Raphael

To hell with them all.

I sprint across another section of neutral territory, my duffle bag full of clothing in my teeth. I packed my things from my old home in the Sanguis Silence pack and left, the pain that's twisting my heart spurring me faster, and I can feel the invisible strings that once tied me to the power hungry pack fall free from my mind and limbs...

Rejection...it hurts like a bitch...

Beta Simone's crude and uncaring rejection cut me deep...even if I did see it coming. The she wolf was never kind to me...and I kind of knew...expected, that once it was discovered, I wouldn't have to wait very long to get the end result.

I was right...but it doesn't take away any of the pain I feel for the heartache...

But that doesn't matter now...what matters is taking down Sanguis Silence pack...and I know just who to ask for help.

Blackrose Swamp of New Orleans.

Alpha Blackrose and his pack are the first targets for Sanguis Silence and Crimson Edge, they are the closest pack that's gaining massive amounts of territory at a quick pace. Alpha Cyrus thinks that they'll be a pushover, especially because he thinks that a three year old pack of misfits, rogues and hybrids won't stand a chance against a longer established pack...especially being run by an alpha he's never heard of before.

But he's power hungry and foolish, and too willing to cast aside the fact that the combined power of vampires, werewolves, witches, and hybrids can be far more powerful than a normal werewolf pack. The only advantage he'd have is surprise and secret strategy...and I plan on taking that away.

~They think hybrids and rogues can't take them down...we will prove them all wrong.~

Cadell rumbles in my mind, and I grunt as I push on through the woods. Trying to make my way over the Mississippi state line and into Louisiana by foot will be a long trip even for a seasoned warrior like myself...with no car it would take hours...at least all night anyway.

