm not lying. I do want to find my mate, I have to.

"So, the real reason I'm here is because after what happened to my parents I realised I'm left alone. I have no siblings that could take over or produce an heir, therefore I have to. And for that, I'll need my fated mate. I'm ready to find him." I announce.

Of course I left out how my parents died, Deena and Zane knowing the version of the tragic accident. I also didn't disclose how I was the intended target. Neither of them even blinked, but as Alphas we are strong enough to school out micro emotions or reactions.

Hearing about the wish to find my mate, the dark Alpha Zane's face instantly lights up, his eyes twinkling like… like a nice person. I've only seen him like that when he first met Deena, then he kept that side of him under wraps to maintain his feared persona.

But now… oh God, he sprung up from his chair. My body is tense, my wolf on the very surface ready to shift if needed.

Deena giggles and I'm still waiting to see what the hell is happening.

"Sophia, why the hell didn't you say that before? I'm sorry, but I felt on edge with the surprise visit, thinking you'd lost your damn mind and would try to do something foolish. I mean you brought a small army with you.” Zane flaps his hand.

Realisation dawns upon me and I understand how my visit would not have looked too friendly. I get Zane’s reticence now and I'll have to keep that in mind for my next visit if need be.

“Trust me, finding your mate will mend your soul, even the wounds you didn't realise you had." Zane finishes, his eyes longingly gazing upon a blushing Deena.

I keep glancing at my friend, finally catching more than a glimpse of the man she's so madly in love with. And his words are touching. Who would have thought?

"Stay a couple of days, meet the whole pack Soph. And if he's not here, we'll help you find him. You can keep travelling and we'll help you with warriors if you fear leaving your pack unprotected by your absence." Deena suggested, her mate approving instantly.

It might be too soon to let them in on all that’s going on, but their offer is not bad. Both the one about meeting everyone, but also reinforcing my pack. Of course, I'll have to be absolutely sure of their loyalty before I accept their people in my territory. I wouldn’t want to allow the Trojan horse in, would I?