While Gabe flees to the infirmary without a second glance Jared stays put and after a moment stands up again to gather with the other fighter. Everyone is tense.

Geeze I wonder why.

I look at his crooked bloody nose and sigh. Without a word I walk to him but he unconsciously takes a step back. I think the alpha scarred him for life.

"Sorry." I apologize and before he can do or say anything I crack his nose back in place in a loud nauseating sound, feeling his bone under my fingers. I hear him curse under his breath but turn to the others.

"I won. You have to listen to me, no complains."

They frown, unconvinced and I sigh again.

"Look I know it's not my place but I really think I can teach you some new things. Don't you want to be even stronger ?"

They seem to hesitate. I smile tentatively and some nod in agreement.

'Glad to see that your charms still work, old hag.' My wolf giggles and I flinch, an image of an old lady with gray hair and wrinkled skin comes to mind.

In a sense my wolf is right, if I looked my age I don't think I would have any effect on these boys.

"I've traveled a lot, I know martial arts. Thought you'd like it." I shrug innocently.

They don't add anything but follow my orders for the next four hours.

We keep at it for the following days, I teach them more moves and we go over their team work. It's not bad really, I just give them a few tips here and there to make it work even better. They start to relax around me, even allowing me to joke with them. They are a good bunch. Some, a little too flirty for my taste but I don't acknowledge it. And they are quick learners, that's always better, especially when I'm not the patient type.

On the matter of their pack defense I advise a few changes to Jared. During the trials I noticed a few interesting people, really fast and smart like Leah and suggest to add them to the sentinels or the back up group. However the prisoner doesn't give us anymore useful information. Not even his name. As I thought he doesn't know anything, he doesn't know that this pack is indeed special. I ask him about the tattoo on his wrist.

"I liked the design." Is his only answer.

I wonder if he would say something if I showed him my mark, but I decide against it. Still we keep him in the cells, that are now darker, colder and humid, less comfortable and we give him less food. The exhaustion is starting to show on his face. Maybe if he's too tired he'll let something slip. I go to see him everyday. Sometimes just siting in front of him for an hour, without a world, looking straight at him, my stare never wavering, that sure makes him fidget in his seat, or I start eating a wonderful piece of cake right under his nose.

Hard, I know. I wouldn't want that to happen to me. But since it's not....

I also keep looking over the books all week but don't learn anything about the attacks. I translate a few documents I find of importance. Omitting a detail about me here and there. Like my red eyes. Now that Nate has seen them I have to be more careful than ever. I don't see him around more than once every two or three days. He only inquires about my findings quickly before leaving again. But I see an unbelievable number of women hooked to his arm every time I catch a glimpse of his brown hair. Not only Cory but at least a dozen of others too. And that has my blood boiling in my veins, or running cold, it depends on the moment. What I know for sure is that my jealousy is increasing each day and I don't know if I'll last a lot longer.

The sooner I'm out of here, the better.

Even Jared catches on my sour mood and keeps his distance outside of work related matters so I spend the remaining of my free time with the pups. When I'm with them I don't think about unnecessary things like an infuriating alpha. Since the attack in Jordan's secret place they are not allowed in the woods anymore so we use the gardens. I keep telling them stories and teaching them simple moves. I'm proud to say they are even greater learners than the adults. The women of the pack send more and more glares my way, probably thinking I'm flirting with their mates. For now it stays child play, a 'there's a stench in the air' or 'the definition of a guest is that he doesn't stay' here and there but that's all.

Either way I can take care of myself.

I toss and turn every night in my bed, uncomfortable. I got rid of the mosquitoes but it feels empty and lonely and the sheets lack a soothing scent. But I'm stubborn and stay put.

Alright, so on the second day I might have stolen one of his shirts -okay, okay three or four of them really but no more than that- a pillow, his soap and one of the books on his bedside table, but who cares.

If it helps me sleep at night I think I deserve it. I never tried to go to his room again, not wanting to come across one of the other girls there.

