"Another three wolves were found dead in the woods. With not even a single drop of blood left on their bodies and they are struck in the process of shifting. Upon further investigation, it was found that those wolves are part of the south pack which was also confirmed by their Alpha that one of the victims was their Beta." My beta flashed their pictures on the screen. All of them turned pale and has a two bite mark on their neck which plays a more important role in this case investigation.

I held my silence as i listened carefully sitting at the host of the table. The council's eyes all buried unto mine as my beta proceed to present the case. This is the third time that this happened and the fact that the culprit even kill a beta now appears that we cannot set this issue aside. We need to take this more cautiously and seriously because whomever is behind this, surely is a dangerous being.

"Because of the two bite marks found on the dead bodies, we suspected vampires to be responsible on these gruesome act. Since this is also the third time for this month, we already contacted the vampire clan and sent them a message to confirm this or deny. If they are found guilty, they will undergo our investigation and our punishment. If they didn't cooperate, the peace agreement will no longer be valid." Gabriel finishes off as he finally took his chair and glance over me.

"A war?" One of the council spoke with bold disagreement on his tone. "A war? Is that what you can suggest, huh Alpha?" he then added in a mocking tone. "So this is what kind of solution we can get from a young alpha- so immature!" he spat slamming himself back on his chair.

"We can't get into war! We can't risk the life of our women and cubs! This is the result of not having a Luna on your side. You're acting on impulse!" Another agreed with a much higher tone.

Which gradually gained murmurs and whispers of agreement. Gabriel, as my beta shot up on his seat apparently, cannot take their mocking tones so I shot him a quick smile and gesture him to calm down. I completely understand the council's predicament as to why they are being like this and all of their worries, in addition to that the fact that they are being lead by a thirty-three years old alpha is not something they would easily accept. I'm still young moreover the fact that I still don't have a mate on my side adds up to their fuss.

All eyes shifted on me as i straighten my body reciprocating their heated stares with more dominating and fiercer intensity. All of them submit and looked down. Though they are giving me a hard time I know none of them would dare to challenge me because even though I am young and immature to their eyes, I am still their Alpha.

"B-but alpha-"

"We can't get into war, I know that!" I muttered in a manner that could let them perceive that I am well aware of the intensity of consequences behind my decisions.

"But we also cannot just seat around in here and let them take us down one by one. We thoroughly consider this, we weight the cons and pros, I understand you and all your concerns but also consider the families at loss, we cannot let them not have the justice they deserve and live a life feeling unsecure. I am the alpha and I can't also let my pack left unprotected, I can't let the risk of growing a cub without a parent nor a wife without a husband on their side just because we cannot risk to fight for our pack" I muttered in my usually deep toned voice. "I know, you've been there in the time when they created the peace agreement but look at what's happening" I slapped my fist on the table. Jaw tightened in anger. "If found out and proved that they are the culprits behind this then it can't be helped. They are the first to break it anyway."

The council meeting adjourned and none of them spoke much after that. Most of them was bold in showing that aren't coinciding with me, i understand. But the other Alphas under my supervision understand my decision, we are all in to terms that we can't let those suckers kill our pack members picking up their choice like a a toy in an arcade game, not knowing who would be next. We must defend ourselves.

"Conrad" my beta tapped my shoulder eyeing me with so much concern. "I think you should take a rest, let me drive and just summon someone to pick up my car later." he suggested but apparently, i had other plans.

"I'm fine Gabriel aside from that, i have other errands to attend. So for now, all i need you to do is send some of our skilled men to go to other packs and alert them especially on south side since they'd lost their beta and tomorrow we will personally go there to console the victims because that's the least we could do." I instructed which though he's uncertain, he nod in agreement anyway.

I can't wait for the king of vampire clan to reply on our message. I need the answer now. This might be a very immature move to make by an Alpha like me yet at times like this, I can't help it but to act on impulse. I'm not up for sitting around and waiting that's not my forte.

All eyes was set on me as i walk down the halls filled with the smell of blood. It is indeed unusual for a wolf to enter a vampire lair but to my surprise, they did accepted me and even lead the way through the labyrinth in the foyer located in the middle of the castle when I asked to meet their king.

"Surprise visit eh?" The man in the middle spoke. To be honest, this is the first time that i would be meeting their king cause despite of the agreement, there's still a natural urge for each wolves to show our hostility towards vampires and same as them to us- it might be that it indeed runs in the blood that's why we tried so hard to learn how to coexist together, how to ignore the existence of each species to maintain the peace in the least.

"You are responsible for all the killings that happened in the south pack, aren't you?"

