20. Decisions, Decisions...

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Suzzanah's POV

"NEEILLLL!"

I cringed and Neil gulped, looking paler with every passing second as Zuerien towered over him, glowering furiously.

He had arrived but a minute ago at the convenience store and found both me and Neil looking like wet- well, dogs. And maybe it wouldn't have been a problem if I had actually been one like the rest of my canine company here, but I wasn't and that fact was currently sticking out like a sore tail!

For the first few moments following his arrival, Zuerien had just stood there staring at us, looking like he couldn't believe this was actually happening, but then his eyes had flashed a blazing obsidian black and snapped to Neil making the rest of us immediately start offering prayers for his poor soul.

And as soon as we got away from the public and to edge of the woods beside the convenience store, Zuerien started to look more and more like a threat to Neil's existence.

"I-I'm truly sorry Alpha", Neil coughed out, trying ever so subtly to hide behind Alpha Ashford who stood next to him wearing his usual stone-face.

"Zuerien it wasn't his fault", I said for the third time since he had arrived, but was my mate listening? Of course not!

Ugh, I wish he had 'Kai ears' I could tug on to get his attention right now!

"Alpha, I'm sure there is a good explanation for this", Cole said hurriedly, trying to hep Neil.

Cole had arrived just a second after Zuerien and the minute his gaze had zeroed in on me, his hand had flown to his forehead in dread, his horror-stricken expression screaming the same words the rest of us were thinking.

Oh Crap!

And for better or worse, Alpha Ashford had joined our company at the same time as Cole, grey eyes moving between Zuerien and me before settling on his Delta with a blank face that somehow still managed to read, You're screwed, aren't you?

"Oh yeah? Well let's hear it then", Zuerien said in reply to Cole's comment, "Why the hell does my mate look like a freakin drowned street rat?!" Zuerien demanded and all of us, with the exception of Alpha Ashford winced yet again.

"H-hey, its not nice to call me a rat", I said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood but when Zuerien's sharp eyes shot to me, and my smile immediately turned nervous.

"Zuerien please don't be mad at him",I said, "I'm telling you it wasn't Neil's fault. It was min-"

Yes I guessed as much heart, he mindlinked me, black-brown eyes narrowing at me, I am well enough aware of your eccentric tendency to drench yourself with water when you're thirsty

I cringed again, feeling my cheeks warm in recollection, even though my body was ice-cold.

"T-That wasn't, I mean, this isn't-" I struggled for words.

"I know there is no point telling you to not be reckless because its like telling you to not be sweetheart- impossible", he said making me feel chided and flattered all at the same time, "Which is why I made sure you had such heavy security to look out for you in the first place!"

"But I'm not hurt or anything", I said still struggling in his hold and he frowned.

"Stop squirming", he told me, pulling me closer by my waist, making me suck in a sharp breath and push harder at his chest with my soggy hands to maintain distance.

Cole and Zuerien were perfectly dry despite being in the rain because of some kind of 'umbrella magic' Lady Yolanda had cast on them. And so was Alpha Ashford, which probably meant that Elder Abé had also used some form of magic to shield them.

Thankfully, in the past few minutes, the rain had almost come to stop. That, or Zuerien's 'hotblooded-ness' was evaporating it way up in the sky, before it could reach us. As ridiculous as it sounded, it was a possibility I could no longer deny.

And currently, I was wedged between my angry mate and an internally shuddering Neil, trying my hardest to keep Zuerien's anger off of Neil while simultaneously trying to keep myself off of Zuerien.

But the latter was proving to be harder than the former because Zuerien had a vice-like grip around my waist and kept pulling me into his sculpted torso, apparently trying to superglue me to him.

"No! You stop pulling!" I replied, "I'm soaked! I don't want to get you wet too! You're wearing a nice shirt!"

Zuerien's eyes flashed black, golden and brown in quick succession making both Cole and Neil suck in sharp breaths before Neil quickly lowered his head and Cole's eyes shot to mine.

Lunaa! He mindlinked me urgently, shaking his head as he pointed to his own neck while staring at mine panicked.

Oh that's right!

I had forgotten that Zuerien was still in his over-possessive after-marking state and he didn't like me keeping my distance.

Not that he is any better normally...

"You think I care?" Zuerien said lowly, in response to my earlier statement, before abruptly sticking his forearm under my butt and picking me up using just one arm.

"Kyaa!" I let out an incomprehensible sound as my feet suddenly left the ground and my arms wrapped around Zuerien's neck in reflex, trying to steady my suddenly airborne or should I say arm-borne frame.

"Zuerien!" I whisper-yelled, my face turning bright red as I looked at him wide-eyed.

Now that he had lifted me so that our faces were leveled, Zuerien took the opportunity to study my damp features, "Hm, apart from being as wet as a fish, I suppose you don't look much the worse for wear"

I gave him a blank look, "Wow, you sure do know how to compliment a lady. I went from being a rat to a fish! Should I consider that a promotion?"

"Don't get cheeky, Luna", he whispered to me before giving my cheek a peck.

His lips were warm against my cold skin, and they left soft fluttering tingles where they had touched me. His gaze then turned back to Neil who immediately stiffened.

"Well?" Zuerien asked, still waiting for an explanation but thankfully no longer furious like he was a moment ago.

"Uh..."

"I ran into the rain and Neil had to rush after me", I quickly replied before Neil could, making all the men look at me incredulously.

"Luna", Cole said perturbed.

"Are you freakin kidding me heart?" Zuerien asked in disbelief.

"Please don't look at me like that", I told them embarrassed, "I'm not a complete idiot. I obviously had a reason for doing so. A good one", I looked Zuerien in the eye and lowered my voice as I added, "And not one I want to talk about out here"

Understanding flashed in his face and he exchanged looks with Cole who nodded.

"Alright, we'll talk about it once we get back to the hotel", Zuerien said, "And once you're out of these soggy clothes"

I smiled nodding, "Yes please!" I agreed heartily.

"Neil", Zuerien said and Neil instantly stood in attention.

"Yes Alpha!"

"You're off duty now. I'll take over", he told him, "You can go join your pack"

Neil looked surprised that he was being let off the hook so easily, "Y-Yes Alpha", he said before looking at me.

I gave him a bright smile, "Thanks for today Neil. And sorry about getting you soaked"

He smiled back before bowing to me, "Not at all, Luna", he said before looking at his Alpha for confirmation to leave.

Alpha Ashford gave him a curt nod and Neil nodded back before bowing to us.

"I'll take my leave then, Alpha King, Luna Queen, Beta Knightly", he said before leaving and we nodded.

The minute he left, I turned my attention back to Zuerien, wiggling in his arms uncomfortably, "You can put me down now", I told him, embarrassed.

"I don't think so", he replied before hugging me close and burying his face in my neck, inhaling deeply.

A rush of warmth and affection tore through me as I hugged back instinctively before I once again became blatantly aware of our current whereabouts and company, which made my face nearly explode from the heat overload.

I immediately made a move to put some semblance of distance between us, but obviously I had forgotten that the person holding me right now did not know the meaning of inappropriate when it came to PDA.

Z-Zuerien, I mindlinked hurriedly, when he made no attempt to release me, his warm breath fanning my neck intimately.

Dang! He's so warm and he smells so nice!

Quickly reeling in my turbulent and inappropriate emotions, I cleared my throat as I wiggled in his arms, trying to get him to take a hint!

"Stop squirming heart", Zuerien repeated lazily as he lifted his head from the crook of my neck.

"P-please put me down now", I said bashfully.

"No"

I looked at him aghast, Zuerien!

No

What do you mean no?! I mindlinked exasperatedly, Cole and Alpha Ashford can see us, and I'm here slick-haired, saucer-eyed and perched on your forearm like your freakin pet owl!

A very wet pet owl, he added seriously as he ran his free hand through my wet hair.

Zuerien! This is awkward!

Trust me, its really not, he replied amused, his deep voice soothing my soul instantly, Its quite natural for werewolves

To weight-lift their mates? I asked raising an eyebrow and his lip twitched.

To carry their mates if they want to, he corrected me, I thought I told you about this already

I sighed, he had. But I hadn't necessarily been over the moon about the idea.

"But I'm soaked!" I whined.

"I can see that, and I already told you I don't care that you're soaked", he replied earnestly.

The longer I looked into his warm brown eyes, the more I wanted to melt. And given the freezing state of my body, melting seemed like a stupendous idea right about now.

Not really even wanting to argue anymore, I looked at him keenly one more time, "If you're sure", I said one last time and he nodded.

And I didn't need to be told twice because defeat took over victoriously.

I smiled brightly, "Okay then!" I said before throwing my arms around his neck and hugging him tightly again. I had been wanting to do so for so long, "Welcome back!" I said happily.

I heard him exhale a laugh as he replied, "Thank you Heart", and kissed my mark, making me shiver as soft tingles shot through my skin making me hug him closer. He nuzzled my neck before kissing it again and although it felt like heaven, I knew we were going way overboard now.

