Troubled Freya

Chapter Nine - Rogue Attack

✤ Dominic ✤

“Sir?” Dominic turned to face the wolf that had entered the office.

“Yes?” he wasn’t exactly pleased with being called ‘sir’ but until he defeated Cole, he would have to endure it.

“It seems that Cole has met his mate,” the wolf informed him, and Dominic frowned.

“Oh? Has he now…” he found this quite interesting and it certainly explained why their Alpha had abandoned them. However, it was no excuse. “Well, then I think its time we go and pay our dear Alpha a visit,” he said, with a smile. The other wolf chuckled as he left the office and Dominic stood up from the comfortable chair and went outside. The rogue wolves had gathered around, and he knew it was time to address the situation. “Our Alpha has left us!” he started. The wolves shifted around anxiously. “We put our trust into him, and he has met his mate! And left us to fend for ourselves!” it was clear to him that the wolves were unhappy with his announcement. “But fear not, we shall descend upon his new pack and destroy it!” he shouted out the last two words and the crowd went crazy. “Prepare yourselves, we leave at dawn!” he turned away and headed back inside. The time would come, and Cole would fall. Dominic couldn’t wait as he went into the office. Cole would pay for this; he would make sure of it.

✤✤✤

They moved silently through the forest, careful not to draw any unwanted attention. Dominic wanted Cole’s head and he would have it. As they neared the village, Dominic ordered his wolves out and he stood back and watched as they moved in. The village wasn’t completely awake yet and it was quite funny to see their reaction to the invasion. Those that were up and about were taken by surprise and it didn’t take long for them to sound the alarm. The loud piercing noise acted as the perfect distraction as Dominic and three other wolves hurried to the packhouse. Once inside, it was obvious that everyone was in a panic. Dominic looked around the rushing wolves, trying to spot Cole but he couldn’t see him. He grabbed a female that looked completely terrified.

“Where is he?” he demanded to know and she shook her head, clearly not understanding. “Where is Cole?” he repeated, however, this time adding the dreadful wolf's name. Recognition and understanding crossed the young female's features and he waited patiently for her to speak.

“He isn’t here,” she said, and he growled out, frustrated. “He is at the neighboring pack with his mate,” she added, and Dominic howled out loudly, catching the attention of the rogues.

“Fall back! He isn’t here!” he screamed out, throwing the female aside as he rushed out of the packhouse. “Fall back! He isn’t here!” Dominic was starting to panic. He didn’t want to create a war with the wrong pack and already he could see that his wolves had done a lot of damage. However, after his warning, they had started falling back. He too turned around and rushed back into the forest. Damn it! He thought as he wondered why that i***t had gotten the location wrong. Now they wouldn't have the element of surprise. He would have to wait to get his revenge on Cole. Soon all of them were safely back home, some slightly injured but they would live. Dominic knew that if that pack, they had just attacked ever found him or his wolves, they would be dead. They would have to go into hiding until such a time came that he could get his revenge and only then could they continue their lives.

✤ Cole ✤

Arion had decided that I would be accepted into the pack without completing any tests or tasks. Apparently, he knew that I was also Freya’s mate and although I should feel happy about that, I wasn’t. Was it because Freya hadn’t chosen between us? I wasn’t sure. Moving into the packhouse was weird. Ryder was away at his parent's pack and Freya was not around. I tried not to think about it too much as I unpacked my belongings. Dolomite pack had been attacked by rogues earlier that morning and I assumed that was where both Ryder and Freya were. It had briefly crossed my mind that it could’ve been my rogues that had attacked but I quickly pushed that thought aside. They had no idea where I was and had no reason to attack. Yet, I did realize that it was time for me to head back home and leave that pack. Possibly before I was officially accepted into Dark Sky pack. My mind wandered back to the triangle and it would seem that although Freya had begged me to keep us being mates a secret, she had been the one to break. Not only did her parents know but Holly knew as well, and therefore, in turn, Noah knew. The young beta had made it noticeably clear to him, before leaving, that he was not to hurt Ryder. Although the other wolf meant nothing me, I wouldn’t hurt him. Not on purpose anyway. I wouldn’t do that to Freya. As I finished packing away my things, I quickly made up the bed. Last night, I had been too tired to unpack.

“Cole?” I turned around to see Laura standing at the door. “May I come in?” she asked, and I nodded. She looked around the room and I wondered what she was looking for. “Would you mind if we talked?”

“Sure, we can,” I said as I pulled out the chair away from the desk and sat down, facing her. Laura nodded before sitting down on the edge of my bed. I noticed that she hadn’t closed the door.

