Chapter 22 : The Ultimate Betrayal.

Chapter 22

~Scottie’s POV~

My eyes kept darting between the two as the council chief elder spoke. I still couldn’t believe they were mates, who would’ve thought my brother Marcus; tough, serious with his smiles seldom and far between would have been mated to the one creature he despised; a fucking werewolf!

And not just any werewolf; Rivers; the loud, flamboyant, crazy and loving Rivers? It was insane and at the same time; perfect. I couldn’t even imagine what their lives would be like; The bossy Marcus being bossed around by the bossy Rivers; it would certainly make for an interesting power play.

I’d been surprised by Marcus’ actions at the airport after Rivers had made his announcement. I’d expected Marcus to outright reject it as  nonsense or at the very least ignore Rivers’ ramblings all together but instead he’d caught sight of Rivers and had just frozen, recognition dawning as if he’d known him forever even though I knew for a fact that it was the first time they’d ever met.

Then Marcus had stared some more as Rivers talked his ear off about how he’d finally found his mate and the man of his dreams and the number of times he’d told Marcus he was beautiful was just hilarious.

But through it all my brother had just stared; somewhat in disbelief, somewhat in awe and  when we’d finally arrived at camp, and Thomas had set up a meeting with the chief elder, Marcus had finally grown distant; telling Rivers in no uncertain terms to back off.

Now they both sat on opposite sides of the small space, Marcus’ eyes firmly planted on the elder and Rivers’ eyes firmly planted on Marcus. It was all just a bit strange but not as bizarre as the explanation the chief elder was giving.

“I’ve seen this type of bond only once before. Typical lycanthropes cannot feel pain inflicted on their partner, they cannot hear their thoughts or feel their fear and they certainly cannot feel the pull of their mate from thousands of miles away as you both have.” The elder looked at them both in turn.

Rivers was finally concentrating on the elder’s words, his eyes wide with interest.

“I knew we weren’t mates, there has to be another explanation.” Marcus said and I didn’t miss the hurt look Rivers sent his way.

“On the contrary Corsetti, If Rivers feels the mating bond with you then you are indeed his mate.” The elder went on and Marcus’ brow furrowed.

“But you just said werewolves don’t feel the things we do.” He argued.

“And I also said, I’ve seen your type of bond once before. You are mated to Rivers, however it goes a little deeper than the usual. Have you ever heard the term soul mates?” the chief elder turned his filmy eyes on Marcus.

Marcus scoffed, leaning back into his seat and folding his arms across his chest. “What now you’re telling me he’s my soul mate? Don’t be ridiculous.”

“That is exactly what I’m saying. The bond between two wolves is forced, if it is that those same wolves were human there’s no guarantee they would end up together, however in your case, if you had been humans you would still have been drawn to each other. You’d have met and fallen in love despite the wolf bond and that’s the reason you have such a potent link.”

Marcus shook his head in disbelief.

“I believe it and I know you do too even if you won’t admit it.” Rivers said softly, his eyes focused on Marcus who refused to even glance his way.

“Do you think the fact that Marcus is a shifter and Rivers is a wolf has anything to do with it?” Adrian spoke for the first time since we’d sat down for the meeting and we all glanced his way.

“No, because Jessie and I don’t have that kind of bond, I’ve never heard her voice in my head or felt her emotions.” I told him and the elder nodded.

“As I’ve said, they are soul mates, destined to the union since birth, it has nothing to do with the type of creatures they are. The typical wolf bond is unbreakable as is, the very fact that you are also soul mates means that this will not be something  either of you will be able to turn from, so I’d suggest you get used to it.” The elder said to Marcus and we all watched as he pushed up from his seat intent on making a swift exit but Rivers grabbed his hand as he made to pass him and Marcus gasped as if he’d been burned, pulling his hand from Rivers’ grasp and pushing through the exit without another word.

An instant later so did Rivers and the rest of us were left staring after the two with interest.

“Thank you for your time chief.” Thomas said, offering his hand to the elder who took it and nodded before he himself pushed up from his seat and exited the room.

“Marcus and Rivers. Wow I still can’t believe it.” I said as silence descended.

Grady nodded; “I know right, I always thought Rivers would find someone more….cheerful.”

That much I could agree with. I couldn’t see my brother’s personality meshing well with Rivers’ but mother nature knew what she was doing otherwise she wouldn’t have thrown too so very different souls together in such a very lasting way.

“It’s like this place has it in for us, first visit it’s you and now Marcus, I don’t think I want to know what the next visit will bring.” Adrian said and I chuckled.

“Who knows maybe next time you and Lucas will get back together.” I suggested good naturedly and just like that there went his good mood.