Quickly pulling away flustered, I looked up at Cole and smiled, "Welcome back Cole!" I said.

I had thought he had turned away earlier when we had begun our impromptu canoodling, but surprisingly enough he had been looking right at me, eyes slightly narrowed as though he were trying to figure something out.

Upon hearing my question, he seemed to visibly snap out of a deep train of thought before he smiled back, "Oh! Thank you", he replied warmly.

I blinked questioningly, "Are you tired?" I asked feeling a twinge of concern.

He shook his head, "No, I was just thinking about something. Its nothing important, Luna", he replied before catching my chiding look and correcting himself, "I mean- Suzzanah"

I grinned, "Yup!" I said happily before turning to look at Alpha Ashford who was also here, even though his 'quietness' made it hard to remember. He was staring up at the clouds quietly.

As terrible as it sounded, by now I was used to having Cole around when Zuerien and I got a little inappropriately touchy-feely, but knowing that Alpha Ashford was here too was just embarrassing the life out of me right now.

"Uh-um...so how was your day Alpha Ashford?" I asked awkwardly. I was after all, still sitting on my mate's arm like a soaked stuffed goose. Not the most ideal position to be conversing with a fellow Alpha in.

"Okay", came Alpha Ashford's curt reply as he turned to face me again and I was actually surprised that he had actually taken the trouble to respond and not just shrugged or blinked at me.

"Great!" I said before turning back to Zuerien whose eyes had never left my face all this time.

I smiled lovingly at him before kissing his temple, "I missed you", I told him and he smiled back, eyes brimming with warmth immediately.

"Me too", he said softly and leaned in to kiss me but I quickly leaned away.

In truth I wanted to kiss him too, desperately almost, but I knew that if I did, things could go from a cute peck to several degrees of R-rated real quick. And it wasn't anything for sweet innocents like Cole and mysterious mutes like Ashford to witness.

Later, I promised Zuerien reluctantly, and he narrowed his eyes at me disapprovingly.

But before he could object I quickly changed the subject, "So shouldn't we be heading back too?" I asked and Cole nodded and Ashford stared.

And Zuerien simply turned with me still on his arm but instead of walking down the road towards the library, he began walking deeper into the woods, and Cole and Alpha Ashford followed suit.

I looked around confused, "U-Um...where are we going?" I asked, staring back at the lights coming from the roadside which were slowly fading into the distance.

"To the meeting spot where our patrol groups have gathered", Zuerien replied.

"O-Oh...I thought they'd gather at the library", I said squirming in his hold again, feeling extremely awkward being carried for no reason whatsoever, especially in the presence of company.

"That was the initial plan but...not all of the men could find clothes to put on after they shifted back", Cole replied making my jaw drop.

"Wha-? You mean you're taking me to go see a fleet of bulky men in their birthday suits?!" I coughed out horrified.

Suddenly I'm really grateful that its dark out already.

Cole grinned amusedly, "No Luna. They've all got pants on", he replied reassuringly, "But not all of them could find shirts and since the library is open to humans we couldn't assemble there without proper attire on, you know"

"Oh thank God!" I exclaimed relieved, "We don't want you guys poking people's eyes out with all your concrete pectorals"

Zuerien smiled and Cole chuckled at my comment. I even thought I saw Alpha Ashford's lip twitch upwards for a second. Apparently they found my statement funny. I was actually being serious.

And speaking of being serious...

Queen,

I found Megan

Marco's words from our mindlink earlier resounded in my mind and I bit my lip thoughtfully. It had come as such a shock to me that I had nearly lost my footing and fallen to the ground. But before I could even reply to him he had added,

But things didn't go as we'd all planned though

I remembered the worry that had flooded me the minute he had said that, and our conversation replayed itself in my head vividly.

What do you mean? Is everything okay?

Yeah it is...I managed to give her the crystal you asked me to, and I told her everything you wanted me to

Even though his words had told me that things seemed incredibly positive, his voice had been so small as he had spoken, almost as if he were lost in thought.

That's great Marco! Was she alright?

...I guess.

Huh? What do you mean? What did she say?

...Nothing really, he had replied softly, She agreed to come with us without putting up a fight

I hadn't known whether to be happy or troubled given his overtly quiet demeanor, as I had asked, So she's with you now?

...No.

Huh? I had almost thought I had heard him wrong, She's not? Did she run away again? I had asked worriedly.

No, he had replied, I let her go.

His reply had left me at a loss of words, blinking in both surprise and confusion as I had waited for him to elaborate.

But he didn't.

Queen, no one else knows, not even the rest of my team. I haven't told anyone but you.

Marco...what happened?

I'll tell you, the King and the others everything when we get back to the hotel tonight, I promise. But until then, can I please ask you not to tell anyone about this?

He had seemed so defeated at that point that I had agreed, too concerned about him to argue.

Okay

Thank you, Queen

Marco...are you alright?

...Yeah.

Why don't I believe you? I had asked him and he had exhaled an almost sad sounding laugh.

Because you're not like us, Queen. Your heart isn't like ours.

Marco-?

Don't worry about me, I really am alright. I'll see you soon. Bye.

And then he had cut off the mindlink.

With the depleted condition of my soul I hadn't been able to sense all his emotions, but the little I had picked up had told me everything I needed to know. He had met Megan, alone- so it seemed, and whatever he had seen or whatever had transpired between them had left him more than a little bit upset for some reason.

I was sure that if Megan has been hurt he would have told me. But he hadn't said anything of the sort. In fact he had said that she had been ready to go with them, but he had let her go.

Why...Marco? What exactly happened?

You've fallen quiet

I jerked out of my train of thought, eyes shooting to Zuerien who was watching me quietly.

Is something wrong?

I quickly smiled and shook my head, No, I said, Just thinking about something.

Zuerien didn't reply, but by the way his gaze held mine, I could tell he didn't buy it. I hesitated before asking,

Is Marco's team here in the woods already?

Zuerien shook his head, No. His team covered a different part of the woods so he said they'd meet us at the Hotel directly

You spoke to him then?

I did. His team apparently happened upon a place they hadn't explored before and they thought they'd find Megan but they didn't

Oh...

Don't worry, he told me with a reassuring smile, We'll find her

I forced a smile, but didn't reply. Because I wasn't sure we would anymore. Or even...if we should.

I wanted to tell Zuerien, but I wouldn't break my word to Marco. And even if I did tell him now, it could make Marco look like the bad guy for letting her go, and I didn't have enough information about the matter to defend him.

So I decided to wait, especially because Marco seemed to want to tell everyone himself. And I was okay because I knew there was nothing to be guilty about. I was blessed with a mate who cared about me enough to hear me out before pointing fingers. Zuerien would understand.

"So are you all going to run back to the hotel once you've regrouped?" I asked and Zuerien shook his head.

"No, Elder Abé said that he'd teleport us all back", he replied, "It was a long day and most warriors must be tired. He has already told Lady Yolanda to do the same for everyone at the library, out of sight of the humans of course. And I've spoken to John so he and Rino will come with her"

"That's amazing!" I exclaimed wide-eyed, "But with so many people won't it be too draining for them to teleport us all?"

"Oh don't worry about that Luna", Cole replied, "We're talking about some of the most powerful members of the Wizardry Clan. If they wanted to, they could teleport an entire state's worth of people"

"Whoa!"

"Especially Elder Abé", Zuerien said, "He has more power in his little finger than some people have in their entire Clans. So its fine"

By this point I was thoroughly impressed, especially since I had seen how much of a toll teleportation took on Prophecy's body.

"Prophecy is actually much more powerful than she appears", Zuerien told me and I looked at him alarmed.

"Youuuu", I said narrowing my eyes at him, "What have I told you about sneaking into my head?"

He smiled and shrugged, "I can't help it. Its one of my favorite places to be"

I sighed before getting back on topic, "Yes you've told me that before, about Prophecy I mean"

Cole and Zuerien nodded, "Prophecy actually has an insane amount of magical power, way more than regular witches and wizards do", Cole told me, "When she was born, Elder Abé had even proclaimed that there was a chance that she had more magic in soul than even he did in himself"

My jaw dropped, "Seriously?!"

"Mm-hm", he nodded smiling, "Apparently he had been completely shocked by it. An infinite soul, he had supposedly called her"

My eyes widened in awe. That was like the complete opposite of mine.

"Since not many people can travel in time its not possible to accurately estimate how much magic is required to be able to carry out time related teleportations", Zuerien told me, "But Elder Abé once said that the Time travelling was a daunting task even for an exceedingly brilliant wizard like him, so Prophecy really is something else"

Cole nodded, "Because she is young and not very experienced she has trouble controlling her powers", he said, "But with time and practice I think she has the potential to be one of the most powerful witches of all time"

"Wow...", I breathed out, feeling star-struck, "That just makes me want to get to know her more! It's actually kind of ridiculous that I still haven't had the chance to speak to her yet"

"Didn't she run into you and Megan during the Treasure Hunt at the Annual Games?" Cole asked and Zuerien's eyes immediately shot to him, a glare evident.

