Chapter 5

Kayden's POV

“The sentinels will take over from here, Reagan. This would be our last shift for tonight.”

Reagan my closest companion nodded in agreement to what I had just said. Then we left for the path that led to the small pub at the end of the woods towards the path that led to the city.

We took a much more secluded path out of the Crescent Moon Pack to avoid being seen by the others. Shifting to fur, we navigated the woods on sync, stopping to change only when we saw the pub in sight. Carrying the duffle bags that had our clothes between our jaws, we let it down, shifting back to skin and putting out clothes on.

Pulling the glass doors open, we walked into the pub and several wary glances was sent in our direction. Some shifters, others human. I was already used to the scrutiny of others and didn't give two fucks if they thought I wasn't where I had to be.

Leaving my pack behind to stick to the humiliation I got from the Crescent Moon Pack was something I had to do for the sake of my people.

From where I stood, I could already see Fenris with a warm smile on his face, signaling Reagan to part ways with me for now. He didn't bother to ask questions, mingling with the crowd when he ordered a mug of beer, already leading a woman to the far end of the room.

“Kayden,” Fenris bowed when he rushed to his feet while I motioned my hands to dismiss his public display of respect.

“Fenris, please, sit.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

I rolled my eyes at him, knowing fully well that no matter how I tried to make him drop his title for me, he wouldn't. Here I was, struggling to keep my identity a secret but he was going to blow it all up at any minute if he kept up that way.

“I came as fast as I could when I got your message.”

A small hum rumbled through my chest when I recalled the events that had led to calling him over on such short notice. But I was too enraged to wait till our next meeting date to speak with him. Long story short,

“I have found my mate.”

His eyes widened in bewilderment, “That is such a delightful news! The pack would be so excited to hear this,”

Delightful indeed! There was nothing delightful about having Leia as mate. To her, I was merely an underdog unworthy of her time and affection, I wondered if the Moon goddess got the mating pair right.

“Save your excitements, she hates me. Turns out my mate is the next alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack and she hates me. At the winter solstice, she told everyone who cared to listen how much of a pain in the arse I was to her.”

He suddenly burst into a bout of laughter, finding my misery amusing. He leaned forward, slapping his shoulders lightly.

“I doubt any she-wolf would be able to resist having you as their mate but okay, she's a feisty one then.”

I signaled the bartender to order a glass of beer, chugging down the contents in on large gulps. Leia was unlike any she-wolf I had ever seen; so ambitious, ruthless and stubborn.

“Not just feisty. She's one scheming little brat. Had her parents switch me and Kieran for each other. She's going to take her sister's mate instead and make me take her sister in exchange.

“What?!” he sputtered, nearly choking on the frothy contents in his glass. “That is unheard of! Who trades mates like they're some disposable stuff?!”

Well, apparently, Leia did. She'd found me pretty annoying since the moment we had found our connection, she hated me and I also did not take very likely to her behavior. She was the alpha and she did her best at letting everyone know she was. Not stopping at taking what belonged to others by whatever means possible, I wondered what trick she used in getting Kieran from Renna.

“She doesn't care about a mate bond and whatnots. If it doesn't favor her cause, then it's disposable.”

“But why would they throw a mere maid at you? What are you supposed to do with her? Have her clean her way into your heart?”

My wolf and I did not take very lightly to his words because instantly, he had lurched into my eyes and they glowed crimson with flecks of ember in them. Growls vibrated through my chest when my aura surged through me, radiating through the air and hitting Fenris. He squirmed from the excruciating pain.

“Do not speak of Renna that way. She's more than a maid, she's my savior and I owe her my life.”

He groaned, tilting his neck to show submission as he huffed. “Alright, alright! I'm.... I'm sorry!”

I scowled, muttering a scoff when I withdrew my alpha aura he let out a sigh of relief, tilting his head back to catch his breath.

“I apologize for my words. I do not know you feel an attachment to the maid.”

“It is fine. But do not speak of her that way anymore.”

He nodded, raising his hands up in submission. He couldn't understand why I felt so worked up from his way of addressing Renna, and honestly, I had no idea why I suddenly felt the need to protect her.

“You called her your savior. How did she save you?” he wore a puzzled look on his face and he stared at me expectantly while I tried to work out an explanation.

“A week ago, I got into trouble with the wolf I worked under. My identity as the alpha almost got revealed so I had to take the punishment. She gave me her blood to heal me in her weakened state without asking for anything in return. So, I owe her my life.”

This time, I could see understanding shrouding his countenance when he realized my words. He sighed, raking his fingers through his hair,

“Okay. I understand that she did some good but she's still Donovan's child. There is no good in the Crimson Moon Pack, all that remains is spite and evil. Do not forget why you have to endure this humiliation and suffering in the first place.

I nodded, my expression shifted when I suddenly recalled the reason why I had been here, “I won't forget. I made an oath and I'll stick to it. But in the mean time, did you bring what I asked you to?”

He nodded, dipping his hands into his back pocket to pull out a small gourd, “Why exactly do you need this and who is it for?”

“Do not burden yourself with that.” I snatched it from him, tucking it safely into my pocket as fast as I could.

He shrugged raising his hand nonchalantly, “Fine, but

he careful. You know how to use that, don't you?”

Now it was my turn to nod.