Mates Conquer Everything, Right?

“I mean it! One move and she dies on the spot.” The last words come out of his mouth and the whole Pack does what he says. No one is panicking, or showing that they are distressed.

I look over to my mate, he is only sitting a couple of meters away, but now, I feel that I haven’t only created space between us by sitting at another table. I feel like I am standing on the other side of the world. I don’t feel safe and he can’t protect me from the rogue who has the upper hand.

He didn’t come alone, no, of course he didn’t. All of the warriors who were sent out to shadow the intruders were coming through the door. They are chained to one another, hands in front of them and feet close together. They can barely walk.

Something is off. The strong warriors who always have fight and fierce energy in them are drained and looking docile. Something has happened to them. The warriors are being led to the back of the canteen. Four guards are telling them to sit down. Only four guards are necessary to command the big group of fighters.

What the hell is going on.

I am so enchanted by the defeated-looking men, I almost miss the feeling of Igétas eyes on me. I look at him and he only gives a little nod. No one saw it, it was only meant for my eyes. An encouragement. I feel some tension leave my body. I had no idea it was there.

I take calming breaths and look Amanda in the eyes. Her eyes flash and she copies my breathing.

“Command the pack to stand down or she will die.” The rogue with Yolanda tells the Alpha. He is quiet for two seconds and I know what is going to happen next.

This filthy-looking man is going to die and take the Luna with him to his grave. The rest of the pack will overpower the guard, and then we will go outside and see how many of them are here. We will fight and win!

I didn’t understand until this moment. I didn’t understand that the pack comes first. Now I do. If an Alpha can’t give up what is most dear to him, he can take the whole pack down. He needs to let his mate go and set the pack in the first place. My heart breaks for him. Igétas and I have been living with the feeling for a couple of weeks, but now we see it actually happening.

Yolanda gives her mate a sweet smile and closes her eyes. She made peace with death and I cry silent tears for her courage. I wait for the Alpha to set the fight in motion. I look at him and he looks crushed. Losing a mate is the most difficult thing a werewolf can go through. But I know now, the pack comes first.

“Everyone stand down. Don’t try anything.”The Alpha tells us with a command in his voice. A wave of his power goes through the canteen. My eyes go wide and I am not the only one. Amanda and Ela are looking as shocked as I feel.

He didn’t put the pack first. He can’t live without his mate and is stalling for time. Does he have a plan?What the hell is going to happen next?

Amanda’s eyes light up again and she lets a tear roll down her face.

“Follow it up with a stronger command, one that no member can break, not even your Beta.” The rogue hissed.

The wave that follows is a tsunami of power. The Alpha makes a battle cry and slumps his shoulders. He just said farewell to his energy.

Every pack member is hanging their head, some of the lower wolfs are falling with their face first on the table like a sack of potatoes dropped on the floor.

“Tell me, why are you here?” The Alpha asks gesturing for Yolanda to get her back in his arms.

The rogue laughs, “Do you really think I’ll let her go now? No, little Alpha, she will be at my side for now. Take a seat next to you Beta. Try one thing and she dies, understand?”

Tharros takes slow steps to the stage and sits down next to Igétas.

“I’ll tell you why I am here.” He begins and, since there isn’t a threat any more from the mass of pack wolves in the canteen, he moves to the middle of the room. I can’t see him anymore. Only hear his gravelly voice.

“I am here to take revenge for my brother and father. Your pack killed them when they thought they were smart and strong enough. They thought because of the safe haven you have going on here, you wouldn’t be on alert. And to give them some credit, you weren’t. Packs who are always challenged are much more active on the border. You weren’t. But to give your Pack some praise, you are strong and their plan sucked.”

He is walking around tables like he owns the place. And God dammed, he does. Trailing Yolanda at his side. Only his voice and footsteps give away his location.

“Taking children and hoping the Power of the Pack is with them. We know a gifted werewolf lives in your pack. We know it’s a she-wolf and under twenty-five years old. I am going to take her as my mate, strengthen my pack and conquer the world!”

I look ahead, at Amanda. He is here for her. He wants her power! Her face is neutral and I try to do the same. We need to protect her, but how can the pack protect her when no one can do anything against the Alpha command?

I feel powerless until a rush of energy feeds me. I look at the stage at Igétas. He is giving me strength through the mate bond. His energy is reaching out to me. He can’t move so his head is still half down. But his message is clear.

I am strong.

No pack member can move and go against the Alpha command.

Good thing that I am not a pack member.