Cole immediately flinched as he realized why Zuerien was mad. That had been the day I had been locked in that wardrobe and experienced one of greatest horrors of my life. It had only been 3 days ago, and even though I had chosen to forgive them all and move ahead, the wounds from then were still pretty fresh.

But because I had had so many similar experiences as a child, my ability to get over them, or at least to not drown in them, was now quite proficient. It still hurt to think of that day, but when there were more important things that needed my attention, I could keep myself from thinking about it.

I just needed to distract myself from it, till thinking about it didn't hurt as much anymore. And I could do that.

"I'm sorry, Suzzanah", Cole said quickly.

Patting Zuerien's shoulder soothingly, I gave Cole a reassuring smile, "Its perfectly fine, don't worry", I said to both of them, "And yeah we did run into her that day. But unfortunately I didn't get to speak to her at all. Neither of us did because well...Prophecy...she did most of the talking"

Zuerien and Cole sighed knowingly and when I heard a soft snort, my gaze flickered to Alpha Ashford, and to my surprise I found that he too was seemingly following our conversation quite attentively.

"Either way, you'll get to meet her when she wakes up", Zuerien said, "Provided she doesn't run off or get teleported again. With Prophecy you can never be sure"

My shoulders slumped in disappointment, "True"

"Don't look so sad Heart. You're making me jealous of Prophecy", Zuerien said honestly, making me giggle and hug him, placing my head against his.

Don't worry, I told him lovingly, I'm afraid I'm too much in love with someone else to have eyes for anyone but him

She's talking about me, human

Zuerien's tender expression immediately turned exasperated while mine turned ecstatic. I laughed at Kai's comment while Zuerien grumbled silently. After all, technically what Kai said wasn't a lie.

"But you know, I'm the one who should be jealous of Prophecy", I stated matter-of-factly, "She's so powerful and brave and cool, and I'm-"

"Don't complete that sentence, Luna", Zuerien cut me off, dark eyes stern as he spoke, "I will not tolerate anyone speaking lowly of my mate, especially not my mate herself"

I smiled sadly, lowering my gaze and he lowered his gaze to meet mine.

"Keep your chin up, my Luna", he said gently, "You've done nothing to have to hang your head. If anything, you've given me even more reason to hold mine high. I'm proud of my mate. You should be too"

I looked into his eyes and found them black and brown and overflowing with affection. It made my soul well with devotion and gratefulness.

"Okay?" he said and I nodded quietly.

He smiled tenderly at me before kissing my forehead, "Good", he said pulling away.

Overcome with emotion, I looked away to find Cole gazing at us, eyes gentle and caring. He gave me a warm smile which I returned before my gaze moved to Alpha Ashford to find him staring at Zuerien, eyes slightly wide, almost as though in surprise.

It was the first time I had seen him make that face. But when he caught me looking at him, he immediately looked away, his expression turning to stone almost instantly.

He was yet another strange man, like Gale. But then Gale I would say was a tad bit more odd than even him. I didn't know what exactly it was about Gale but the boy struck me as off. Not necessarily the bad kind of off, but off nevertheless.

He was a friend of Neil's so I knew I could trust him. But why do I still have this nagging feeling in my gut about him...like there is more to him than meets the eye...

"We're here"

Cole's voice made me snap out of my thoughts and I realized that we had reached the meeting spot. It had been a really short walk, 2 minutes at most.

Alarmed, I quickly wiggled in Zuerien's arms wanting to be let down. I didn't want to show up amongst the men looking like a wet fowl draped on their King's forearm as an accessory.

And after a few desperate pleads Zuerien finally lowered me onto the grass just before we came into view. As soon as all the shirtless warriors saw Zuerien, they stopped chatting and quieted down, standing alert as though waiting for their orders.

Feeling conscious of my uncouth appearance, I tried to hide myself behind Zuerien's ginormous frame. I was quite relieved that Lady Yolanda wasn't here because she would definitely have something to say about my state, and Zuerien would no doubt lose it if she did.

My eyes scanned the group and I frowned when I couldn't find Elder Abé anywhere. It was then that I remembered his physical stature, and upon lowering my gaze more towards the ground I found his small frame, looking even smaller, seated on a big rock at the far end of the group.

It was dark out, especially with the clouds hiding the moon but Elder Abé was still perfectly visible somehow, even to my meek human eyes. He appeared to have his eyes closed and almost looked as if he was meditating.

I looked around some more before asking, "Where's General Reginald?"

"He's already at the hotel with his team", Zuerien replied, "Only mine and Ashford's teams are here at the moment"

"Oh"

Zuerien led me through the clearing towards Elder Abé, holding me firmly by the waist which ensured that I didn't trip on anything I couldn't see, which frankly, were a lot of things. And when we reached him, I realized that he really did have his eyes closed after all. And without even opening his eyes, he spoke,

"You are ready, Alpha King?"

"Yes, we're all here", Zuerien replied and the older gentleman nodded as he stood up with the help of his staff, never opening his eyes.

Zuerien raised one hand and all the men gathered around us forming a circle with the five of us in the center of it.

"Everybody ready", the Elder said and all the men replied in unison, "Ready"

"Let us go then"

The Elder then opened his eyes and I sucked in a sharp breath when I saw that they were glowing a brilliant green. I had seen this before with Megan's eyes, but in her case only her corneas glowed green, whereas with the Elder it was his entire eye. And unlike Megan, he didn't have green eyes to begin with.

But I didn't have time to think more about it because Zuerien immediately lifted me off the ground into his arms once more, making me gasp in alarm. He held me close, large muscular arms encircling my body as he tucked my head under his.

Close your eyes, heart

Huh? But why? I wanted to see this happening!

And again I didn't get the opportunity to protest when all of a sudden, unimaginable amounts of power exploded out of the Elder's outstretched hands and encircled us all in a shining sphere formed of iridescent threads of light.

My eyes immediately shot down to the green grass which now displayed a brilliant golden magical circle that reminded me of Megan's magic circle in the library on the day she had teleported out of the States to Dublin.

In a flash the wind picked up making it impossible for me to keep my eyes open anymore. My eyelids squeezed shut and the second I buried my face in Zuerien's chest I felt weightless. I remembered this feeling from yesterday morning when Prophecy had teleported me into the woods by accident.

I felt the world around me abruptly spin, or maybe it was my head, I couldn't tell. My breath caught in my chest as the sound of the harsh wind muffled all other noise. And before even a second had passed, everything suddenly died down and I felt gravity call me back down to Earth, along with my disoriented senses.

I clung to Zuerien, breathing heavily when I felt his lips graze my ear,

"You okay?"

I turned my head to look up at him, blinking wide-eyed. I then looked around and found that we were all back in the courtyard outside the Ashford Hotel Enterprises. I took in my surroundings wonder-struck.

"That was awesome!" I exclaimed breathlessly, "I don't think I'll ever get used to this teleportation thing. It completely blows my mind every single time!"

"You look pleased", Zuerien said, smiling at me and I grinned up at him.

"I am!" I replied.

Apart from Zuerien, Cole, Alpha Ashford and a few others, most of the warrior werewolves looked just as awed as me and I guessed that, unlike for witches and wizards, teleportation was probably an unfamiliar experience for most werewolves, just like it was for us humans.

And while observing those around me, my eyes suddenly fell to the person who was very keenly observing me.

Elder Abé.

My eyes widened before I quickly patted Zuerien's chest, wiggling in his arms to get him to put me down. He sighed, not looking pleased, but thankfully setting me down nonetheless.

Quickly adjusting my shirt, I looked back down at the Elder who was still staring at me with incredible curiosity through his spectacles which hadn't been there before, but now were magically sitting on the bridge of his nose.

I smiled at him feeling slightly embarrassed, and was about to ask him about his inspection of me when he hit me with an unexpected question.

"Does the name Zander sound familiar to you, Luna?"

Zuerien, Cole and Alpha Ashford turned to look at him too and my brow furrowed in confusion.

"Um...I don't know anybody by that name but...well I have heard the name before, if that's what you meant", I replied.

"Hm", he said, tilting his head to the side as though trying to view me from a different angle, "What about Alex?"

I looked at Zuerien confused and found him looking just as unsure as me about the Elder's sudden questioning. Cole and Alpha Ashford didn't seem to know what this was about either.

"Uh...I used to know an Alex when I was younger", I replied, "Just one of the boys at the orphanage I used to live in at one point"

"Orphanage?" the Elder removed his glasses and looked at me surprised.

I felt Zuerien's grip around my waist tighten ever so slightly and I leaned into him before nodding.

"Yes, I...have been in and out of a few orphanages during my childhood", I told the Elder and his eyes softened.

"I see", he said, putting his spectacles back on, "Alright, what about the name Helmsley? Does that sound familiar?" he asked.

I shook my head, feeling more and more confused, "No..."

"What about...Antoine?"