Adrian seemed to pull into himself, his mouth tightening and his fists clenching and I instantly regretted bringing it up.

Grady being completely tactless as always decided to speak up right then; “Oh yeah I heard you two broke up...kinda surprising though, I mean you travelled all the way here to save your relationship last time, got arrested and even took on the Alpha for him and after all that you guys are over? what was the point of all that then?”

“Grady this isn’t the best time.” Thomas told him, a hand on his shoulder but he was relentless.

“Oh come on, don’t act like you’re not even just a little bit curious dude.” Grady shot back at him.

“You should try to do a better job of keeping your little pet quiet Thomas, he shouldn’t snoop where he doesn’t belong.” Adrian said insolently and like Marcus before him, pushed up and exited the room without another word.

Grady jumped up, eyes blazing, did that moron just call me at pet? I’ll fucking show him a-” he started and Thomas grabbed his hand and pulled him back into his chair.

“You deserved that.” he told his mate and Grady glared at him.

“I’m going to tell you this only because I’d appreciate it if you guys not bother Adrian about it anymore; he has enough to deal with as it is.” I spoke.

“Okay shoot.” Grady hedged his eyes on me.

“The short of it is…Lucas gave him an ultimatum; he had to choose between their relationship and the business and Adrian chose the business thus end of relationship.” I explained. Thomas didn’t seem particularly surprised but Grady gaped at me.

“He actually chose the business over Lucas? Who does that? I thought he loved him?”

I nodded; “Of course he loves him, more that you know. I’ve watched my brother make so many sacrifices for Lucas since he met him. He might have chosen the organization over him but his head isn’t in the business anymore...it hasn’t been for awhile now, Marcus is the one keeping it together.” I continued and when I realized they were hanging on to my every word I went on.

“He’s cut back on more than half of our exports, we’ve had to let go thousands of dealers already. The men don’t respect him the way they once did…not since Lucas..he even refused to expand the business against Marcus’ recommendation. He’s converted so many of the illegal businesses into upstanding enterprises and this was way before Lucas gave his ultimatum. It’s the reason he and Marcus don’t get along.”

“Okay so he did all that but the fact that he still has the business is still a risk… if he’s already done all that then why can’t he just give it up for the sake of the relationship?” Grady interrupted.

“Adrian built the organization from the ground up Grady, he literally put everything into it...it’s what kept us alive when our parents died, it’s all he’s ever known and to ask a man to give up all he knows…that’s brutal man.”

“Yeah but you did it for Jessie.” Grady said and I smiled.

“I only joined the business to be closer to my brothers, I’m not connected to it like they are and it was my choice to leave so it was easier. What Lucas also didn’t realize is that the more you force a guy like Adrian to do something the more he’ll fight it...he’d have left eventually...like I said, his head isn’t in it anymore but Lucas’ pushing forced him to hold on; to fight back.” I shifted in my seat and watched as comprehension dawned on Thomas’ face...Grady however was still skeptical.

“I still say if you love someone you should be willing to give up anything for them.” Grady said and Thomas shifted uncomfortably beside him. “Lucas put himself at risk every second he was with him, I don’t see how Adrian’s sacrifices even compare.”

“There’s always going to be differing views I guess but I know their relationship is stronger than this I can only hope they see that.”

……………………………………………

NB/ Even though wolf bonds are forced keep in mind that Thomas loved Grady long before their bond, and Carson loved Laken long before theirs. This is to show that the relationships formed in this series were formed based on true love, the bonds simply helped to seal them.

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~Marcus’ POV~

My hand still tingled from where he touched me and I wiped it against my pant leg to get rid of the feeling. It didn’t work.

Mated to a fucking wolf…only I could be so lucky. I took a deep breath to keep from slamming my fist into the tree beside me. The boy was right, I couldn’t deny the truth; I felt drawn to him in ways I couldn’t understand. I could feel him inside me, around me, on me, it was as if his very essence was trailing me, refusing to give me even an ounce of peace.

In London I’d heard his voice, I’d felt his emotions, here it had only magnified and fighting it only proved futile.

My mind drifted to the exact moment I’d first seen him at the airport; the way those big brown eyes had gazed up at me as if I was a hero come to save him from the treachery that was life. He’s looked at me with such awe and reverence and for that one brief moment I’d felt the shock of euphoria burst through me at his very presence.

I would be a fool to disregard the elder’s words, but what would I be if I acted on them? He was a wolf; the very creature I hated with everything in me. My heart pounded in my chest. At the same time he was beautiful, delicate and...mine.

