The Wolf Within

Chapter 7

Jonathan

    Walking slowly down the stairs, I try to keep my composure. I couldn't help but think how young the rogue was. Those so young shouldn't be on the front lines. Usually, most packs would wait to make wolves warriors until they are eighteen. Giving them time to train with their wolves.

Rogues, unfortunately, don't care about any of that. For them, it's just another warrior to add to their ranks. No matter the age. This is why we must dispose of rogues. They are lawless monsters who only care about power. 

    A pack is your family. Yes, we fight together, but, we are never willing to sacrifice the other over any cause. The most heinous thing about them is that they enjoy the kill. They are more animal than person. And that is the truly sad thing. 

    Don't get me wrong, I love Axel. We are one. He is me. I could never live without him. But I wouldn't want to completely disappear or give over the majority of control. I'm perfectly fine with the fifty-fifty that we share. 

    By the time I made it to the bottom of the steps, I could hear the rogue whimpering loudly. Did I really have to do this? I sighed heavily.

    I walked in front of the rogues' cage and motioned for my men to open the door. I stepped in and leaned against the wall, trying to act nonchalant, my face an emotionless mask. The rogue was definitely a young boy. He had orange hair and a splash of freckles going across his face. His eyes were puffy from crying and a strange sort of teal. He was very scrawny.

    He looked up at me with those sad, terrified eyes. He was chained at the wrist and the neck with silver. It smelled like wolfsbane was laced in. Poor kid. 

    "What's your name?"

    "Z...Zander." He was already shaking. 

    "Zander. Can you tell me why you're in Lance Port?"

    "Yes! I'll tell you everything I know! Just please don't kill me! They made me do it!"

    I moved closer to him. I could tell how desperate he was. "They who?"

    He looked around nervously. "The..The leaders. They didn't tell us who sent the kill order, just that it needed to be done quickly." 

    Leaders? "Kill order?" Finally some kind of answers. 

    "Yes! We specifically take kill orders in exchange for money, or... other things."

    "Who was the kill order for?"

    He looked down sadly, his lower lip pouting. "I don't know. They just told me to tag along." 

    I stared at him for some time, watching him sob quietly. The poor kid was just dragged into this. He didn't deserve to die. Especially if his information is true. And if it is, this is the best lead we've had in a while. He could really help.

    "Listen, I won't kill you. For now. I want to check your information. I promise you won't be harmed. Just bare with it for now." 

    I walked closer to him and patted his shoulder. Zander looked up at me and I could see the hope in his eyes. There was no doubt that he was telling the truth. I offered him a small smile and turned, walking away. On my way out, I ordered my men to watch over the kid. I made a promise and I intended to keep it.

    After walking back upstairs, I could see the Saratony family bickering about something or other. Probably about the furniture. I cleared my throat and they plastered on fake smiles. I gave a slight smile and gestured to the sitting area. 

    After explaining to them what went down, I could see how uneasy they were. I mean, I can't blame them.  A kill order against someone in their pack? I would be angered and devastated. 

    "Did this... Zander was it? Did he say who the kill order was for?" Alpha Thomas was looking very agitated.

    "Uh, no. He said he was just told to come along. Do not worry, I will find out the truth." I start to stand wanting to get out of here as quickly as I could. 

    "Of course. Why don't my men work with yours in shifts to watch this Zander." 

    For once he actually made a good suggestion. "Yes, that would work perfectly."

    Alpha Thomas simply nodded and excused himself from the room. With him, the others followed. I didn't waste much time thinking on their odd behavior. The bright side was that he was working with me. Working together meant this got solved sooner. 

    I pulled my hair tie out and let my locs cascade down my back. There was no other feeling, like freeing them. Of course, my parents want me to cut them. Saying it wasn't Alpha-like. But what they don't understand, is that my hair, my locs, made me feel powerful.

    I checked the time, and it was a little past four in the morning. I still had time to sleep before morning patrol. I sauntered my way upstairs to my room and flopped down on the bed. 

    They may be super snobby and poshy, but man these sheets are so soft. And this bed had to be some medical-grade memory foam. Maybe actually spending money wasn't a bad thing. 

    I laughed at the thought and drifted off to sleep.

***

    The next morning on patrol, Charlie was talking to me about Zander. He was telling me how the kid was very forthcoming with information, and that he was being treated well. Zander had not once attacked or been rude to any of our men. 

    I told Charlie as a reward, to make sure Zander got good food for lunch and dinner. Charlie nodded and stated that tonight our men were switching off with Alphas Thomas men. I nodded and thanked Charlie for making sure the trade-offs were running smoothly. 

    He nodded and jabbed my side with his elbow. "So, the date?"

    A smile slowly spread across my face. I made a point of ignoring him and continue running the parameter. 

