**Tyrus's P.O.V****
Back at the packhouse***

       I quickly opened the door flushing a slight red embarrassed that our conversation was heard through the cherry wood painted oak door, with it being a thicker slab of wood it was normally difficult to hear anything on the other side. With a grimm face I turned to face what I assumed would be Beta Aiden Ross with an explanation only that wasn't who I was faced with,... Alpha Derek Rhodes. I could feel my eyes widen in shock and a tiny bit of fear if I am honest. I have a bad habit of not keeping my mouth shut when I should. I shot an annoyed glare at Ali hoping that Alpha Rhodes didn't take offense to anything that was said, before turning back to the annoyed alpha. "Alpha Rhodes, please come in. I will lead the way to Alpha Davis's office and we can talk more privately." I spoke respectfully and calmly, bowing my head slightly while motioning him inside.

      I heard Allison's sharp intake with how I was acting clearly shocked as were the other women who were standing and staring at the foregin alpha and myself. I rolled my eyes silently and turned towards the stairs with Alpha Rhodes following closely behind me. I could feel their concerned gazes as we ascended the stairs leading to the second floor where Rae's office was located. I debated on whether or not I should inform her that the alpha has arrived or not. I didn't want to distract her from her task but I also didn't want to let it go unknown that he had arrived and it was indeed the alpha and not the beta. Maybe if I told her she'd tag me into the fray and she'd come back and deal with him instead. In all honesty it would probably be safer if she did deal with him instead of me for all I know I could mess up one small thing and start a war between our packs.

       Unable to hold back my anxiety I opened a quick link to her as I continued up the stairs with Alpha Rhodes hot on my heels. 'Alpha, your guest has arrived and we are on our way to your office' I sighed heavily regretting distracting her almost instantly.

     'What- hu-? Whose where?' Her confused and disgruntled response made my shoulders tense up with worry, setting my already fried nerves on edge once more.

       'Did you forget that we had a guest arriving today? We just talked about it before you left....Well anyway Beta Ross wasn't the one who showed up on the porch but Alpha Rhodes is here to meet with you. Do you want to trade places I'll come to tag you out and you come back to deal with him? I feel that would be the best and most logical option.' I probed gently, testing the waters not wanting to piss her off again like I did earlier today.

      'Damn it! I thought Aiden was coming today. They must've made that email up so they could get the jump on us and leave us unprepared, the bastards.' She growled angrily causing me to freeze in place. 'Carry on as we agreed upon you will do just fine. I have full faith that you can entertain an alpha until I am finished here and then I will deal with the asshat when I can okay? Goodluck. I have to go on. It's still pretty hectic here but we are starting to coral the remaining rogues. It should be a piece of cake to rid our territory of rogues once more. Goodbye.' She cut the link abruptly and I could finally hear the huffing alpha behind me snapping his fingers and calling my name.

      "I would very much like to sit down and not stand in the middle of the fucking stairs for an hour. I would also like an exemplary reason as to why Alpha Davis left knowing I was on my way here." He growled impatiently, clearly annoyed with me already.

     Gulping, I glanced around quickly and I had indeed stopped in the middle of the winding staircase while I was having my silent conversation with Rae. Flushing a bright red I muttered a quick apology and climbed the remaining steps and led him towards the big cherry painted oak door that closed off her office from the rest of the corridor. I opened the door and motioned him inside before following suite, closing the door softly behind me. I couldn't help but ponder why Derek was here instead of Aiden, especially since they had indeed emailed Rae that it was Aiden that was supposed to be here today. I watcher Derek closely as he began to wander around her office, occasionally picking up a few objects such as a picture of her brother and herself out in her mother's garden, her father's favorite football they used to toss around and lastly a few documents on her desk which is when I stepped in and politely asked him to hand them to me before he could read much of the information on them. Which turned out to be an excellent idea as it was the new and updated patrol schedule.

     I sat down on one of the couches and Alpha Rhodes copied me and took a seat across from me on the opposite couch. I began to fidget under his intense gaze, I knew he wanted answers but what could I give him? Sorry Alpha Rhodes, Alpha Davis left to deal with an important pack matter. No, that would only piss him off and make him question me further on the so called matter she was dealing with but I also didn't want to involve him in our pack affairs, he's an outsider, not one of us. I could try a different approach and explain that she would be back soon if what I gathered from her earlier message still held true. There was a small problem at our borders that Alpha Davis left to deal with, she will be back shortly I assure you. She told me just as much when we walked into her office. No not that either, if I brought that up he would question her ability to lead a pack of this magnitude alone. While I was lost deep in thought I hadn't noticed Alpha Rhodes stand and started pacing through the office once more, scenting the air intensely. Shaking my head I tried to focus on the task at hand while watching the visiting alpha pace to and fro practically wearing a hole into the floor. My only option was to bug Rae once more and ask her what I should say.

