Page 287 of Alpha Mates

I glance pointedly at the window right beside him, but he doesn’t even blink.

“We’re done,” I confirm, and Aiden’s fist pumps up into the air. “Unless you have any updates on those rogue sightings. I know you spoke with Emitt before we came here.”

Aiden halts his celebrations, and I watch as he seems to contemplate whether he should lie to claim his freedom, even if it’s at the cost of his pack.

“Aiden,” I warn.

“Yeah, yeah. I was just thinking about it,” he grumbles as he sits up. At the flip of a switch, the playful imp I know fades as the alpha takes his place. “Emitt got in contact with the alpha of the Moon’s Shadow Pack. They’ve seen more rogues over the last six months than they ever have before.”

“So, something’s up,” I conclude as cold unease settles in the pit of my stomach.

“Yeah, and it’s not just here,” he continues, his face a grim set of lines. “Emitt contacted every pack this side of the country that was willing to speak to him. They’re all seeing the same thing. More rogues.”

“You think they’re planning an attack?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

“What else would they be doing?” he replies as his grimace deepens. “Rogues don’t travel in packs. And they sure as hell don’t stay sane long enough to strategize. Then there’s the all-powerful witch syphoning from them … Something’s up, and it’s too big for someone not to be behind it.”

I eye Aiden, not sure of what to say, especially not when he has that look in his eyes.

“Aiden,” I say softly as I stretch out a hand. He flinches away, blinking quickly before he returns to me. He takes my hand, and I immediately slide the other around them both.

“They’re not attacking us,” I say, just stating the fact. “They’re all moving in one direction, right? Maybe they’re headed towards something.”

A safe haven, some place where rogues could be alone without the threat of pack attacks. But not all wolves want peace. I knew that now. Still, Aiden nods dully, and those harsh lines deepen as he peers at our hands.

“It could be him,” he whispers after a long moment. “It could be.”

I don’t ask who. I don’t need to.

“He’s the only one I’ve ever known to lead other rogues,” he continues while his heart hammers in his chest. “It would make sense.”

“It might be him,” I admit carefully, but I don’t want to scare him. “But it also might not.”

Aiden’s eyes dart between mine, and there’s so much fear there that it breaks my heart.

He’s like a cornered animal, ready for a fight. No, hewantsone, especially if it really is his ghost.

“If it is him,” I say, drawing a steady breath, “then we need to prepare for a fight. A big one. We’ll need to notify other packs, and the Council. The more support we have, the better.”

“You would …” Aiden barely whispers the words before stopping, like he doesn’t know what to say.

“You’re not doing this alone,” I state. Fat chance. “And if it is him, then we’re not stopping until he’s dead.”

Aiden unravels before my eyes as the tension binding him dissipates. He nods, fingers relaxing under mine, and I smile for him. I don’t necessarily like violence, but I understand it as a necessary evil and a tool I wouldn’t hesitate to use for my mate.

“Is this all okay for you?” he asks suddenly, brows drawn. “Will you be alright?”

I tilt my head, thrown by the sudden turn. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“They … they took Oliver,” he says cautiously.

His name from Aiden’s lips makes my hands slacken around his as the blood drains from my face. I sit up, but Aiden is quick to squeeze my hands, grounding me the same way I had for him.

“I know it’s not the same,” he says quickly, “but it’s rogues, and I don’t know. I just wanted to check if—”

“If I’m afraid of them?” I hazard, and the way he winces tells me that’s exactly what he was getting at. “That’s why you think I don’t support killing them.”

Aiden’s lips part, eyes wide with fear, but this time, it’s for me as he waits for my reaction. It’s almost cute watching him panic at the mere possibility that I might be offended.