Shadow Luna

CH.17

Annabelle POV.

Here we are driving up to see the king in a parade of SUV’s. This was ridiculous, I mean really four SUV’s full of warriors to escort me. This was absolutely ridiculous! I was in the second SUV in the back with Colten, Sean was driving and with another warrior in the passenger seat. Lisa, Mindy, and Cam were in the fist SUV and the kings escort was in the last two. After being on the road for four hours we finally stopped at this remote gas station for potty break and snacks. The minute they stopped I jumped out and ran to the bathroom, I just couldn’t hold it anymore. I came out and saw Colten leaning against the SUV smirking at me. All the SUV’s were parked in a single line, some guards where just standing scanning the area, the others went inside to get snacks. He opens his arms for me which I happily jumped into. Then as if we both smelt it. “Rogues” we both growled in unison. The others came out holding bags when they smelt it too. We all too defensive positions around the SUV’s.

Then as all my fears came to life that sick bastard shows his face walking out from behind a tree close to the station. I stare daggers at him as my anger boils, I felt Colten’s anger boil as well.

“There you are my beautiful pet; I have missed you.” Jason says with a wicked smile sending a shiver down my spine. He is pure evil.

“MINE!” Colten growls next to me and stands in front of me shielding me from Jason’s stare.

“She is MINE!” Jason growls back. “I made her, I own her!” They both growl at each other and I notice more rogues appear. We were outnumbered 3 to 1, but I knew we could take them. Jason probably doesn’t know I have complete control of my powers. I look around and see shadows everywhere which is good for me.

‘Colten, let me hold them and you strike. I just can’t reach Jason’ I mind link Colten.

‘I will handle Jason, just focus on the rest.’ He links. ‘stay focused and we will be able to finally get ride of him.’

‘ok’ I link back.

“And I will be taking back my merchandise too.” Jason growls and looks toward the girls. I see them not back down with fear, I am so proud of them. Jason notices and gets even more enraged. Then motions for his men to attack, but nothing is happening. I stand still focused on the shadows around.

‘Now Colten.’ I mind linked him. Then I notice Sean and our warriors run to them slicing necks with their elongated claws. Jason seems to have fled the scene quickly. When it was all done, I let go and stumble back a little. I use more energy using my powers as a human than when I am in wolf form. Colten races to my side and holds me in his tight embrace.

“We are stronger together than we are apart.” I say into his chest inhaling his scent. It was calming and energizing.

“Yes, we are little one. Yes, we are.” He says with pride. “Come we should get back on the road.” We all gather our stuff and got back into our cars and head off. I fell asleep in Colten’s arms moments later feeling safe and loved. That’s right Jason, run in defeat, we are a force to be recon with.

Jason POV

FUCK! I can not believe that she developed her powers so soon. I should have snatched her sooner. That Alpha and she are stronger together. I lost a chunk of my men and too what…FAIL! She was right there. Maybe I need to listen to my father and let her come to me with the bait I have. I guess I have no other option if I want her back. She is so powerful and strong. f**k! I need her. Next time, my Luna, and when I do have you again, I will punish you until you submit. You will warm my bed and bare my pups. I must get you away from that fucker you chose over me first.

Colten POV.

I was in King Daxton’s office going over reports and files over our investigation. The King, his beta, Delta, and I were all reviewing the files and running traces over leads we had. It seem like every one compound we shut down around the kingdom another pops up. We have gone over abandoned places that seem ideal for their operation. Still we come up short every time. It wasn’t until we rescued Bell that we finally got a name to the “Alpha Rogue”.

“I hate to say this but we might need to draw Jason and his generals out. The rate we are tracking and shutting them down is not enough. There are too many females suffering.” Kings beta says.

“I agree, and the only reason we know that Jason is the rogue alpha in charge is because of your Luna, Colten.” King Daxton says.

“I really hope you are not intending on using my Luna as bait to this psycho mutt?” I say through gritted teeth.

