Ethan's P.O.V.

A FEW HOURS EARLIER

Sweat fell upon my cheeks and cascaded down my neck and arms whilst my hair became a quick victim to the merciless wind. My hair swayed left to right blocking my vision and causing subtle shivers to run down my spine as the morning air snapped through.

I continued to push my legs, the current pace no longer what I strived for, I needed to feel the immense burn spread between each limb and muscle.

The pack seemed quiet now, the fields partially filled with warriors who had commenced their early morning training. As I continued to run, a few warriors stopped to lower their heads in respect, I nodded off towards the warriors to acknowledge their response. Immediately after, they resumed their training.

I need you in the meeting room, The Alpha's voice quickly cut through my mind. I quickly turned around running towards the packhouse while staying lite on my feet.

Within a few minutes of quick running, I made it to the infamous double doors, I gave it a light push and made my way up the stairs taking each step at a time.

Reaching the stairs, with no wolf in sight I trekked to the elevator and pressed the metallic button. The surface was cold in contrast to the warm corridor and darkened walls. With a ding sounding through I made my way in within seconds I was now in the Alpha's main quarters.

I turned out of the elevator and followed the familiar path of the meeting room, all Alphas had gathered today to discuss or perhaps finally action their plans against the Zanton Rogues. No one knew exactly who their leader was or the direct whereabouts of their pack it was still a mystery.

It was honestly insane, and surreal I still couldn't believe the Rogue Luna intervened and put herself in harm's way for our pack and I'm sure from the look on the Alpha's face that day he wasn't expecting it either. The way he raced towards the Luna and saved her himself makes me think his resolve may slowly be chipping away.

Finally, at the entrance, I lifted my knuckles for a swift knock and slipped fluidly past the door.

"Alpha". I lowered my head.

He seemed to be preoccupied with something, as he mumbled something under his breath while looking over the maps on the table.

I stood rooted to my position and waited for a response heaven forbid I interrupted his thought.

Within a mere second, he looked my way, as though he'd heard what I said I clasped my hands in front of me to hide my sweaty palms.

"I see you've gotten on well as a beta thus far", the Alpha finally announced.

I looked past the Alpha towards the tv as direct contact was seen as a challenge, but I felt a sense of dread quickly settle over me. The Alpha never compliments someone without an agenda, especially a beta.

Realising I remained silent for all too long I cleared my throat, "thank you, Alpha".

He waved his hand as a sign to not to dwell on the matter further.

"I need you to do something for me, and before I continue what I'm about to say does not leave this room".

Noticing the serious change to the Alpha's tone, I squared my shoulders and braced myself for what is to come.

"Yes Alpha".

»»-----　★　-----««

Alpha Vincenzo's P.O.V.

A FEW HOURS LATER

I stood above the table of paperwork; hands deep in my pant pockets back hunched over the various maps of Zanton.

How could such Rogues attack my pack? This was beyond anything; they truly declared war through their actions.

Now it's time for our first step. I'd trained my pack hard enough to fight through a potential war and now the time has come to show these Rogues that no one can mess with my pack and merely escape unscathed.

My mind lingered temporarily on the Rogue- No to Anastasia. The exchange of our names chipped away more of the invisible wall which blocked the bond from coming to life. I felt Ezekiel stir with amusement as I granted her my name. One thing was clear for now, she was different from the others.

Shaking my head, I focused back on the task at hand I need you all back in the room I linked all the Alphas who currently paraded around my pack. I couldn't have them linger too long, after all this was my pack I didn't need any more power-driven wolves roaming around.

Slowly but surely one by one each Alpha re-entered the meeting room faces completely visible with annoyance.

"Look I'm going to keep this brief, we need some more detailed information on this group before we set an attack", I glanced at each of their faces. As usual, Drake seems to be in deep thought probably weighing the outcomes or the direction of my words.

"How do you suppose we do that?", Leo voiced.