I muttered as I stepped inside to join him in the middle. Adrenaline was rushing inside my body as I tried to calm myself down.

"The young alpha." He snickered as he look at me. "No wonder you were able to get inside in my abode unscathed." he smiled which made my blood boil.

I've certainly got no clue on what is this guy was scheming but being the ruler of the vampire society for almost a thousand years? He didn't look the least as I ought him to be.

His youthful appearance is misleading yet the aura he was emitting is more of, demanding for everyone's submission. Definitely a ruler.

"Honestly, I'm not very particular in wolf's hospitality but, should i give you a welcoming drink in the least?" He suggested, walking around the mini table near the fountain with a cup on his hand.

He's playing around. My fist clench and unclench. How can someone be so calm as he is when the enemy is just in front of him, alert with the aim to kill and wouldn't even think twice to pounce and rip the living hell out of him.

"I don't care about your hospitality!" I spat boiling in irritation. "Now answer me, are you and your bloodsucking clan were responsible for all the killings in the south pack and the other cases?" I beared my fangs as i stalk near him dangerously, like a predator.

His lips twitch in a mocking grin which blown all the self control I'm trying so hard to maintain and sets me off. I charged half wolf-half human, bearing my fangs dangerously and pointing my claws right on his neck but for the brief moment I've gotten near him, something happened.

The minute our eyes met his intoxicating scent wafted on my nose almost driving me on the ledge. His eyes owning the hue of royal purple, sparkling under the vivid moonlight had me struck in amusement. How could someone be so cruel held stars so beautiful like this on his eyes? And his smell, it is a mixed scent of musk on the forest floor damped in the morning dew with mint and wild flowers. He's so addicting.

"If I were you, I would never do that" he grinned at me, leaning closer so our faces are deadly close- so close I could feel his breath on my face, so warm and comforting. "I'm not the ruler of this clan for nothing, pup."

I know he was saying something but I somehow lost tract on what he was talking about when my focus was snatched away by the movement of his lips. I'm lost in that moment until I was caught off guard by the blood that drips from the scrape on his neck, it seethed the moment it hits the ground like an acid ready to burn whatever it touch.

'MINE'

My wolf growled at the back of my mind as he huffed excitedly and that acts as a wake up call for me. My eyes widened at this sudden turn of table. Heart beating wildly, I immediately held a safe distance from him. What the heck? This can't be.

With an agonizing howl. I jumped far from this vicious vampire and run away all fours- as far as i can because this isn't right. We can't be!

I returned to the pack house, uneasy. I don't know if this is a good news or not, that i'd already found my mate but not in a much desirable situation. How could this be? Is the goddess playing around? No no! Conor maybe take all of this wrong and got confused.

But Conor didn't give me a peaceful ride or even a single peace of mind. He's been very giddy, clawing inside my head and pushing himself on the surface. He's been battling the control with me- he wanted to jump the vampire and ravish him till his lips was swollen and plump. He is no way to be confused. I gritted my teeth.

I need to brush off that idea. I can't let Conor and that vampire drives off my sanity. I need to keep my mind at its rational and sane state.

Three knocks had break off my thoughts. I attended to the door and my mom entered my office wearing her warm smile with sadness in it.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" I asked assisting her to the couch. "Is there any problems?" i wondered.

"I know what happened" she started reaching for my face as she caress me with gentle care. "I know what the council have told you but Conrad, I wanted to tell you that even you don't have your mate on your side you've been doing great. Trust me son, we will not wish for another Alpha but you."

My wolf scoffed at my mind as i saw his grumpy face trying to mimicked a sheepish grin. He's so persistent he really wanted the vampire so much. I didn't say anything but stare at my mother nonetheless.

-

Edited ❤️

Conor was restless that night and so was I. He was howling and wailing inside my head, begging to take over. The pull of the alpha bond towards our mate is no joke. And the fact that we took years and years to find him makes it much stronger. It hurts so much to deny the bond and the current crisis involving the pack's security is adding more pressure on us.

The next morning, we prepared early to travel towards the south pack. I'm so exhausted and Gabriel somehow noticed how restless i am, he suggested to bring along one of our men to drive so that I could take an hour or so of rest along the journey and due to my undeniably exhausted mind and body, i agreed to it.

I've been in piles of needles and thorns since this case started so it is very difficult for me to get some sleep from then and last night is my last straw. I didn't even get a wink of rest due to Cornor restlessness.

"You don't look so fine Con" he muttered in a stern voice.

"Yeah, Conor's being so peachy" I remarked but the prick at fault is currently resting like a baby.

