Chapter 101
“How are we supposed toe up with an escape n an hour before our final meeting? ” I hissed
once we were all within the confines of our suite.
“Sweetheart, my parents and I have been mulling over escape n’s for at least a week now.” Kade
chuckled, crossing his muscr arms over his chest. “Ever since we found out the High Table wanted
to meet you; we began nning. Garrett and Julian have been helping as well. I’m sure they’vee
up with something by now.”
Alec was draped across the sectional; the sporadic flutter of his eyshes was the only sign that the
sedative was beginning to wear off. All eyes snapped over to Alec when a husky mumble came from
his lips. Tori was at his side in seconds, checking him over in a way she had done three times now.
When I had ran away, Tori began an apprenticeship under her dad. The time she didn’t spend looking
for me was dedicated to nightly shifts at the hospital.
“It’s wearing off faster, he should be lucid within the hour.” Tori said, her words reassuring me.
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The first thing I nned on doing was getting some food in his system, then I’d contemte hunting
down Marcus Novak and removing him from his position at the High Table.
‘If only your little fantasy were achievable.’ Kade’s thoughts melted into my own, and I flushed at the
laughter in his voice. “Though, I did enjoy the part where you mercilessly blew the head off of Marcus
Novak.’
“If you don’t like my fantasy-” I began, but was interrupted as the door to our suite swung wide open.
The twin’s parents were first to storm inside, faces hewn and eyes worried. The door had been locked,
but they had a key of their own to get inside. It made it safer to just have constant ess to one
another, especially with what happened at thest hotel.
Their mom’s blonde hair was pulled up into a neat wrap, and though her sleek skirt and zer were
professional, I could see how shaken up she was. Their father was much better at hiding his emotions,
just like his sons. His onyx hair was swept to the side, and his navy suit made his eyes seem even
darker. Their eyes roamed the room for half a second before settling on Alec. There was no surprise
there, only aching, mind numbing relief.
“I knew it–you’ve got him.” Their mom exhaled; her eyes wide as she looked at her unconscious son.
The hand that was ced against her chest trembled, even though her eyes hardened considerably. It
was her husband’s hand on her shoulder that kept her from running forward, to embrace the son she
thought she had lost. Surprisingly, when she turned to speak, it was me she spoke to. “Do you know
who took him?”
“Marcus Novak was responsible.” I answered without hesitation, trusting them well enough to know that
my words would never leave this room.
“That man–uses his money and power to breathe down our necks, to keep us under his foot.” She
huffed, fury brimming in both her emotions and eyes. After a deep breath, she continued. Her
movements were a bit rushed, which led me to wonder if something else had happened. “Listen to me,
I don’t know how you rescued him or when, but the entire hotel is on silent alert. There are guards
everywhere right now, posing as employee’s and witnesses. I think–I think he knows you’ve rescued
my son.”
“No matter how thisst meeting goes, I won’t rest until Marcus is permanently removed from the High
Table, and stripped of his position as Alpha.” I promised her, in fusing all of the courage I could muster
into my words.
The door opened again, letting in Garrett and Julian. While I wasn’t surprised to see Julian sh me a
grin and a wink, I was surprised to feel a very distinctck of anger radiating from Garrett.
“What is that look for, Aurora?” Garrett drawled slowly once we locked eyes. His blue and brown eye
mirrored my own, as did his chestnut hair and full eyebrows. The corners of his lips twitched just an
increment as he continued, “You are well aware I have a mate a s well, yes? I am very aware of the
lengths one would go to for such a person.”
I wasn’t sure what to say at that, but felt a bit ufortable as a strange feeling ran through me.
Garrett would never be named father of the year, but he had left his mate and daughter toe and
help me. Even if it were for selfish reasons, he’s stuck with me thus far.
“Marcus Novak says there’s been a breach in the hotel security, and that one or more intruders may be
in the building. It’s quite clearly a coverup, disguising the fact that his captive has now been rescued.”
Garrett told Kade and I, his eyes flitting over to where Alecy. “While I’ll never be fond of my daughter
being in danger, I realize she was not given these abilities to live out an ordinary life. I expect you to
protect her at all costs, but I am–relieved to see that your brother is alive.”
I could feel how those words physically pained him, but once they were spoken, the smallest flicker of
respect ignited in Kade’s eyes.
“Aurora.”