"Oh! Antoine is the name of my older sister's boss", I replied, "I've never met the man myself though"

"Antoine Bonnet right?" Zuerien asked and I nodded. I had told him this afternoon over lunch - during our mindlink - about Karina actually working for The Fae Insignia and not Magnifis Incorporated.

"Antoine Pierre Fae Bonnet", the Elder stated, his eyebrows rising.

"Oh, that's right!" I said surprised, "Karina did tell me on one occasion that he had a particularly long name", I said, "I didn't remember all of it"

"How did she start working for him?" the Elder asked.

"She went for a job interview to their firm and got selected", I replied.

"Is your sister particularly good at her work?" he asked.

"She's great", I replied, "Exceptional even"

"Why are you asking, Elder Abé?" Zuerien questioned and the Elder looked at him.

"I'm trying to figure out where I may have seen your mate before", he replied seriously making me and Zuerien exchange looks.

"So you think you've seen her before?"

The five of us immediately turned to where the familiar voice had come from and found Alpha Penson and Neil walking up to us.

"I can't say, but it does seem so", the Elder replied, "Her appearance is...familiar"

"And not her soul?" Alpha Penson asked in a quieter voice and the Elder's eyes narrowed slightly.

I could understand why Alpha Penson had asked that question. Appearances could be quite deceptive. There were people who looked alike but didn't have any connection to each other whatsoever.

And after giving it a little thought, the Elder replied, "Not yet. But it has good potential to become so in the future"

In the future...?

"I see", Alpha Penson nodded, apparently having understood something significant through his words.

He then looked at me and smiled, "I heard from Neil that you got yourself a little soggy again today, dear one. Are you alright?"

I smiled back sheepishly, "I'm okay. Just really wet-"

I stopped short as I looked down at myself, frowning in befuddlement. My clothes, which were but a few minutes ago completely drenched, were now perfectly dry. Even my hair was only dry, save for a lock or two here and there, which were still moist- the only remaining proof of my earlier 'squelchy' state.

"Wha-how-?" I stared at myself bewildered before my eyes shot to Zuerien, "You did this", I stated more than asked and he shrugged with a nod, a small smile playing on his lips.

"I knew you were hot-blooded but not this hot blooded", I said grabbing his hand and inspecting it, intrigued.

"Its is because he is a fire elemental, Suzzanah", Alpha Penson explained, "They can warm, or in your case, dry people using their powers. Its pretty much the same principle as setting someone on fire. They just have to control how much heat they use"

"So you low-key roasted me to dry me up?" I asked wide-eyed impressed and he frowned.

"I don't like the sound of that", he replied uncomfortably, pulling me closer, "And speaking of not liking the sound of, where's Rin-"

"WOLFA!"

Zuerien's body jerked forward, his eyes going wide in surprise when Rino jumped on his back from behind him.

"Hey!" he exclaimed grinning, and Zuerien clenched his jaw, a vein popping out on his forehead.

"Rinooo", he grit out lowly while I and Cole exchanged amused looks and Alpha Ashford stiffened almost uneasily.

"Master Rino!" Neil whisper-yelled, looking just as horrified as most of the other Ashford pack wolves, but Rino just beamed wider.

"I missed you Wolfa!" Rino said happily.

"What are you, my pet monkey?! Get off my back", Zuerien cried out shaking his shoulders and Rino slipped off his back.

"No", Rino replied, "But I can get you one if you really want it"

"Spare me", Zuerien replied.

"Okay. ANNA!" Rino attacked me next, making a few warriors nearly collapse in shock and Alpha Ashford very subtly move to the far end of our company.

But Rino was pulled off of me a second later and placed beside Alpha Penson by my fuming mate.

"Rino!" Zuerien growled out.

"Oh right! The distance rule! Sorry. My bad", Rino said scratching his head and smiling innocently at Zuerien.

"Hi bud!" I said, waving at him happily.

"Enough with the whole reuniting-with-a-long-lost-family-member-greetings. We've only been away a few hours", Zuerien said irritably, "And you saw Suzzanah like a few minutes ago!"

"I know but I got so worried when I couldn't find her at the library!" Rino replied, "Where did you go Anna?"

"Its a bit of a long story", I replied looking at Neil.

"And where exactly did you go Rino?" Alpha Penson asked, "The warrior wolf who went with you said that you suddenly ran off earlier without warning "

"Oh yeah! I was looking for a stream", Rino replied smiling and Zuerien and Cole exchanged knowing glances.

"Again, Rino?" Cole asked and Rino nodded.

"I sensed a stream nearby when we walked out of the library and I was drawn to it! Sorry for running off like that", he said to a warrior standing a little further away, probably the one who was with him earlier.

"I didn't find it though", Rino said with a shrug, "Oh well, hi Cole!" he said hug-attacking Cole.

"O-oh!" Cole chuckled, patting his back awkwardly, "Hi Rino"

"What is this about a stream?" Elder Abé asked.

"Every few days Rino senses a stream of pure water nearby and goes looking for it", Alpha Penson replied, "He's been doing that for a while now. Nearly 6 months"

"Could it...have something to do with-"

"His Luna?" Alpha Penson asked before I even completed my sentence. I nodded.

He stared into my eyes thoughtfully before replying, "I think we should talk inside"

"I agree", Zuerien replied before turning to Cole who had just completed the hugging ritual, "The General?" he asked.

"He's waiting for us in the Meeting Hall", Cole replied before looking at Elder Abé, "And he asked if you would be joining us for the meeting, Elder"

"Don't mind if I do", the Elder replied, "But I would like to be to my quarters and have a word with Heinrich and Yolanda first"

Cole nodded, "Of course"

Zuerien then turned to Alpha Ashford, "Today's patrol is over. Your men can go rest up now"

Alpha Ashford nodded before looking at his warrior wolves, "Dismissed", he said and everyone stood in attention.

"Yes Sir!" they hollered together.

"Thank you for your hard-work today", Cole said to them with a smile, making everyone smile back brightly.

"Good job, men", Zuerien added with a nod and all the warriors looked absolutely elated.

"Thank you, Alpha Royale! Beta Knightly!" they replied energetically and bowed to them before dispersing gleefully.

I looked at Zuerien and Cole appreciatively, "You guys are fine leaders", I commended, making them smile.

"You too, Ashford", I said looking at him, "You're really cool"

Alpha Ashford's grey eyes found mine and crinkled infinitesimally at the corners as he gave me a curt acknowledging nod-bow sort of a reply. A silent one, of course.

I wonder if this is how he normally smiles...

"Let's go", Zuerien said, leading me inside and the others followed.

As we walked into the hotel towards the Meeting hall I looked around before asking, "Where's Lady Yolanda?"

"She went back to her room as soon as she had teleported us here", Alpha Penson replied, "Something about needing to detoxify herself"

Elder Abé shook his head, looking exasperated, "If Yolanda is being difficult, I apologize on her behalf", he said.

"You don't have to, Elder", Zuerien replied coolly, "We appreciate your help, and hers too, but without all her unnecessary complaining"

Elder Abé nodded, smiling, "Its a shame really", he said, "I thought she was difficult before but she has turned even more judgemental with time. Her powers are exceptional though, so her attitude can be overlooked once in a while"

Zuerien and Cole exchanged weary looks. I suppose he had a point. But if only she wasn't so hard on her own child.

"Alright then. I shall leave you here for now", the Elder said once we reached the main lobby, "I shall see you in about half an hour. Please feel free to start your meeting without me"

"Alright, Elder", Zuerien replied with a nod.

Neil and Alpha Ashford also retired for the day and Rino said he wanted to quickly go see Prophecy, so he left too.

Before leaving the Elder looked at me, "Make sure you get some rest, Luna", he said and I nodded, even though in my opinion I had rested enough already, given my 3-hour long nap back at the library.

"And do think about the names I mentioned", he added, taking me by surprise.

"Excuse me", he said before I even had the chance to question him about it and disappeared into thin air, this time without any elaborate show of teleportation magic as there had been when he had teleported the rest of us.

"What was that about?" Cole asked and I shrugged, "I have no idea"

"What names was he talking about?" Alpha Penson asked me.

"He mentioned the names Zander, Alex, Helmsley and Antoine to me and asked if any of them sounded familiar to me", I replied, "And none do, except Antoine. He said he was trying to figure out why I seemed so familiar to him"

"Maybe he was trying to determine if you both had any common contacts", Alpha Penson replied, "Say, would any of these names be familiar to Karina?"

"Antoine would, of course", I replied thoughtfully, "And well...Karina has always liked the name Alexander. She told me its her favorite male name"

"Oh"

"But I don't know if she knows anyone now by that name though", I replied.

"I see", Alpha Penson nodded.

"Did you have a favorite male name too?" Zuerien asked me suspiciously and I gave him a look, slapping his chest.

Not now Zuerien.

"Did she ever mention why she liked the name Alexander?" Alpha Penson asked.

"Not really. Its was just one of those random things we girls talk about sometimes. It wasn't a serious topic or anything", I replied, "Why?"