I leaned my forehead on my right arm then closed my eyes. Honestly, a nap sounds very interesting to me right now. As I get lulled deeper into the deepness of my sleep, from the darkness a pair of vivid purple eyes began gazing back at me. It was staring softly and lovingly over me that I can't help but get swayed by those bewitching pair of orbs.

'MATE!'

'MATE'

'MATE'

'MATE'

"ALPHA!"

Immediately, my eyes shot open, seeing the limp body of our soldier, lying pale and breathless- dead. The knot in my gut twisted even more when i wasn't able to find Gabriel where he was sitting. For a moment, I lost it till I noticed him standing outside fighting someone and that's when I snapped.

"Dang!" I cussed jumping instantly to attend in the situation. An ambush? Like seriously? I slammed the head of one of my attackers in the hood of our car then snap the neck of the next, blood was dripping from my clawed hand as I stalked cautiously.

Gabriel let out a loud howl to alert the pack nearby. And not so long after, help was coming from all directions. Good thing we are confronted in a place where some small packs are nearby. All the attackers who's still alive immediately flew away which Mike had already has wolves chasing after.

"Alpha, we've captured one of them but he clawed his head then snap his neck. It killed its own."

I give a slight nod to Mike, he's the alpha from the east pack. Everything was jumbling inside my head like a mess and I'm furious from the fact that we lost another soul and I wasn't able to do anything just because I was taking a damn nap tsk!

"Ok thank you mike." I tapped his shoulder then walk towards my beta who'd just finished talking to someone on his phone.

As I thought everything over, I realized that this attack isn't just an ambush to kill us but to instill their threat that they are not afraid to die. My jaw tightened from that thought. Someone behind this is surely sick in the head, sending spawn like that can only be done by some psycho who really do lost its mind and humanity.

"Conrad, I think it is better to just go back on our pack house. You look far worse now. Let's just pay the south pack visit some other time." Gab suggested. I wanted to disagree and proceed to the plan but my body was now a mess and so as my mind. I can't even think well right on my current state so with no other choice on hand, I agreed to his suggestion.

When we're almost back, my wolf turns agitated. Conor's clawing on my mind, fighting for dominance. He wants us to get out of the car and as soon as i did. The air was filled with familiar scent of mint and wild flowers. The musky and comforting scent of forrest floor had my heart jolted erratically. Conor started screaming again inside my head and it hurts so much. I'm almost at my limit.

'Mate'

I bared my fangs, growling. I know exactly who he is, standing outside our boundary. This is too much!

"What are you doing here?" I gritted in a half human- half wolf voice. This is not the situation I expect to get when I get home but this is what I've got and this whole thing is pushing me on my limit before blowing off. So today isn't a very good day huh.

I can see Conor's victory grin as we stare at this vampire smiling so brightly on us. He was acting nonchalantly as usual as if things like going on the enemy's side doesn't bother him in the least.

"Wow, I can clearly say that you, ware wolves doesn't carry much of a hospitality eh?" He muttered in a cheeky grin. "Aren't you supposed to invite me for a coffee or even inside at least?"

Gabriel's confusion was rolling around his face but he still choose not to say any inquiry nonetheless. When i didn't move, the vampire cleared his throat then showed us the letter we sent him the other day. I tried my hardest to calm down especially Conor who's trying so hard to win our control. I'm not up for any more complications so I'm putting more effort on keeping Conor at bay.

"I'm here to attend to the letter you sent the other day. Alpha, shall we take this in a closed door conversation?" And he's back on his authoritative voice. I shot a quiet glance to my beta nudging my head, signaling him to continue driving inside the pack house. I'm tired to argue so might as well finish this right here right now.

Black BMW's followed our track. There are three of them to be exact and i don't smell anything good coming from this. Wolves are very much hostile when it comes to them.

"Conrad are they-"

"Yeah and that *** was their king" I spat.

"ooh.. seems like you're holding so much grudge towards the guy" he snickered.

I almost slap him on his head but i remember that he's driving. Gabriel was my beta that's for a fact but he's also my best friend since bud. That's why he could sense my distress even from a thousand miles.

"But Conrad, before we put them into sentence why don't we hear their side first? This matter is no joke and we can't just point the blame in their clan and declare war against them. This is not something we should act impulsively" Gabriel muttered. "Cause honestly, the way you're acting just now, you are already deciding to condemn them with no solid proof."

I held my silence after that or just as until we get back. Pondered things hard and tried my hardest to look in this situation maturely. Gab's right. Maybe I'm letting my stress and emotion drives the worse out of me. I must think straight this time and don't let personal issues tampered my sense of reasoning.