It felt like months since I had heard his voice, and every muscle in my body reacted at the sound. I
pivoted, turning so fast that I nearly stumbled into the coffee table. My knee’s hit the plush carpet, and
my hands came up to hold the sides of his face. His stubble brushed my palms, and his eyes fluttered
as he mumbled my name again, and again.
“He’s going to be awake soon.” I told everyone in the room, not bothering to turn my eyes away from
Alec. His brows were furrowed, but rxed as I trailed my fingers through his hair. “We can’t leave–not
yet.”
“The final meeting’s been moved up, Aurora.” Julian said, frowning when I whipped my head around to
stare at him. “We’ve got only twenty minutes to arrive before we’re counted aste.”
“He’s getting everyone together, possibly trying to flush us out.” Kade grimaced, giving his unconscious
brother a long look. His voice was hard and t, “It’s not safe to leave him here. Not when Marcus can
send a squad of men toe and take him back.”
There was another knock at the door that captured everyone’s attention. Whoever was at the other end
knocked once, then twice, then continued in a rapid session of taps that sounded almost like a
song.
“Expecting someone?” Garrett asked, narrowing his eyes at the source of annoyance on the other end
of the door. He walked over to the peephole and nced out before turning to Kade and I with a look of
confusion on his face. “It’s a girl, her hair is–is purple?”
“It’s Ava! Let her in.” I snorted at Garrett’sment turned question.
As soon as Garrett unlocked the door, Ava came storming in. Her tangled headphones skidded across
the carpet as she practically ran inside. After brushing several purple strands of hair from her forehead,
she cocked an eyebrow at all of us.
“Um, hello. Were you trying to get me caught? ” Ava scoffed, cing her ck painted nails against her
chest. “Seriously, I’m the one doing you a favor. I’m not the one who wants to y baby sitter to a
kidnapped Alpha with a narcotics addiction. Consider that next time you keep me waiting in the hall for
eons.”
“There is so much to unpack with that.” Tori sighed, sitting down on the couch beside Alec’s slumbering
form.
“You know this wolf?” Garrett asked a bit snidely, giving Ava a look that she returned in triple.
“Duh, she knows me. She wouldn’t have let me in if she didn’t.” Ava sighed, rolling her eyes before
ncing down at Alec. “So–is he gonna be atose all day, or am I gonna have someone to talk
to?”
“What–what are you talking about, Ava?” I asked, utterly clueless as to what she was talking about.
“What do you mean, what am I talking about?” She retorted, clearly in a bit of a mood today. “Zayne
asked if I could baby sit your beefy mate while he’s drugged up, so that you could go figure out whether
or not the witless five are going to let you live past sundown.”
“He never told us that.” I frowned, turning towards Kade. “Did he send us a note?”
“Not that I or any of the guards have received.” He replied, looking just as troubled as I.
“Take that up with him the next time you guys meet, but I’m here now. Let me do what I came here to
do.” Ava insisted, already beginning to untangle her seemingly indestructible headphones. “Besides,
it’s not like you couldn’t use the help.”
“Is there a reason you’re particrly snarky today?” Tori asked, just as bold as Ava. There was no
malice in Tori’s eyes, just partially amused curiosity.
“All of the employees are busy with this stupid meeting.” She began with a huff. Her eyes widened a bit
as she registered what she said. “Not that your life isn’t important or anything–but do they really have to
vote on it? Either way, Zayne failed to mention there would be no one escorting me through the
employee areas and up to your suite. So, I was stuck hiding under a food cart until they dropped me off
at this floor. Do you know what’s in the bottom of a food cart? Food. Old, disgusting food.”
“There’s a shower and spare clothes if you wanted to wash up.” I offered, grateful for Zayne’s help even
if I refused to trust the cowardly man.
“I’m sorry–but are you sure you trust her to watch Alec?” The twin’s mom asked, rightfully worried
about her son.
Ava turned and looked at me, clearly waiting for my answer. I didn’t exactly trust Ava, and I think she
knew that, but she would also gain nothing by harming Kade. Our kind were being enved, used as
weapons for cruel Alpha’s with severe superiorityplexes. They could sit behind their walls and
watch atop their thrones as wars are fought and won with the blood of the many. Even though we didn’t
trust one another; we knew without a doubt, that we were both on the same side.
“She’ll keep him safe.” I promised their mom, hoping she could see the confidence in my eyes.