“I’m worried about Freya,” she admitted.

“Why?” I asked, confused.

“Cole, Freya isn’t our pup,” she stated, and my mouth fell open. “Now, before you say anything, let me explain,” I nodded and closed my mouth. “Freya knows she isn’t our pup and we have yet to reveal the truth to her. Now, besides all of that, she has been blessed with two mates,”

“Blessed? I think you mean cursed,” I scoffed out, interrupting her. She smiled softly before continuing.

“I can understand why it may feel that way, but I think that both you and Ryder can offer her happiness,”

“And how on earth do you reckon that?” I asked, she had captured my attention and spiked my interest, yet, I wasn’t sure if the female sitting in front of me was to be trusted.

“Once she learns the truth about her past, she will be devastated,” Laura looked down for a moment before looking back at me. “She will need both of you,” she added.

“And what about us? Don’t you think that we should be able to decide?” I had asked myself this question many times but had yet to have an answer.

“Of course, however, you are the only one that knows, Ryder is still in the dark,”

“He is?” this was a surprise to me; I had assumed since her parents knew that they would’ve informed Ryder.

“Yes, he is,” Laura stood up. “You see Cole, Arion went to the council, he needed answers,”

“About?”

“About Freya having two mates,” she said, and I bit down on my bottom lip. “I am sure you know that having two mates is not common. I mean, yes, you could be blessed with a second chance mate but,” she paused as she moved towards the window and looked out before turning to face me. “Freya hasn’t rejected either of you,”

“Hmm,” I hummed out thoughtfully.

“All I am saying, just consider staying with her,” she said, and I nodded slowly. “The acceptance ceremony will be held soon,” she said before leaving me alone in the room. I thought about our little chat and wondered why Laura and possibly Arion were so eager to have both of us stay with Freya. It already pained me to know that she spent time with Ryder. How would I be able to handle it if she chose us both? Would either of us truly be happy sharing her? I didn’t think I would be but then again, I already loved her. This whole thing was a mess and it was one I wouldn’t walk away from. Not if it meant I would lose her.

✤✤✤

I hated being summoned, however, when Blade had called for me, I had rushed over.

“Cole!” Blade shouted out as I entered his office. Since Ryder had moved out to be with his mate, Blade had officially taken over the pack and was now Alpha. Ryder sat next to Noah on the sofa and Alwyn stood at the window looking out. There was an unknown female standing next to Blade’s desk and the poor thing looked as if she was going to piss herself at any moment. “Would you care to explain to me why my pack was attacked?!” Blade stood up as he directed his question to me. I stared at him with a blank expression. “Answer me!” he roared.

“How the hell should I know?” I asked, confused as to why Blade would think I had any answers. The thought that my rogues could’ve been the ones to attack surfaced in my mind again, but I quickly pushed it aside. No, it wasn’t possible.

“Because one of those disgusting creatures asked for you!” Blade shouted as he turned to look at the shivering female. “Tell him,” he ordered. The female looked at me and I felt sorry for her.

“He g-grabbed me and then h-he demanded to know where y-you were,” she explained, and I frowned. My worst fear was coming true. So, it had been my rogues.

“Who are they and why are they attacking?” Ryder asked from where he was sitting. I wanted to ignore him, but I knew that if I did, it would only create suspicion.

“I don’t know, honestly,” I lied. The room was silent as Noah, Ryder, and Blade eyed me curiously. Alwyn turned from the window and approached the female.

“You may go, my dear, thank you,” he said. The female left the office quickly and Alwyn looked at me. “It won't help you to lie to us,” he stated, and I shrugged.

“I may know the rogues that attacked but I do not know why they would attack,” I lied again. Actually, I could think of a few reasons as to why they would attack. Especially with Dominic possibly behind it all. That wolf was a badass and he would not hesitate to seek revenge and –

“Well, whatever the reason, I have to do this,” Blade said, interrupting my thoughts. I curiously looked at him as he made eye contact with Alwyn and then Noah. Both males nodded and I wondered what was going on. “I, Blade Carter, Alpha of Dolomite Pack, hereby officially banish you Cole Hunter!” the words fell from the wolf's mouth so fast that it took me a moment to realize what it was that had just happened. I felt the pull and the need to leave. “We are sorry Cole but since that attack is connected to you, we don’t want you here,” Blade said and although he apologized, it didn’t seem as if he was apologetic. I didn’t waste a second, not bothering to say anything as I quickly left the office, left the packhouse and finally, left the pack. I was able to breathe easier as I entered the Dark Sky pack. It wasn’t nice to be banished, especially since my only family lived there but I had seen Noah and my cousin didn’t seem to have anything to say. That could only mean that Noah didn’t care that I was banished. That hurt.

