Moonlight Deception

Chapter Three: The Taken

Amber’s P.O.V.

We all turned to see Victor. Victor was kind of our Alpha. He regulated our affairs like an Alpha would, protecting us and guiding us. Even though we were rogues, we were different from other rogues. We still had a system, and we weren’t unnecessarily vicious. But no one understood that. Just your scent and everyone already has a thing or two to say about you.

“Does anyone mind answering me?” Victor's expression changed, his eyes narrowing.

“Amber met her mate,” Sarah said.

"And?" he asked. He could easily tell there was more to this story.

“It’s Aidan,” I answered.

“He saw you?” I nodded. “I told you not to go too far. Why don’t you listen?!” Victor shouted.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was so close to their territory.

The camp fell silent, with all eyes on me. I felt a sense of embarrassment wash over me, but Victor's expression was thoughtful.

"This changes things," he said. "But it doesn't change our mission. We still need to take down Aidan's pack."

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I was still committed to avenging my parents, no matter what. But my whole bubble burst when he spoke again.

“It just means you can’t be part of it. You’ll have to stay here while we do the work.”

“No. No! I can go. I can still do it. I’ll stay far from the space. I promise. Please don’t do that.”

“Would you feel comfortable? Working against your own mate? Can you stomach it? Because, eventually, we will need to infiltrate the pack. Will you be okay putting on a smile while plotting their downfall? Can you do it Amber?

“He was my enemy before he was my mate. I can do it.

“Okay. Fine. We’ll see about that.”

Everyone looked at me with concern. This was a tragedy we all weren’t expecting. And while I looked forward to meeting my mate and having a family of my own, the thought of the word mate turned my mouth bitter. What should have been one of the sweetest things has suddenly turned sour.

"We're with you, Amber," Sarah said. "No matter what."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me. I knew I could count on my friends, no matter what. I looked at them, I knew that I wasn't alone. We were all in this together, and we would see it through to the end.

The next morning, I woke up to see Victor and a few others dressed and ready.

“Where are you guys going?” I asked.

“To do what you couldn’t do yesterday. I’ve thought about it and I don’t think we should let you continue with this. Whether you believe, you’ll be okay.”

“That’s not fair. That is not fair! Where were you all when I sat on the ground, holding my mother's lifeless body and crying, begging her to come back? Where were you when I saw her unborn child ripped from her womb? Where were you when I walked around, looking for my father’s parts because he had been torn into pieces? I was eleven. And you think I can’t handle it? I took a blood oath to avenge them. Not you guys, but me. So who are you to think you can help me accomplish my mission?

“We were all there, Amber. We all lost family. We all swore to get revenge. This is not about you.”

“I’m coming.” I argued, grabbing my things.

“You will do no such thing!” Victor commanded. I paused. “Just stay for a while. We cannot risk Aidan seeing you. Please.

I nodded, as though I agreed, as though I hadn’t already made up my mind to still go. I'll wait for a while. And then, I’ll follow.

“Amber.” Sarah shook her head. She could tell I wasn’t going to listen. And she obviously knew I wouldn’t listen to her as well, and so she mouthed: “Be careful.”

I watched them set off through the woods, making their way back to the border of Aidan's pack. I waited until they were far out of sight. And then, slipping away from the rest of the wolves in camp, I followed. I had to be very careful, in order to avoid detection at all costs.

I walked stealthily, hiding behind trees whenever a member of the group looked back. Reasoning that if I continued to walk in their direction, we’d eventually meet at the border. So I turned and walked sideways, away from them at a 45-degree angle.

As I approached the space, I couldn't shake the feeling that Aidan was still out there, watching me. And I couldn't help but wonder what would happen when we finally met again. I say that because we are mates, we are fated to be together and so, eventually, the ropes of fate will twist and turn in order to ensure that. I just hope-

Someone grabbed me, covering my mouth with a cloth to muffle my screams. I kicked and struggled out of their hold. But I was no match for the muscular arms that bound me. After moments of trying my luck, I just gave up. It was then I realized that I had gone past the border and into their territory, being so lost in thought. Victor would be so pissed.

“I’m not here to hurt you. You just have unfinished business with our Alpha.”

It was Kieran. I guess fate happened faster than I expected. He carried me on his shoulder, after blindfolding me and gagging me. After some minutes, I felt the warmth of a pack house, followed by many gasps.

Kieran carried me up the stairs in some sort of way and then turned multiple times. First right, then right, then left and then right again. I was taking note of his movements to gain a sense of direction. I’d need it.

He knocked on a door about eight strides away from where we turned. For me, that’ll be about 13–15 steps.

“Come in.”

We walked in —or rather Kieran walked in and I was carried in— to the warm air of a fireplace.

“Put her down.” Kieran put me down.

“You didn’t need to blindfold her and gag her like she’s some sort of criminal.”

“That’ll depend on whether or not she isn’t.”

“Kieran. Don’t start.” It seemed Kieran was very displeased with my arrival. “Take off the blindfold.” He did. “And the freaking gag, Kieran.” He did that too.

I slowly opened my eyes, looking around until they settled on him. My mate. I was too stunned to speak. He was… handsome. Not handsome, but beautiful. He had the face that’ll turn even the heads of men.

Clear ivory skin with luscious blonde hair which falls to his eyes, cropping his oval-shaped face. Forest green eyes framed by long lashes, pink lips which looked so soft, they had many thoughts swimming in my head, and a sharp pointed nose which just complimented his beauty. This was my mate??

He kept on looking at me, or more accurately, into me. It was like he was searching my soul, looking for some hidden treasure.

“I was right. It’s you.” He spoke.