Ch 4

Xion's pov

Eden was currently sitting in the private dining room under guard while mother and I stepped out to greet my brother and discuss the situation. Xane came strolling out of the woods while buttoning a pair of dark denim jeans.

"What the hell is going on, brother? Who was that?" He asked dropping a kiss on mother's cheek and giving her a quick hug.

"Language." Mother chastised.

"I don't know. The human isn't surfacing and all packs are claiming no knowledge of her. She did however awaken the entire pack with a panic attack early this morning. Mother says she's an empath." I replied.

"Is she dangerous? If she's a rogue then why are you allowing her to roam about the house?" He snarled looking up at the window that was in the dining room. I looked up in time to see a head of raven black steak away from the window. Suddenly, the air felt thick with anxiety and panic.

"Xion, son, you need to go calm her down. I'll explain things here." Mother said touching my arm. I tore my eyes from the window to look at mother for a moment before heading inside. I could hear her yelling and bolted up the stairs as fast as I could.

Eden's pov

"Mercy, you should wake up. You would love it here. Its like magic." I mentally begged my human half again for the thousandth time. I had already finished my second plate when voices outside drew me to the window. Looking down, I saw the nice lady and the alpha speaking to.... the alpha. I swallowed hard and rubbed my eyes before looking again. This time the first one turned to look at me. I backed away so quickly I tripped and fell on my butt.

Standing I darted to the door. I had to get away. This place was magic indeed. I knew that demons were real and they're evil. I, however, did not know that they could look like heaven.

"Stay where you are. By the order of the alpha, you are not to leave this room." The guards said after I threw the door open. Panic clawing away in my chest. I had to leave. I needed to get away.

"I need to leave. I need to run!" I said trying to get past them.

"Go back to the room!" One guard said shoving me gently back.

"No! I need-" The words died in my throat when the alpha appeared at the top of the stairs before me.

"Go back, little wolf." He said gently, showing his hands in surrender. I shook my head, fear coursing through my veins. "Go back."

The air around changed as a simple request was repeated as an order. At first I held my own but the order pressed into me like knives. His eyes flashed, first with amusement, then curiosity. Finally, I broke and made my way back to the room. Once inside I took a deep inhale. Refusing the order stole even my breath. The alpha followed me in and shut the door.

"I need to leave. I need to run. I beg, please." I stated looking at the alpha.

"Answer my questions, and I'll let you go." He sighed.

"Okay, if I may leave, I'll tell you." I said sitting down and he followed.

"Where are you from?"

"A human town to the south. Almost a week run from here."

"Why did you come here?"

Human family hurt Mercy. We ran to live. My instincts said the north was safe. They lied."

"Are you afraid of me?"

"Yes."

Do you believe i will hurt you?" His question confused me. Did that matter? I looked at him for a moment. Broad shoulders, tattoo on the middle of his throat, forest green eyes and I knew the answer.

"No."

"What will it take to wake your human?"

"I don't know. True safety. Our mate. We will be safe with our mate." I answered. I expected more questions. Instead, he sat for a moment looking at me.

"You are free to leave." He said standing. "Come, I'll escort you to the edge of our lands."

I blinked and took a moment to realize he was heading for the door. The sprawling mansion around me was a blur as I followed him throughout until we reached a set of French glass doors. He opened them and continued through a large backyard with a huge pool, swing set, an industrial meat smoker, two large trees with tree houses, a gazebo, and a medium sized greenhouse. We kept waking deep into the woods surrounding the yard. It seemed as though we walked for about an hour before he stopped abruptly.

"Walk two more miles that way and you'll be able to shift. Goodbye, little wolf, and good luck. " He said looking slightly disappointed. Though the walk had been quiet, I was secretly sad it was over.

"Thank you, sir alpha." I thanked him and turned to leave.

"My name is Xion." He whispered. I stopped moving for a split second and then ran in the direction he had said. I could feel the order to be human loosening with every step. So close to freedom when a giant black wolf with red eyes appeared in front of me so fast I slammed into him. I stumbled back, tripping over a tree root and almost fell when someone caught me.

"Xion? I thought you said I was free?" I questioned until I saw his eyes. They were a mix between honey brown and forest green.

"Let her go." Xion growled bursting through the trees. For a moment I didn't understand, why are there two of him? I looked back where the wolf had once been and there was another Xion.

"Mates!" I blurted out as reality set in with the bond.

Mercy's pov

"Mate!" Eden shouted and I simply agreed at first.

"Yeah, yeah, eden. Mates, cool." I commented before trying again to shut off my consciousness. Then the word truly hit me. Not mate, as in one. MateS as in more than one. "Wait, mates! What the fuck?"

I shoved my way forward trying to take control. Eden resisted at first and then relinquished control.