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XAVIER'S POV.
I observed the spark fade from her eyes with each exhaled moan that accidentally bore my ex-wife's name. It was a regrettable slip, yet the reality remained—she'd always be a reminder of Egro in my life.
Despite the abrupt halt in enthusiasm from her, she didn't voice any complaints, ensuring my pleasure remained uninterrupted.
The following morning, I rose early, lying in bed, consumed by various thoughts. The memories of the welcome ceremony flooded my mind once more.
Eliot's unapologetic demeanor, knowing he had seized what rightfully belonged to me.
An urge to retaliate against those individuals clouded my thoughts. I couldn't resist sending Scarlet to retrieve the blue book. I needed confirmation about the last eighteen years I'd been away and to assess how their territories and forces had grown before making a move.
With the blue book, I'd uncover every connection they held, especially Eliot's.
The shock in her eyes was unmistakable when I ordered her to retrieve the book. I knew she had developed feelings for Addison, but in Fedele, emotions were set aside for the task at hand. Despite my veins pulsating with guilt, I had to issue the order.
After dressing, I made my way to my hideout nestled high in the mountains, overlooking the autonomous region streets. It served as a training ground for my men, essential for my impending retribution. I hadn't visited since my return, but Zane had kept me informed about our warriors' progress.
Only he could aid me in this endeavor.
"Boss, get ready to be impressed," Scarface chuckled, speeding ahead towards the streets leading to the hideout.
"Are they that skilled?" I inquired, a surge of excitement building within me.
"Boss, they're more than skilled; you've got an army behind you. Just sound the alarm, and it's done," he assured, instilling confidence in their unwavering loyalty.
After a few minutes, we arrived at the hideout, and Scarface parked the car deep in an alley, ensuring it remained concealed from view.
He guided us deep into the mountains where the hideout lay hidden. The location wasn't just for discretion but also for the late bloomers or those who hadn't undergone their first shift. The mountain served as their regal training ground.
As we approached the door, two guards bowed swiftly upon seeing me.
I raised them to their feet, patting their shoulders before entering.
"SAINT!" Zane enveloped me in a tight hug, tears streaming down his cheeks. For eighteen years, he had yearned for this moment, a brotherly reunion we both craved. The warriors stood witness, and as I turned, they all kneeled in unison, chanting, "SAINT!"
Their resounding voices filled me with warmth. I smiled and gestured for them to rise.
"We had an intruder break in this morning," Zane informed me.
"Where is he?" I asked, keeping my intentions discreet, not wanting Fedele to catch wind of my plans until they were fully formed.
"Bring him here!" I commanded, and swiftly, they dragged him before me.
At the sight of him, my brows furrowed; he was one of Eliot's most trusted and fearsome men.
"Do you recognize him? I was considering severing his arms as a warning," Zane suggested.
"He can't stay alive, he is…."
Before I could finish my sentence, the figure who was previously bound swiftly shifted into a small, unfamiliar wolf. His movement was as swift as lightning, his leaps resembling flight.
As he shifted and the ropes turned to shreds, everyone stood in awe at this unique type of wolf. He attempted to escape, but I was quick enough to catch and prevent him from leaping off the mountain.
He rolled on the ground and emitted a loud growl. "Shit!" I muttered under my breath.
That growl belonged to the Fedele, a signal in times of emergency.
"Awoof! Awoof!" he continued, but before he could finish, Zane transformed into his wolf form, surprisingly also resembling the same small wolf with short claws but double the speed of a normal wolf.
It seemed both of them could shape-shift to manifest this unique creature rather than their typical wolves.
Zane growled softly as he launched his first attack, leaving the wolf writhing on the ground. We watched, curious about their connection. In a matter of seconds, Zane reverted to his human form, clutching the creature's eyes as we all watched in awe as those eyes fell to the ground.
"We can release him, he can't see again," Zane assured, breathing heavily.
"No!" I ordered firmly.
"Take his arms and head!"
"Is that necessary?" Zane looked surprised at the severity of the order to eliminate the intruder.
"He's one of Eliot's men."
Zane nodded approvingly, shooting me a menacing glance that spoke volumes. I understood what he expected – for me to shift and finish the job. But it had been eighteen years since I shifted, and I already suffered from lupus due to the prolonged absence of transformation.
Approaching where the wolf lay in his human form, I grabbed his leg and rolled his head over the wheel inside the room. His head rolled, blood spilling over the floor, while I tossed the remains to one of the warriors.
"Break his arms and dispose of his body in rogue territory," I ordered.
I left with Zane and Scarface. I needed to return home, to cleanse myself, to rid my body of the blood I'd just spilled.
"Without shifting, you can't lead them," Zane's words halted my steps, his concern evident on his face.
"I have lupus," I finally admitted.
"Get your mate's blood, bond with her, and mark her. Let her help you shift," Zane suggested. "We have Shamans who can assist you. Lupus doesn't hinder; your wolf is dormant, not gone."
As Scarface drove us back to the packhouse, I mulled over Zane's words. Would Scarlet agree to let me mark her? Marking a mate required mutual consent, not force. Would she willingly offer her blood to help me shift and awaken my wolf?
Back at the house, I headed to the bathroom to wash off the blood. Upon returning to my room, just as I slipped on my shorts, I heard the slam of Scarlet's door. I rushed to her room to ask about the book, but she refused to open the door despite my persistence.
As I waited for Scarface to fetch someone to break the door down, Scarlet suddenly opened it, startling me from my thoughts.
"You want the blue book?" she asked firmly, her shoulders squared and determination evident in her unwavering gaze.
"I'll get you the blue book," she declared, striding out confidently, leaving me in awe.
CHAPTER 21.