On the next Friday morning my bags are full, closed and ready for me to take them and leave. After breakfast I put them in the trunk of my car.

Right ! I stole my keys back from his room too.

I only need to give a few documents to Nate before I leave. Yesterday I used one of my dinner coupons to go into town and meet with Leila. I knew I was being followed but easily gave him the slip.

They are hundred of years too young to be on par with me.

She hasn't changed one bit since the last time I saw her, as happy as ever. I briefly explained the situation to her, omitting the whole 'mate' part, I'm not ready to acknowledge it myself yet.

She's staying at a hotel in town. Being a were-coyote she's not under as much scrutiny as I am. And seeing as how Jared doesn't believe in magic, yetis and those kinds of things I'm not even sure the other fighters are aware there are other supernatural creatures in the world. That's a shame really. And conceited of them. But then again they are the creatures of the moon, righteous snobs. At least the pups will be more open-minded now.

Leila brought me a pile of letters and when I read them in my room last night it made me frown. The entire world of supernatural creatures is being attacked, not only the wolves. Which means the situation is more dire than what I had imagined. I made a few phone calls after reading them carefully for any more information. The few people I could talk to told me the same thing.

I don't know what to think of it anymore. I really thought this had something to do with the library but now it doesn't make any sense. And why would they attack other species ? If the rogues want to get revenge on the packs I don't see why they targeted others too.

'This doesn't make sense. We're missing Something.' My wolf agrees and I can sense it's worried.

Am I, maybe, sleepwalking and giving them orders in my sleep ? I mean, they are sporting my mark after all.

I walk across the pack house to the alpha's study room. I listen in before knocking. Once again, I don't want to interrupt anything that might be happening in there.

When I hear his soft "Enter." I do as I'm told. I look around quickly, nothing has changed since the last time I was in here. It feels like it was a lifetime ago. I missed seeing him around and talking to him more than I thought it would be possible. I seem to breath more easily now that I'm this close to him. I clear my thoughts.

"I wanted to give you a few documents before I leave." I explain in a clear voice.

Being in front of him my resolve is weak. He frowns at me and stands up to round his desk.

"I don't understand." He replies waiting for me to elaborate.

"I'm leaving." I repeat. "Leaving the pack house."

"Are you going shopping ?" He inquires.

I can't help rolling my eyes.

"No. I mean I'm going home. You know, New York, my place"

"No." He breathes out, his anger restrained with difficulty.

Here we go again. What is it with him and the word no ?

"Yes." I answer disdainfully.

He closes his eyes and tries to control his erratic breathing.

"Look, before I go I just wanted to give you"

His fist hits the corner of his desk hardly interrupting me. I grit my teeth. As I said before I am not a patient woman.

"Stop being a child !" I yell losing it.

"Oh, I'm the child ?" He scoffs.

I roll my eyes again.

"I'm a rogue." I remind him. "I don't live here. I'm just a guest. I won't even ask for my money." I offer.

"I don't care about the money." He growls.

So moody...

'He reminds me of someone.' My wolf laughs.

I'm not like that !

'Sure. Whatever makes you feel better.'

"I want to go home so I'm going home." I tell him next stubbornly.

"Why won't you listen to me ?" He asks in a whisper, his eyes pleading me to do just that.

I waver. These deep green eyes are pulling at the strings of my heart.

"I'm fine as I am."

"I don't get it. No one wants to be a rogue."

"I dont belong here." I try to explain gently looking him directly in the eyes.

"I offered you to join the pack." He counters.

"I don't want to." I mumble.

"Why not ?" He asks in a soft voice.

Because I can't have you. I want to answer but don't.

"The pups love you, the fighters accepted you and even Jared likes you. He finishes in a grumble, his hands clenched into fists.

"You sound jealous." I say in a mocking tone but it has my heart beating erratically.

"I'm not." He quips.

My heart breaks a little. A part of me wishes he would be jealous.

"Then stop beating the poor guy."

"I'll do what I want." He grumbles like a five year old.

