𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 [ 𝐌𝐱𝐌 ]

Chapter 9: Rogue Attack

LUX ||

Pack members were shuffling everywhere in preparation for the pack barbecue. I'd actually managed to grill up enough steak for the entire pack and then some. I was surprised with myself too. I'd eaten one and it wasn't half bad. Much better than Legacy's horrendous steak that had everyone either on the toilet or stuck in the pack hospital all those years ago.

Watching as my pack comes into the clearing from all sides, hands either filled with food of their own that they'd decided to bring, underaged pups or some form of wolfen liquor, I smile, proud of the togetherness we were still showing in these difficult times.

Usually the Alpha, their family, Betas and mates sat on the platform above the rest of the pack, but I wanted to demolish that part of the tradition. I didn't see it as necessary. I'm no better than the rest of my pack because without them, I would be nothing. So we all should eat on the same level, at the same time.

Dad and Uncle Rhett take over two of the grills, making burgers, hotdogs and chicken while Uncle Leif helps with the beverages.

As I set my last plate of steak down on the large tables, I make my rounds through the pack who had now gathered in the clearing with smiles and friendly conversation.

I weave through everyone, making sure or greet them all, hug those who wanted one, high five the pups and fist bumps the teens because they thought they were too cool for a high five.

After my rounds, I take a seat on one of the empty lawn chairs instead of at one of the longer tables. I wanted to make sure I had an eye on the entire clearing and if need be, could jump up and protect my pack if something should arise.

"Nothing will happen. You're so paranoid." — Edge interjects and I shove him.

"I don't know the exact saying but I'm pretty sure you're being the pot calling the kettle or the kettle calling the pot." — I retort, laughing when he pounces at the side of my mind with a nip.

If either one of us were paranoid, it was my wolf. Especially since we'd met Seiko, Zev and Error.

Edge never used to be this on edge - no pun intended - but this past week, he's been the most jumpy I've ever seen him. Which is not a good thing for an Alpha. He's far too large and powerful to be skiddish and growling at every brush of the grass and howl of the wind.

"Our mate is a rogue. A fully transformed rogue. He's tried to kill us twice now and I'm being paranoid? I feel like I'm being rational, Luxury. The pack won't accept this. The family won't accept this and what would Legacy think?"

When Edge asks that, I growl at him and shove him so hard that he stumbles backwards, but then he's fighting me for control. My hands tightly grip the arms of my chair and my jaw clenches.

It takes a great deal of energy but eventually I win out and push Edge to the shadows because I was done with him for the moment. He didn't have to throw Legacy in my face like that.

I already knew this was going to be a struggle. An Alpha mated to a rogue, that wants to keep his bond. . . It's unheard of and surely wouldn't go over with my family, my pack, King Kano or the Council, but Seiko is mine for a reason.

Maybe he wasn't born a rogue. Maybe he used to be a powerful Alpha himself, somewhere in a neighboring pack.

Maybe he was one the Silver River Alphas with all of their dramatics and tendency towards allowing other creatures into their midst.

Or maybe one of the Blood River Alphas who had short tempers and preferred to kill first and ask questions never.

Or maybe he was one of the Mossy River Alphas who adored nature and didn't necessarily believe in living any other way but with nature.