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After leaving the clearing and ensuring that every wolf that attended the funeral was accounted for, he gave strict instructions that all wolves should be indoors before sunset. Worried for their safety.
His plan to keep the people ignorant of the current happenings has completely fallen through, because everyone got wind of the last attack before he could keep it discreet.
Following the recent attack, he has noticed the anxiety and uncertainty they haplessly tried to hide as they fear for their lives, their pups and the rest of their brothers..
Maxwell could hear their cries, their worries, and also feel their fear and pain since they're his people. He knew some blamed him. He doesn't fault them because he also feels the same. Him being clueless is no one's fault but his, and his alone.
'The only way to put a stop to this is by finding the real culprits and exposing them to the council before a befitting sentence is issued.' He thought, as he went home with Craig.
★BETA'S HOUSE★
"Alpha?" Skylar asked in surprise, briskly bowing down as she struggled to balance the baby in her hands and keep her apparel from falling off her shoulders.
"I'll help you with that." Craig gritted out.
Going over to help Skylar with the baby, and covering her like a shield as she finished adjusting her clothes.
"Thank you" she smiled gratefully, and he gave a curt nod, moving past her.
Hiding her hurt with a hoax smile, she turned to Maxwell.
"I wasn't expecting you, else I would have prepared something to welcome you."
"And sorry we weren't able to make it to the funeral. This little one here has been acting out." Gesturing at the pup, she readjusted her clothe subconsciously.
"Nah, it's no problem__" Maxwell said, noting the tension between the mates.
"Should I get water?" she asked nervously. Exchanging side glance with Craig who's at the other end of the room, rocking the baby to sleep.
"No, Skylar. I'm not a visitor. If I want something, I'll let you know okay?" Maxwell assured.
"Craig, bring little Lily over here. I will like to take a peek at her adorable face." Maxwell said, signaling for him to come with the pup.
Craig made his way to Maxwell. As Skylar breathed a sigh of relief, visibly relaxing.
When Maxwell held the pup in his hands, he broke into an adorable grin after laying his eyes on the red-faced pup, sporting thick velvety brunette locks like the Dad's.
For the first time since he could remember, he was genuinely happy. No half smile, no smirk, no grimace. A full sincere smile. Which the mates did not fail to notice, as they shared in his infectious grin.
"Bless the moon goddess for this bundle of joy. I hope you bring luck to the pack." He prayed, gazing into her sleepy eyes.
"At least, this is good news."
"Congratulations Skylar. You did a good job." He said, looking at her with pride as she whispered a shy thanks. Just then, the pup burst into a high-pitched wail, drawing everyone's attention.
"Bring her…" Skylar said as she stood up with outstretched hands, going to retrieve the pup from Maxwell.
She cooed as she rocked the pup close to her breasts. And the pup smiled after recognizing her mother.
"To tell the truth, I wasn't happy about yesterday…" Skylar started, not averting her gaze from the little pup cuddled adorably in her arms.
"Sky…" Craig warned.
"No." Maxwell intervened.
"Don't stop her. Let her continue." He said, as he nodded forgot to come out Skylar to go on.
"I was scared half to death when Craig said he'll be staying longer to secure the pack house." Her voice quivered, as she unconsciously began to rock the pup aggressively.
"We already discussed this, sky!" Craig barked.
"Craig, let the woman speak." Maxwell hissed.
"You are so calm about the whole thing because you weren't the one waiting with the new babe."
"Women and being overdramatic." Craig muttered under his breath as Skylar glared at him with disdain.
Giving Maxwell her full attention, as she started soothing the restless pup.
"I don't like the fact that my husband is risking his life while his nursing is…"
"Skylar!" Craig shouted in fury.
"I'm sorry Alpha. She tends to get easily riled since Lily, as her emotions keeps sprawling out of control." He said through clenched teeth, while sky seethed quietly.
"Quite understandable. I'm sorry Skylar if I made you feel that way."
