Chapter Six

“I thought we could come to an arrangement, you and I, and stop this war altogether. You have something I want, and I have someone you want.”

What is this fruitcake talking about?

“You’re trying to tell me that this whole declaration of war could end with a simple exchange between us?” I scoff out a dry laugh. “Hell Duncan, we’re still not sure what this war is about.”

“There is a lot you do not understand, Raven. Just know this, right now, the fate of this war is in your hands.” Pretentious jackass.

Since I met him 8 years ago, I knew there was something wrong with him. My wolf took an instant dislike to him. I don’t believe I can see auroras, but what I can see coming off of him is not right. It’s dark and hangs heavy, making my skin crawl and hairs stand on end.

“What is it you want?” I’ll play his game.

“The Moonstone,” he says this with a serious face.

Laughter echoes off the surrounding trees as I bend in half, catching my breath. Oh shit. That’s a good one. With a deep inhale, I compose myself and stand straight. His eyes are shooting daggers at me as he stands stiffly. Sorry buddy, guess that wasn’t the response you wanted?

“Never,” a simple response to such a simple-minded request.

“I wouldn’t be so quick to say no, Raven,” he chastises me, “As I said, there is a lot you don’t know. Hell, about the outside world or even just about yourself. You and I are more similar than you could ever imagine.” His smile is smug as his eyes now gleam in triumph.

The tangy copper taste of blood fills my mouth as I bite my lip. I refuse to give him any satisfaction in knowing he’s piqued my interest.

He continues, “we won’t get into all of that right now, but I will give you this tidbit for free. You could say I have special abilities that made it almost too easy. No, they made it entirely too easy for me to gain an army.” He leans back against a tree, crossing his legs at his ankles and his arms across his chest. “Raven,” he calls louder, I know whatever he says next, he’s watching for my reaction. “Do you not question how your faithful and loyal mate could so easily disregard that sacred mate bond and his bond with his children?”

The pain from my lip keeps me in the present as I work hard to keep a neutral face because he damn well knows I question it.

“Well, I’ll tell you how I ranked higher with your mate. I didn’t give him a choice. That ability I mentioned comes from my father, who happened to be a witch-”

If he says anything more, I don’t hear it. My brain spins over his words as it all clicks into place. He’s a hybrid. Wolves are not immune to witch mind manipulations. In the past, packs would hire a witch to help protect them from other witches, but for many years now, it’s been hard to get a witch that will help the wolves. They’ve retreated into their own company.

“So you manipulated my mate’s mind and essentially have control of him. Is that what you are saying?” my wolf comes forward to join me and has my words coming out in a growl that vibrates through the air.

Relief pours through me as I exhale sharply. Now I understand why Rafe acted like a total baboon. He’s under Duncan’s control and probably doesn’t understand what is happening or what he’s doing. He didn’t leave me and the kids by choice. Damit, I knew something was off, I should have trusted my gut more. Nothing could willingly pull Rafe from our side.

“Exactly,” his smile grows as my eyes grow wider as the last puzzle piece falls into place. He said he had someone I want. This is his trade, freeing Rafe in exchange for the Moonstone.

My wolf lets out an outraged roar that has the trees shaking. He’s asking us to choose between our mate and our goddess.

‘No,’ I yell at my wolf when she tries to force a shift. ‘We can not attack him,’

‘I want to rip his throat out and bathe in his blood.’

‘Oh my goddess, that’s a bit much.’ I cringe at the images she sends me of us doing exactly that with her tongue hanging out in glee.

“I understand the enormity of what I am asking Raven. The Moonstone for your mate’s freedom. I will give you a few days to think it over and meet you back here. But understand this, Rafe is not the only one. The majority of my army is comprised of wolves that are manipulated. Do you know what it’s like to have your mind manipulated, Raven?” he doesn’t wait for me to answer as he continues with glee.

“No, I don’t suppose you do. Well, just imagine this: when you’re under mind manipulation, you don’t have any control or say if you’re told to do something. Oh, let’s say I told Rafe to attack you the next time he saw you. Guess what? He would. If I told one to kill themself, they would without a second thought.” Pushing off the tree, he stands to his full height. His hands rub together as he steps further into the clearing, closing the distance between us.

“You don’t want to find out what will happen if you fail at handing over this stone, Raven. Meet me back here at the same time in two days.” The firm, serious tone of his voice takes place of the false friendliness he’s spoken in this entire time.

“What makes you think I could even get the Moonstone for you?” I ask, curious about what he knows.

Tsking at me, “Raven, I know you can, because from my understanding that is your charge. Is it not your duty to protect that stone? Two days Raven, don’t fail Rafe now.”

A slip of my control lets my wolf take over. Shifting in mid-jump, she leaps forward, but with a sickly smile, Duncan disappears into what must be a portal before we can reach him.

Digging at the spot he just stood, we sit down and let out a mournful howl that lasts until the backup finally arrives. Nice, a little late guys. We will need to work on response timing, the thought flits across my mind.

I shift as they close in. “Wake the council members and tell them we need to meet,” I say before shifting yet again and running through the woods back to my house. Upset growls rumble in my chest the entire trip back. Not paying mind to any of the warriors or even Billy as I speed past.

My mind and heart are torn. If ever someone has been put between a rock and a hard place, this is it.