"I've got an idea but I'll let you all know once I've proceeded with it. For now, I want you all to declare amongst any other packs our new fight. Secure your borders and ensure your alliances with others we need to be on standby". I could sense the tension in the room escalating with each passing word.

I glanced over at Tyr, who seemed to be spaced out as he looked off into the distance. I immediately tensed; my palms fisted at my sides. This only meant one thing. I let out a breath before asking, "What did you see?".

Tyr, remained still for a few seconds before meeting my eyes, "There will be another attack-".

"Shit", I yelled already fed up with the current ones.

"....it won't be your pack", he breathed out.

We all turned to him regarding him with interest he was blessed with visions from the goddess so he was able to foresee some future events, not all were clear though.

"You've got to be fucken kidding me, so one of us is next now", Jameson raised his arms in exasperation.

The others shuffled in their seats knowing the burden this was going to place on their packs.

Drake immediately stood up from his position, "If that is the case it's best we all head to our packs, after all a pack without its Alpha's, is an easy target for any Rogue", he growled out.

I nodded in understanding; a pack is defenceless without its Alpha. The core of power and leadership would be missing.

All Alpha's stood up readying themselves, though awaiting their leave from the meeting. One of the minor rules of Alpha meetings we generally concluded and left once the Alpha hosting announced the end of the meeting.

Suddenly, I felt a tingling sensation transcend through my arms the small hairs on each arm slowly rising. It was like electric bolts struck inside each muscle leaving a burning sensation that gave way to bouts of pain.

All Alpha's turned to me expectantly, "Well?", Tyr voiced out; irritation growing thick on his tongue.

I opened my mouth about to speak though closed it just as quickly. A sharp pain shot through my chest like I'd been stabbed multiple times. My heart burned.

I clutched my chest with my shaking hand, I couldn't breathe the intensity of the pain was excruciating I was left winded, all air escaping my lungs and filling me with nothing but emptiness. I felt completely powerless.

"What's wrong, Kawan?", Drake voiced with concern, tension apparent in his face.

I slowly looked up, my pupils wet, and my face strained, the moment I met Drakes's eyes he cursed, "Shit".

"What? What's happening?", Jameson yelled. Everyone began to move around so slowly, their voices becoming a hazy mess like fluttering fireflies.

I fell to my knees, no longer able to control my legs the pain ricocheted in waves. I burned. I continued to burn, each flame licking my flesh and leaving a lively fire in its wake.

"Call the Senior Alpha and Luna right now!", Drake yelled.

Jameson quickly followed suit running out the door while I felt Drake crouch at my side.

"What the fuck is happening!", Tyr's eyes were wide and alert ready for any instruction.

A loud bang busted through the doorway a scurry of voices filled with concern grew closer and closer in the haze.

"Son? Son?", I felt the familiar calloused hands of my father grip my arms and shake me fervently.

"Call George now!", my mother yelled in the distance.

She kneeled in front of me, "Oh Bambina", she cried.

I felt like a hot stone from hell. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. All I felt was utter pain and an intense raging fire that engulfed my entire body.

After what felt like an eternity George appeared, his white coat the only distinguishable feature he had. George pushed past the alphas and motioned his hand to get closer to me. Soon both my mother and father stood to the side whilst George began to assess the flames from hell.

I felt George's fingers briskly hold my arms whilst they fell limp against my sides, his eyes scanned the remainder of my body before settling on my blue orbs.

George sighed, whilst shaking his head.

"George! What's wrong?", my father yelled.

"It's the mate bond Alpha. His experiencing detachment from his mate".

Both Jameson, and Tyr grimaced they were all still unmated and had never witnessed an Alpha drop to his knees because of his mate. Drake gave me a knowing glance, as though he had sensed this was going to happen.

Or perhaps I had it coming for me?

"What- that is not possible she's in the pack", my mother shrieked.

She's gone. Ezekiel roared in rage. He wanted her, needed her right this instance.

She's gone, how could she leave? the borders were always secure.

George looked up towards my mother his eyes filled with anguish, clearly, he was holding something back. My mother noticed as well quickly questioning him, "George... what are you not telling me?", she growled.

