The Unmarked Mate

Chapter 19

James

Before leaving, Malcolm made inquiries about the witch Elestren had talked about. He knew someone who knew where she was. She was actually living in Lycan territory, for a few years now and when she heard Elestren had been looking for her and where she was, she was on her way right away. She would be joining us at the Yew Tree Pack, very soon. We had taken a plane to the nearest city, and then drove for the rest of the travel. Tom was driving, Cat was here too, and Malcolm and I were speaking at the back of the car.

At the northern border, we saw Arthur's cars and a few others, surely some members of the pack. Arthur introduced them, there was the Beta and Delta to the pack, a few warriors. Arthur was happy to see Tom again. Tom was my best friend and Arthur looked after him after his mother was killed in an attack, the same attack that had killed Beatrice, Arthur's mate. Tom's dad never survived losing his mate and died not long after her. Tom was seventeen when it happened, he was almost a man, but Arthur looked after him because he had promised his father to do so, and he would never break such a vow. Catriona, Tom's mate, was here too, as head of the elite guard. A few warriors and elite guards had also joined to escort Malcolm.

Malcolm and I joined Arthur in his car, he filled us in, told us about the meeting that had taken place earlier. He told us about the rogue attacks and about Elestren, that was called Dahlia now. He seemed very fond of her. He told us everything. I was so looking forward to meeting her: a strong woman, half Alpha half Lycan, a gigantic black wolf capable of taking care of six werewolves on her own, funny from what Arthur said, a valuable council member and from what I had read quite cheeky too... She could be a great ally and I was sure a great friend.

The car stopped; we were there. We got out of the car, joining Cat and Tom. Malcolm and Arthur were speaking about the meetings and plans about the rogues. Beta Elliott joined them.

"I'm finally gonna meet the Jenkins, Arthur has been talking about them for years and I never had the chance, I'm excited." Said Tom. "Apparently George Jenkins used to be the Beta to this pack, and an impressive warrior. Arthur told me war stories about him, he must be sixty now, and Arthur still thinks he could take him on. I mean, a werewolf like that, there must not be hundreds.

"They seem to be very nice people, even Malcolm told me about them." I answered.

"And I'd like to meet their neighbour as well, what's her name? Dahlia. George wrote so much about her to Arthur I feel like I know her. They trained together and he writes she's the best fighter he's ever fought, and that she's a good poker player with a taste for cigars."

"I understand know why Arthur likes her so much." We both laughed. "Wait, you said Dahlia? As in Dahlia Belladonna?"

"Yep! Why?"

"It's the name the woman of the letter, Elestren Warwick, uses here. It seems everything get us back to her." As we were speaking, we were getting closer to the packhouse. I saw a tall brownish hair young man walking toward us, a tanned woman at his arms. This must be Alpha Matthew and Luna Orithya. They looked happy together. Now they were approaching Malcolm.

"King Malcolm Thorn, it's an honour to welcome you to the Yew Tree Pack. I am Alpha Matthew Blackwood and this is my wonderful Luna, Orithya" he said with all the formality called for in such occasions.

"Alpha, Luna, we thank you for your hospitality. Luna, as I am told you knew Kenna Johnson too, I would like to personally extend my condolences to you and to your mother. If there is anything I can do to help, please allow me." Answered Malcolm, kissing the back of her hand. A true gentleman as always.

"This is my Queen, Catherine, Elliott my Beta, you know Arthur, and this is my brother James, his friend Tom and Catriona, head of our elite guard." He added. I shook the hand of the Luna and Alpha. We left the King and Queen to talk to the Alpha and Luna. It wasn't my business, not yet anyway.