Once we finally arrived, Gabriel was meet by his mate, she clung into him like a child but the following cars was set every pack members to into halt. I could feel the bold distress of each members as they realize who we brought inside our boundary.

"Everyone, they are the representative from vampire clan and they are here to attend to the situation we're currently having right now." I announced to calm down their fuss which only helped a little. Having vampires for the first time is quiet a hard experience. Some of them are baring their fangs and some are ready to attack.

❤️

The whole time, i could feel the intense stare of him on mine. I wonder if he's now aware of the pull from our bond and somehow I was hoping that he's not. As they set the AV up, i sat quietly at the foot of the long table where I usually siton, carefully observing each move I could caught with my eyes. We're sitting in the conference room with my beta and some of the council members who are here by the time.

"I would start by introducing myself, Alpha." he muttered in courtesy as he stared directly at my eyes. "I am Arkyn Aleto, the reigning ruler of the vampire clan and i am here to prove that my clan is not holding any responsibility in that gruesome act." he pleaded.

The confidence emitting on him was so fascinating and the way he said everything while staring to anything but me made Conor in complete bliss. Well, partly me too.

"As soon as I receive this letter and of course a little visit from a friend" he paused for a moment making my face warm and a blush crept on my face unknowingly but I immediately conceal it with a cough, he then proceeded. "We conducted our own investigation on the recent occurrence you mentioned and so as the past two from this month, we even include the one this morning. And this is what we found" He flashed several pictures of vampires that seemed to be out of their mind. There are also wolves on the same state. There eyes beaming nothing but sheer viciousness and thirst to do nothing but kill. "Rogues are the one behind all of these fuss. They are on killing spree and their reasons is hasn't been found yet"

"In the investigation, it is clear that both vampire and werewolf rogues had joint forces in doing this act and the fact that the Rogues shouldn't have this kind of reasoning is still a mystery and a bother to me."

So that's why some of them appears to be out of their minds. I'm trying to look at the bigger picture in a more distinct detail but, even how much I try I still can't really come up to any conclusion. So his clan really had nothing to do with all of this? Then, who's behind this?

His fact about Rogues are true. They shouldn't be posessing this kind of thinking cause first of all, they'd already lost their mind since the day they turned one.

"This matter is also undeniably alarming on our part so, I suggest that we should work together to solve this matter and catch the culprit, since rogue or not some vampires are still involved" he suggested the idea as if this doesn't bother him at all.

Conor threw a party inside our brain beaming me his victory grin, our mate was off the loop but there is still things we should solve first. What Arkyn announced had created lots of fuss especially from the council members whom greatly shown their disagreement. It isn't a surprise that they are showing this bold dispute towards them. Though we are under peace agreement we're still in the influence of cold war so they can't just take his idea so easily.

"What? We can't let vampires put their hand on our business." One of the council member finally spoke which gather several whispered agreement from the rest.

"This is a wolf's business and they had nothing to do with this." Another one added. "Now you've proven yourselves not guilty might as well leave and pretend as if none of this happens." he also added through gritted teeth.

I keep my silence as i listen to their predicament. Some are now baring their fangs and most of the vampires are on high alert, ready for the worst thing that might happen. I'm trying to weight the cons and the pros of everything, the advantages and disadvantages but i still need to consider the say of my pack members since they are the one who'll greatly bare my decision.

"Silence" I growled lowly when things are starting to fire up. All eyes we're set on me as I stood on my ground, towering the distress crowd with my authority. Almost everyone shifted their gazes down but not Arkyn, not my-- dang! What am I thinking? The feverish hunger to jump on him was surging like waves crashing on me but i can't let myself go with it. Even how much I wanted to let myself dive in, I just can't. We are apparently from different world.

"King Arkyn, we would certainly put your idea into consideration. But as for now give my pack some time. I bet you are well aware what's going on between our races for so long, we can't just instantly change that. I hope you understand my situation "

I expect that turning him down would upset him but all he does was stood from his seat, towered most of the council members with his power and authority then smiled at me. It was so warm that i almost melt right to where I was standing causing to wake up the carnal cravings inside me.

'Mate'

'Mate'

'Mate'

Conor started screaming again and it hurts. I felt my head losing its weight. I'm well aware of how Conor is feeling. This dilemma is so much for him- so much that instead of spending time with the embrace of our mate, I'm rather fighting the bond pulling away with same intensity as it was pulling us near. It's suffocating. Arkyn's lips moved as if he was saying something, apparently biding his goodbye but i cannot understand any of it now and the next thing i knew, i am falling into an abyss of infinite darkness.

-

❤️