“It seems that every time there is an attack towards her, he is present. He is obsessed with Annabelle and will not leave her alone. He is anxious to get her. His mental instability clouds his mind and is prone to making mistakes. We must draw him out with his army and finish him once and for all. And your Luna is our key, not to mention she has now grown stronger in her power and her fighting skill is outstanding.” Daxton says. I huff. I hate the idea of using her, putting her in harm’s way to get that motherfucker. Yes she can take care of herself in a battle, but I just can’t see her get hurt.

“You know what you are asking of me…putting my mate into harms way. I can not risk her safety just so that there may be a chance to catch that stupid rogue. We will find another way that doesn’t involve my mate.” I say letting a low growl slip. I know it is disrespectful to growl at the king, but Daxton was going to far.

“Why don’t we ask her, maybe she might give us some more insight on his workings.” He says and I nod taking a deep breath to calm me. “Let take a break and enjoy lunch.”

I wait at the entrance of the dinning hall for my Bell. She had been busy all day with her training session and support groups. Bringing Mindy, Lisa and Cam helped Bell so much. They lead their own support groups and talked with the other survivors. It was nice to see so many females banning together to heal from their traumas. Bell had different forums and activities planned. I was so proud of her, apparently, she wanted to study psychology in college and this convention was right up her ally. I missed her so much I wish I was by her side instead of in briefings with the king. I know that today is our last day here and we are leaving first thing in the morning.

Then I smelt her, Lavender and honey. Our eyes met and she sprinted her way to me. She was looking so sexy in just a plan white shirt and dark jeans with her red vans. She could wear a brown paper bag and she would still look beautiful. I hugged her and dipped my nose into the croak of her neck and kissed her mark.

“I missed you love, how was your day?” I said still inhaling her sent.

“Good, I am a little tired, but I really enjoyed the support groups. The survivors are really warming up to me and the girls, they opened up and are ready for the acceptance of their new lives. Some still need more work and some individual therapy session, but I am happy with the outcome so far.” She said and I felt her joy and relief. She really took it upon herself to help those that suffered like her. But from what I hear Bell was the one that suffered the most torture.

“That’s good to hear, we should eat now and then rest, we still have that goodbye dinner tonight.” I said and escorted her to our chairs on the same table as the king. As his special guest we were given the seats on his table.

“Your majesty.” We greeted and bowed to the king before taking our seats.

“Annabelle, I am pleased to hear all the progress you made in such a short amount of time. Imagine if you made this a week event, I am sure we would see much stronger she-wolves in the kingdom.” Daxton said.

“Thank you, your majesty. I am honored by this opportunity; however, I am eager to get back to our pack back home. With yours, and Colten’s, permission I would like to host a gathering of these new transitioned she-wolves at our pack. I feel like some of these ladies need more support and encouragement. It will take much one on one time for many of the ladies to recover.” Bell said. She was so thoughtful and caring, I was in awe of her.

“That sound like a great idea Annabelle. But I might have an even better idea. We have received a few requested from the female survivors to transfer into your pack.” King Daxton said. Bell and I were shocked. I knew that Bell was a great leader, but she manages to gain the trust of so many to be willing to follow her. 

“Wow, I don’t know what to say, I am glade that the ladies find comfort in me.” She said.

“Your majesty, I have no objections in accepting more into my pack.” I simply say knowing Bell would love to help them more.

“Wonderful, I will transfer the paperwork to you Alpha Colten, I will also make an announcement to the kingdom allowing any survivor who wished to join your pack be allowed to freely without punishment.” He stated. I could feel Bells excitement and nervousness.

‘Bell you ok, you feel nervous.’ I mind link her.

‘Yea, I am just a little overwhelmed, I did not expect something like this to happen to me. Now I not only have the pack to take care of but more trauma victims under my care. I guess I just hope I don’t mess up. Especially since the king has such high hopes for me. I just don’t want to disappoint anyone.’

‘Bell you are the most humble, caring person that I know. Besides my own mother. You can do anything you set your mind to. I have see you in action and not once has people doubted you. You bring this happiness and healing to everyone you meet. I believe in you and will help you in anything you need. I know you can do this.’

‘Thanks Colten, you always know what to say. I love you.’