✤ Ryder ✤

I watched Cole storm out of the office, and I shrugged, turning my attention back to my brother.

“We still need to find out the truth,” I said. My father glanced over at me and smiled.

“This pack is no longer your responsibility,” he said. He was right, of course, but I already had a plan.

“Yes, that is true, but,” I stood up and faced my brother. “Since Arion isn’t going to be handing over the pack to me anytime soon, I can be of service,”

“What do you have in mind?” Blade asked before he sat down.

“Well, Noah is still in his honeymoon phase,” I said as I looked back at the beta sitting on the sofa. Noah blushed and looked away and I couldn’t help but smirk. “Besides, he is needed here. I will go out and find out why those rogues attacked, and I will find out why they wanted Cole,” silence filled the room as I assumed, they were thinking it over.

“Alright,” Blade spoke first, agreeing to my plan.

“No,” Alwyn said in a stern voice and I opened my mouth, ready to argue but Blade stopped me.

“Yes father, Ryder is right. You and I are needed here, Noah is needed here. Ryder knows this pack and he is a good tracker. He will be able to find those rogues and question them,” Blade looked over at me and smiled. “And he’ll be back before the weekend,” he added, and I chuckled. He was right of course.

“Ryder,” Alwyn started but then stopped and nodded. “Alright, just be safe and keep in touch,” I nodded before bidding them a farewell and headed back home. I wanted to see Freya before I left. I found her in the sitting room with her mother, who, when she saw me, quickly excused herself.

“Ryder, how is everything back home?” Freya asked me as I sat down next to her.

“I’m going to help them,” I stated. “I’m going to go after the rogues,” the words were barely out of my mouth and Freya was throwing herself at me. She straddled my waist as she buried her face against my neck. “Don’t worry, I’m not going after them to attack, just to question them,” I tried to ease her worry and it seemed to work, not much but it was enough to calm her down.

“Stay one more night,” she whispered, and I smiled.

“Ok,” I submitted, and she carefully removed herself from my lap.

“Come on,” she said as she grabbed my hand and led me to my bedroom.

✤✤✤

It was still dark and barely four in the morning when I slipped out of bed and gazed down at my sleeping mate. The night we had spent together was amazing, as it always was but it was time for me to go. I didn’t tell Blade nor my father the truth about why I desperately wanted to go after the rogues. I headed into the bathroom as quietly as I could and quickly took a shower and got dressed. I was relieved to see that Freya was still asleep. I wrote her a note before sneaking out of the room and out of the packhouse. Hurrying over to Dolomite pack, I met Noah at the designated spot and smiled at him.

“This is crazy!” Noah whisper shouted and I rolled my eyes. Noah was the only one that knew that I had heard parts of the conversation Freya had with Cole the day after we had made love.

“It is, but I want to know more about Cole,” I said as I took the keys, he offered me.

“I get that, but Ryder, this is a suicide,” Noah argued, and I shook my head.

“No, the rogues stopped the minute they knew Cole wasn’t here, they want him and only him,” I explained. Noah nodded, lost in thought and I used this opportunity to get into the vehicle. “Don’t forget to tell my brother,” I said. Noah snapped out of his thoughts and looked at me. “Just in case,” I added.

“I will, I promise,” he said. “Be safe,” he added, and I smiled. I started the truck and it hummed as I backed out of the driveway and gave Noah a quick wave before driving away. I would find those rogues and I would find out the truth. I needed to know, and I wouldn’t stop until I knew. Cole was a thorn in my side and his obsession with my mate irked me. As I drove along, leaving the pack behind, I thought about the whispers I had heard. Whispers about my mate and Cole. Noah hadn’t been able to confirm anything, but he did mention that Holly was hiding something from him. A secret that wasn’t hers to tell, apparently. Although, I did wonder if Noah was being honest about that. He may know but not want to tell me. I knew something wasn’t right. And on top of all of that, I had smelt Cole on Freya. More than once. If those two were hiding something from me then I was making it my mission to find out what. But first, I needed more information on Cole and while I was at it, I needed more information on Freya too. My father had briefly mentioned that Freya was adopted, and she hadn’t been born into the Dark Sky pack. Where did she come from? What was her past? These were questions I wanted to be answered. I wasn’t sure if Freya knew the truth or not, but I wasn’t going to just ask her. I had my own plans and I would not allow Cole Hunter to mess with those plans.