George immediately grimaced, "Anastasia came by my office advising me of her plan to leave, I-I also-".

My mother stepped forward clenching her fists at her sides, "You what?" she snarled.

"I gave her bane to suppress the mate bond, though it will only suppress her symptoms".

"How dare you!" she growled.

My father narrowed his eyes at George, most likely reprimanding him through mind link.

George, lowered his head in submission and most likley guilt.

I was beginning to feel numb, my pain dulling and my brain becoming a lively fog. I sucked in a deep breath willing myself to stand up and take a seat.

On both knees, I tried to lift myself though the moment I moved darkness filled my vision. The world around me shifted like a broken mirror scattering pieces before I felt my body hit the solid ground.

  »»-----　★　-----««

Madness. This was crazy. How could she affect me in such away.

I woke up again, for the hundredth time my sleep was completely impaired and nights were very long. I squinted, lifting my palm to rub my tired eyes, letting out a heavy sigh I scanned the room I was currently in.

Light ceased to exist in the room, as two heavy block out curtains were hung over the large windows which sourced the main light for the room. Everything was pitch black, but that was okay I couldn't stand to see any light right now.

I swung my right arm over towards the bedside table, reaching for the glass I had left a few hours ago, I used one elbow to prop myself up and skull the remainder of the whisky. Once finished I threw the glass onto the ground and laid back down on the bed.

A knock sounded from the door shortly after, "Son!" my mother yelled for what felt like an eternity. She's been doing this for the past few days, continually checking on me even though I was the same every day stuck in this room battling with emotions and pain I couldn't express.

"Bambina, please come out... we miss you son-", she tried to reason through. Though I had already tuned her out before she could continue.

I was thrusted deep into a world I was foreign with, I yearned for a woman I swore I would never be involved with. I'd never come across a she-wolf who defied me, yet the moment she speaks she contests everything I say, uses insults against me and openly disrespects me. She's different from the she-wolves in the pack who throw themselves at any Alpha just for a shot at power.

I propped myself up, placing my head in between my hands I fisted my hair as I continued to think of her. Her blue orbs always displayed her determination, not once showing fear as she threw herself in front of the pups to protect them, she was selfless like that. We were worlds apart, yet those very worlds seemed to intertwine very closely causing a rift between us.

Ezekiel was hell to deal with as he continually howled for hours then retreated to a corner and repeated the same process again and again. He was in pain, but this time so was I.

A short while later a knock sounded from the door, I sighed why couldn't she just give up already. I decided to ignore it, hoping whoever it was would eventually vanish and stop bothering me.

Suddenly the door flung open, and a whoosh of air came rushing toward me as the door slammed back shut. There was some shuffling before several steps came closer and closer, and before I knew what was happening the curtain was flung open as the sunlight began to penetrate my skin. I growled, I specifically had them closed because I enjoyed the company of the dark and it was easier on my tired eyes.

Blinking I lifted my face from the sheets and stared directly at the source of this intrusion. Her arms remained cross, and thin brows were lifted in amusement.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing!", I growled.

Clearing her throat, she walked towards the edge of the bed, "you may or may not want to kill me after I say this-", she stopped and looked at me expectantly.

"Oh, I will kill you", I snarled.

She smiled clapping her hands together, "Oh goodie so I can say it anyways. Stop acting like a lovesick puppy and go and get Anna back. You can't well in self-pity. You have responsibilities as an Alpha and signing papers and handing them off to your beta is not the way that shit works".

She inhaled a sharp breath, and the room remained quiet for several minutes after her gallant speech...

I slowly stretched my limbs, awakening each part and willing them to rise out of the place I've camped in. Planting both feet onto the ground, I looked towards the she-wolf her face bore a triumphant smile like she'd just succeeded in something.

My face completely impassive I stalked towards her, whilst stretching my hand in her direction. Her smile seemed to twitch at that moment, most likely realising I wasn't going to let this go.