     I felt his eyes on me and I cleared my throat, "If it's not too much to ask, may I inquire as to where Beta Ross is?" I tried to keep my voice as neutral and respectful as possible.

    "You may ask but I do not have to give an answer seeing as that is my business. Why? Is my presence not welcome here? Is that why Alpha Davis left? Am I not good company to keep?" He asked loftily, spinning her chair around almost as if he were going to sit down. I fought back the growl that slowly rose up into my chest.

     "No, that;s not what I meant sir. I was simply asking because we received an email that you would not be present today and that Beta Ross would be filling in. So we prepared a room on the floor in which I myself reside. If we had known we would have prepared another room. So I was just wondering if he was still coming or if you would like us to arrange a room for you in the Alpha's wing of the house?" I gulped down my burning anger, trying to keep my wolf in check.

     "Oh, what just so happened to pull your alpha's attention away from a visitor? Hmm? And clearly you should never plan on one thing, learn to expect the unexpected and you will never be caught unaware, yes?" He raised an eyebrow with a smug look upon his face. "And please arrange another room Beta Ross has taken over in my stead so I could come here myself."

     He leaned casually against the front edge of her desk folding his fingers in front of him while focusing his watchful gaze upon me once more. 'Hey Alli, will you prepare a room within the Alpha's wing instead of the room you started in? ALpha Rhodes is here to stay and we need to accommodate him instead.' I quickly opened my mind to Allison and got an instant reply.

    'Yes I will get right on that. How are you doing baby?' I could feel her concern and it warmed my heart and eased my nerves slightly.

     'Thank you babe. And I am okay I would be better if this alpha would just listen to me and stop acting like a dick. But I need to get a hold of our alpha to see what she wants him to know about what's going on. Also before I forget if you see or scent an unknown wolf lock the house down and get everyone to safety and give me and Thaddeus a call okay?' I smiled to myself, I didn't want to worry or burden her with what was happening but if I am to remain locked in this stuffy office with Derek then I needed someone to help keep an eye on things outside of the house.

     I felt a flash of panic come through our bond and frowned slightly, 'Is everything alright? What is she doing anyway? Should we wake Thaddeus now?' She asked quickly and I knew she was overthinking everything like always, which was one of the things I loved the most about her.

     'No baby everything is fine she just had to help Stephen with something okay? I am just worried that if she and Stephan are distracted someone might be able to slip past the patrols that's all' I felt guilty lying to her but if she knew the truth she would break down and I couldn't let that happen while I was detained with this obnoxious alpha. I knew she could feel that I wasn't telling her the full truth but she let it slide which was my cue to check in with Rae.

         'Sorry to bother you again Alpha but what should I tell Alpha Rhodes about your whereabouts and what you're dealing with? He wants answers but I am not sure what to say but if I keep waiting any longer he might wear a crater into the floor of your office. Also how much longer do you think it will take until you can come back? Theo is about to wake up and I'd rather not explain to him what happened.' I sighed softly while cautiously opening a private link to Rae, knowing I might piss her off by distracting her once more.

       "Last we heard this was something we needed to expect. Alpha Davis received an email this morning saying that he had left around six thirty and would be here by around twelve thirty or at the latest one thirty this afternoon. You showed up around what six thirty, seven? But I have some of the females of the pack preparing a room for you. Beta Ross had informed her that you were away dealing with another pack and helping them out." I replied calmer now that I had a small talk with Allison but I was still worried for my alpha.

       He let out a sharp huff as stood up from where he was leaning. "I do apologize for my tardiness then. I wasn't aware he'd given an itinerary. But in any case I got back around twelve this afternoon, not that it's any of your business. Now Beta Moore I have been more than patient with you and you still haven't told me where your illustrious alpha is. So do tell me where Raelynn Davis is?" I watched him shiver slightly saying her name but it caused an angered growl to rumble its way out of my chest. He was being an arrogant asshole, especially saying her full name so disrespectfully in her pack house....her office.

      I sat watching the visiting alpha continue to pace waiting for an answer, which was taking longer than usual......much longer. I felt fear creep towards my heart making it harder to breathe but I forced the feeling down, not willing to show any kind of weakness in front of the foreigner. I downright refused to show him just how weak I felt currently, he would most likely take advantage and push me around to accomplish whatever goal he has in mind. 'Alpha?' I probed gently, begging for some sort of response.

