Hate to Love

16

Julian

It had been a real challenge not to look at Alice in the office when the only thing I wanted, was to make her mine. Today was just not our day. First interrupted in the kitchen and now... I could feel her confusion through the bond so I knew that it was not the right time to try and make a move. I would need to let her come to me.

We walked to the cells in total silence. I hoped that the rogue could give us some lead otherwise, I did not know where to go from here.

"Thank you." Alice said, making me pause to look at her.

Her blue eyes were shining in the moonlight as she locked gaze with me. She was smiling and it made my heart skip a beat. Only she could do that to me. I nodded and held out my hand for her to take. She hesitated for a second before taking it.

"Anytime." I said softly.

The rogue was howling as we entered the cells, making me frown. Of course he would not make things easy for us. It was a long day and I was tired, all I wanted right now was to go to bed with my mate and pass out but no. I had to deal with a smartass rogue who thought he would get his way with us.

"Shut it." I growled as we went closer to the cell.

"Make me." The rogue growled back.

I was about to when Alice grabbed me by the arm and shook her head. I did not want to cool down but she was right, I could not just beat the answers out of him. Too bad.

"We have a few questions for you first." Alice said, standing next to me.

"What makes you think that I will answer your questions, b***h?" The rogue snapped.

I did not even have the time to move that Alice had punched him in the face. I looked at Jasper and even he did not have the time to see it coming but the blood on the rogue's lip was proof enough that my mate had struck.

"Say that again, and I'll break a finger next." She growled.

The rogue did not answer because he was as shocked as we were. I knew Alice was fast but, damn she was deadly.

"Calm down." Jasper said. "He just wants to get to you. Nice move though."

"I would never let anyone talk to me like that." She said.

That was the understatement of the year. I walked closer to the rogue and he threw a nervous look my way. He was more scared of Alice now than of any of us. That worked in my favour for once.

"I can keep my mate off of you if you answer the questions." I said calmly.

"She's your mate?" He asked, his eyes widening. "She's nice looking but it ain't worth it. She could kill you."

"Believe me, she tried." I smiled.

"Crazy Pack wolves..." He said but his eyes showed some respect now.

"Have you seen this wolf before?" I asked, showing him a picture of Javier on my phone.

The rogue seemed to consider and he finally nodded. I did not let him see how happy that made me. If he had seen Javier, maybe he could lead us to Charles.

"Yes, I saw that rogue before. He was not alone though, had five others with him. They never mingled with us but I know where they were going. Is he one of yours?"

"No he's not." I answered, shaking my head. "He might be with one of our rogues. Can you tell us where they were going?"

"That won't be cheap." The rogue smirked. "We don't usually betray one another to Pack wolves."

I arched a brow. Did he really think that he was in a position to play it tough? I took a step back and the rogue narrowed his eyes at me.

"Alice?" I said.

"Yes?" She asked.

The rogue's eyes went wide and showed more white, like a horse ready to bolt. He was scared of our little Alice, no doubt about it.

"He wants something in return for the information." I said, smiling.

"Don't we have a greedy rogue." She chuckled. "Do you want me to deliver?"

"No!" The rogue yelled. "Not her! I'll talk."

"Go ahead then." I smirked.

"They were going to see a wolf that works as a Royal Guard, said it was important. That's all I know, I swear." He squeaked.

"Where did you see them?" I asked.

"Not so far from here! But it was some time ago so they're probably gone to see their guy." He said.

"Thank you."

I went back to Jasper and Alice and closed the door behind me.

"Do you want to keep him here?" I asked Jasper.

"We don't really have any use for him but if he was useful to you, I guess we can send him back to the forest." Jasper shrugged.

"We'll have to check this first." I said.

"Now, will you two tell me what this is all about?" Jasper frowned as he looked between us.

"Not here." Alice said. "Let's go to your office."

We all left the cells to go back to Jasper's office. I took Alice's hand in mine and gave it a squeeze. This must be hard on her and she might wonder if her brother was there, so close but out of her reach. She squeezed my hand back and I wanted more but that would do for now.

Jasper closed the door behind us and we all sat on the couch. That would be easier to talk and we had a direct view on the door if someone decided to stop by.

"What's going on?" Jasper asked.

"We reopened Charles' case." I explained. "We found out that he had been in contact with a wolf speciliased in IT from another Pack before he disappeared. I called their Beta and he told me the guy was a rogue now. It was a long shot but I thought that maybe other rogues could have seen them. Turns out we were right and we might even know where they are now."

"What would they do with the Royal Guards?" Jasper asked. "And why didn't you tell me sooner what you were doing?"

I looked at Alice. I did not really want to tell Jasper about our deal but, the decision was hers. I would stand by her side, whatever she decided.