Defying the Rogue Alpha
Chapter 115: Assassin

"I’m an assassin for the Alpha King of the North," Zoe confessed.

Dennis’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. "I’ve heard of him," he replied, attempting to lighten the mood. "A greedier version of my brother."

She offered a small, appreciative smile, grateful for his effort to ease her discomfort. "I was given an assignment I couldn’t complete," she continued. "I had to leave. Made my way west. I heard there’s an organized rogue pack around, and here I am."

Dennis reached out, gently lifting her chin so their eyes met. "You’ll be safe here," he assured her. The intensity in his gaze made her heart flutter, a sensation she wasn’t accustomed to.

Zoe’s eyes flickered towards Lucas and Ava sitting beneath a tree in front of the pack house. From their brief encounter earlier, Zoe had learned Lucas could be a maniac. He could go extremes to make his point. He was known in some circles in the north. Alpha Lucas Raventhorn of the West, the conqueror of territories, never lost a battle. "Who is the woman with your brother?" she inquired, nodding in their direction.

Dennis followed her gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips. "That’s Ava," he explained. "She’s his mate, his Luna-to-be. They’ve had their share of challenges, but they’re working through them. She’s a good woman. I’d like you to get to know her."

Zoe’s mind raced. Her target was the mate of her newfound mate’s brother. The situation was more complicated than she had anticipated. She had three choices: complete the mission and reject Dennis, return empty-handed and face execution, or become a deserter and risk her father’s wrath. The last option was perilous; her father would stop at nothing to find her.

She knew one thing for certain: she had to keep the amulet far away from Ava. With it, Ava could ignite her power, and that was a risk Zoe couldn’t afford.

"Hey... you seem distracted," Dennis observed, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand.

"Nothing," Zoe replied, forcing a smile. "Just taking everything in."

Dennis squeezed her hand reassuringly. "It’s going to be fine, Zoe. Trust me."

She nodded, her heart torn between duty and desire. She had found a good and strong man, and she didn’t know what to do with him.

As Lucas and Ava approached them, Zoe’s pulse quickened. Mate to Alpha Lucas Raventhorn—the mission was even more complicated if she was going to go through with it. Kidnapping a Luna would raise a lot of dust. This wasn’t going to be a quiet mission; it would be loud.

She considered sending a message to her father about the situation. Maybe the Alpha King would reconsider. But deep down, she knew that was unlikely.

As Lucas and Ava reached them, Zoe plastered a polite smile on her face, hiding the turmoil within. She would have to tread carefully, balancing her obligations with her present feelings.

"Zoe, this is my brother, Lucas, and his mate, Ava," Dennis introduced, his hand never leaving hers.

"Nice to meet you," Zoe said.

"Welcome to the rogues pack," Ava greeted warmly.

Zoe felt a pang of guilt. How could she betray these people who had shown her nothing but kindness? The lines between right and wrong were becoming increasingly blurred.

As the conversation continued, Zoe couldn’t help but steal glances at Dennis. The connection between them was undeniable, but so were the obstacles they faced. She had to make a choice, and soon.

But for now, she would play along, gathering information and biding her time.

"We need to discuss the future of this pack before I depart," Lucas began. You need to speak with your people. Do they wish to be integrated into the Silver Pack, or do they prefer to be free?"

"Finally come to your senses, have you?"

"We’ve been fools for too long. In the meantime, they should have the freedom to move about, get menial jobs, until a formal decision is reached."

"Thank you, Lucas." Dennis clapped his brother on the shoulder.

Lucas waved off the gratitude. "No thanks needed. I’m merely setting things right. Honestly, I’m surprised you’ve managed this long."

Dennis feigned offense. "Surprised, are you? I didn’t realize you had such little faith in my survival skills."

Lucas chuckled. "On a serious note, Dorian is still out there, which means Ava remains in danger. Ensure the borders are secure, brother."

"I will protect her with my life."

Lucas placed a reassuring hand on Dennis’s shoulder. "Kade is currently searching for Dorian. If you require additional guards, just say the word."

Observing the brotherly exchange, Zoe felt a pang of longing. Her gaze drifted to Ava, who stood nearby, radiating a quiet strength. The bond between the siblings was evident, despite their just settled rift. It was clear they both had strong feelings for Ava. Did they even realize the power Ava held? Did they know she was the sought-after Daughter of the Moon?

Curiosity got the better of her. "Who is Dorian?" Zoe inquired.

Ava turned to her, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Lucas’s beta. He has a particular disdain for me."

"Former beta," Lucas interjected, emphasizing the change in Dorian’s status.

Dennis voiced a concern. "But what if his target isn’t Ava anymore? What if it’s you, Lucas? He still believes you killed his son."

"I’m always one step ahead, brother. Always."

Dennis rolled his eyes, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "No need to look so smug. Pride doesn’t suit you."

Ava joined in. "More like arrogant, pompous."

Zoe couldn’t suppress the chuckle that escaped her lips. These interactions were foreign to her. As an only child, her conversations with her father had been limited to mission briefings or torture upon failure of those missions. This familial banter was both refreshing and enviable.

Lucas’s turned to Ava. "I have to go. Be safe, please."

Ava’s eyes met his, a silent understanding passing between them. "I promise." She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. "Go be an alpha." She winked.

As Lucas departed, Zoe’s mind raced with conflicting emotions. She wanted this, craved this feeling of love and acceptance. But fate seemed to have other designs for her. Fate had always been cruel to her.

*****

Ava walked beside Dennis with her chin up and a steady heartbeat. The sun warmed her shoulders, but it was the warmth in her chest that made her feel truly alive. Representing Lucas in what they were about to do was more than just a duty. It felt like destiny tapping gently on her shoulder, telling her she was exactly where she needed to be.

She was proud of Lucas, her Alpha, her husband. The word ’husband’ still felt strange in her mind. They had never truly been allowed to explore that part of their relationship. There was a wrench in every step of their romantic growth. But it was over now.

As soon as the Rogues pack were finally settled, she would dedicate her time to starting all over again with Lucas. To the world, they may be husband and wife already but what they had needed fixing.

They never did finish the mating ritual either. She bore his mark, and in the eyes of the goddess, that was enough.

In the mean time, she would act like the Luna she was. If Lucas was the flame, she would be the ocean breeze. If he was iron, she would be silk.

Beside her, Dennis looked every inch the newly mated man, dressed in dark jeans and a black shirt rolled to his elbows. He stopped in front of the gathered group near the main gates. His gaze swept over them, and for a moment, it lingered on Zoe, his mystery woman with steel in her eyes. A small smile played on his lips, the kind that made Ava elbow him lightly in the ribs.

"You’re staring," she whispered from the corner of her mouth. "You’re supposed to be leading the people, not undressing your mate with your eyes."

Dennis coughed. "Just... making sure she’s okay."

"Mmhm." Ava smirked.

Turning his attention back to the crowd, Dennis squared his shoulders, his voice ringing out. "Members of the rogue pack..." he began. "...we are finally free!"

The pack exploded. The emotional reaction was dramatic. Cheers erupted from every mouth. Ava clapped her hands to her chest, blinking rapidly. She wasn’t crying, she told herself. It was just dust.

Dennis held up a hand, trying to calm the excited chaos. "For now," he shouted over the joyful madness, "you can go out. Get random jobs, explore the town. But to properly become a recognized pack, we have to decide. Whatever you want, I’ll stand by it. Do you want to join the Silver Pack? Or..." His eyes flicked to Zoe again. "Do we stand on our own with me as your Alpha?"

@addicted2fantasy: your love for this book shines through. Thank you so much. (bowing in appreciation)