She slowly backed away, towards the door though that didn't stop me from grabbing her shoulder. She shrieked and screamed, "Ethan! Get your ass in here his trying to kill me!". I stalled for a moment, as my beta came rushing into the room, he scanned the room before his eyes settled on my outstretched arm.

Without a moment of hesitation, he rushed towards us placing himself in-between the she-wolf and me. I growled, as I pushed my shoulder into his side, though he didn't budge holding on tight to protect the damn she-wolf.

Ethan leaned in closer to me and whispered, "The arrangements are made Alpha". I looked at Ethan and nodded in understanding before reaching for the she-wolf.

"Ethan!", she shrieked as I tried to grab her.

The beta turned to face her "What did you say to him?", he yelled whilst trying to shield her.

"Oh don't give me that look Ethan, someone had to say it!", she growled.

Shaking his head, the beta turned back around facing me, "Alpha, you've got to stop", the he tried to reason, oh was he such a fool.

I pulled my arm back retreating away from them both. They both immediately relaxed as their shoulders slumped. Ethan took one calculating step forward to put more of a distance between me and the she-wolf. I smirked, taking one quick step forward I stretch my arm out and landed a fist directly onto Ethan's jaw.

"Ahhh!", the she-wolf yelled, as Ethan swore under his breath.

"Never, tell your Alpha what to do", I growled out.

"...As for you-" I looked towards the she-wolf, she stood partially behind Ethan still hesitating to walk in front.

"How dare you speak to your Alpha like that!".

I narrowed my eyes at the she-wolf, as she nudged Ethan's shoulder to walk directly in front of me.

She cleared her throat before speaking, "I'm nurse Hanna and as an Alpha I don't think it's right for you to discriminate against your mate since she's a Rogue. I was assigned by Senior Alpha to protect Chica but she's left b-because of y-you". She let out a shaky breath, whilst squaring her shoulders and looking towards the windows to avoid direct eye contact.

"Chica?", I growled.

"It's the Luna, Alpha. It's a nickname Hanna gave her", Ethan interjected.

I grunted in response. I walked towards the nurse stepping right in front of her I lowered my head, "I won't hurt you because you've helped my mate. However, this is my last warning to you do not disrespect me or your place would be the cells", growled looking directly at the cowering wolf.

"Do I make myself clear?", I yelled.

"Y-Yes Alpha".

"Good". I took a step back taking in the full mass of the room, there were specks of glass littered across the wooden floorboards, white sheets hanging from the edge of the bed whilst the smell of whisky tainted the walls.

I cringed at the aftermath of her absence this wasn't me. One thing was certain I couldn't lose myself like this.

"Leave now, ill be out in five", I commanded both wolves.

"Yes, Alpha", they both lowered their heads in submission and walked outside.

I quickly rushed to the bathroom, turning on the shower tap and scalding my skin with hot water. Not long after, I entered the walk-in closet grabbing a pair of black slacks and a crisp blue shirt. I slipped on a pair of combat boots and tied them up. I walked towards the mirror and brushed down the sides of my hair while looking for a watch.

All done. I halted briefly scanning the room request for a cleaner for my room I mind linked Ethan.

On it Alpha. A few moments later a wolf walked in with a bag of cleaning supplies and instantly froze once seeing me.

"Thank you", I grunted whilst walking out the door.

I turned to both Ethan and Hanna and growled,"Where is she?".

They both looked at each other, Hanna then voiced out, "we don't know".

I growled, fisting my plams beside me that wasn't what I wanted to hear.

"But we do know someone who can direct us", I raised my brows expectantly waiting for their answer.

Both Ethan and Hanna shared a look, before voicing out in unison, "Malin".

✩｡:*•.───── ❁ ❁ ─────.•*:｡✩

A/N

WELL THIS WAS A LENGTHY CHAPTER 🤧 BUT I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED IT!

THE MATEBOND IS STARTING TO SURFACE... THOUGH THERES MORE TO COME!

HAPPY READING Y'ALL! UNTIL NEXT TIME.

~COCO ✨️