Reuben POV
I only let my warriors join my return from the Silver Moon pack because I knew Pierce and the Grey Howl warriors would be arriving there soon after our exit.
I didn’t like asking for a favour from Pierce, we had a history. But I knew he wouldn’t say no if it involved Evelyn. He also seemed keen in involving himself in our lives.
I didn’t want to leave her, it went against my very being to leave her behind. I was missing her and the twins, more than I could have ever imagined. I had to keep calming my wolf who was angry at me for leaving without them. At night he was worse and I had to shift early in the mornings to calm him down. The glow of the moon seemed to help ease his anxiety of being away from his mate and pups.
As soon as we arrived back, Nate went straight into training the next day to check the strength of our warriors, readying for something to happen. Vicky wasn’t the type to just leave things alone. But she must know that I would kill her the moment I saw her again, that returning would be signing her own death certificate?
On my orders, my trackers had continued to follow Donnie’s trail and caught up with him the day we met with him in the barn. They asked whether they should intercept but for now I wanted them just to keep a close eye from a distance, but be ready to move in should the rogue try to overpower Donnie. He was holding back for some reason. I don’t believe for one moment that he has turned over a new leaf, as he so claims.
He was well trained enough to take down an Alpha and Luna having invaded on to pack grounds, he was better skilled in close combat than he was letting on. He might claim to be wanting to start again, but something inside of me didn’t trust him. I sent him the money as I said I would, so why was he still with Donnie? Why hadn’t he overpowered him and started again with the money. The amount of money would see him safely start again…why not take that chance?
It’s surprising how happier the pack members are without Vicky acting as the Luna. I hadn’t noticed it before. Too self involved with my own wallowing to notice their unhappiness.
Even Michelle, she was starting to finish early because each day there was nothing else for her to do and she seemed happier for it. Less stressed. Again, it just proves how much of a strain Vicky was on this pack and how I failed them as their Alpha.
I hadn’t called or messaged Evelyn, I wanted to give her that time apart. I was intense when I left. I didn’t regret what I said but I could tell in her eyes and body language that she didn’t know what to make of my confession of love.
If I spoke to her on the phone it would tip my wolf over the edge and he would take control and run to her pack throughout the night.
I joined training myself this morning, keen to check the strength of the warriors and ensure they hadn’t been lacking in their exercises whilst both Nate and I had been off pack lands. My muscles were still burning from the extensive workout of sparring with three of my men at the same time.
I needed it though, it was helping my wolf to lose the extra energy he had of late. My wolf had one goal and one goal alone…mark and mate. To him it was pretty simple…what could be taking me so long?
I had also spent the past few days researching financial firms that had links with shipping ports in the North. For that fake picture to be sent to Evelyn meant someone was going out of their way to put doubt in her mind of our bond.
Nate had contacted the Sickle Peak pack to discuss the picture with Alpha Renard and Natascha, yet they both denied having any knowledge of the photograph or being in the possession of Evelyn’s private email address.
Things were odd!
My only conclusion was him…but why would he be causing trouble for me now? Why would he have an interest in Natascha to send the photo in the first place…and why try to upset Evelyn. Because that’s what it did…it pushed her away from me long enough for her to recklessly rush off into potential danger.
I get it, she’s an alpha too…why can’t she act like an alpha in a moment of crisis? But not only was she an alpha, she was my mate and she needed to remain safe. She wouldn’t like it and I know I’ll be causing friction long term, but she’ll have to get used to my warriors being around more…until we can sort out a more long term plan.
I could feel my body muscles relax under the hot steam of the steady flow of water as I use the shower time to think about Evelyn and the twins. I needed it, my warriors came at me hard today, and I was covered in mud and their blood…their blood, not mine.
When I step out of the shower and reach for my towel, I hear my mobile phone start to ring in my main bedroom area. Wrapping the fluffy towel tightly around my waist, I head to my phone which I had left on my bed. The fucker was calling.
“Pierce?”
“Reuben…back so soon from training?” He can’t help himself in trying to piss me off. No doubt he liked to train all day but he didn’t have a group of packs to manage so he had no come back. He knew I was the superior male.
“What is it?” I snap back, rattled by his comment.
“I think you should be here…come back earlier than scheduled.” His voice was low, his tone giving away no emotion to help me better understand the vagueness of his words.
“Why?” My blood rushes to my ears as my pulse quickens from a building sense of worry. We weren’t friends, he made that very clear that one time when he punched me in the face. But I’d be blind to not notice his soft spot for Evelyn. Even though it annoyed me and I think he was only doing it to get a reaction out of me, deep down he cared for her. He wouldn’t be saying this if something was wrong.
“I don’t want to betray her trust…” He seems hesitant which annoys me even more.
“Damn it Pierce, then why the fuck call me?” I was a prick, I know I was. But his calling me to then speak in riddles was pissing me off. He doesn’t reply, letting silence fall over the phone call.
“Pierce…tell me?” I make my tone less aggressive.
“I’m only telling you because I am fond of her and I can’t believe your bloody luck that she turned out to be your mate. You don’t deserve her!” He even has the audacity to growl down the phone to me at his own misfortune of her not being destined for him.
“I know this!” I reply, keeping my tone calm and truthful. I know I didn’t deserve her, deserve them. He didn’t need to remind me of this.
“Donnie’s wife had an accident and is in hospital. Evelyn requested for Donnie to return along with the rogue. He is under house arrest, but something isn’t sitting well with me. I think you should find an excuse to come back early.”
I remain quiet, letting his information digest. Why haven’t my men reported Donnie’s return.
“When did they return?”
“Two hours ago. I’ve done a border check and helping keep an eye on security. The house has hidden cameras and microphones installed at Evelyn’s request. She’s doing everything I would….I just wanted to keep you in the loop because I imagine she hasn’t..”
No she hasn’t. I could already feel my wolf itching to take control. As Pierce finishes his words, my phone starts to ring with one of my trackers ID.
“Pierce, I don’t need a reason to be my mate’s side. I’ll be there tonight.” I go to hang up before I see Evelyn’s face pop into my mind, her smile telling me to be more appreciative.
“And thanks Pierce…”
“Hmm.” Is all he says as he cuts the call, leaving me to answer to my trackers. “Alpha, the head warrior has moved on “And why the fuck am I only hearing of this now. Why didn’t vou follow him?”
I growl, letting my aura be heard down the phone. They were too far to feel the command, but hear it they shall.
“We were following, we know he has returned to the Silver Moon pack, to Alpha Evelyn with the rogue, but…”
“This but better be fucking good for you to go against your primary orders of watching them at all times.” I roar..
“A group of rogues has formed a few miles away. We broke off to carry out reconnaissance. They’ve just started to move again.”
“Where to?” Why did I bother asking, I already knew the answer.
“In the direction of the Silver Moon Pack.”