Alpha Penson's brow furrowed but he shook his head, "No reason, just thinking", he replied, "I believe the Elder's son's name is Alexander"

Oh?

"You think he was wondering if she knew his son?" Zuerien asked with a frown and Alpha Penson shrugged, "I'm not sure"

"Do you think he'll tell us if we ask him, or is he a secretive schemer like you?" I asked making Alpha Penson chuckle.

"You make me sound rather shady, dear one", he said, "Why don't you give it a shot and find out first hand when he comes back down"

"Okay. I will", I replied.

As we turned the corridor that led to the Meeting Hall all the men suddenly tensed together, subtly exchanging glances.

Had we come the wrong way?

I was about to ask what was wrong when Cole said, "The General did ask me to confirm if it would just be us or if the members of the League of Magic would be joining us"

"Maybe there's something confidential he wants to talk about without them around", Zuerien replied as we approached the door to the Meeting Hall.

I frowned wondering what they were talking about when Zuerien asked, "Is Lord Heinrich with him?"

Cole shook his head, "No. The General said he also retired to his room, probably to freshen up and meet with the Elder when he arrived"

Lord Heinrich was back? Wasn't he in Marco's patrol group? So then did that mean-

"But Marco is with him", Cole completed.

My heart involuntarily lunged in its cage as a rush anxiousness seared through me. I wanted to hear everything Marco had to say about Megan, but somehow I was worried about it too. When I broke out of my thoughts I found all the men watching me with quizzical expressions.

Zuerien drew me closer, his gaze flitting between my chest and eyes, "Is something wrong heart?" he asked and everyone else stared curiously.

Wait? Had they heard my palpitations? Could they do that?

The idea only made my heart race faster as I replied, "N-No. Nothing at all"

Zuerien's eyes narrowed and I knew he didn't believe me. Wanting to change the topic, I quickly stepped ahead towards the door.

"Come on, lets go inside now. The General must be waiting", I said hurriedly and reached for the door.

But the minute I grabbed the doorknob, I felt a familiar power surge through me, momentarily making me dizzy. And I recognized it instantly.

A maze.

And as soon as the door pushed open I heard the General's agitated voice cry out,

"What the hell do you mean Marco?!"

Dread washed over me at the same time that everyone's expressions turned confused and we all hurried inside.

"Are you in your right mind? Do you know what you've done?" the General asked indignantly as we walked in.

The two men were standing facing each other in the middle of the room, by the seating area.

"I do", Marco replied in voice that was collected yet strikingly quiet.

"What's going on here?" Zuerien demanded and both men turned towards us.

General Reginald looked aggravated while on the other hand Marco looked somber. The minute he turned towards us, his eyes zeroed in on me and a wave of calm washed over me. Marco's reassurance, I realized.

I took a concerned step forward just as Zuerien asked, "Why is there a maze around this room?"

So there was a maze!

"I put it up to ensure that only you guys can get here, King", Marco replied solemnly, "I have news I don't want others to know about"

His eyes found mine again and without wasting another minute, he added, "I found Megan today"

"WHAT?!"

Everyone except me cried out in shock, but Marco kept his gaze fixed on me.

"Marco, that's great! Why didn't you tell us before?" Cole asked bewildered, "And where is she?!"

Marco swallowed hard before replying firmly, "She's not here. I let her go"

"What?" Zuerien scowled, "What do you mean you 'let her go'?"

"Exactly that, King", Marco said, "I found her this afternoon but I let her go. And I didn't tell anyone else about finding her either"

"What the hell-"

I caught hold of Zuerien's hand as he began to stride towards Marco angrily, stopping him in his tracks. He looked back at me confused and I held his hand in both of mine.

"Please hear him out", I implored and his blazing eyes immediately softened, the anger in them ebbing instantly.

The others also heeded my request and I looked back at Marco asking him to continue.

He looked at me with grateful eyes before saying, "I found her hiding in a ditch in the ground, covered in mud and trembling in her own skin"

Concern tore through me, my hand clutching my chest.

"She was terrified beyond anything I can express", he said, his voice filled with regret, "And after seeing her state I couldn't bring myself to force her to come"

Zuerien was quiet, considering his words when the General spoke up.

"Marco, I understand your sentiments but we've talked about this before", he reasoned, "Megan's safety is more important than her freedom or fear of us right now. Don't you know how dangerous it could be if the Shadow People get to her?"

"They can't cross the borders", Marco replied.

"But they can sense the presence of their own kind, Marco", Alpha Penson replied softly, "Especially the Shadow King. You know this. He has the power to locate the Supernatural shadows of other Shadow people where-ever they may be in the world"

My breath caught in my chest, apprehension flooding my veins, Oh no...!

"And if he uses Shadow Sight on Megan's supernatural shadow, not only will he know that she is here in Dublin, but he can also use her Shadow against us", Alpha Penson said.

"I know", Marco replied, "But they won't be able to use her Shadow. I've put up a maze around the area she is living in right now"

"So you know where she is hiding", the General said looking a little more relieved as Marco nodded.

"I did it to ensure that no one gets to her", he replied, "And her Supernatural Shadow cant leave the area enclosed by the maze unless Megan does too. That way the Shadow people won't be able to manipulate her Shadow whilst she is still inside it"

"And if she steps outside your maze?" Zuerien asked.

Marco was quiet for a second before replying, "Then it will be her choice"

"Hers and yours to jeopardize our entire mission", the General said sternly, "Enough of this nonsense Marco. Tell us where she is so we can go get her now"

"No"

"Marco", the General said stepping forward, "What's gotten into you?"

"I'm sorry General", Marco said, "But what we're doing to Megan is wrong. Hunting her down and forcing her to live like a fugitive. This is not how we're supposed to be treating our Luna of Intercession"

"We're doing this for her own good Marco", Zuerien said.

"Not like this", Marco replied, "Trust me, no good will come out of this, King. I've seen what she's going through, her despair, and how she's living every second in fear of us"

My heart clenched painfully at his words making me wince, Oh Megan...

"No one deserves to live like that", Marco said, his fists clenching.

"Which is why we need to bring her here where she is safe. Where we can take better care of her!" the General said.

"That's not what she wants", Marco replied.

"Maybe not what she wants but it is what she needs right now, Marco. Protection", Alpha Penson said calmly.

"Who are we to decide what she does and does not need?" Marco argued, "She has a right to do whatever she wants with her life. And as far as protection goes, I've taken care of it. I'll protect her with my mazes. And she's a smart girl. She won't make careless mistakes when it comes to her safety"

"Marco-"

"I told her where we'll be", Marco cut Cole off, "And I asked her to come find us when she's ready"

His eyes met mine again and he added determinedly, "I know it was the right thing to do"

His guilt and pain flowed through my veins and I knew those emotions were towards Megan, and not the decision he had made, and which he had sworn to abide by. And strangely that resolve of his warmed my heart.

Holding his gaze, I gave him a small smile.

I support you.

"Your mazes may be able to keep her Shadow from being used by the Shadow people, but it won't keep their King from being able to sense it", General Reginald said.

"Only if he is consciously trying to look for it", Marco countered, "What are the chances of him doing that when he knows that Shadow People can't get into our territory?"

"It's still not a risk we can afford to take", the General replied, "If he can sense her then he can find ways to get to her. Your mazes can only protect her as far as they span, and if she treads outside them she will be vulnerable again"

His eyes hardened as he said, "Just today we became aware of a suspicious woman who has been spotted a few times close to the Shadow Side Borders", he said, "And we are afraid that it may be a human Generic sorcerer"

"What?" Alpha Penson breathed out while I and Rino stared shocked.

A...woman...

"From what we know the woman is able to use some form of magic because she appears and disappears at will", Zuerien said, "But her aura was said to be unidentified so it couldn't have been a Shadow sorcerer or Fae. She created quite a disturbance by the Shadow side Border last morning, close to the woods and I don't believe she has been found yet"

A woman who can use...magic...

"Why do you think she was a human?" Alpha Penson asked.

"Because not only was her aura unidentified, it was also extremely faint, or so the rumors say", Cole replied, "Apparently even when she appeared and disappeared in a flash, she left behind nearly no traces of magic"

"I see", Alpha Penson said thoughtfully, "Humans have faint, non-supernatural auras and since sorcery doesn't make use of the magic that is born from one's soul but that of gems, amulets and other items that are already endowed with magic, it doesn't leave behind much of a presence even upon teleporting"

But I sensed a presence that time though...

My mind was coming up with maddening theories of its own when the General spoke up again.

"Point is that human sorcerers can make their way into our territory without our defenses being able to detect them", he said, "And if that woman really was a Generic sorcerer and the Shadow people get their hands on her, they can use her to infiltrate our territory"

"Its a rather far-fetched notion though", Alpha Penson stated.

"But not one we have the liberty to ignore at this point", the General replied, "We need to retrieve the Lunas as soon as possible!"

He looked at Marco meaningfully, but Marco refused to budge.

"I'm sorry", was all he said.