Fifteen minutester, all of us apart from Ava and Alec, left for our final meeting with the High Table.
I had left Alec a note, pinned to the coffee table by a bottle of water.
Alec,
I wish so badly that I could be there when you finally woke up. Things have been a mess without you,
and when they finally calm down, the three of us are taking some time off. I need to get past the fear of
losing you, just as I’m sure you also have a few things to work through.
It’s best that you stay in the room while we’re suffering through the final meeting. Ava is an ally, she’s
safe to be around. Marcus already knows you’ve been sprung, but not by who. Today’s the big day they
debate whether or not I’m too dangerous to live, like a rabid animal.
No matter the oue of today’s meeting–we wille back for you right after the meeting.
Always yours,
Aurora
The only thing I had learned from my time within such close proximity to our species government was
that we desperately needed a new one. I still had mixed feelings about Jaspar Fox, and Brayton Cliff
was still a mystery as well. I knew without a doubt that Marcus Novak and Sebastian Sable both
needed to go–along with their illegal operations.
From the looks of the court-like room we stood in, you could tell something was wrong. While the
search hadn’t been publicly announced, there were some of us able to figure out those kinds of things.
The twin’s parents had been the first to know about the lockdown, from a friend in the witness stands.
One by one, each member of the High Table walked to the raised tform and sat at their respective
seats. The growing crowd of witnesses sat in rows around the circumference of the room, grouped in
their own respective packs and families.
The number of witnesses had nearly doubled overnight, leaving the small sectioned off area’s
overflowing with people. I had been jostled and bumped into at least thirty separate times, though most
cowered away once they realized it was me.
Marcus Novak sat at the very center, as the head of the High Table. His suit was te grey this time,
just a few shades darker than his son’s. Zayne sat in his own closed off area, with a minimum of four
guards at his side. He looked a bit miserable if I were being honest, but that was the usual expression
on his face.
“Wee to the conclusion of this incredible debate that will affect our world for generations toe.
We are constantly making history; with every decision and choice we make. We have debated much on
this matter, both during these meetings and behind closed doors. The five of us are confident that today
will bring all of us, and Ms. Aurora, the conclusion we need.” Marcus Novak stood, greeting the crowd
with a wide sweep of his hand. His smile was charming and charismatic, every bit the bachelor instead
of the blood-thirsty wolf. “We will pick up from yesterday by calling Aurora to the stand. Here she will
review the terms of our offers and make any refusals or demands she sees fit. Together, we will assess
her standing in our world and determine what course of action will propel us into a safe future where
our kind continues to thrive.”
This time, I did roll my eyes as some of the witnesses went into heart-wrenching apuses, with
watery eyes to top things off. I couldn’t understand how a room full of werewolves could fail to see the
biggest threat in the room; Marcus Novak.
I approached the stand and waited in silence as a moderator went over the details of each agreement
with the High Table members. Sebastian Sable offered me nothing apart from a slithery smirk that
made my insides turn. Nico Deville imed his father had still not returned, but actually said that he
had contacted him and refused to form any ties with our packs. Jaspar Fox sent me a wink at that, one
so quick I had nearly missed it.
Silence enveloped the room as it was my turn to speak–to save or condemn myself.
I could save myself by agreeing to Marcus’s terms, to signing my freedom and will away to serve
another. One who would take and take until I too was drained, devoid of a soul like the ones I had fed
on.
I had nned what I wanted to say, and told no one. Kade was the only one who knew what I had
chosen, and not because we could read one another’s thoughts. We still offered one another privacy,
but Kade, Alec, and I were equals. I wouldn’t make a huge decision like this without the trust of one or
both.
“I, and those I trust have reviewed your offers extensively. I am humbled by the opportunities you’ve
presented my way.” I stated loudly, keeping my face and eyes neutral as they remained locked on
Marcus. I squared my shoulders, and felt my voice take on a new tone. It soundedyered in a way it
wasn’t before, interwoven with authority and confidence that seemed much too mature for my young
years. “It is within my own best interest that I refuse all three of your offers. I might not be familiar to our
customs and ways, but I do know that all life holds value. No white wolf, regardless of status should be
forced to prove their right to live. Given to me at birth, I am Luna of not one, but three packs. No one,
can withhold that title from me.”
The room was silent for a few seconds before erupting in chaos. Words were screamed on all sides,
slurs and praises. There were some cheering me on, telling me to destroy and rebuild the High Table.
