18. Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Eighteen
Maverick
We stand at the edge of Wyatt's territory. After departing from Silverpine Meadows with an additional half-dozen wolves, including that smug bastard, we decided to go through Wyatt's land for safety measures.
I can't say I'm thrilled about any of this. Firstly, the idea that I may have to accept that blue-eyed, comical asshole is nauseating. Secondly, I hate the fact that Nyx needs to tag along to confront Orson and his pack.
When Cade filled us in more about the wolves stalking Daxton's pack, I was shockingly not surprised. As much as I despise the New Moon Pack, they haven't given any reason—except for their recent actions—for us to suspect that he was lying. However, from what Wyatt has said about Orson, that man is a ticking time bomb.
Personally, I've had no interactions with him. Daxton had briefly spoken to him last time we traveled, to seek permission for us to enter his territory when we were hunting down the witch and lone wolf. When they gave permission, none of us questioned it. And we certainly didn't expect that they would use our travel to target us.
Given how much the Shadow Pack had endured, and that we were a bunch of alphas traveling away from home, I assumed that the attack on us was purely opportunistic. It's why we hadn't taken any of our other pack members except for the betas. Not every pack has good intentions. Some, if they see leaders away from their territory, will try to capitalize on it. Afterall, what alpha wouldn't love to take over new land and possibly a pack?
I'm furious that none of us saw this coming. For me, I blame my own distractions. I've been entirely focused on Nyx, and the disappearances of other packs, to start investigating potential culprits. Especially since we knew it was orchestrated by the celestial higher beings. Still, we had specifically discussed that it was possible that the disappearances were the result of negative behaviors from packs. We had just started looking into the White Pack's history, trying to figure out why they vanished first.
It was obvious that things escalated when packs took it upon themselves to start sending hunters out. But never once did we stop and really consider who was doing the hunting. It was our weakness—the loophole. And now, we're here.
Eventually, we'll also need to deal with Nyx's situation. I'm completely bewildered that every time she meets a damn new alpha, she somehow collects a new mate. How many more are there? I'm tempted to kill Cade, if not for the thought that perhaps she's done… and if I end his miserable existence, she may get issued a replacement mate.
I've spent our entire trip running through all the alphas, ticking off those who have a luna already. Thankfully, Cade appeared to be the last mate-less one.
"What's the plan?" Lex asks.
I look down our horizontal line of alphas, while our packs linger behind us waiting for orders. "We can't go rushing in. The best thing we can do is act friendly."
"I agree," Daxton chimes in. "Even with all of us, we're still outnumbered if things go south."
"Surely, they wouldn't make a move though," Nyx says quietly, but there's uncertainty in her tone.
Next to me, Wyatt shrugs. "Orson is a wildcard. It's hard to say what he has planned. But we want to catch them off-guard. Kill them with kindness, so to speak."
I can't help but notice that Cade lingers close to Nyx, eyes constantly on her. The further we ventured away from Silverpine Meadows, the stronger her heat scent grew. But before we left, I saw a woman hand her a vial of liquid, and that witch told Cade that she had cast a mask over us that would hold off any uncontrollable urges.
Even though her heat is largely covered, I still want to take her—mostly to piss off Cade. I can see the way he looks at her, his acceptance of the shared situation. However, I do not hold the same mentality. It was bad enough having to deal with Lex, but we have an unspoken truce in place now.
The difference between the two of them though is Lex was respectful. Even when Nyx and I slipped up, accidentally fucking on more than one occasion, he controlled himself. Despite the mess we have found ourselves in, Lex rose above the tension, which I respect and admire. This asshole seems to take pleasure in creating chaos.
Eventually, we're going to have to make a decision. Even though that decision is solely in Nyx's hands, I know she'll be taking myself and Lex into consideration.
And fuck it. I know I was hesitant to have a mate, my own past hindering my ability to move forward, but I've changed my mind. If I'm being honest with myself, that changed long ago— but it's cemented now that this bastard is trying to weasel his way in.
I'm disappointed that we didn't end up fighting. I would have loved to have gotten my hands on him—maybe I still can. Accidents do happen, after all…
"We shouldn't approach in such a large number," Lex says, looking at the group behind us. "It's intimidating, even if we don't intend it to be so."
I couldn't give a single fuck if Orson finds us intimidating. The others might be trying to take a cordial approach, but I'm still overly conscious of the fact they came onto Daxton's territory, murdering one of his own. And judging by his expression, he feels the same.
When he glances at me, the two of us sharing a look, I can see it on his face—the need to avenge his pack. It's one of our most primal reactions, but the thing about Daxton is he is level-headed. Rationality is always his go to, and despite his feelings, I know he's going to end up siding with the others.
Begrudgingly, I give him an almost non-existent nod, letting him know I'm in agreement. "Fine. We'll be polite. But if he starts, I make no promises. And I don't want to leave the group exposed. The betas can stay behind to take charge." I turn my attention to Darius, giving him a stern look.
"Roger that," he answers, spinning around to face my pack as he briefs them on my behalf. I know he's pissed too—the fact that Orson's pack attacked him, which is another reason I want him to stay here.
The other alphas quickly pull their betas aside, giving orders while Nyx waits patiently. I step over to her, giving her a tight smile with my back to the others.
"Stay close by," I tell her. "If they were after you, it's going to be like dangling a carrot in front of them."
Nyx nods, a hint of worry on her face. "I know you'll protect me," she says softly, and my heart skips a beat. There's an undertone to her words, a silent reassurance that she doesn't blame me for what happened in the woods.
"That will never happen again," I murmur, closing the distance between us. Our chests brush against each other, and I feel the rush of warmth from our close proximity.