The General exhaled an exasperated breath, "Forget it. I'll go find her myself", he said, turning away from Marco, "I'm taking one of the warriors who was on your patrol team to show me the way"

"General-"

"It's no use. You won't find her either", Marco cut me off before I could stop the General.

All eyes shot to Marco again and he said, "The maze is meant for everyone except Megan and her friend. If you go you'll only end up wandering my maze and never finding her"

The General's eyes grew cold, anger evident in their brown depths. The glare made a shiver run down my spine, but Marco's resolve didn't waver.

"I gave her my word that I'd protect her", Marco said, his voice resolute, "And I will keep it. Even if it means protecting her from us"

Zuerien's eyes narrowed, power radiating off him intimidatingly.

"Why are you so adamant about this, Marco?" he asked, his voice calm but authoritative.

Marco's eyes settled on me, gaze gentle as he replied, "Because...she reminds me of the Queen"

Everyone's aggravation instantly faltered and his gaze returned to Zuerien's, "And of Prophecy", he added, "In her terror, in her sadness, in her desolation...and in her strength despite it all, she reminded me of them. So even if I wanted to, I couldn't force her. That's not how I treat women. Especially not our Luna of Intercession"

His words made both respect and appreciation bubble up inside me for him. I was proud of Marco for the decision he had made. Now everyone's eyes were on Zuerien. The final decision was in his hands.

"Please King", Marco beseeched, taking a desperate step towards Zuerien, "Please just give Megan some time, at least till we're here in Dublin. And in return I will bear whatever punishment you wish to give me for this decision and its consequences"

A soft gasp escaped my lips and my eyes shot to Zuerien worriedly.

"Please King", Marco repeated and Zuerien sighed.

"Alright", he said finally, "We'll wait until the day before we leave Dublin"

Relief washed over me and Marco exhaled a heavy breath.

"But if anything goes wrong or if the Shadow People gain any kind of advantage over us because of this, you will be held responsible", Zuerien added firmly.

Marco nodded before bowing deeply to Zuerien, "I understand. Thank you, King"

Cole and Alpha Penson smiled, and even though General Reginald didn't look happy about it, he didn't question Zuerien's decision.

When Marco raised his head, Zuerien asked, "Does Lord Heinrich know that you found Megan?"

"No", Marco replied.

"We called them over to get them to help out in finding Megan", Cole said, "We need to inform them about this"

"Please allow me to take care of it", Marco said, "I take full responsibility for this. I'll speak to them and apologize for the trouble. And if anything goes wrong I'll accept whatever penalty they wish to give me"

"They don't master you, Marco. You are under my jurisdiction", Zuerien replied, "The only person who has the right to decide your punishment is me"

Marco eyes brimmed with unparalleled gratefulness.

"Funny how that makes me feel better", he said smiling, his hair falling over his forehead as he looked down, "Thank you, King. I won't give you a reason to have to explain anything to the League of Magic on my behalf"

Zuerien nodded, "Elder Abé said he will be joining us in about half an hour. We can tell him then", he said and Marco nodded.

"Okay", he said, "And if I may, I'd like to go see Prophecy now"

Zuerien nodded, "Go ahead", he said and Marco bowed to him again before turning and walking out the door.

I quickly looked at Zuerien and he nodded, understanding my unspoken words. I smiled before rushing after him.

"Marco!" I called out making him stop in the corridor as I ran up to him.

He turned around to look at me, "Queen, thank you for getting them to hear me out"

"Of course! You had a right to be heard"

He exhaled a laugh, albeit sadly, "I swear the Werewolf Kingdom got really lucky this time", he said softly, "With both the King and the Queen"

"Marco, you made a tough decision today but I want you to know that you have my support", I told him honestly, "And no matter what anyone says, in my eyes, you did the right thing"

His eyes momentarily turned glassy before he smiled warmly at me, "Thank you Queen. You have no idea how much your words meant to me just now...and to Megan this afternoon", he added, "They really helped comfort and reassure her, and because of that I know she'll be okay"

His statement made some of my worry about Megan quell. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a second before looking into mine again.

"I'm really so glad we have you for a Queen", he told me earnestly, a tender look in his blue eyes, "You really are everything we needed...and everything we could never be"

As he said these words his pain and guilt flooded my veins once more and I frowned concernedly.

"Marco...are you alright?" I asked softly.

He swallowed hard, thinking and taking a few seconds to reply.

"You know Queen, I don't want to find my soulmate", he told me quietly, "I almost hope I never do"

But then his cold eyes suddenly lit up in a blazing rage as he added, "But even with the outlook I have, if I ever found out that someone was forcing my mate to live the life we've forced Megan into...I would have killed them"

The resolve in his voice was not lost on me. He meant every word he said.

Then quickly reeling in his emotions, he bowed to me, "Please excuse me", he said before turning and walking away, leaving me staring after him.

He never did answer my question...

You don't want to find your mate, huh?

The fire in his eyes just then had looked so real that I had almost felt its heat. And it made me wonder all the more what had really happened with him.There was definitely more to the issue than he was letting on, that much I could say for certain.

Because I knew those eyes. I recognized that look in them. And I was familiar with the way they had lighted up in fury a few seconds ago. Because I had seen that fire many times before.

Marco had had the very same look in his eyes that Zuerien always had whenever there was any threat to me. They were the eyes of a man who was deeply zealous about his mate. A man whose mate meant the world to him. A man who cared more than words could ever express.

Marco...you're a bad liar...

I closed my eyes tiredly and hugged myself when I felt a pair of large arms come around me, embracing me from behind. Instantly affection seared through me and I leaned into my mate's touch as he placed a kiss over my shoulder.

"You knew?" he asked softly and I nodded.

"Marco told me about finding her just a minute before you came to get me at the convenience store", I replied, "But he wanted to tell you all himself"

I turned around in Zuerien's arms to face him, and then told him about the message and the crystal I had asked Marco to give Megan on my behalf. When I was done, Zuerien smiled.

"That's so like you", he said, caressing my cheek.

"I may have said a few words to comfort her, but letting her go was Marco's decision", I told him, "And I'm glad he did. I think that was exactly what Megan needed in order to really start trusting us of her own accord. So I support Marco's choice wholeheartedly. I'm proud of him, and I'm sorry if my decision upsets you"

Zuerien shook his head, "You have a right to believe whatever you want to, my heart", he told me, "I will not hold that against you, or Marco for that matter. Its a King's duty to be fair"

My heart swelled with love for him as I reached up and put my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, "Thank you for hearing Marco out, Zuerien", I said, "You really are a great King"

Then pulling away I looked into his eyes and added, "And don't worry. I'm sure she'll come", I said with certainty, "Megan will come"

Zuerien smiled, "Your confidence gives me hope too", he said, "I just hope she comes soon, and also that the whole issue with that disappearing woman by the Shadow border doesn't turn out how the General fears it may"

"Speaking of a disappearing woman"

Zuerien looked at me questioningly and I took a deep breath.

"I just had a run in with one myself"

____________

"And she was gone?" Cole asked wide-eyed and I nodded.

"Like she had never been there at all", I replied.

Zuerien and I had returned to the Meeting Hall and currently we were seated on the couches with Cole, Alpha Penson, General Reginald and Rino - who had just returned. I had just finished telling them about the girl I had seen by the convenience store. Everyone looked quite thunderstruck by the time I had finished.

"Are you sure she wasn't a spirit?" Rino asked.

"A spirit wouldn't have gotten wet in the rain", Zuerien replied.

"Oh, that's right!"

"What was she wearing again?" Cole asked.

"A white dress", I replied and Cole, Zuerien and General Reginald exchanged glances.

"Was she wearing a black cape?" the General asked and I shook my head.

"No"

"How tall was she?"

"I can't say but she looked pretty small to be honest", I replied, "And her aura was also really faint with hints of magic here and there which I sensed better after she teleported away. But for the most part I really thought she was human"

"Do you think it could be the same woman as the one by the Border?" Cole asked Zuerien.

"It does seem that way. They have many things in common", Zuerien replied, "The white dress, short stature, faint aura and the sudden appearing and disappearing"

"And it would make sense that the girl was scared seeing as she is being hunted down by the Shadow people", the General added, "Especially since she is on our side of Dublin now because the Shadow people can't get to her here"

"Seems like it was the same girl after all", Rino said and the others nodded.

"But who could she be? And if she is so scared of being caught why is she using her powers so carelessly?" Cole asked.

"And why the hell do all these strange people keep bumping into my mate?!" Zuerien asked irritably.

"That's a good question", Alpha Penson said.

The General looked at me and asked, "And you said she disappeared as soon as Neil appeared?"

I nodded.

"Maybe she didn't want to be seen by any werewolves", Cole said, "So if the Queen has a werewolf companion at all times then she will probably keep her distance from her"

"But I really don't think she was dangerous though", I said.

"That girl is being hunted down by the Shadow People. I don't want her anywhere near you", Zuerien said firmly, "Regardless of whether or not she really is dangerous"

But...she felt familiar though...

