Born in Fire

Chapter Nineteen

*Kalama*
I stood next to Caspian, who sat in his office chair. Neal stood to the side, the shock of what we learned in the cells now hidden behind a somber face. Sam and her brothers stood at the back wall. Julie and her parents sat across the desk, John stood next to his mate, a hand on her shoulder. Alpha Mason cleared his throat, “Can I ask the meaning of this meeting?” He glanced between Caspian and I. I looked at the book that laid in front of Caspian. A knot had formed in my stomach and it only grew as my gaze met the confusion in Julie’s eyes. Caspian sighed, his eyes meeting Alpha Mason and his Luna and Julie in turn.
“New information was found regarding yesterday's attack.” He swallowed, trying to keep his feelings behind the mask. “It appears that Samuel may…” Alpha Mason was shaking his head before Caspian could finish, pushing himself out of the chair. I could feel his anger as he leaned on the desk. I stopped the growl bubbling in my throat as he pointed a large finger at Caspian.
“Are you trying to insinuate that my son had something to do with this?” Caspian opened his mouth. Luna Mary put her hand over her mouth. Julie met my eyes. I swallowed as her honey-like voice filled our mind-link.
“It can’t be.” I closed my eyes.
“I’m sorry.” I replied. Luna Mary stood, placing a hand on her mate’s shoulder.
“Mason…” He shrugged her off,
“No. First he makes our daughter a Beta,” I looked at John. He stood with his hands on Julie’s shoulders. His face vacant of the sting that the Alpha’s words no doubt left. Julie acted as though she wanted to say something, but didn’t. I guessed John had silenced her through their mind-link. Mason met Caspian’s gaze, heat and anger swirling in their depths. Caspian held his gaze, his mask of calm unwavering. “And now he accuses our son of conspiring with a known threat.” He balled his fist, slamming it down on the desk. “All the while he kept a known threat in his bed.” His anger full eyes slid to me.
Julie started, but Caspian silenced her with his hand. He slowly stood, meeting Mason’s gaze and leaned into him, bracing his hands on the desk. His voice was low.
“I understand your anger. I could not imagine my own should someone accuse my future son of something like this. That is why I gave you leeway in insulting my Beta.” He leaned in closer. His low voice now laced with venom. “But insult my Luna again and I’ll rip your throat out.” Mason’s nostrils flared. His body tense as he slowly slid down into his seat. No one spoke for a moment. Then a thought crossed my mind.
“Where is Samuel?” I asked. Mary answered,
“He had an important meeting to attend. He left before sun-up.” The same time the wolves had attacked. Mary looked at me, realization widened her eyes. Her and Mason began shaking their heads.
“No. I want proof.” Mason growled. Caspian held up the book that had been sitting in front of him. The book was bound in black leather, aged from many years of use. A wolf and sword crest was embroidered in gold on the cover.
“Do either of you recognize this?” he asked, his voice back to match the mask of calm. Mary and Julie shook their heads. Mason studied the book for a moment, before saying,
“I gave it to Samuel. My father gave it to me the year he stepped down as Alpha. His father did the same, each wrote about their time as Alpha, tips and advice. I did the same for Samuel. Why?”
“I will admit, after we learned that he may have been involved, I was not in my rational mind. I wanted to hurt him. Thankfully, my Luna convinced me that we could not go in with our teeth bared.” He gestured to Sam and her brothers on the back wall. “Our three best warriors were sent to check his room. They found this stuck between the bed and nightstand. At first, I didn’t think it was anything, but then, well it must have fallen and in his haste to leave, he must have forgotten about it.” Mary bit her lip, unease creasing her forehead. “It seems Samuel used it as a journal of sorts. Writing down his thoughts as he learned and prepared to become an Alpha.” Caspian filled the journal open. “He wrote about the meetings with Ethan Hanyes, including the one warning you about a rogue from his pack.” He stopped on a page marked the 31st of May. The day we had come to request help with the upcoming war with Ethan Hanyes. “May I?” Caspian asked, though he did not wait for a response as he started to read,

It would seem that my father's age has slowed his intelligence. Alpha Ethan warned us of a violent rogue. A rogue that murdered his brother in cold blood, and now my father has let that rogue into our pack, swearing warriors for an unworthy cause. And my mother just goes along with whatever father says. Well I am not. Alpha Caspian has dishonored us once, giving my sister, a pureblood Alpha to his lowly Beta and now he expects us to just believe his word. That his so called mate with the unworldly eyes is innocent. Ha, I don’t trust him or the murdering Bitch. There’s something wrong with her and I intend to find out, perhaps Alpha Ethan has more information on her. Perhaps I could be of service. Having an ally as well off as Blood Creek so soon in my Alpha position would be great. I will not be a disappointment like Julie.

Caspian looked up from the journal. “There are many more similar entries to this one. Including one written on the night of the Luna Ceremony.” He flipped the pages to the write entry,

I must have a knack for this. I’ve only just arrived at Green Grove and I’ve already found someone who feels the same, a, omega she-wolf. I came across her hidden in the tree line. Her face was badly beaten, her head bandaged. It took her a moment to realize I was there, before she bowed her head in respect. Her eyes watched the training fields, where the Green Grove Gamma and soon to be Luna sparred. I could sense her hatred. It burned in her eyes. It was easy to get her into bed and even easier to get her to help me. I could not help the smile that pulled at my lips when I asked if she was interested in helping me with a problem we had in common. Green Grove can have their party, but in the sunlight everything will change and Kalama Edwards will answer for her crimes.

Caspian closed the journal. No one spoke. Tears silently trailed down Mary’s cheeks. Mason stood, lifting Mary up by her shoulders. He put a protective arm around her and silently walked her out the door. The door softly closed behind them. After a few moments Julie and John also made their way out. Neal came to stand next to Caspian, whispering something in his ear. Caspian nodded. Neal turned to Sam. “Scout Samatha Nelson.” Sam stepped up, standing at attention as her Gamma addressed her. “I wish to congratulate you. Were it not for you apprehending the traitors, we may not have discovered this betrayal.” I was surprised at how well she was holding in her excitement. I knew she had to be bursting. Neal continued. “I know you expressed interest in the Tracker position of the Warrior rank.” 

She nodded, “Yes Gamma.”

“However, after much consideration,” I could feel the tension in all of the siblings. “Alpha Caspian, Luna Kalama, and I believe you will make an excellent Elite instead.” Sam’s mouth fell open. As did Jackson and Ben’s. They all recovered quickly. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. “This rank is the best Green Grove has to offer. Make no mistake, training will be more difficult and personal time will be next to nonexistent. You will be the youngest and therefore a target. Jackson and Ben will not be able to protect you should the others decide to test you. If you believe you are not ready, we understand.” Sam looked at each of us in turn, bowing her head, before looking over shoulder at her brothers. They both gave her an encouraging nod. She turned back to Neal.

“I accept. Thank you Gamma Neal, Alpha Caspian, Luna Kalama. I promise, I won’t disappoint.” I gave her a nod and a smile in return.

“Now that it's settled. How would you like to help with something?” Sam grinned. “We’re going to send a little message to Ethan Haynes.”