“Forming a union?” Axel repeated.
He was not running for a political party. The Western Border had no need for alliance. He did not even want to form a tie between him and Edward. He was forced to. But most importantly, why would the Wesleyeian pack, who was known for being a quiet tribe, want an alliance?
Their kind hated fights and conflict, which was why they decided to live in the Mountain. They were the most secluded. They had the means to stop whatever was coming their way; their knowledge. They would exchange information for their safety.
They were wise, indeed. But if their speculation was right, that must have mean something was going on. Perhaps, their method was starting to tarnish?
The Alpha, who was standing straight before the captives, looked over his shoulder to glance at his men. He wanted to discern if any of them knew about that. But they were just as clueless.
Maybe, taking it out on them was a wrong move.
“Jackson,” Axel mentioned a name. “Summon a healer and a physician. We will need these four for questioning.”
Jackson nodded his head, before he walked out of the Dungeon. Left standing were Hansel, and Arabello.
“A-are you going to let us live?”
Axel returned his eyes in front. “I am. Tell me your names, Wesleyeian wolves.”
“Gondol…” said the man who he was just stepping on to a while ago. “M-my name is Gondol…”
Axel then shifted his eyes to the man behind Gondol. “And you?”
“Conrad…”
The other two were knocked out. But knowing even just the two of them was enough. Axel nodded his head, before he turned to his men. He commanded that the captives shall be taken to the Palace, after they were healed. He wanted them to be under his care.
Axel was weighing up things. He was interested to know Wesleyeian’s affair, but not because he wanted to get the Pack involve. He was considering a trade.
Axel let his emotions overtook him, and he mistakenly pour it on to these innocent Wesleyeians. The least he could do was make up for it. Not by apologizing but by showing them a bit of hospitality, although it was already too late for that.
––
Rebecca saw it.
After Edward and she visited the Council to pay respect, Edward was then asked for a small discussion in the Council’s lair. She was not even a bit interested to the plan or whatsoever they will talk about to further strengthen the alliance, so she just roamed around. She went to the place where she used to spend time with Axel back when they were still together. Next was her favorite spot whenever she was waiting for him.
Rebecca was highly entertained. But amidst of walking back after she had felt a slight pain from her back, she saw Sophie, alone.
Based on what her Spy told her, Axel didn’t tell Sophie again about the alliance and her request. Sophie figured it out before she visited him. So, Rebecca was anticipating whether or not Sophie confronted Axel.
That caused Rebecca to smile with mirth. This was the second time.
Although, she indeed wanted to get Axel’s attention, this was not her doing. It was Axel’s decision to hide it from Sophie, and Rebecca just couldn’t help but wonder why. Was really affected after knowing that she would come after their relationship? Or was it because… he still wanted her?
“You’re making it so easy for me to steal you…” Chortling with levity, Rebecca shook her head. “I wasn’t even starting.”
Yet.
Clad in a white long sleeve dress with the length above the knee, Rebecca turned around. She lifted her chin, as she started to walk in the direction Sophie came from. She was on her way back to see if the Council and Edward was done, when she saw Axel next, halfway running.
Rebecca knew where he was heading, but instead of feeling a touch of disappointment, it even made Rebecca’s heart jump in delight. Now, the augur was done. From this day onwards, she’ll be defiance.
Sophie might have easily replaced her position, but she can never be the first. No matter how much she tried to be different, a second best will always be a second best, and Rebecca will make sure she’d understand that.
Rebecca sauntered, unaware of another wolf’s presence, who had been watching her. She slowly moved from her stand behind the tree. Wearing a brown cloak that completely hid her face down to her physique, she removed her hood.
She knew Rebecca’s plans. What she was going to do, and why. She was an accomplice. No. She was a forced accomplice. And knowing Rebecca’s chaotic plan were just about to commence, she feared her life.
Not only she agreed to take part in Rebecca’s plan to do misdeed in the Alpha, and his Luna. She had also put herself, and her family, on the line. At first, it was just to get information. The plan to actually separate the two was an instruction she only found out recently. It was given to her before the Alliance was approved. She didn’t know the simple agreement would turn into something… unlawful. And before she even knew it, Rebecca has her family and her life on her hand that she can do nothing but submit.
The woman closed her eyes, and prayed. If only she could confess to the Alpha, without risking her life…
Her lifeline was running, and she knew as much. But the only thing she can do right now to minimize the risk was to take her family away and face the ordeal alone. There was no way else to reverse, or avoid it. She can not also trust the Alpha, as she had seen how he was still fond of Rebecca.
There was still one more option…
But she was afraid of the consequences. She was afraid of breaking a bond, of risking another life. Of making the two beast her enemies. She can not compromise to it. The loss was too great to even consider that option. Right now, the only preferably action to take was to continue, even if it meant digging her own grave.