Alpha Loves Alpha

Chapter 19:

Xavier:

Strauss and Edgar came over for breakfast and afterwards we began to interrogate Zarik with Alpha’s aid.

“How certain are you that the Sivika Clan is made up of Ramone and Silvia’s children and not a radical group of survivors from the war,” I asked, still not certain that the Sivika’s had any children.

“I was given this scar because I tried to steal a book from the leader of the clan.” Zarik gestured to the right side of his face. “I thought it had information about their allies and territories, but all it had was photos and miscellaneous letters. Most of them appeared to be pictures of his family. I could tell by the resemblance. There was also a crest with Sivika written under it.” Zarik looked down. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to read any of the letters before they found me.”

When he returned my gaze I narrowed my eyes at him. “How did you, a seventeen year old boy, manage to escape from a strong clan such as the Sivika’s?”

It didn’t make sense to me. A pup as young as him would have a hard time fighting against one adult rogue, let alone a group of them.

“Their are several clans that disagree with how the Sivika’s rule the Rogue Lands. One of them staged a revolt, and among the chaos they freed me and I was able to flee. The Mandark Clan took me in for awhile after freeing me. I’ve been on the run from the Sivika’s for the better part of a year.”

“And when did these events occur,” Edgar asked.

Zarik thought for a moment before answering. “About eight months ago.”

Edgar continued questioning him. “What made you decide to join The Fire Pack?”

“I figured it would be best for me to join a pack for protection, especially a strong one. I have heard rumors about Alpha Xavier’s strength throughout the Rogue Lands since I was a pup. If anyone could protect me from the Sivika’s it would be him.”

“Do you know about the history between The Fire Pack and the Sivika Clan,” Strauss asked.

I was curious myself. Though Zarik is too young to know much about the war, it seems like an odd coincidence that he would find protection under me, in exchange for information about the very clan that had attempted to overthrow my family.

“Other than the occasional attack for food and supplies, like most rogue clans, what else could there be,” Zarik asked.

I could see the naivety in his eyes. Just like I thought, he’s too young to know about the battle.

“Could you draw a map of their base camp,” I asked.

“No. They don’t stay in the same spot for very long. Occasionally they will stay with an allied clan.”

Alpha looked up from the notes she was taking. “Do you know who they are allied with?”

Zarik thought for a moment. “I know the Tarik’s and the Graygor’s, but other than that I’m not sure. They have spies throughout the land, and they could be anyone. Some wolves will offer to spy for them in exchange for food and protection. It’s very hard for any wolf to make a move without the Sivika’s knowing about it. I’m very grateful to the Mandark’s. Without their help, I probably wouldn’t have survived till the Alpha Summit.”

We seemed to have most of the information we needed. Now it was time to ask the question I’ve been wanting to ask since I met him.

“Do you know what the Sivika’s are planing? Do they have any interests in attacking the Moon Kingdom or any of the six packs?”

Zarik shook his head. “No. When I was held captive, they put me in a box where I couldn’t hear or see what was going on around me.”

I could see the distant stare in his eyes, like he was reliving a memory. Zarik had been through so much. It seems he didn’t know anything.

“Does anyone have any further questions,” I asked and received head shakes.

I looked at Zarik. “Marvin has probably finished washing your clothes by now. Why don’t you get ready? We’ll be heading out in a bit.”

He nodded and left without a word, closing the door behind him.

I turned to look at everyone. “Do you think he’s telling the truth?”

Alpha spoke up first. “I do, but I think we’re missing some pieces of the story.”

“It doesn’t help that he knows little to no information about the Sivika’s. We don’t know what they look like, their names, location. Nothing,” Edgar said with a hint of annoyance.

“He looked traumatized. Something must have happened to him regarding the Sivika’s. You can’t fake that,” Strauss pointed out.

“That’s true.” I nodded.

“What if we spoke to the Mandark’s,” Alpha suggested. “If they’re against the Sivika’s they might be willing to talk to us and help us track them down.”

Edgar scowled at her. “You can’t trust a rogue. The second we get involved with them they’ll try to find a way to take advantage of us. You heard Zarik, they have spies everywhere. Word could get out that we’re looking for the Sivika’s, then it will be impossible to find them. Or they might plan an ambush.”

I sighed. “He’s right. As great as it would be to have an ally in the Rogue Lands, it would be impossible to trust them fully, and we can’t risk that.”

Alpha rolled her eyes. “Then how are we supposed to get more information? Our number one informant knows nothing!”

“We always find a way. Don’t worry, Alpha,” Strauss reassured her. He turned to me and handed over a folder of papers. “I spoke to the guards about the battle. Most of them don’t recall much, but I did get a list of the guards on duty and some battle strategies. Unfortunately, we lost many on our front lines, so that’s all the information I could get.”

I glanced over the papers, but they appeared to be the same as the notes Gamma Dave had written for me.

“I’ll take a closer look at these. Strauss, go to the archives and see if you can find anything on the Tarik’s and Graygor’s. Look into the Mandark Clan too. It’s unlikely, but something could be listed about the Sivika’s in their files. Edgar, ask your father if he’s heared of any of these clans and their association with the Sivika’s. We’ll meet after dinner.”

“Understood,” Edgar said and left.

“I’ll check the headquarter files as well,” Strauss offered.

I gave him a quick nod before he turned to leave.

I glanced over at Alpha who hadn’t said anything in while. Her brows were furrowed as she looked over several of the documents.

“You look puzzled.”

She sighed. “I’m just trying to piece everything together. There’s so many holes.” She looked up. “Is it possible some files were misplaced or burned during the fire? The Sivika’s are so notorious, it doesn’t make sense that so little is documented about them.”

“I agree, but the fire didn’t get to that part of the library. Everything we have is all that was written about them.”

Alpha huffed and continued to look over the papers. I could hear her groan in annoyance as she tapped her nails on the table. I couldn’t help, but snicker at her irritation.

“We’re working on a case that could be a threat to your life and you’re over there laughing?”

“You look so serious staring at your papers like everything will magically come. together and make sense.”

“I just want to find out what’s going on. It’s in my instincts as an Alpha.”

“Yes, but don’t overwork yourself.” I leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Let’s take your mind off of work.”

Alpha glanced down at my lips before returning her gaze to me. “What do you have in mind?”

I chuckled at her obvious assumption. “As tempting as that would be, we have an appointment with Edith. But we need to make a quick stop before we meet her.”

“Where are we going?”

 I gave her a sly smile. “I have a very important friend I’d like you to meet.”