"Craig is not the only one risking his life for the pack, you see. We all risk our lives everyday to protect our loved ones because it's our duty as leaders." He said, trying to calm her.
"Or do you want someone else's husband to do that for him?" she shook her head sniffing.
"I understand you're worried. Heck! We all are. But remember one thing. Before he's a husband, he's a beta. Which means he has to put pack duties over anything else."
"You get my point now, right?" she nodded.
"I'm sorry for sounding selfish." She cried as Craig goes to hug her.
"Shhh…sweetie." Craig tried to pacify her.
"I'm just afraid of losing you. What if you go one day and don't return? How about Lily? What.. what…" she cried in hysteria, waking the little pup who joined in her tears as she felt threatened.
"it's okay sweetie. Everything is going to be alright. I promise." He assured, planting a sloppy kiss on her forehead and he does same to the wailing pup.
"I will go put her to sleep now." Skylar said.
"Thanks for coming Max." she gave a sad smile before exiting the room.
"She doesn't like me anymore." Maxwell said, playing with his lapel.
"Says who? You know how sky is, don't take what she said too seriously." Craig said, leaning against the wall.
"She thinks I'm always sending you to your doom. I bet the other women also feels so." He frowned.
"Stop saying that." Craig said, leaving the wall as he moved closer to Maxwell. Staring intently at him, he said.
"She will soon get over it. After all she's beta female. She was just being paranoid that's all."
"I will take my leave now. It's getting late." Maxwell said, standing up as he checked his wristwatch.
"So soon?"
"I have a few files to sort at the office before heading home."
"Seems more like it." Craig smirked.
"See you tomorrow." He said, hitting him hard on the shin."
"Ouch…Hey! Craig whined.
"You deserve it you blockhead." He said, going to the door. "Tell Skylar I've taken my leave."
"I'll do that." And he waved at a retreating Maxwell.
★ALPHA'S MANSION★
Who's there?" He asked, sniffing. He stiffened in alert once he noticed the dimly lit room.
With the only visible light being the one emanating from the full moon, he grew suspicious.
Since he could remember switching on the lights and closing all windows and shutters before heading out. Moving further, he discovered the slightly opened window.
"WHO'S THERE?" he growled this time, widening his stance as he released his pointy fangs and claws.
His ears twitched, trying to detect any foreign movement.
He started hearing shuffling sounds coming from the direction of the bed. Taking long strides, he moved fluidly towards the bed, in hopes of not giving away his precise location.
Relying solely on his heightened sense of smell and sight in the dark, he sought to find his target.
As he approached, the scent became stronger on the left side of the bed.
Tightening his fists into balls, he removed the sheets swiftly, aiming straight for the temple when he froze in shock.
Lying stark naked in his bed was an unknown woman gagged with a dirty piece of cloth. Her eyes were blindfolded. She had both hands tied to her back, with her feet also bonded
He was rendered speechless when he saw the dried streak of tears on her pale cheeks. Which he presumed, is evidence of crying for a long period of time.
Warily, he brushed away the wild locks of hair sticking on her face, as he removed the blindfold.
She slowly opened her teary eyes filled with panic and started struggling to break free.
When a ray of moonlight flashed across her blotchy face, he called.
"Isa?" Momentarily shocked as the blood drains from his face.
"This can't be possible__" he jerked, moving far away from her like someone burnt by fiery hot coal.
'How could this be possible?' he thought. Snapping out of trance, he asked the confused woman as he went closer.
"Who are you?" Another wave of panic surges through her, as she resumed struggling.
Battling the turmoil within him as he tries to keep a clear head, Maxwell reluctantly leans forward, clasping her tied hands and feet. "Be still! You'll hurt yourself." He chastised. "Try to relax, I won't hurt you." He raised both hands as he tried to appear harmless.
She observed him for sometime before visibly relaxing.
"So now, I am going to remove the gag and untie you if you promise to keep calm and answer my questions." She nodded.
