Vivian's POV
From that night on, I became their queen. Word of my leadership spread quickly, and our numbers grew. Packs began to fear us, and many wolves abandoned their packs to join us. We built homes in the woods, fortified our boundaries, and trained rogues to be stronger.
"Queen Vivian," Roland, my Beta, called, interrupting my thoughts.
I caught his signal and understood immediately.
"Another pack threatening us?" I asked, pouring myself a drink.
"No, something different," he replied. "Do you remember the Alpha you asked me to keep watch on?"
My grip on the cup tightened. "Of course. What about him?"
"I've received a report that he's planning an attack on Silver Moon in three days."
I raised a brow. "Silver Moon? That's Alpha Killian's pack."
"Yes," Roland confirmed. "Alpha Bryan has a spy inside. They believe Alpha Killian is vulnerable."
"Vulnerable?" I questioned. Alpha Killian was known for his strength and dominance, even defeating an entire army single-handedly.
"According to what I've heard, every full moon, painful screams are heard from Alpha Killian's room. No one is allowed to enter. They think he's weakened during that time."
My gaze turned serious, the cup squeezing between my palm. "I don't know what Bryan is actually planning, but we won't let him succeed. Prepare to leave after sunset."
*******
At sunset, Roland and I set out for the Silver Moon Pack. When we reached the border, the guards immediately stopped us.
"How dare rogues step into our territory?" one sneered. "Do you know where you are?"
Another added, "They are now becoming brave because of the lady they call queen.:
Roland growled. "Watch your tongue!"
The second guard smirked. "A rogue queen? She's just a worthless wolf giving other rogues false hope."
Before I could stop him, Roland slapped the guard so hard he stumbled to the ground.
"You should be thankful my queen is merciful," Roland snarled.
The other guard stepped forward, but my glare froze him in place. "Inform your Alpha I have urgent information concerning his pack," I said coldly.
The guard hesitated, then ran off. Minutes later, he returned with a tall man who introduced himself as the Beta. He studied us warily before leading us into the pack's fortress.
The Silver Moon Pack's stronghold was grand, its golden architecture reflecting their wealth and power. The security was formidable, with countless checkpoints before reaching the main hall.
"You'll wait here," the Beta said, leaving us under heavy guard. He seemed annoyed by our presence.
After thirty minutes, the Alpha entered, surrounded by women laughing and fawning over him. I frowned. This wasn't the image I'd heard of the mighty Alpha Killian.
"Rogues?" he snapped when he saw us. The women quickly stepped back. "How dare you bring rogues into my pack?" he shouted at his Beta.
"Is that how to treat a guest, big brother?" a voice interrupted.
My wolf stirred restlessly at the voice. The room suddenly felt suffocating, and my heartbeat quickened.
"My queen, are you alright?" Roland asked, concern on his face.
"Do they make you uncomfortable?" he asked again, and I stood up my gaze fixed.
"What's this strange feeling?..... It can't be....." as the owner of the voice entered the room, the word escaped my lips like a whisper
"Mate."
I saw him glance at me, but surprisingly, he didn't react.
Does he not feel it either?
"You should at least listen to them. Then you can decide what to do after that." The man who just entered said, he was putting on a mask.
Alpha Killian melted under his brother's words, visibly calming down. If I wasn't mistaken, his hands were trembling by the sides. Though he tried to look tough, there was something off about him — perhaps he was just a puppet?
Something doesn't feel right.
Alpha Killian finally took a seat. As I moved to seat, he yelled ordering me to stand.
"That's our queen you are referring to, she's brought help, you can't ask her to stand." Roland was already enraged that I felt uncomfortable. He didn't understand why, but still, he couldn't sit back while they treat me so lowly.
"Let her seat." The masked man said. I narrowed my gaze at him, confused. How is it possible that only I feel the mate bond? Does he lack a wolf?
Alpha Killian smiles and quickly asked me to seat. It was clear now, the true Alpha of this pack isn't Alpha Killian. It's this masked man here.
Nevertheless, if he doesn't feel the mate bond, it works well for me. I will never accept to be trampled upon by any man.
"Speak." the masked man ordered.
"I am queen Vivian, leader of the rogues."
Silent murmurs filled the room from the women and few others who were around.
"I don't know if it's appropriate to say this in the presence of everyone. I would prefer a private space with just the Alpha."
"Never!" Alpha Killian's beta retorted. "You've come here to take our Alpha's life, right?"
Everyone gasped, that's a serious claim he just made. Roland made attempt to speak, and I silenced him.
I looked at the beta, his red eyes, sweat dripping from his forehead. His hands in his pocket. He looked nervous, restless. I've been noticing his discomfort ever since we arrived. What is he trying too hard?
"Your kinds are never to be trusted, for all we know, you might just be looking for a chance to have our alpha killed."
Alpha Killian didn't say a word neither the masked man, they all turned their gaze to me.
"If you insist, I will say it here... Your pack will be under attack in three days." I blurted out.
The beta stiffened, glaring at me.
Alpha Killian snorted, "That's a suicidal attack, they won't even be able to make it past the border."
"Not if they have a spy here." I said with confidence.
I could feel the masked man intense gaze on me.
"And who's the spy? Because the only spy here is you both....." the beta pointed at I and Roland.
"Guards. Take them." The beta ordered.
"Wait, what if I can prove it?" I looked at them. "Guards…." Alpha Killian called but was interrupted.
"Prove it." the masked man ordered.
I walked towards the beta, who moved backwards in fright. "What do you think you're doing?"
I grabbed a hold of his hand, my grip tight, despite he's trying to free himself. I raised his hands up and everyone gasped.
"What will a beta be doing with the Alpha's seal?" I asked.
Beta Gabriel, seeing that his plans had failed, took me unaware and twisted my arm backwards, a knife on my neck.
"I swear, I'll kill her," Gabriel's hand trembled as the knife pressed lightly against my neck.