Paper Butterflies

Chapter Nineteen

A/N: I'm really sorry about my inconsistent updating. Hopefully I'll upload more than once a month (so sorry). I started college, literally last week. And I'm a double-major...holy shiz, man.

Anywho, hope you guys like it, it's in Scott's view but don't worry, it will be right back to Ashton in the next.

Chapter Nineteen

Scott's POV

I can't believe I let her go to that funeral on her own. Of course, she had insisted she needed to do this on her own but I just didn't want her to be alone. I hated seeing her so hurt and broken. The thoughts that man put in her head was sickening and broke my heart, yet she still wanted to be just a few feet away from him? I didn't care if he was dead. He had lied to her, she is so much more than what she believed she was.

"Scott, answer me." I heard my father say, moving me out of my thoughts.

"Wh-" I cleared my throat. "What was that?"

My father sighed. "The rest of us were just discussing tactics against the rogues. Care to step in?" He asked, obviously frustrated with my lack of attention.

"Yes, sir. Sorry. Points of defense?" I questioned. 

My father took an inhale of breath as he motioned for his Beta to speak.

Thompson nodded, directing his attention to the men around the room. "The rogues have initiated attack on several surrounding packs, and have obviously ventured into our territory. We have set up several guards focusing in our weak points and open areas. They will alert us of any suspicious wolves."

I nodded. "The rogues have their attention pointed at us, thanks to recent deviant activity involving our members. Just a reminder," I spoke, letting my voice carry. My fathers alpha blood making effect. "Do NOT let your emotions take control. Do not act on vengeance. We all want this war to end, but not at the cost of our families."

I heard chuckling from behind, making me growl as I turned.

Jason stepped forward, a glare directed at me. My body trembled with anger at his immediate disrespect. 

"Not at the cost of our families?" He questioned. "What about the families we've already lost? These rogues don't deserve lenience."

A few men nodded their heads in agreement, making me and my father growl. "Just a reminder," I said, looking at everyone. "It's such mindsets and actions like his, that has heightened this war."

"I'm giving these infests what they deserve." Jason said through clenched teeth.

"And a few dead rogues is worth a whole pack?" I questioned.

Jason glared harshly at me, earning a returning glare. "Obviously, you're judgement has been impaired." Jason said with a smirk. "Maybe it's that human mate of yours. It's effecting your thought process."

I growled, clenching my fists at my side. "Leave her out of this, Jason. She has nothing to do with this."

"Are you sure about that, Scott? Are you sure abuse is the only secrets she has?"

This time my growl echoed through the room as I couldn't push back my claws or sharp teeth. I launched at Jason, wrapping my hand around his throat and holding him up against the wall. 

"SCOTT!" My father bellowed. "Enough!"

Jason smirked as my finger left his throat. 

"Jason leave." 

With one last glare Jason exited the room, leaving the room thick with undiscussed tension.

"Does your mate have secrets, Scott?" My father questioned, earning a look of disbelief from me.

"No, she wouldn't hide anything from me."

"She kept the abuse from you."

"Because she was afraid."

"And you assume she is unafraid now? She has been thrust into this world of violence and threats, a new kind for her. This is a lot for a human to have to take in. She can barely handle what she has been through the last few weeks. Secrets are bound to be kept with fear." 

I shook my head. "Is there anything else that should be discussed regarding the rogues."

I turned to Thompson seeing as my father had stayed silent."

"Not at the moment." He said and I nodded.

"Good, I'll be leaving now."

As I walked to my room, my mother came running towards me with a frantic look on her face. Fear evident on her features as her eyes were brimmed red.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"I-I got a c-call. A-ashton...s-she...I....the..."

"Mom, what? What's wrong with Ashton? Where is she? Is she okay?" Questioned rolled off my tongue quickly.

She shook her head, unable to speak she held up her phone. I grabbed it, holding it up to my ear.

"Hello?" I breathed.

"Scott, I am so sorry. I tried to look for her. I swear I was watching but one minute I was there and the next it was dark. I swear I didn't mean to let this happen." David spoke, too quickly as his words mashed together.

I growled. "Shut up and tell me what the hell happened to Ashton."

He was silent, but I could here his heavy breaths. "Answer me, dammit." I roared into the phone.

"She's gone. Ashton's gone. They took her."