Her hands raise, resting gently on my chest. "I believe you," she insists, smiling.
Leaning down, I kiss her slowly, only for a few seconds before I pull back. Neither of us can afford to be distracted at the moment.
I let out a warning growl as I sense Cade step up beside us, watching our interaction with amusement.
"How cute," he grins. "I never thought we'd see the day, Maverick."
"Back. Off," I snap. "Or I'll bury your body in Orson's territory."
Nyx presses her hands more firmly against me. "Maverick," she says sternly. "Play nice."
Before I can reply back, she raises an eyebrow at Cade.
"You as well. Stop antagonizing them."
Cade holds his hands up defensively. "I wasn't lying. I think it's cute—and a good thing."
"It's not your place to voice those types of observations," Nyx comments sternly. "And this is also not the way to get on my good side."
He grins at her playfully. "I've seen the bad side, and I have no worries. I enjoyed it, remember."
I feel her fingers dig into my chest—but I'm unsure if it's a warning to me, or a personal reaction from Cade.
"What's going on here?" Lex asks with a slightly raised voice, stepping to the other side of Nyx as he looks between the three of us.
"Cade is begging for a beating," I answer, while the other man laughs quietly.
"Maverick doesn't know how to take a compliment," he replies, making my skin crawl when he pats me on the shoulder.
I shrug him off aggressively, moving my hands to Nyx's hips.
Thankfully, Daxton and Wyatt make their way over, interrupting the tense stand-off.
"Alright, we're ready," Daxton advises. "The six of us will cross the boundary while the others stay here. We'll mind link the betas if anything happens, but it's only a short trek to reach their town edge."
Nyx nods, stepping back from me, much to my disappointment. "I think we should tell them about Cade," she says, surprising me.
"Why is that?" Lex asks, equally perplexed.
I watch as her eyes dart to him, before resting on Cade. "As much as I don't want to since I haven't made a decision, I think it's in my best interests to disclose that he is also my mate."
"A deterrence," Wyatt murmurs thoughtfully. "Not a bad idea."
They look in my direction and I turn my head away. "Fine," I agree. "But no one speaks a word on how the New Moon Pack went about finding this information out. We don't want to give them any ideas."
"We need to show a united front," Nyx nods. "If he thinks that four—or five," she looks at Wyatt, "packs have banded together, it may cause him to rethink his plans."
We all agree before we start making our way onto the Seventh Circle land. To no one's surprise, about a mile in, we encounter some wolves, their brown beady eyes looking at us suspiciously. Daxton takes charge, telling them we're here to see Orson, and they lead the way.
By the time we reach the edge of the woods, the town of Rocky Point coming into view, we spot Orson and a few others waiting for us.
We remained unshifted to show that we mean no harm—at least, not yet. Approaching the older man, I notice that his face is in a permanent scowl, matching his rough faded blonde hair.
"And to what do I owe this pleasure?" he grunts, murky brown eyes scanning all of us.
He's easily the oldest alpha here, and to his left, I spot an almost carbon-copy of Orson, obviously his son who looks a few years younger than us. To his right is his beta I assume, the infamous Isaiah.
The two of them have reputations among the alpha community, known for not being overly friendly, but apparently fair, nonetheless. Personally, I haven't had any dealings with them since my pack is further away than the others—but I know my father dealt with him.
Orson has been the alpha of the Seventh Circle Pack for at least thirty years. But with all of his experience, and medium sized pack, I never would have guessed that he was capable of something like this.
"We were just passing through," Wyatt interjects, his usual boisterous self.
You can tell that Orson is suspicious, scanning us once again before his eyes pause on Nyx. "With a luna?"
"She's our luna," Lex says confidently. "Mine, Maverick's, and Cade's."
The members around Orson look at each other, making it painfully obvious that they know of Nyx's existence—but clearly surprised to hear that Cade is also her mate. But Orson and Isaiah don't move a single muscle in their faces, blanketing their reactions.
"I see," Orson nods. "How wonderful for you."
Instinctively, I step closer to Nyx, the need to protect her growing by the second. Somehow, Lex ended up on the other side of Daxton, and to my surprise, Cade follows my movements, flanking her protectively.
"I don't think we've officially met," Cade murmurs in a friendly tone. "Alpha Cade of the New Moon Pack." He holds out his hand to Orson, the older man giving it a firm shake.
"Yes, I've heard of you," Orson confirms. "You took over as alpha a few years ago, correct?"
I don't miss the snide tone in his statement, screaming superiority as he tries to undermine Cade's leadership experience.
"That's right," Cade nods. "And is this your son?" he asks knowingly, gesturing toward the boy. He has his father's features—sandy blonde hair and brown eyes, but thankfully, the trademark Orson sneer is missing.
His son gives us a sincere, warm smile, offering his hand to all of us. "Tobias," he greets.
Orson watches the exchange with narrowed eyes, but we take turns shaking his hand.
"It's interesting that you are traveling with them, Wyatt," Orson points out. "You have your own luna at home, don't you?"
Next to me, I feel Nyx tense up angrily, and I watch as Cade registers that fact too. His hand touches the small of her back, rubbing it gently. She tenses up more, but this time with apprehension and confusion.
Reaching over, I grab her wrist, clutching it protectively. I have half a mind to slap his hand away, but that would expose our inner turmoil.
"I do. Eve is wonderful and just found out we are expecting. However, I do believe supporting allies is important," Wyatt answers sternly.
Nyx beams at the news, giving him a wide smile. I resist the urge to roll my eyes, instead glaring daggers at the man in front of us who, for all intents and purposes, has made it glaringly obvious that he is as conniving as suspected.
"Well, pass on my regards," Orson says dryly. "If that's all, I'll leave you to be on your way."