    Yes. My date with Alandra. I already have the perfect place in town. There was a smooth jazz spot that played live music. And, from the reviews, they had the best Cajun shrimp pasta in town. I do love a little spice. 

    I just hoped that she would like it too. The only problem is, she hasn't messaged me or call me. It was a little troublesome. Especially since I couldn't just up and show up. She has no idea I know where she lives. If I showed up out of the blue, she will think I'm a Stalker. 

    There is no way she would want me then. This whole her not being able to feel the mate bond is killing me. If she could just feel we are destined to be together, this would all be so much easier. But I don't mind winning her over the human way. 

    Although, Axel would prefer that I took her and marked her as soon as I saw her. He wanted to claim her and hope the mark will awaken the mate bond. He was entirely sure that she was part wolf. But I had no proof and no way of knowing right now. 

    I was not about to risk her life by marking her. Not until I know for sure. And maybe tonight I would find some answers. 

    After the patrol, I was in the car while Charlie was driving to the packhouse. I wanted to see Zander and make sure he was ok. Maybe if I could show his usefulness and the fact that he is basically innocent in all this, I could convince the council to not bring any charges against him. If I can do that, then there would be no issue with me accepting him into my pack. 

    Zander deserves a loving home. My pack can offer him that. 

    Soon, my phone starts ringing. I check the caller id and it's an unknown number. My heart skipped a beat. I answered the phone quickly, "Jonathan Warrant."

    "I was hoping it wasn't a fake number." Her voice sounded so angelic. 

    "Alandra." I could not stop the smile from spreading across my face. 

    "Jonathan... Is the date still available?"

    "Yes of course. Does seven-thirty sound good?" She actually wants the date!

    "Yes! I mean... Yes. That sounds great. See you then!" The line clicked and went dead.

    I smiled at my phone. She agreed to my date. I was smiling, staring out the window when my phone beeped. Looking at it, it was a message from her. Her address. 

    My day was just getting better and better. 

I looked at my watch and it was only noon. I still had several hours before the date. Enough time to visit Zander and to do some digging of my own.

    When we finally made it to the packhouse, I was feeling a bit antsy. I wanted time to go by faster. I was literally counting the minutes before I could see her again. 

    I walked into the Grey Moon packhouse and Alpha Thomas, Luna Olivia, and Markus were nowhere to be seen. This was rare. I never saw them outside the house. I just assumed they stayed there all the time. I shrugged and made my way to the kitchen. It would be time for Zanders lunch. 

    There were some omegas loitering around in maid outfits. Something about that didn't sit right with me. I saw one of the women with a tray in hand it looked like just an apple and a slice of buttered toast on the tray. Not even a drink

    That was odd. I know I ordered for him to be served a good lunch and dinner. The kid wasn't a threat and was only being held due to formalities. 

    "Um excuse me? Is that for the prisoner?"

    The omega stopped in her tracks and looked around as if to try and see if I was in factly talking to her. I c****d an eyebrow at the tray in her hand. She blushed. "Y...Yes."

    I sighed heavily. "I gave specific orders for him to have better than this."

    She looked at me in panic and started stammering over her words. "I.. Alpha Thomas...He said this would be sufficient and... To not worry about preparing extra."

    He did what? I gave direct, specific orders. I gritted my teeth trying to hold in the anger I was feeling. There was no reason to blow up on this innocent omega. I tried to remain calm.

    "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. But Zanders care is under my orders. So please, he's a living being. Give him a better meal."

    She nodded and took the tray back to the counter and spoke with another omega. I watched as they exchanged something back and forth, looking over at me every now and again. The other omega sighed and nodded. 

    I waited for them to fill his tray with a proper meal and a drink before I walked off. I mind-linked Charlie to check on Zander. I didn't like that Alpha Thomas disregarded my orders for Zander. I made it very clear I was leading the interrogation on this, and that meant Zanders care as well. 

    Something didn't seem right about this. Why would he do that to just a kid?

    Just when I thought I may be starting to like the Saratonys. You can't put anything past snobby people. They never really care about those below them. 

    I sighed and made my way to my room. At least I know now that Zander will get a decent lunch. I'll have to tell Charlie to be sure that Zander gets a decent dinner. 

    I thought of having Charlie drive us to the restaurant, but, I wanted to be alone with Alandra. There is so much I need to find out and he's too brooding to bring on a date as a backup. Besides, I highly doubt we would be attacked in the town.

    Feeling satisfied with the plan, I rummaged through my wardrobe. Wanting to pick out the perfect outfit for tonight. I wanted to be sure I was making a good impression on her. 

    After I was sure I picked out the perfect outfit, I flopped down onto the bed, deciding to see Zander when i got back from my date and on a nap. I drifted off to sleep, feeling as blissful as ever.