I shook my head uncomfortable with the direction my thoughts had strayed; No not mine…never mine. When I returned to London everything would be as it was supposed to be. I wouldn’t feel these overwhelming sensations and I wouldn’t be distracted by this feeling.

I just had to get through the week. One week and everything would be back to normal… I was disappointed but how completely tedious ‘normal’ sounded right then.

If this was what Adrian had been going through for so long then I felt for him; I wouldn’t wish this feeling on my enemy.

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~Adrian’s POV~

I wished she’d just disappear.

Scottie’s mate was proving to be more trouble than I could stand. She sat before me, smiling and giving me that look that said she knew something I didn’t. It was disconcerting to say the least.

“The sooner you tell me what’s wrong the sooner I’ll leave Adrian.” She said sweetly and I sighed.

“Look Jessie, I don’t need counseling or whatever the hell this is, so the sooner you run along the better.”

“Funny enough, Lucas said the exact same thing. Interesting.”

Of course he would, he was like me in that regard; he liked his privacy.

“If I want r help, I’ll find you I promise.” I even offered her a small smile to take the edge off.

“You’d better make sure of it, I’m always here if you wanna talk.” She told me, taking my hand to give it a light squeeze before she turned to go.

“ And Jessie..” she turned to look at me. “Congrats on my brother.”

She grinned, “I’m a lucky girl.” And she was gone.

When I entered the guest house half an hour later it was to find Rivers in the kitchen humming a tune I’d never heard before and stirring something in a pot on the stove.

“Hi Darling what’s up?” he said and I raised a brow at his exuberance.

“Why are you in such a good mood?” I asked grumpily.

“Why wouldn’t I be? I finally met my mate!” he squealed and I was surprised the pot remained steady on the stove.

“Yeah but he won’t even talk to you.” I didn’t think I was trying to be cruel really, it was more that I was trying to understand what was going on in his head.

“Oh please, honey, if he’s feeling at least half of what I’m feeling-which he is- then he’ll be all over me soon enough. I just have to be a little patient is all.” He declared with a wide grin. The happiness shining through his eyes was almost blinding and I fought the urge to turn away.

“Well enough about me, what’s going on with you and Lucas? He won’t say but I know something’s wrong.” He said with a knowing look.

I tried to distract him; “What are you cooking?”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not fooled but decided to play along, “ Think about all of Marcus’ favorite things to eat and you have your answer.”

Scottie must have told him. “Ah, so you’re trying to bribe him with food then?” I joked and he gave me the finger.

“Don’t be ridiculous Adrian, I just can’t have my boy starve is all, haven’t you seen the size of him?” he sighed dramatically, “He’s beautiful.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. Marcus was going to have a hard time with this one. It would certainly be interesting to watch.

“I’m going shopping later and I want you to come with me.” He announced then and I gaped at him.

“I don’t think so.” Did I look like the type to indulge in shopping?

“But I need company. I need buy a whole new wardrobe, so I need to know what type of clothes works in London. I heard it’s always cold there and I don’t want people turning their noses up at the lame American styles.” He said.

“Since when are you going to London?

“Well considering the fact that Marcus lives there then I think you have your answer, don’t you?” he asked cheekily.

I could only stare at him, his words sounding absurd to my ears. Wolves never willingly left their packs, they were too…connected.

“You’d move to London?” I asked skeptically and he looked at me as if I’d asked a stupid question.

“Of course I would Adrian, when you love someone you’ll do whatever it takes to be with them.” he said then turned back to his pot, shocking me into silence.

His words had hit close to home and I found a lump had settled in my throat. I turned to go sit in the sofa in the living room, trying to digest his words.

He made it seem as if I wasn’t doing what it took to be with Lucas. I’d given up so much of myself for him already. Wasn’t that enough?

I dropped my head in my hands and squeezed my eyes shut. There was nothing that said you had to give up everything to be with the person you loved. Nothing. And what about Lucas? What had he given up? Nothing; what’s a little risk on his part, It wasn’t as if-

And it hit me. The risk was his life.

It hadn’t even occurred to me until now. I’d been thinking in terms of him taking a little risk, risk of maybe doing time, risk of maybe getting hurt, risk of having to lie for me to keep what I was a secret but I hadn’t even considered the impact of such a risk. In every situation what would he stand to lose? His life… and I couldn’t give up my business for that?

I finally saw it from Lucas’ point of view; he was willing to give up everything and I’d held out for a business. A business that I loved and cherished, a business that I’d given my all but a business none the less and to think it had taken the simple words of the humming little sprite in the kitchen to lock everything in place for me.

“Rivers? Where’s Lucas?” I called out and the humming broke off.

“Uhmm I think he’s in his room or maybe in the shower.” He called back and I found myself taking the stairs two at a time. My hands trembling with each clutch to the banister.

