Darkmyth University

Chapter Eleven

Stephanie's POV

I felt as if I was waking up from a fog. After I finally mated with Zander I remembered Zander using his powers on me. I felt violated, betrayed, and used. I remember last night when I met a woman whom I still did not know the name of but, Zander had not used his power on her. I was not sure what I was going to do. Zander had no idea that after our mating that I would wake up from his memory wiping. I think I also reserved his power and him mine. I was able to control the weather but, I also know that he and I both became stronger once we had marked one another.

I cannot believe that Zander made me forget everything. I knew that he was not a good guy but, that was below the belt. Crystal was a big part of my life and Zander had taken that away from me. Zander was not worthy of me or my love but, he was my mate and now that we were bonded to one another it would hurt me for him to die. My mind was racing with all of this information and I did not know what to do about Zander. I needed help and I needed it now.

Marissa's POV

I walked into the hideout and I gaped at all of the people that were gathered there. There had to be at least forty people in the meeting area. This was going to be a bit harder than normal. I saw Stephanie hanging out in the back of the meeting area so; I went over to her and said, "You look lost."

"I met you last night but, you did not mention your name," Stephanie says with a raised brow.

"My name is Marissa. You seem to be looking for something."

"I am looking for a way out of here."

"Why would you need a way out?" I ask looking at Stephanie like she had lost her mind.

"It is a long story but, long story short is that I did not ask to be here," Stephanie says looking at the map on the wall.

I whisper, "Listen to me, Stephanie. Quinten asked me to be here. I am assuming that Zander used his power on you."

Stephanie continues to look at the map on the wall and says softly, "Zander did use his power on me but, he does not know that it no longer affects me now that we have marked one another."

"That may be something that we can use. Do you think that you could still pretend to not remember anything?"

"I can do it if it will get me away from Zander faster. I am so angry, heartbroken, and hurt that I could kill him myself."

"First we have to get word to Crystal and Quinten that you are all right and I have to figure out how many are here of their own volition. I also need to know what all of his people are able to do." I say while moving to another map.

"I will see what I can get out of Zander without him realizing that I know anything." Stephanie says while turning to see Zander enter, "Keep your guard up around some of these people. I think some of them can get into your mind." I nod as Stephanie goes to Zander's side. I smiled to myself knowing that it was good to have someone else here that could help. Quinten was not going to be happy about the fact that Stephanie was marked by Zander because that only meant one thing... Zander would have to live if they wanted to save Stephanie. Quinten may have a hard time deciding what to do once he knew this information.

Zander's POV

I watched as Stephanie talked with the new woman that we brought in last night. I liked the fact that Stephanie was trying to make friends. I wanted Stephanie to be a part of my plans; she was my mate after all. I had gone to visit my other members that were spread out over the Rocky Mountains. I had three other hideouts there and I needed to know how they were doing. I was actually thinking of placing this newcomer in charge of one of the hideouts. The woman was stronger than anyone that I had ever met and she seemed to dislike my father as much as I did. I would need to discuss this with Stephanie to see what she thought of the idea.

As Stephanie walked to my side I smiled and asked, "Do you like the new woman?"

"She seems dedicated to our cause, my darling. And her name is Marissa."

"I am glad that you got to know Marissa. I was thinking of putting her in charge of one of my other hideouts."

"You have more than this hideout my love?"

"Yes, sweetheart I do have more than this hideout. Let us talk after our meeting. I do not want that information to get out to everyone." I watch Stephanie nod, step slightly behind me as we step toward the middle of the meeting room, and I say to the masses, "Welcome friends. Make yourself at home. There are plenty of rooms for everyone. We will be meeting with others as we get closer to the time to attack. Please find your room, eat, and rest. We will meet in the morning to go over final plans." After I dismiss my minions, I grab Stephanie's hand and bring her back into our room. I ask, "What do you think of Marissa?"

"I think that Marissa is capable, intelligent, and knows what she wants."

"Good. I want to put Marissa in charge of one of my other hideouts. I am sorry that I have not told you about this sooner. The reason that I have two other hideouts is so that if someone were to find out about one then we have others that we can go to."

"And where exactly are the other two hideouts?"

"One is in the Rocky Mountains. Do you think Marissa would like to be in charge of one of our hideouts?"

"I do not know Marissa well enough to tell you that my love. I do know that Marissa seems to know what she wants. I think that Marissa will follow you because she wants to take down King Nicholas."

"That is wonderful. I think that we can trust Marissa."

"I think I am going to shower. Is there something that I can change into?"

"I took the liberty of having some clothes brought here for you. If you want anything else just let me know. Would you like me to join you in the shower sweetheart?"

"I think I need some time love. I would like to get cleaned up and a bit more presentable."

"Then take your time. There is a warmer in our sitting room. I will be making sure that everyone has settled in. I want to take you somewhere when you are ready."

"As you wish. I will come to find you once I am ready." I nod and leave the room.