"Child." I reiterate riled up.

He takes a step in my direction threateningly.

"I'm not a child." He bickers.

"I'm pretty sure you are?"

"Do you want to check ?" He offers and my heart misses a beat.

Yes !

'Strip tease ! Strip tease ! STRIP TEASE !' My wolf urges and I can imagine the dollars in its paws.

"Too bad there is nothing to see."

He growls, his muscles showing under his shirt and I want to lick my lips. But then he starts smirking.

"Like you're not drooling every time you look at me."

I gasp.

Conceited brat.

"Oh please, you're the one who can't keep his hands off me."

"You came to my room."

"You let me stay."

"You kissed me."

"You kissed me first !"

'Why aren't we all naked yet ?'

His eyes are shining brighter by the second and I agree with my wolf, it's too hot in here, we don't need that many clothes.

He stops talking when he hears the cars stopping outside.

"We'll talk about it later. The summit is starting."

"But I..." I start.

His hand flies to my mouth to shut me up, the whole look completed with a warning stare. My heart beats fast in my chest as his skin sends electricity all over my body. Slowly, his hand comes off and glides down my arm to grab mine. He doesn't wait for my reaction and pulls me behind him outside of the room and through the corridors. I expect him to let go of it but he keeps a tight hold, even with the onlookers around. I follow him to the entry doors where Jared is stationed, waiting for Nate. His brows shoot up when he sees me and I start to frown again.

'This isn't good.'

I know.

Without a word he opens the doors for Nate and we step outside. Only when all three of us are standing outside on the first steps does he let go of my hand, taking with it the warmth and more importantly the tingles and I'm tempted to reach out for it again.

"Keep an eye on her. She doesn't move from here." He orders his beta before walking to the first car. There are at least seven limousines parked in front of the house. All of them black and shiny and I can hear more cars coming in the distance.

"What did you do ?" Jared asks worried.

I ignore him and turn a little on myself to hide my face from the newcomers. Two dozen of men and women step out of the cars and start greeting each others. I recognize the voices around and their scents.

"Can I go inside ?" I ask warily.

Jared swallows with difficulty glancing at Nate.

"He said" He starts.

"I need to pee." I blurt out.

Anything to get out of here.

He seems to hesitate and I take my chance lifting my leg, ready to run inside.

"Livy ?"

I. Freeze.

"Joy ?"

"Amber !"

I'm screwed.

'You should have left without saying anything.'

But deep down I know I couldn't have. I needed to see Nate, even if it was only one last time. To make sure to engrave his image in my mind, to make a note of his smile, to remember the tingles, the pull he has on me. Jared is silent beside me, I'm not sure he is breathing anymore. I gulp and turn around putting on my brightest smile. I slowly go down the stairs, all the way thinking of making a run for it. I can see my car farther on the left.

"George, how are you ? Talia, how's Jacob ? Everyone, nice to see you again." I greet them, fixing each one of them as a sign of recognition.

They all laugh and smile back at me.

"It's nice to see you too ! I never thought I would see you here." George announces happily.

"Oh I'm just passing by. There was a race and you know me, I couldn't help it, I had to participate."

"I don't even have to ask to know you won." Talia laughs and then turns to George. "She beat our best racer last year."

"She won our poker party last month too." George replies in high spirits.

I hear Nate clear his throat awkwardly and everyone turns towards him.

"If you would come inside. There are drinks and sits ready."

The alphas around us nod and start walking to the house, chatting away, followed closely by the betas. One of them, Ellie, one of the only few female betas I know winks at me when she passes by and I return it. I stay put, immobilized by the intense stare sent my way. I close my mouth tightly, absolutely not ready for what's coming.

"What the hell is going on ?" Nate growls once everyone is inside.

Oh boy.

'Oh man. You mean, Oh hot-pissed off-mouth watering-sexy man.'

"How do you know all these alphas ?"

"I'm a rogue, I move around." I defend myself.