I pushed into his room without knocking, needing to see his face, needing to apologize but the room was empty. As was typical with Lucas, he left his clothes strewn about the room. It was chaos and I smiled at this little part of him that made him what he was.

His bed was brimming with papers and files and I pushed a few of them aside so I could sit there; assuming he was in the bathroom. I would wait.

I took a deep breath as I prepared what to say to him. My heart pounding. I wiped my sweaty palms in my jeans.

He’d said all I needed to do was give up the business right?  So he had to take me back. I’d turn over everything to Marcus, I’d play a supervisory role only. I’d be kept in the loop about everything but I wouldn’t actively participate in running it.

That had to be enough, he had to accept that. I took another breath, confidence seeping through my body once more as I imagined how the conversation would go and how happy he would be.

Humming the broken tune Rivers had been humming before, I looked around the room, taking in everything. His shoes were scattered, clothes were draped over the chair and socks were lying on the floor. He’d been here all of one day and the place was already a mess.

I was surprised at how much I missed this. A piece of paper crinkled under me and I eased up a bit to push it aside, only when I glanced down at it my breath caught.

It was a printed picture of me with one of my men a few months back.  Why would Lucas have this? I dropped it onto the bed with all the other sheets of paper and would have brushed it off as unimportant if I hadn’t spotted a few more spilling from a blue file jacket in the middle of the bed.

More pictures of me, Scottie and Marcus, at different times, carrying out different transactions. There were a few more in my office, with me holding my gloc in my lap as I spoke to a man who was held upright between two guards.  I shook my head, trying to figure out what this must all mean.

The other papers contained transactions, receipts, bank statements, there were also a few names listed on a loose leaf, titled ‘witnesses’.

My heart pretty much stopped in my throat and I put a hand to my chest as my brain processed what this all meant.

I dropped the file jacket and pushed up slowly from the bed, shocked to my core. I stumbled over a discarded shoe and managed to right myself before I hit the ground.

There had to be some other explanation for this, I kept telling myself but the things I’d seen kept whirling around my mind, over and over again.

There had to be another explanation…but any fool could see what this was.

Lucas had betrayed me. He had evidence. Evidence I’d boasted that no one would ever be able to get their hands on and all this time he had probably been laughing in the face of my naivety.

Marcus was right. I couldn’t believe it.

I backed up further from the bed, a headache now blasting in my head. My hands shook and I felt as if I’d throw up. My heart pumped vigorously in my chest and I feared it would explode from the pain of it all. This was heartbreak if I’d ever felt it and by God did it hurt.

I felt his betrayal in every fiber of my being.  I felt myself shifting form and I took a few deep breaths to staunch the change.

I backed away until my back was to the wall and that was when the anger came. It roared up within me, taking over my veins and piercing my mind. I felt it hot and destructive as it coursed through my body and I let out a soft growl, my hands forming into fists.

He had betrayed me. Me! After all I had given him, after I had poured out my soul to him, he’d gone and betrayed me!

My hand locked around the door knob and I heaved it open. Then I was out the door and into my own room; the room we had shared the first time we’d come here together. The centre of the room housed the bed we’d slept in; the bed we’d lain awake in as he told me he loved me.

The liar! I ripped the sheets from the symbol of his ultimate betrayal and threw them to the ground. A growl ripped through me and I found myself shifting again, this time I  grabbed the lamp from the bed stand and threw it across the room with such force that it shattered against the wall.

I heard Rivers downstairs calling my name. Asking me if everything was okay.

Okay? Okay? He had betrayed me! I had trusted him and he’d deceived me in the worst way possible! My fist slammed into the wall and came away bloody.

I stayed that way for a second, staring at my hand, the anger still simmering in my body. I took a breath and the shift died within me once more.

There was only one thing to do in the face of such a betrayal. I didn’t tolerate such things. No one was allowed the courtesy of breathing after their traitorous acts. My fists clenched and unclenched and I stormed over to the bag I had yet to unpack.

I reached into the clandestine lead based compartment and pulled out the silver weapon. I didn’t bother checking the clip. I held it in my hand as a deadly calm settled over me and slunk over to my open door where Rivers stood, his mouth agape.

He let out a squeak when he saw what was in my hand and I pushed him aside roughly. I felt nothing but pure hatred fill me. All the hurt, the anger and the pain built inside me and cemented as I made my way to his room.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

Yeah I know I've been absent for a few days.Ii had to take a break but I'm back and I hope to have all chapters up on time from now on.

Thanks for your patience!

-Enjoy!

-DoUbLe.A

-unedited( oneday i'll edit..i promise)