Others called me a treasonous b***h, amongst other colorful things.
During all of themotion–I noticed something.
A small woman, dainty and fragile in stature, approached Marcus Novak. Her onyx hair was long and
straight, stered to her head. She moved slowly, meekly towards him. He lowered himself as she
whispered in his ear, and never once did his facial expression change as he listened to her words.
What was worse–I swore I could feel just a flicker of carnal happiness inside his cold, stagnant heart.
Themotion continued, and Marcus did nothing to stop it. My eyes flickered to Jaspar, who was
watching Marcus with a guarded look on his face. Marcus motioned to one of the guards and said three
words that sent things spiraling down.
I could not hear the words he spoke, but could assume what they meant when the four guards
surrounding Zayne Novak surged forward and ced silver sps around his wrists.
My mouth opened, but no sound came out. Zayne didn’t thrash, nor fight against his father’s men. His
ice-coated eyes stared out just past me, to the red-head with ming hair and eyes of moss colored
agony.
Most of the witnesses were blind to what was happening, whipped up into a frenzy of my doing. Zayne
was dragged from the room by the four guards who had been protecting him, the silver sps around
his wrists the only indicator that they had new orders.
“Now–let uspose ourselves, yes?” Marcus Novak said to the crowd, his smile full and renewed. He
was ignoring what had just happened, even though there were few in the room who had seen the truth.
The golden-haired couple were two who had noticed what just happened, and stared at Marcus with
identical usatory res. “We must respect Ms. Aurora’s decision, and excuse herck of manners
with our system. I do believe now might be the time to discuss things further, and vote on the oue
of our future.”
The five High Table members then retreated to a private room where they would continue discussing
my right to live.
“What–I don’t understand–.” Tori stammered, taking a few steps towards the door Zayne had been
dragged through.
“I understand you want to go after them, but you can’t.” I told her, grabbing her shoulders with firm
hands. “They don’t know who you are–they can’t know, and Marcus can’t either. He will use you to get
to Zayne, he’ll use you to control him.”
“What do you think is going to happen to him? ” She asked quietly, a mess of emotions swirling within
her. Even rejected and angry, she couldn’t not care about him.
“I don’t know, Tori.”‘ I answered honestly, feeling my chest tighten as I made her a promise, I hoped I
wouldn’t live to regret. “If there’s anything we can do to help him–we will try.”
Minutes melted into one another until nearly half an hour passed. All eyes were alert as the High Table
members filtered back to their respective seats, with Marcus at the helm.
As Marcus stood, there was a glint in his eye that seemed just a tad smug. It sends a sour feeling
rushing through me, letting me know something was wrong.
“New information has recentlye to light, which we have included in the decision of our final vote.”
Marcus began, his pale eyes flickering down to where I stood at the stand. There was nothing short of
cold, cruel, triumph in his eyes. “It is unknown to many that a band of treasonous white wolves escaped
my borders recently. These wolves are powerful and dangerous, murderers of the absolute worst
variety. I have kept them alive as merely a tribute to their unique abilities, as it would be a shame to
snuff out a life so incredible. As many of you know, I pride myself on the security of my pack and its
borders. I now have evidence that these white wolves were not working alone. Aurora and those she
surrounds herself with, staged a coup to rescue these prisoners, ‘This information was crucial in
deciding our course of action for the foreseeable future.”
The room did not erupt into chaos this time. There were no hurling insults or praises, screaming at the
pack sitting closest to you that their opinions and beliefs were wrong. There was only silence, and that
thick foreboding where you know everything is going to h**l.
Marcus didn’t miss a beat. Sympathy shed in his eyes, and his voice deepened until it was almost
sorry. This was thest thing he wanted to do, his tone said.
“I have given this much thought. It is not often in a High Table member’s life to make such an important,
history-altering decision. With my full confidence, I do believe it’s best if Ms. Aurora were taken into the
custody of the High Table. Her abilities are simply too dangerous to unleash on our fragile world.
Should she develop into a soul-eater, it would be safest for those under our protection if Aurora
remains beneath our wing. We absolutely cannot allow instability within ourmunities, it is the
poison that will crumble our castles and ultimately, put an end to our species.” Marcus said loudly to the
room. His calcting eyes were still locked on mine when he said, “Guards, bring her to me.”