"Did she have any jewelry on her?" Alpha Penson asked out of the blue making all of us look at him befuddled.

"Um...I don't think so", I said, trying to recall, "I can't remember. I didn't really get to see her ears or neck"

"Did she have anything else with her at all? A bag, a phone...shoes?"

"Is there a reason why you're suddenly so interested in that girl's taste in fashion, John?" General Reginald asked frowning.

"Perhaps", Alpha Penson replied.

I thought about his question and shook my head, "No. None of those. Not even shoes", I said remembering that the girl had been barefoot.

"Color of her hair?"

"I don't know. It was dark and raining", I replied, "It could have been anything between dirty blonde and brown"

Alpha Penson nodded thoughtfully, "To answer your question Reginald, I asked about her belongings and jewelry because Generic sorcerers would need to wear or carry gems, wands and other magical items with them, seeing as they have no magic of their own"

"Hey that's right", Cole said, "Come to think of it, the woman by the Border on the Shadow side wasn't seen to be carrying anything with her either. But then, she could have been hiding her items in her cloak"

"True", Alpha Penson nodded, "Also, didn't you also say that this girl's aura felt familiar to you?" he asked me, "Familiar how?"

I hesitated wondering how to put it, "It was the same aura I had felt in my dream this afternoon", I replied making everyone's expressions turn even more bewildered.

I proceeded to tell them about my dream, the red haired woman and how her presence had felt familiar even though I had never met her before.

"A red-haired woman?" Cole said, "Are you sure she wasn't Megan?"

I nodded, "She didn't have the same aura as Megan, but it was still familiar somehow"

"Wow, the list of women we need to find just keeps getting longer huh?" Rino said, "Could she be someone we know?"

"I don't think so", I replied, "Something about the air around her was strangely...ancient"

"You think it was someone you knew in a past life?" Alpha Penson asked, and of course he was spot on.

I nodded, "Maybe"

Alpha Penson's eyes, in that moment as he looked at me, held an emotion so deep and powerful that it captivated me. I couldn't quite place it, but it looked like a mix of awe, apprehension, recognition, confusion and numerous other feelings all balled into one. And for some reason, it made a ghost of smile suddenly appear on his lips.

"Past life?" General Reginald said, raising an eyebrow, "Did I miss something here?"

"I know it sounds crazy, unrealistic and borderline ridiculous but we have reason to consider it", I replied, "My dreams, for some reason, have been very past-oriented recently like the one about the women in the mirrors"

"Women in the mirrors?" Cole asked confused and I told him that about that dream, and we also told them about that friend of Intercession's who was attacked by a similar beast in the past.

With every passing moment I could see the shock growing starker in Cole, Zuerien and the General's faces. By the time I was done General Reginald wore a deeply pensive and tense expression as he now understood the significance of my dreams, and Cole looked mind-blown.

"You're telling me that this bloody beast has been alive for thousands of years and has purposely been killing every woman born with the same soul as Suzzanah's?!" Zuerien growled out, eyes growing darker by the second.

"Is that why the Alpha of Power has never found his mate?" Cole said, looking distressed, "Because this crazy beast has been killing her off"

"That's what we think", Alpha Penson nodded, "I've asked the Overseer to get back to me once he finds the passage mentioning that rogue beast's appearance in the 'Book of Ages'. I haven't heard from him yet though"

Zuerien now looked livid, fist balled, jaw clenched and golden eyes flashing dangerously. His rage tore through me like a sword and I rubbed his arm.

"Calm down, Zuerien", I said softly, "Its okay"

"No its not", he grit out lowly, his canines elongating, "How dare he"

The armrest of the couch next to him shattered in his grip, fabric ripping and splinters of wood flying everywhere. Everyone jerked in shock.

"Alpha!" Cole exclaimed worriedly.

We all gasped in alarm when the power and fury radiating off of him suddenly turned so palpable that the tables, chairs and cutlery around us began cracking. The temperature in the room shot up and the water in the glasses in front of us began to sizzle.

"Wolfaa!" Rino cried out staring at the glass wide-eyed.

"Zuerien!"

I quickly grabbed his shoulders, "Zuerien please calm down", I said standing in front of him.

His arm came around me and he pulled me into him. His nails had elongated and I could feel them graze my back.

"He's the reason", Zuerien growled out dangerously, "That bastard killed the mates of all the Alphas of Power before me. My soulmate. Mine"

The glasses on the tray behind me shattered and I let out a fearful cry.

"Zuerien!"

"I'll kill him", he said, his voice now sounding borderline animalistic and I knew Kai was taking control. His eyes were burning with a lust for vengeance, "I'll kill that asshole with my own hands"

"ZUERIEN! KAI!"

I cupped his face with both hands, forcing him to look into my eyes.

"Being angry about this now won't change anything", I told him firmly, "And acting out of rage or fueled by vengeance will only make matters worse"

His eyes suddenly widened, golden orbs flashing brown and black for a quick second. Good. He was listening.

"Please calm down", I said gently, "We need our King right now. There is a lot we need to discuss"

The gold in his eyes began to dissipate slowly and I could feel his anger ebbed, albeit not completely. His nails and canines also receded.

"And as far as that beast is concerned" I said, "We'll find him. I'm sure we will"

Or he'll find me

Ignoring the chill that ran down my spine at that thought, I forced a smile.

"Okay? So please", I breathed out and he closed his eyes, taking deep breaths.

He rested his head against my chest, inhaling deeply and I ran my hand through his hair comfortingly before looking at the others and giving them a reassuring nod.

He's okay

They immediately relaxed, settling back into their seats again.

Once he felt more in control, Zuerien opened his eyes and looked at me. They had returned to heir usual brown color again. He nodded at me and I nodded back smiling.

Pulling me down, Zuerien seated me on his lap and I complied without protest. Sitting sideways, I put one arm around both his shoulders. He looked alright now.

Rino held up the one glass that Zuerien had managed not to break to him. Apparently he had been protecting that one from Zuerien's rage all this time.

"Water Wolfa?" he asked and Zuerien shook his head.

"No, I'm okay", he breathed out, "But it looks like this son of bitch has more history than we first anticipated"

"I'm afraid so", Alpha Penson replied.

"Since we won't have to search for Megan anymore from tomorrow, we'll have more teams allotted to search for this beast", Zuerien said, "He's our main priority now, after Karina"

Everyone nodded.

"It'll be a great help if we can get the members of the League of Magic to help us out too", Cole added, "Since that beast seems to have some sort of magical connections"

"We'll speak to the Elder about it when he gets here", Alpha Penson said before looking at General Reginald, "You've fallen eerily silent Reginald. Something on your mind?"

The General who had been staring at me snapped out of his thoughts and his eyes shot to Alpha Penson, "You said you think this beast has been alive from the era of the first King and Queen", he said, "But have you given any thought as to how that's even possible. No Supernatural in the world has ever been known to live that long"

"Yes, I realize that", Alpha Penson nodded, "And I'm afraid we haven't figured that part out yet"

"Do you think the Book of Ages could give us any more answers?" I asked.

"Probably", Alpha Penson replied, "But they won't be easy to find unless we know exactly what we're looking for"

"A beast with an aura that radiates the presence of multiple species", Zuerien said thoughtfully, "Exactly what kind of creature is he?"

"Looks like we need to hit the library again tomorrow", Alpha Penson told me and Rino, "You guys up for it?"

We nodded in unison.

"Alpha, for now leave the job of figuring out the secret behind this beast's unnatural identity to us", Alpha Penson said, "You already have a lot on your plate as it is. What are we going to do about this new mystery woman?"

"I still don't want her to have any more run-ins with Suzzanah, but since Suzzanah found her aura familiar she may be important", Zuerien said.

"But we don't really have much of a description to go by in order to find her though", Cole said.

"You said she was wearing some sort of a cloak by the Shadow Border", Alpha Penson said and Zuerien nodded, "That's the information we got. A black cloak"

Alpha Penson's eyebrows rose, "Well, cloaks sure do seem to be popular nowadays", he said before looking at me, "Didn't you say that Megan's friend was also wearing a black cloak when you first saw her?"

My eyes widened, "Hey, that's right", I said, "She was"

"We actually considered this possibility too", General Reginald said, "But there is no way that Megan's friend could have crossed over onto the Shadow Side. She is a witch-", he stopped for a second before adding, "Unless of course, you think she isn't"

Alpha Penson didn't reply.

"She used magic to make a lamp-stand move, teleported Suzzanah out of her cottage and spoke in the archaic tongue of the Ancient Mages", Zuerien said, "I don't think an ordinary sorcerer could do all that John"

"You're right about that", Alpha Penson agreed, "Its also the reason why we assumed that she was a witch in the first place, especially given how she is friends with Megan who is also a witch. What I'm wondering now is how and when would Megan have met her? According to what I found out, a few years after Megan was born, her family moved from the States to Mauritius. I spoke to Elder Abé and he told me that her mother Lisa Regalia didn't really keep in touch with any of her Wizardry Clan friends from the States. And Mauritius doesn't have any Wizardry Covens either"

"Also, Megan went to a regular human school in Mauritius", he went on, "And after her parents' deaths, upon investigating all of their contacts in Mauritius, no names of people belonging to any Wizardry Covens came up"

"But after her parents deaths I don't think the Vegan would have willingly associated with any witches or wizards", Rino said and Alpha Penson nodded.