It's worth it though...because a packs life depends on it.

~~~~

Unique. Thats the best word to describe New Orleans, Louisiana. That, and the word lively.

Between the bright colors and loud music, the street vendors with their delicious smelling food and fresh produce, the kids running around with balls and riding bikes. There doesn't seem to be a dull or quiet place here, not that it's a bad thing...it's just new to me is all. I didn't spend much time off of the pack land for recreation...and even when I did I never saw stuff like this.

But there is also other scents that are new to me...at least in such a large amount.

Vampires, witches, werewolves...and lots of hybrids. It's like a gathering place for every possible species and their hybrid counterparts. I know I'm a hybrid myself being that my mom is a witch and my dad is a werewolf...but I've never been around so many at once.

Vampire/witch hybrids fill stores as they both buy and sell costumes and magic trick sets while offering free demonstrations. Werewolf/witches working at pet stores and pet salons, and seen a few wolf/vampires selling and cooking food for street vendors. All of them mingling with normal humans, a pure vampires and witches peacefully...like it was no big deal.

A feat that wouldn't even be remotely possible in Sanguis Silence...it's difficult to believe that this place coexists at the same time as my former pack does...and just one state line away.

It's almost ethereal...but at the same time...I feel like I've come home. Like this was where I was meant to be my entire life.

The City of Second Chances indeed.

Passing by a particular stand, I can't help but stop and look over the mouthwatering food cooking in front of me. A woman with short hair seems to be doing all the work, her dark skin, high cheekbones and bright blue eyes making her look younger than she probably is.

"Whatchu in the mood for hon? We got plenty to choose from." She asks sweetly.

I originally believed she was human based on her scent...but the shimmering tattoo on her forehead and the mischief in her eyes makes me think she's a witch.

"What do you recommend ma'am?" I reply.

Her resulting smile is wide and pleased, and her tattoo shimmers a little brighter.

"Such a gentleman, but please hon, call me Miss Lola. Ma'am makes me feel old."

I chuckle. "Alright Miss Lola, what do you recommend for a first timer?"

"I knew you had the energy of a new arrival, as well as a magic touch in ya." She exclaims, pausing for a moment as she looks me over in deep thought.

"Lets see...with your bold nature and fiery magic...I'd say something hearty with a bit of spice would fit you well. Along with a sweet dessert."

I grin as she piles a large helping of what looks like rice, sausage, and shrimp onto a large take out plate. She also takes another of the same size and fills it with fried dough covered in what looks like powdered sugar.

"Here you go hon, some shrimp and sausage jambalaya, and my special beignets."

I take both boxes and reach for my wallet, but she quickly waves me off.

"No need, first time is on me."

I take a twenty out of my wallet anyway and place it in the tip jar, and she shakes her head with smile as she hands me my food.

"Enjoy."

"I will."

I sit down at a nearby table and eat my lunch, and it tastes just as delicious as it smells. I try not to rush in eating too much, even though I do want to get to meeting with Alpha Blackrose, I have no idea of what kind of greeting I'd receive after telling them that the pack I've left is plotting their demise.

Hell...I don't even know where exactly the pack house is located...only that it's nearby.

As I'm polishing off the last of my beignets, a boy with silver white hair walks up to the same stand, eyeballing the food hungrily. I catch both werewolf and vampire in his scent...as well as a bit of power in his presence.

"Well if it isn't Julian, what brings my second best customer today?" Lola chimes happily, and he grins.

"Pick up for me and Red, we're starving."

She chuckles, already filling up a couple of plates with large portions of food.

"I guess work is keeping you both busy, how's the pack?"

"Well you know Alpha, all business no play. And Beta duties have been kicking my ass."

My ears perk at the last part. He's Beta Le Tourneau? Perfect.

"You're Beta Le Tourneau?" I ask as I stand up, and he turns to face me curiously.

"Yeah, you been looking for me?"

I hold out my hand. "My name is Raphael Jones, I was hoping to meet with you and Alpha Blackrose about something important."

He takes my hand firmly and shakes it, and we sit back down at my table.

"What exactly is it you need to discuss with us?" He asks.

"I have information on a future attack on Blackrose Swamp by Sanguis Silence."

His eyes widen a bit, but he doesn't seem too surprised by the information.

"Me and Red...or Alpha Blackrose, had a tip off about that not too long ago from Silver Tide of Florida...but where did you get your intel from?"

I sigh, bracing myself for whatever reaction he has.

"I'm a former warrior of Sanguis Silence...I officially severed ties with the pack last night."

He tenses, his face as guarded as I expected.

"What made you decide to leave the pack?" He inquires.

"Well...for one, I'm a hybrid, Mom's a witch while Dad is a werewolf. I kept it hidden for a long time but I'm tired of living in a pack that hates what I am."

He relaxes a bit after seeing Lola nod, no doubt confirming my story.

"And the second?"

I continue. "I had planned on leaving the pack with this intel as soon as discussion on attacking Blackrose started...but I couldn't risk leaving without putting a target on my back...so when Beta Simone LeClaire rejected me as her mate...I took my chance."

The slight sting of rejection returns to my chest, even though I never expected anything else from Simone. Julian leans back, relaxed and deep in thought.

"Shit. I'm sorry man...that's a rough way to go out."

His eyes glaze over as he obviously begins communicating with his Alpha

"I would like to help Alpha Blackrose, give him the information I know about my former Alphas strategy and timeline...it could help prevent a massacre and ruin his element of surprise."

The Beta returns to the present.

"Definitely, which is why Red told me to bring you to the pack house for an official meeting."

I nod and stand up with him, tossing my garbage into the trash as he pays for the stacks of plates and heads towards a yellow Chevy Camaro with dual black stripes.

"Hop in, and I'll give you the short tour." He calls over his shoulder.

I grin and put my bags in his backseat before going up to sit in the passenger seat.

We head out as soon as I buckle up, and I watch as we slowly leave the buildings behind and head into thicker trees, then turn onto a dirt path that's very easily missed if you're not looking for it.

"This is the side entrance that only pack members know about. It being hidden makes visitors use the narrow bridge entrance...which gives us a chance to see who's coming in. There's also a lot of swamp surrounding this place, getting caught in it could get you lost or eaten..."

I laugh with him at the last part, but I stop when we pull into a path covered by a tall canopy of trees. Following it for a few minutes, it opens up to reveal what has to be a training ground with raised and covered platforms, which are filled with Warriors working out.

"That's the training area as you can tell, you're welcome to check it out after the meeting with Red."

I nod, and look up to see we've stopped in front of a black, 20 foot tall, cast iron gate...that wraps around a large house that can only be the pack house.

It's huge...old and ornate, much bigger than I was expecting.

Julian waves to a younger guy inside the gate and he pulls it open, after he drives through the kid shuts it again. He quickly parks and we both get out, us carrying our stuff inside through the large door and into the equally ornate foyer.

"The office is on the fourth floor, I trust you don't mind a few stairs."

"Nope, not at all."

I reply as I follow him up the stairs, all three flights showing off the numerous rooms and open space. When we finally reach the office, I can feel my wolf stir with impatience.

~What is it?~ I ask.

~Hurry up and you'll find out.~ He barks out, and I sigh. Moody as usual.

Julian knocks on the door.

"Come in."

The voice that calls out is female...does the Alpha have a mate?

Julian opens the door, and I stop short at the entrance at the sight in front of me....and the scent that hits my nose practically makes my mouth water.

Maraschino and nutmeg...who knew a cherry based liquor could smell so good?

The sight in front of me is even better thought, a beautiful woman with long raven hair and ivory skin stands in front of the desk. Her lips are painted with burgundy lipstick, and her dark lashes frame a pair of bewitching reddish brown eyes....

That are staring into mine just as intently.

"Red, this is Raphael...Raphael, this is Alpha Scarlett Blackrose." Julian introduces, and my jaw nearly drops. That means that this woman is my...

~Mate...~ Cadell purrs.

Oh Goddess. This is going to be interesting.