So he removed the piece of cloth from her mouth, and the first thing she uttered was just one word.
"HELP__" before passing out.
*************
A/N: Thanks for reading
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บท 4: 3. SUSPICIONS
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"__Two bodies, two souls. As you go down the way of nirvana, may Selene be your guide, and Lycaon your shield. Pass on through the eternal light of peace to your final resting place. Sail like__" Maxwell stood in front of the pack as he recited the funeral prayer.
Howling and wailing could be heard across the mountains, as Dark Moon Pack mourned their losses.
The family of the deceased were allowed to drop their farewell messages as Maxwell finished the recitation.
Then, they began the rites in full swing.
The elders chanted ancient rhymes as the bodies were laid on ceremonial twigs whorled with seaweeds and placed on the shores of the lake. Maxwell lit torches from the little branches gotten from the sacred oak tree, and dropped each one of them in the water as the boat was made to row across to the other end of the lake.
Fresh wave of howling sprang from the crowd of mourners as Craig was told to lead them down the hill.
"Alpha, I need to talk to you." Layla said, coming closer to Maxwell.
"What did you find out?" Maxwell whispered, signaling for her to follow suit as he made his way to the rear.
"Nothing." She said, tilting her head downwards.
"Nothing?" He scoffed in disbelief, failing to hide his disappointment.
"You spent the whole night with the bodies, and you found nothing?!"
"I haven't seen anything like it before. My gran never took me on any of her expeditions, so I'm afraid to say I won't be of much help to you." She said, hurt evident in her voice as she lifted her head.
"But, can you maybe give a clue on who the perpetrator could be?" He asked a bit hopeful.
"The gashes on their bodies were too deep and brutal that an Omega who hasn't gone rogue cannot stomach such brutality. I also share your belief in thinking it's not the work of a common rogue. But one thing I know for sure is this. Whoever or whatever did it wanted to pass a message to someone." She shivered, with traces of fear clearly visible in her large amber eyes.
Layla is a beautiful female. she's seen as the most beautiful female in Dark Moon Pack. With high cheekbones, long silky raven hair, caramel skin tone and full lips that always seem to be set in a pout. She could easily pass for any female demigod. Some even believe she's the reincarnation of Selene in human form.
She has lived with her Gran in a little cottage behind the pack house, but later moved to the pack house after her death. Probably so she could be closer to the rest of the pack, and easily visit the infirmary where she tends to sick werewolves.
"I just knew it, damn!" he groaned in frustration.
"Do you suspect someone?" she looked at him quizzically.
"Not really__" he said, scratching the back of his head. "I just have a hunch, that's all."
"Okay…" she said, twitching her fingers as she shifted from one foot to the other.
"Although I didn't get all the information I was looking for. I'm still grateful for your help so far. Thanks Layla, the pack is lucky to have you." He praised as she blushed crimson.
"I will go see off the elders before they start getting antsy." He said, while she nodded. Before he could take a step backward, she called out.
"Wait!"
He halted in his tracks, slightly raising his brows in question.
"Um…um…when are you going to come over for dinner? I mean…to the pack house." She laughed nervously, flushing beet red.
1"Louise misses you. We all do. I miss the good old days, I just wish things would return to how it used to be."
He gave her a sad smile. "Then Isa would still be alive."
"I didn't mean that…like I do…I didn't mean to remind you of her…I just…um…" she stuttered.
"I also missed the good old days." He said, cutting her off.
"I will find time to come around when this is all over. Tell Louise to start learning new recipes, because pudding alone can't sustain this grown a** man. He joked, lightening the mood and she smiled.
"Don't forget to call me when you find something new. Always keep me informed." He said as all traces of humor leaves his face.
"See you later, Layla."
"See...you...soon, Alpha."
And he's already gone. she watched him sprinting down the hill, completely disappearing from sight.
★BORDER, DARK MOON PARK★
"I'm sorry for coming late. I got delayed." Maxwell said apologetically.