‘Love you more.’ I took her hand and kissed her palm. She looked at me with so much love and admiration. I hope I can see her this way everyday of our lives. She is truly special.

“After lunch I want both of you too accompany me back into my office. I would like Annabelle intake on our situation.” King Daxton said.

“Yes, your majesty” Bell and I said in unison. I know what the king will ask Bell and I am not pleased about that.

After lunch we all made our way to the king’s office. The King, his beta and Delta sat in the armchairs while Colten and I sat in the sofa.

“So, Annabelle, we have been going over our investigation. So far, our only lead to Rogue Alpha Jason is you. He seems so keen on having you. He has not been so hands on in dealing with his ‘merchandise’ until you came along. Is there anything else you can tell us about you experience. Any detail can help us end this once and for all.” Daxton said. Bell seemed to bee deep in thought staring at the coffee table as if there was a speck out of place.

“I am not sure if I can really be of help. The compound I was in was an abandoned military bunker. It looked like it was refurbished. He had very few guards only outside of the main entrance of the bunker. But now that I remember my time when he would force me to shift, I did not smell or detect any patrols.” She paused and then her eyes widened. “I never smelt patrols… Colten how many guards did you defeat trying to get into the compound?” She asked.

“There were two outside and 6 more inside but mostly where the other transitioned she-wolves were.” I said. I think I know where she is going with this.

“There must be a central location that Jason has because I am sure that he has more men under his rule. Maybe a packhouse of some sort. It would have to be close by for him to come and visit me every day. He would not let anyone else touch me or come near me. I only saw the guards at the entrance and even then, Jason would try to hide my body from them.” She finished saying and still looking deep in thought. At least I took comfort in knowing that he did not allow another male to touch or even gaze at my beautiful Bell.

“So, you are saying that there might be a headquarters of some sort and the compounds he has are not nearly secure as you and the other females made it out to be.” King Daxton asked.

“At the time, your majesty, I was scared for my life. I knew nothing of this world and how it worked. When he said that escape was futile and told us that he had men patrolling the area, who was I to question it. I was busy trying to work around the information he gave me to find my own escape. It wasn’t until I understood Colten’s pack that I now know what true and false. So now that I think back on it and I had my wolf senses I can tell you with certainty that he would not risk his army for merchandise. Especially since he has compounds all over.”   

“This might help, if we can find his headquarters then we can stop his operations at the source.” Daxton said then he turned to his beta, “Get me the map where we discovered his compounds. I am sure there is a pattern that we had not noticed before.” He said and his beta got up and pulled out a large map from one of the back drawers. He came and unrolled it on the coffee table. It had many red dots on it and outlines of the borders for different packs territories.

“Why is this area not highlighted?” Bell asked pointing to a neutral territory in the Rocky Mountains.

“That area is neutral ground. No pack has claim to it and its practically desolate.” Kings Delta said. But then if you look at the map and the areas of the compounds it was close to this space.

“I see where you are going with this Annabelle, there are remote homes in this area, and it would be perfect to hide a huge compound of rogues.” The King said. We all nodded. This was the break we all needed.

“I will send scouts into that area and gather more intel your majesty.” The kings Beta said and the king nodded.

“Well this was really helpful Annabelle; I am grateful to you and your strength. I know its tough going back to those awful memories.” The king said to Bell.

“Its ok your majesty. Anything I can do to help those like me and from anyone else that has to suffer through the hands of that monster.” She said. I grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

“Your majesty, if you don’t mind, I would like to take my Luna to rest and prepare for the goodbye dinner tonight.” I said looking at my Bell. She was looking a little tired and started to yawn.

“Yes of course.” He said smiling at us. I stood up and helped Bell to her feet. Taking her hand in mine we left the kings office and back into our assigned room. I closed the door behind us and Bell walk straight to the bed and collapsed on it. I chuckled a little at her action.  My poor mate had a long day. I sit next to her and gently rub her back.

“Would you like to take a nap first my Bell?” I asked. I hear her mumble something not moving from her spot. I chuckle again, she was being so adorable. “Ok, sleep, I will go take a shower and I will wake you up when its time to get ready.