     'Tyrus if you keep pestering me things may not end in our favor, I know you are worried about saying or doing the wrong thing but I trust you. If you need guidance, wake Theo, and on that matter he will understand why I didn't wake him. But the wisdom I can impart with you right now is to tell him that I had a quick errand to run and not to worry for I should be back shortly. This is taking longer than I had hoped. The attack is too organized, and something doesn't feel right.' She replied calmly, but I could practically feel her exhaustion seeping through the link. The whole pack could probably feel their alpha's exhaustion.

      'Thank you Alpha I will inform him of your "errand" briefly' I assured her feeling proud of the trust she put in me, I can't let her down.....I won't let her down.

      The link was silent for a while and I assumed she had gotten distracted or was busy with what was happening on the battlefront, so I decided it was about time I gave Derek some form of an answer. "Alpha Rhodes, I just got a hold of Alpha Davis, she just informed me she had a quick errand to run that she forgot about, because the chef requested this morning that we have steak for dinner tonight, and Alpha Davis got caught up in her work." I lied smoothly putting on my best toothy grin that I could muster at the moment.

      He gave me a disapproving glower and moved to stand in front of me. "Are you sure that's what she's doing because if I am correct what you asked me to hand over was a patrol schedule which is what she was what she most likely looked at last. And if that were the case that would lead me to believe that something happened with your patrols. Seeing as though her office is completely clean, clutter-free and tidy it's perfectly organized as if everything has a spot correct? And I wouldn't have almost hit a wolf on the road leading up here." He questioned inquisitively.

         Surprisingly he was indeed spot on for about ninety-five percent, if not a hundred percent correct. Rae had always kept her office as neat as can be in order to keep up with all of the pack's important information while also giving everything a home so her office was open and clutter free. I gulped hard trying not to show how nervous his observations made me. "I am unsure of what she was last looking at. I was busy tending to my mate. And as for that wolf I will let Alpha Davis know that our patrols aren't doing a good job of watching out for incoming traffic." I lied once again, I knew exactly why she holed herself away into her office today and part of it was indeed to look over the new patrol schedule so she could discuss it with Theo , Stephan, and Felix.

         A low growl escaped Derek as he glared down at me clearly annoyed with my vague answer. 'Alpha he's not buying what I'm giving him, what do I do?' I asked, trying not to fidget or look away from his intense stare, which was my second mistake.

         He got even closer after my growl left my lips, clearly he was starting to lose his temper but I could tell he was losing his control on his wolf too as I watched his eyes flash a brilliant sapphire blue. His wolf was about to eat me alive if one more excuse fell from my lips. "You dare to growl at me, pup? Where is your alpha?! NO MORE LIES!" He growled while taking a firm grip on my chin forcing me to look up at him, I gulped this time in fear.

      "L-let me ask sir. I am really not sure where she went, okay?" I pulled back slightly as he let go of my chin, and I rubbed it slightly. I had already asked but maybe I could buy some time for her to answer me, with that simple response.

      "Hurry up and stop wasting my time. I came to speak to Alpha Davis, not her worthless Beta." He growled before walking towards the window and I felt another growl forcing its way up but I felt the buzz in the back of my mind and turned inwards to focus on the message I was about to receive.

      'TYRUS! Figure it out please. I am busy it's only getting worse-' She broke off causing my heart to slam against my ribcage. 'C-call Th-Theo!! I- need he-'

         Her broken reply caused me to fly to my feet and out of the office leaving a very confused, and very angry Alpha in my wake. My feet practically flew down the hall, straight to Thaddeus's door. I let my fist fall heavily upon it as hard as possible. I needed him to wake up, needed him to go to Rae but he seems to sleep like the dead. I continued to bang on the door until Alpha Rhodes grabbed my shoulder. He threw me against the wall growling with his arm pinned against my throat. "What the fuck is going on?!" He snarled in my face as his eyes flashed a deep sapphire, I could tell his wolf had taken over.

    Just then the door to Thaddeus's room flew open and a very disheveled Theo came out looking very confused. When he saw the full situation he stepped in and put a hand on Derek's shoulder before gently prying him off of me and I fell to the ground gasping for breath. Damn the dude was much stronger then he looked, I could practically feel the bruise forming already. I glanced up to see Alpha Rhodes hunched over and Thaddeus talking to him which I easily picked up due to my enhanced hearing.