"It's okay, we understand." Gregory, one of the oldest elder in Oregon, and a one time alpha said on behalf of the others as they hummed in agreement.
"Where's Elder Kyle?" He asked the group, looking from person to person.
"I thought we all agreed that you all would see me for a brief meeting after the final rites?" He asked, puzzled.
The retired Alpha and the rest of his group wore a somber look that made Maxwell ask.
"Is everything okay?" he asked no one in particular, trying to get a hold of Craig's eyes. Which he tactically succeeded in keeping away from him, since he made it a point of duty of searching for something that can't be found, on the ground.
"Nothing is, not anymore." Another elder said.
"He just received a devastating news." Gregory said, shaking his frail old head.
"About?" Maxwell further inquired.
"He didn't say. He just left in a haste." Gregory supplied.
"He should have informed me before leaving." Maxwell frowned.
"So also should you when you held a meeting without first consulting us." Philip, an elder he detested so much spat. And Craig took a menacing step forward.
"I owe you no explanation." Maxwell said dryly, which provoked the elder as he growled lowly.
"Enough!" Gregory took charge of the situation before things could get out of control.
"I've had enough of the killings, and everything!" Gregory shouted to the surprise of the others since he's always been the calm and level headed elder.
"I have decided to leave Oregon for good." He said without any ounce of humor in his voice.
"What are you say…" Maxwell was asking, when he chipped in."
"I don't want to witness another war." He said with a faraway look in his eyes. Turning fully to look at Maxwell, he said. "If not for the fact that I can't shift nor fight. Then, for the sake of my little Gemma." He said getting teary.
"Since the death of her parents she's been alone, that's why I offered to take her under my wings." They watched wordlessly as he continued.
"Innocents like her are going to be at the crossroad, Incase of another war. And I already smell the impending doom of Oregon. I see war! Bloodshed!"
"My frail heart won't survive it anymore if I were to lose her like I lost her parents in the last war." He moaned.
With all the fight leaving Maxwell, he struggled to say. "Do what you must."
He began to leave when he paused. "To the rest of you, I'll consult you when a date has been decided for the next meeting." He called over his shoulder.
"Your informant should have told you so." He smirked at Philip who sneered, before leaving the clearing with Craig fast at his heel.
"You think he meant what he said." Craig asked with concern.
"I don't care." He said.
But Craig could see the aggressive movement of his jaw muscles, which shows he has been refraining himself. 'From what exactly?' he wondered.
Stopping in his tracks, Maxwell turned to Craig who was also forced to stop moving.
"You said nothing out of the ordinary happened yesterday?"
"Yes, Alpha." Craig answered. "Besides the six claw marks found on the back door, nothing. No one was hurt__"
"The only thing I found strange aside the claw markings was that, no sound was heard from the inside. The parole guards also didn't see anyone."
"Now, that's a new one." He glared at Craig who quickly said.
"Sorry Alpha, I forgot to add that detail."
"Have you found that Oliver?" he asked.
"No. We're still searching for him. Seems like he left the pack since yesterday."
"I want you to search for him within and outside our territory. I just need to get a permit from the other Alphas."
"I'll do as you say."
"I won't let Jax get away with this, this time around." He swore.
"You think he may be the one behind it all?" Craig asked curiously.
"The constant attacks on the packs, Kyle's absence, Oliver's sudden disappearance and then, this. Don't you think it's too much of a coincidence already?"
"Sure you have a point there. But what does he stand to achieve by that?"
"The council's lack of trust in me. Don't you see? Gregory is turning his back on me by leaving." He shook his head in dismay.
"A one time strong ally. He doesn't believe I can get the situation under control…"
"It's all part of that bastard's plan. To turn the people's heart against me, and become the laughing stock of the whole Oregon." He snarled.
"I won't stop thinking he's behind it all, until it's proven otherwise." He said with conviction.
************
A/N. Thanks for reading
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