Rogue In The Kingdom

2. The way it is

When I walked in only a few glanced my way. I noticed some looked worried, some were tense and a couple looked bored. I took off my jacket and hung it up while I began to listen.

"-that the Royal Council held today in light of these events." A smooth male voice that sounded like a human news anchor, came from the television. I moved behind the group gathered and those that were in my way moved aside, crouched lower, or were tugged out of my line of vision so I had a clear veiw of the television. They did this out of habit though I had never requested this behavior in the first place and as usual I bit my tongue to keep from yelling at them for it.

"We are concerned but we are aware that there will be a lock down across territories to protect from more innocent blood being spilled."

Many in the room gasped some scoffed and a few whispered in question as to what it meant.

"I'm assuming there was an attack." I stated to the room. I too was wondering what the hell caused this. But I wasn't surprised.

"Multiple territories in the west had rogue attacks." Evan replied to me. His voice strong and clear. He always kept his hair clean cut along with the rest of himself except his clothing, though they are clean, they are torn in places and stained but he wears it well.

Our relationship is of mutual respect and a tad bit of fear on his end at times. He seems to have dedicated himself to sticking with me for the past 2 1/2 years. I didn't mind, he helped more than hindered. "The attacks were on anyone they could get to. Including children." he finished.

I clenched my jaw. The newsman on the screen recived more papers. "I have just recived news that we are in fact enforcing a lockdown." The screen immediately switched to blue with red lettering. The television let out some low tones and the words lock down in red scrolled across the screen. Then it changed again to a room with a long table. Men sat around the table and I recognized a few. This is the Royal Council and sure enough the King sat at the very head of the large rectangular table.

I had never seen the king in person but he seemed to be everything a shifter King would be. Large, strong, all business like, unmoving... he looked like someone who never bowed a day in his life... not just because he was royalty but by his features.

"We have decided upon unanimous vote to enforce lockdown of all territories." His voice confident and sure. He silenced and grabbed everyone's attention even through the television. "In the past 48 hours multiple packs have reported vicious attacks to their territories and people. In response I have distributed some warriors to assist in protection. We are doing what we can to help prevent more damage coming from these attacks. We are investigating who is behind these rogue attacks during this lock down. We would like to remind the you all of the laws attached to lockdown." He then began to read from the papers in front of him. "Rogues are to find a place and stay put. All trails will be shut down for the duration of the lockdown. Any attempt to travel through territories will result in immediate arrest by Royal council and will be put to trial. All tags are to be worn 24 hours a day 7days per week, this includes those of any pack status, until lockdown is lifted. Negligence of the Law will not excuse you from the Law. Any law breaking will result in punishment. Thank you for your patience, while we investigate the reason behind these attacks." He shuffled the papers I front of him and nodded to, I'm assuming, the camera person. The screen went back to the news guy and discussion began about the recent interruption.

"What does that mean?" Minnie asked hesitantly, breaking the silence.

Even spoke up from next to me. "It means we're going to be on high alert for alittle while that's all." I felt him look to me and I sighed. Knodding as I turned around to the kitchen.

"I want a 24hr rotation up. No one enters or exists without someone knowing. Just set up a chair outside the door. Tell the person on duty where you are going and when you'll be back." as I spoke I started making myself a turky sandwich. "We are going to hang tight and lay low." So much for doing a job.

Evan organized a rotation, while I ate. We had to do this a couple times when we first came and I noticed some of the pack members around the area. Both packs had given us letters from the Alpha's, acknowledging our presence and warning us to not cause trouble. We replied kindly, that we meant no harm, but we were camping out in the city. We didn't hear anything back but my letter didn't really leave room for much of a reply.

"Here's a copy of the rotation." Evan said as he put the list next to my plate.

I knoded with a face full of food.

"So... When are we going?" Evan asked.

Could I not get a moment to eat? Its not like I enjoyed eating sandwitches but it was easy to keep a stock of the things required to make them and it was relatively healthy.

"We're not." Taking a sip of water I glanced at him when I felt him staring at me.

Before I could ask- "You're kidding right?" Vera walked over. Vera, much like Evan, has been with me a while. She's a strong Omega and fought well.

The three of us have done jobs together and seperate. Somehow we always ran into eachother throughout the few years and it seems they have now dedicated themselves to being by my side.

Truth be told I enjoyed their company. I found it easy to trust them and though I never blatenly showed it I consider them my friends.

"I dont want to draw attention. Minnie is only 15 and the others arent much older. Its best to lay low and let thoes in power do what they need to." They themselves were only 19 and 20. After what happend last year I wasn't willing to risk anyone else's life getting involved in matteres that were none of my business.

My life was one thing but they were practically kids still and if I could provide a sliver of protection and teach them how to survive on their own they may have some chance at a hassle free life.

Vera let out a breath and rolled her eyes heading towards the fridge. "And so we just sit here while they decide that all rogues should be hunted down because were too 'dangerous' and 'pose a risk' for the life of wolves."

"Now your just being drammatic." Evan said.

"Well they have done some questonable things before." Vera mumbled.

I had to agree that they had in fact done some questinable things, but so have we. Only difference was we did it in the name of suvival. Each of us coming from different yet similar backgrounds. The similariity being an outcast.

"True, but your senerio is unlikely."Evan stated and Vera shruged in respose to him.

Finnishing my food I got up to wash my plate.

Through the night most rogues that had come here decided to leave.

As rogues not everyone would listen and they are not my responsibility. If they get arrested it's on them. At one time I would have done the same.

The only thing I required when they came through here for some shelter was that they contribute equally or leave. If they wanted to cause an issue I'd make them leave.

By the time midnight came around all that's left is Evan, Vera, Minnie, and myself.

I found Minnie a few months ago. She had been captured and I helped her escape. Since then I took her under my wing and it didn't take long for Evan and Vera to accept her either. We would collectively train with her and teach her how to live on her own.

Though at times there is only so much you can do. Minnie is a Gamma, no matter how much she dug into her potential that is her rank. There is nothing wrong with it of course. I'm a major advocate for natural order and everyone has a place and a job to do that is just as important as the Alpha position.

Out here though being the 'weakest' rank did not blow over well usually.

So we did what we could to help her to know how to defend herself and it was better than nothing.

"Well I guess we will do long shifts. Keep the door locked and stay inside. The person on watch can do it from the kitchen and livingroom just stay awake." I told them.

"Alright I'll take the first shift." Vera said. I knoded and we each headed to our rooms we no longer needed to share, to get some rest for the day to come... I'm not sure any of us were remotely even ready for tomorrow though.