The Unmarked Mate

Chapter 26

Dahlia

The Lycans were gone for only one day. They had all arrived at Olivia's pack. Nothing else happened, they stayed there to investigate. We didn't know much more. It was decided we would have more patrols and we would all check in every ten minutes and have our phones with us in case wolfsbane was used again.

I was patrolling with Andrew. It was very early in the morning, the sun was starting to show. It was quiet around us; we had just made the last check in and nothing was wrong.

"How have you been?" Andrew finally asked me, breaking the silence and quiet of this cold autumn morning.

"You know, freaking people out and then apologizing for it" I joked.

"Same old, same old" he laughed. I was glad Andrew and I spoke again; he was a good friend to have around.

"How about you? How is little Soraya doing?"

"Running around the house, being adorable, having tea parties with her dolls and then having them compete into sparring matches." I laughed. "And let me tell you she is a huge fan of yours, she can't shut up about wanting to be a big black wolf when she grows up!"

"She wasn't at the packhouse that night, how did she see me?"

"She couldn't sleep so my mother took her for a ride in her stroller that evening and she saw you running, with the King's brother following you. My mom told us when we came home and we told her it was you! Soraya has been talking about it ever since."

"Glad to know I didn't scare everyone! She's so precious! That explains why she came to see me yesterday when she was with Lucia and gave me the daisies she had picked up." We both laughed, and we talked some more about darling Soraya. Ten minutes later, we heard from the other patrol, Jackson was screaming in a frantic voice in both our heads.

"Something happened back at the village. The witch and Mrs. Lambert were attacked, Luna Orithya's missing! Get back here!"

What? Ori was missing? Mrs. Lambert and Sibyl were attacked? Goddess what about the baby? We started to run back but I heard something, I growled.

"Stop, someone's here. I can hear it." I told Andrew.

"Where?" he answered, anxiously scanning the area. As I was listening, I placed myself in attack position. I sensed my wolf was ready to come out at any second. Then I smelled someone. I smelled someone I had not smelled in a very long time. I relaxed. And turned to meet him, with a welcoming smile. Andrew was confused. A tall redhead walked to us.

"Liam!" I said, and I ran to him. I hugged him. I had not seen Liam in ten years, but I recognized him instantly. He looked skinnier than I remembered, but he was still as handsome as always, with his orange hair and freckles all over his porcelain face.

"Eli! I knew it was you, I heard your growly voice from far away." He had a tired smile on his face, and guilt was written all over it. I gently cupped his face, I knew him being here was not good news, but I wanted him to know it didn't matter, he was still my family.

"Andrew, this is my best friend, Liam Neville from the Crimson Moon Pack, Liam this is Andrew, warrior of the Yew tree pack, a dear friend of mine." I said, and they both shook hands.

"Liam, what's happening?" I asked.

"Your Luna is missing, isn't she? Lucius kidnapped her. He sent me to tell you, and in case the Alpha killed the messenger he wasn't going to send someone he cared about. So, I was charged with the lovely task of informing you even though I didn't take part in any of it." His tone was angry and sarcastic. It seemed it wasn't the first time he had to do Lucius' dirty work.

"I know, Liam, come with us, nothing will happen to you, I swear".

We rushed back to the village. When we arrived it was chaos. Mrs Lambert and Sibyl had been rushed to the pack hospital. Doctor Roger was seeing them. Matthew was screaming orders at everyone to look around for Ori. He was scared, she was pregnant and alone. Male werewolves could usually get very protective when it got to their pregnant mate, especially Alphas. I felt heartbroken for him, but we needed to act quickly, and I needed him to focus.

"Matthew!" I shouted. He heard me somehow and came to us.

"Matthew, call for the council now, we should all meet in your office, we have information". I said in a very serious voice. He didn't ask question; he was now focused. Ten minutes later we were in his office. I made the presentations. Knowing what Liam did for me, they all accepted he had nothing to do in the kidnapping.

"Alpha, I'm truly sorry about the actions of Lucius. I had no say in the matter, I haven't had any say in anything for the last ten years. He sent me because he hates me, and if I die, he doesn't give a shit. He and his Beta have my sister, so he knows I'll do whatever he asks. Lucius took your Luna and calls for a meeting. He demands Elestren to be there when you all meet to negotiate. If you attack, he will kill your Luna and Maisie, my sister, to punish me for my failures. I have no right to ask you anything, but please don't let my sister die."

Matthew was fuming. He was enraged, he looked at me begging me with his eyes to accept the offer, of course I nodded yes.

"Alpha Matthew, I have sworn to protect your Luna before and will swear it again officially: I, Elestren Dahlia Belladonna Warwick, swear on my life to protect the one of Luna Orithya Blackwood and her pack. We will leave as soon as you see fit."

"You cannot come with your full army. He says only your council will be granted access on his territory. If you try to show up with battling forces, they will kill her on the spot!" warned Liam.

"The council it is then! All of you, we are leaving in ten minutes, Damian, after what happened last time, I doubt the sight of you will do us much good in negotiation with that man, go to the Blue Stream Pack and inform King Malcolm and our Betas of the situation here. Arthur, will you take his place to accompany us there? I would be glad to have a legendary Lycan fighter in my ranks." Matthew was focused, organized and commanding.

"It would be my honour!" Arthur formally answered.

Before leaving, Damian went to me, and took my hand.

"You are stronger than he is Dahlia! Don't let him make you believe otherwise! Be careful! I'll go to King Malcolm, and I'll bring him back with James." He kissed my forehead before leaving. What did he mean, bringing back James? What did everyone think was happening? But he was right, I was stronger. Whatever happens now I won't let him scare me.