Chapter 2 – His Mate

“It was the Silver Crescent Pack.” A man among the group replied. He seems to be the oldest and acting as leader. His answer didn’t need any additional explanation. Silver Crescent is notorious with its bad reputation. They were cruel, barbaric and unreasonable. It hasn’t been that way from the beginning. It started about five years ago. Their leader turned evil and inflicted pain to anyone who goes against him. Several good men tried to beat him, but none succeeded. He was ruthless. Just last year, there was a piece of news that said he killed his own mate. It was terrible. The alpha’s name was Walter and everyone has been wary of him and his attacks on neighboring packs.

The allied packs have not made any decision yet on attacking them. In a way, Silver Crescent was the biggest pack in the northern territory. It would take much resources to attack it and ensure a win. Coordination between the allied packs is the biggest challenge. If they don’t act like a unified pack, they cannot triumph over Silver Crescent.

What madness ruined that pack? It remained unanswered to this day. Only insiders know the story. There are several theories and the latest one is that the alpha’s mate was unfaithful. That’s why he killed her. It was only a theory but the most plausible out of everything that came out of the vine.

“How did you piss off Silver Crescent? Are you from there?” The beta asked.

Most of them shook their head in response.

“It was the girl they were after. Alice.” The man deeply sighed.

The middle-aged woman threw him a dirty look. But of course, she understands his sentiments. If Alice weren’t with them, it’s probable that they won’t be haunted.

“She has this bottle of potion to hide her scent. It ran out a few days ago and they found us within a short time.” He was really tempted to blame her but the women wouldn’t let Alice go on her own.

Conrad looked at his father and talked to him through the mind-l**k. It turns out it was his mate that caused them trouble.

“Do you know why they were after her?”

“She’s the one who originated from their pack. She said she escaped death and has been on the run for months now. You haven’t talked to the gal yet?” Why are they the ones answering questions about her? Wouldn’t it be more convenient to speak with the lass and get direct answers?

“She hasn’t told us everything she knows. She’s timid, just following us around. She doesn’t talk much. We only heard limited information from her.”

“She’s still young. Only nineteen. To be haunted so young… a few times, she offered to leave the group and go on her own. We met her a couple of months ago. That poor child.” The woman added.

Conrad is now getting a better picture about his mate. Her situation seems dangerous.

We will protect her, right? He couldn’t help asking his father through the l**k.

Of course. It is your fate to have her as a mate. This must be your trial. Protect her and you would be more able to protect the pack. With her experience, she should be able to stand next to you as a Luna.

That’s a good way of putting it. But aren’t we going to put the pack in danger if we keep her with us? Those mad wolves could come back with more numbers and wreak havoc. Conrad replied. He’s not feeling too good about it. They haven’t had any serious problem in the last few years. It has been peaceful, with only the occasional minor disturbances from rogues. No attacks. Today was a first in a long time.

The alpha replied to his question. Then, it must be time you prove yourself. Are you saying you would turn her away to ensure the safety of the pack?

“No!” The moment his father asked that question, he replied in a loud voice. He wouldn’t do that. Never. He’d been searching for his mate in so long, nothing would take her away from him. The alpha’s right. This must be a trial for him. How is he going to keep his mate safe while also protecting the pack?

The others in the room stared at his outburst. He calmed himself quickly.

“I will let you speak with her, but I must emphasize how important it is to get as much information as we can to understand the situation better. The soonest you can. As for the others, I’ll let Marco ask about their particular situation.” The Alpha has given his instructions and everyone reacted accordingly.

Conrad will check with the Beta later.

“Understood, father.” He nodded before leaving the room. The others soon followed, leaving only the Beta’s team in the room.

“Let’s make ourselves comfortable, shall we?” He frowned as he turned to one of his men.

“Where’s the food I asked earlier?”

“The kitchen is still preparing them. It coincided with their preparation of dinner.” Someone answered.

“What nonsense? It’s only a dozen more meals. Quickly get the food and some warm drinks.” Marco isn’t the type to intimidate weakened rogues. His approach is more rational than most. He’s not entirely trusting of the newcomers but his way lowers their guards. It allows them to talk more freely seeing he’s acting approachable and friendly.

He asked them the usual. Their names, where they’re from, why have they left their packs, how long have they been wandering around, what are their plans…? Those kinds of things. The next day, he plans to talk to them individually. They might not be willing to talk about some things with others listening in.

As for Conrad, he dropped by the kitchen to get food for two. Afterwards, he returned to his room. He breathed in relief seeing her still sleeping soundly in his bed. He has her scent etched into his mind now. He sat on the bed for quite some time, just staring at her. When his stomach rumbled, he moved to the table to eat his share of the meal.

It was at this point that she moved, her sleep turned restless and she was almost thrashing on the bed. Conrad went over to check on her, concerned. Her face was showing an expression of worry and fear.

He reached out to touch her face. The moment his fingers touched her cheek, her eyes flew open. She gasped upon waking and stared at what’s before her in confusion.

Realizing it was a man, she scrambled backwards on the bed. She quickly looked around the room and eyed the door.

Conrad was reminded of a scampering rat, the way she moved so quickly just now.

“Did I startle you? I’m sorry. My name is Conrad.” Slowly, he sat on the edge of the bed, letting her accept his presence.

“Where… where are the others?” She grimaced as it hurts her to speak. Her throat was dry.

“They’re having a chat with our Beta. Do you want some water?” Conrad made sure his movements aren’t going to scare her, as he went to the table to get a glass of water.

When he turned to face her again, she was frantically looking around, seemingly searching for something. She pulled the blanket off the bed and made a whimpering sound in frustration.

When their eyes met, she asked weakly, “Where are my daggers?”

She can’t lose them. They were a gift from her mother. The only possession that she has since she ran away from her pack.

“What daggers?” His question made her heart sink lower. Did she lose them?

Seeing her defeated expression, he was reminded of how she almost sliced through his flesh in their earlier encounter.

“Ah, those daggers?” He searched his mind for the memory of it. She was holding them, but when he carried her, he didn’t notice them.

“They’re probably in the woods. I’ll have someone get them.”

Hearing that, she calmed down a little. Only a little. She removed herself from the bed and straightened her clothes. She dashed towards the door and looked at him expectantly.

Conrad frowned. “Where are you going?”

“The woods.” She answered simply, worry still etched on her face.

He sighed. “For the daggers? It’s already dark outside, it would be difficult to search for it now. Let’s wait until morning.”

Her eyes moved and stared at a lamp in the corner. She couldn’t mean…?