"Exactly", he said, "So when and how did she meet this friend of hers? When we spoke to Megan during dinner a few days ago, she told us that she had never been to Dublin. And she said it verbally so we know she wasn't lying"

"She did say she was planning on asking to transfer to Ireland though", Zuerien added, "She must have had prior plans to reunite with this friend of hers after the Annual Games. But if she has never been to Dublin before maybe she met the woman somewhere else when she was younger"

"Our possible options for any place where she may have met her after her parents deaths are London, Cambridge and Sydney", Alpha Penson said.

"There are some prominent Wizardry Covens in England", General Reginald said.

"Yes but none that would be willing to hide Megan's identity and location from the League of Magic. They're all quite close to the League", Alpha Penson replied.

"Could she be a rogue witch?" Zuerien asked suddenly, catching everyone's attention, "Rogue witches don't have any connections to the League or other Wizardry Covens. It explains why she is all alone here, and why she can afford to hide Megan is her home. She doesn't have to explain herself to anyone"

"That's a very good point", Alpha Penson replied, "If we want to discover her friend's identity, we may have to look up rogue witches who lived in those three cities while Megan also lived there. Also, Suzzanah-"

He looked at me, "When you were in her cottage yesterday, did you see anything- anything at all that could possibly be considered significant?"

I thought back to everything I had seen in her cottage, "Well it was pretty messy house", I told them, recollecting my little trespassing adventure, "I saw a plant on the window sill"

"What kind of plant?" Alpha Penson asked.

"A regular plant, as far as I know", I said uncertainly.

"Go on"

"There were a lot of books", I said, "And I mean a lot of books. On the chair, on the table, on the floor- everywhere! And one in particular...", I said recalling the book I had seen left open on the table, "It was called something...um...I can't remember the title. But it was something The Body and the Mind"

"The Body and the Mind?" Rino said, "Sounds like human anatomy"

"I know right. But it was actually a book about plants, I think", I said, "Save for a few lines in English, everything else in it was written in a language I didn't know so I couldn't read it, but it had a picture of the plant that I saw on the window sill, or a similar plant at least. I remember the book being dedicated to some person- a woman"

I thought hard, "In loving memory of...someone", I said, "I distinctly remember there being a title attached to the name. And I think it was some sort of magician"

"Oh", Alpha Penson nodded, listening intently.

"And about the plant! I had wanted to mention it to you Alpha Penson", I looked at him, "The plant was also called something. Let's see if I can remember...uh...the Sss..ss..."

"Sss...snake?" Rino asked.

"Or slate, like the last time?" Zuerien asked, "Remember, clean slate?"

I fought a smile holding up a hand, asking them not to distract me, "S...ana. Oh yeah! Sana! Sana...Aurora-"

"WHAT?!"

Both Alpha Penson and General Reginald who cried out loud in shock, "SANA AURORA?!"

I looked at them wide-eyed, "Um...yeah?" I said nervously.

"It couldn't be!" the General said in disbelief, looking at Alpha Penson.

"I don't know of anyone who possess it on land", Alpha Penson replied, looking just as gob-smacked.

"Its an underwater plant! It couldn't survive out in the sun", General Reginald said confused.

"True", Alpha Penson replied, "Are you sure it was the same plant as the one in the Book Suzzanah"

I nodded, "Pretty sure", I replied, looking between the two of them.

"Well, if it really was the Sana Aurora then we might need to get in touch with this girl through Megan", Alpha Penson said.

"Why?" Zuerien asked.

"The Sana Aurora is one of the rarest and most potent medicinal herbs known to the Supernatural realms", he replied, "Its known to cure all sorts of ailments, but most importantly, its an extremely valued soul-strengthener. It is supposed to have certain magical properties that act as vitamins to one's soul. Suzzanah could really benefit from it"

"Oh wow", I said awed.

"This is all the more reason to go and find Megan again", General Reginald said.

"Let's just wait for her to come to us please", I replied, "If we barge into her cottage again asking for the plant we'll just seem even more selfish and untrustworthy"

"True", Cole replied.

"Is there any other way to obtain this herb?" Zuerien asked.

"It only grows underwater in the deep sea. And I believe it is protected by the mer-people", Alpha Penson said, "Very hard to obtain"

Zuerien nodded, still in thought.

"Anything else about the cottage?" Alpha Penson asked me.

"Well...there were a lot of random roots and herbs hanging off of the ceiling", I said.

"Maybe this person does some sort of plant-based work for a living", Rino said.

"Maybe...", Alpha Penson said, still thoughtful.

"That's about all I can remember", I said and the men nodded.

"Alright. Since we've decided to wait for Megan to come to us, we can't go after her friend either", Zuerien said, "As as for this other woman who was seen by the Shadow border and who Suzzanah supposedly had a run-in with, since we don't know enough about her to look for her, for now let's keep finding her on standby", Zuerien replied, "If we get any more information about her from the BorderGuard, we'll follow up on that"

"Okay"

"Any developments on a way to retrieve Karina?" Alpha Penson asked.

"A few", Zuerien replied making my heart rate spike in anticipation, "We got positive confirmation that Karina managed to escape into the woods yesterday. So the girl Rino sensed by the Border really was her after all"

Rino's face lit up in excitement, "I knew it!

"Also since the chances of a human escaping the Shadow People purely based on wit are slim, we think that she may be using her new-found powers to do so", Cole said, "That, or someone in her Supernatural friends circle is helping her out. Either way its clear that after yesterday's escape attempt, her security will be upped considerably. Terrence will probably keep her by his side at all times"

"What we need to do is lure them close to the border somehow", Zuerien said, "Once she's nearby we'll need to create some kind of diversion which could possibly give Karina enough time to escape from them and cross the border, without making it too obvious that we had a hand in it"

"However, there is a catch", Zuerien added, "In order for this plan to carry through smoothly, we need to first inform Karina about it"

"I can try and mindlink her again", Rino immediately volunteered.

"Yes but there is also another issue", Zuerien added, his gaze finding mine almost apologetically, "If Karina's powers have started manifesting then we aren't sure she can be considered a human anymore"

The minute he said those words, my heart sank.

Oh no...

"And if she isn't human..."

"She won't be able to cross over", I completed worriedly and he nodded.

"But according to the General there is a good chance of her still retaining her overall human essence despite her powers having emerged, seeing as she has managed to do so all these years", Zuerien said.

"She will if she has a soul like yours", the General told me, "One that everyone has been describing as 'largely human' despite some of your super-human abilities"

"I have to agree with Reginald", Alpha Penson said making everyone turn to him, "In fact at this particular point, I think that as long as Suzzanah is able to cross over, Karina will too"

Everyone looked at him surprised.

"That's a very bold statement you made just now, John", General Reginald said, "I hope you have basis for it"

Alpha Penson's eyes found mine and he nodded, "I do", he said and it took all my self-control to keep the cringe out of my face as I realized what he meant.

He looked at Zuerien, concern clear in his eyes. He was wondering if it was a good idea to bring it up right after Zuerien's little fit of rage from a few minutes ago.

Rino also winced and looked away, slowly tucking the glass he had saved under his jacket as the other three men waited impatiently for Alpha Penson to elaborate.

Zuerien had asked me not to hide things from him anymore and besides, he had to find out sometime. Probably better sooner than later.

When Alpha Penson's gaze found mine again, I nodded my confirmation to him before lowering my head and waiting for all hell to break loose as he said,

"Because as of right now, I believe Karina possess a significant part of Suzzanah's 'largely human' soul"

Everyone's features contorted in shock and Zuerien's eyes turned obsidian as he completed,

"Yesterday in the woods, Suzzanah lost a fragment of her soul because she ended up giving it to Karina"

****

Random Question of the Day: What's your favorite guy/male name? Doesn't have to be from Unconditionally.

A/N

Hey guys,

Long time no see! Thank you so much for your patience. I really appreciate it.

I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter, but no matter how many times I rewrote it, it turned out like this. I honestly prefer writing more exciting content but these kind of slower chapters are a necessary evil, lol (in my opinion).

Moving on,

What's up with the Elder's strange questions?

Do you still agree with Marco's decision to let Megan go?

And why doesn't he want his mate?

Will the unidentified woman by the Shadow Border make any more appearances?

And who could she be?

Also, will they be able to get their hands on the Sana Aurora for Suzzanah?

And will Megan really come see them?

But most importantly, will Ashford's hotel survive all the damage Zuerien's fits of rage are causing?

Find out in the chapters to come.

And thank you again for your patience!

Did you like this chapter?

If you did, please don't forget to VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE!

Until next time (slow updates),

All my love,

May