And that's true. I never stay long in the same place, I'm always on the move. So of course I meet a lot of people. And most of the time I'm more than cheerful since I win every gamble I make. Nowadays most people only know my good side, the mask I put on, the facade.

"Livy ? Joy ? Amber ?"

"I told you, I don't give my real name."

"And they are okay with that ?"

"I guess so." I shrug and he grits his teeth.

"Why didn't you tell me ?" He demands agitated.

"You never asked." I mumble.

But even if he did I wouldn't have said anything. And I would have made sure not to show my face.

"I know them. I don't interfere in their business." I add when I see his glare.

"Hope -if that's even your name- what"

"It is." I cut him.

A new car appears and parks in front of us. I recognize his voice immediately.

"Quinn ! Dear, what a nice surprise." The man chuckles in his baritone voice and Nate rolls his eyes at yet another name.

"Lincoln !" I smile at him.

Lincoln is the alpha of New Orleans.

New Orleans, these were the good times. Alcohol, music, cards and cigars.

I met him eighty years ago, when he was still a young alpha. He was a serious man and yet always making jokes. He was traveling in Africa at the time and we crossed path during a safari. Well, he was running for dear life across the savanna chased by a cheetah while I was touring Kenya with my guide. To this day I think that's still one of my favorite memories. After that we came back to America and he invited me to spend some time in his pack to thank me.

"Quinn, I'd like you to meet my son, and the future alpha of the New Orleans' pack, Xavier."

A young man comes closer and greets me. I take the time to observe him. He is tall with dark hair and brown eyes like his father, but he has his mother's cheek bones. Over all he is handsome, but sadly he still doesn't compare to Nate in my opinion.

I'm going to spend the rest of my existence alone, that's sad really.

I shake his hand and smile at him and Lincoln sighs beside me so I turn back to face him.

"I hoped maybe you'd be his mate." He admits sheepishly. "I can't think of anyone better for him."

I can't help blushing.

'Meddlesome old geezer.' My wolf mumbles.

I see Nate barely containing his irritation beside me and Lincoln follows my eyes.

'Alpha Nate. I hope you are taking great care of your guest. She is a dear friend of mine." He greets with a warm smile but his eyes are cold and threatening.

Nate nods awkwardly but fixes me.

"Of course. It's an honor to have her here." He answers.

"Dear, will you accompany an old man like me inside ?" Lincoln asks while wrapping his hand around my arm.

I look at Nate and when he nods I follow the man inside.

"So what do you think of this young alpha ?" He asks conspirationally. "I met his father in the past, he was a good man, sad really what happened to him."

"I think he's a good alpha. He reminds me a little of you actually." I smile.

"Then I should worry !" He chuckles.

Jared leads us to a big meeting room where we join the rest of the group. It's weird to see all these people here gathered in the same place. I'm impressed Nate could achieve that. Usually it's quite difficult to do, they must respect him a lot, or at least they respected his father and gave him the benefit of the doubt. I think this summit can be a good opportunity for him but it could also be his downfall depending on how he handles it.

More people arrive and after half an hour the room is full to the brink, loud with chatter. Jared is closely following me around and I have an inkling this wasn't his idea.

'He's jealous.' My wolf chants elated.

I'm joking around with Ellie, betting on who's going to interrupt the summit the most because alphas aren't known for their patience and they love to hear themselves talk. I'm betting on Alonzo, the alpha of the New Mexico's pack but she think it'll be George, her own alpha from the Boston's pack. Indeed, he loves to joke around. Once that's done we start betting on how many times one of the other alphas will touch his toupee, or how many hors doeuvres Pablo will be able to put in his mouth at once. The guy hasn't left the side of the table filled with food since I came in.

Suddenly a crashing sound resonates followed by a threatening growl and every head in the room turns to the door, annoyed by the interruption. There are pieces of an antic vase on the floor and a bulky man with a scar running along the right side of his face is glaring my way.

"What is this rogue doing here ?!" He shouts, his entire body trembling in rage.

I smirk and wave at him.

"Ah, Isanov"