       "Alpha Rhodes calm down and let's talk. I am sure Beta Moore meant no disrespect for whatever happened. Just tell me what's going on?" Thaddeus spoke softly, always the peacekeeper. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

        "I-I don't quite know. Something feels off....wrong. My wolf is trying to tell me something but it's jumbled. I can't understand but I feel that Alpha Davis may be in trouble." He gasped out clearly struggling with his wolf. "But Beta Moore over there won't tell me what the fuck is going on. Maybe you'll have more luck with him then I did."

       I could feel the angry stare from Thaddeus, I knew he really didn't like me especially after the last incident. I stood up and decided it was probably a good idea to apologize especially since I did run out of the meeting. " I apologize Alpha Rhodes, I was just informed to wake Zeta Black and was told it was urgent. I shouldn't have run out on you like that." I sighed, still rubbing my throat.

      Thaddeus raised an eyebrow at my response, while Derek growled at me seething with rage still. "What do you mean? Who told you to wake me up and why? How urgent is the issue? And why are you hiding something from me?" Thaddeus growled creeping closer to me and I could see anger swirling in his russet brown eyes.

       "I-I can't say. I was just told to talk with you privately Zeta." I gulped, he truly is terrifying when he's angry.

       "What do you mean?! There's an alpha here and he's not to be excluded from urgent matters. Where is Rae and why isn't she here with Alpha Rhodes?" He growled out and I knew I was about to be chopped liver. Fuck I really need to think of away out of this without exposing the threat to the visiting alpha.

       "I......am under Alpha's orders Thaddeus I am sorry for the mess I have made truly but I am not allowed to say anything in front of Alpha Rhodes. And Alpha Davis is out; she had to deal with something that came up." I hated that I was forced into this position but I really couldn't do much to weasel my way out of it either. I kept a close eye on Derek's hunched body in fear he might attack me again.

      But apparently he wasn't who I should've been watching because the next thing I knew I was pinned against the wall again except this time it was by my shoulders and there was a very angry fuming Thaddeus in my face growling. " TELL ME RIGHT NOW OR SO HELP ME I WILL THROW YOU INTO THE CELLAR!" He snarled, I could feel his hot breath on my neck. I felt beads of sweat roll down my forehead.

     I shook my head slightly, which made him slam me into the wall again and I could feel it shudder under my weight. I couldn't prolong telling him any longer. I had lost all contact with her and I couldn't focus enough to open a private link to her or Thaddeus. I ached all over from the pain of hitting the wall three times now and the intense atmosphere kept my mind busy. I knew for sure Thaddeus was going to beat me to a pulp for letting her leave and deal with the situation. So I sent out a silent prayer to the moon goddess before I opened my mouth to explain knowing that Rae may never trust me with anything ever again.

     "Thaddeus promise me you won't hurt me if I tell you?" I asked meekly, trying to save myself from any more pain.

      He rolled his eyes and nodded waiting for me to continue. I took a quick glance at Alpha Rhodes only to find that his eyes were fixated on me clearly waiting as well. "Well it started when Stephen contacted me letting me know that our guest was a few miles away from the pack house which I then went to and informed Alpha Davis. She asked to be left alone unless there was something important that came up, she wanted to focus on the paperwork from yesterday. But as I was walking away the partols called out and Stephen linked Alpha Davis." I paused, catching my breath slightly. "She told me to greet the guest and start talking about the borders and an alliance between the packs before giving me strict instructions on what to do. She said that she needed me to gather a few of the warriors that were supposed to go out with the evening patrols....with you right now.. She also wanted me to get gamma Aisling, but I was to leave Felix and you alone so you could sleep. She said not to bother you unless she called for reinforcements but she doubted that she would need to call but then..... A few moments ago she told me to wake you up. I don't know where she is or what's happening Thaddeus I swear."

      He let go and I crumpled to the floor just as Felix cleared the landing of the stairs. His eyes burned with fury. "You sent the two girls to deal with whatever's happening?!" He snarled and went to lunch for me until Thaddeus caught him.

     "I'm sorry I-" I was about to respond when I was interrupted by a terrified scream. "HELP TYRUS!!"

****Autother's note*****

    I hope you enjoy this new chapter and I am already working on the next. I will say this was meant to be part of the Prologue but thai is a whopping 4.075 words which would've made the chapter a very long read. It probably is already long as it is. I have changed and edited a lot of this story. This was originally very different so I hope you like it. I hope you have a goodnight/ a good day. I will try my best to work on typing up chapter two and get it posted as soon as I can.