The Guardian Wolf And Her Alpha Mate
The Blessed Ones – A Blessing Or A Curse? Chapter 15

Jax POV:

"So..no Luna" a grim faced Luca states as we all walk into Axton's office where he's sat waiting for us.

"No" Axton replies bluntly, his eyes heavy with worry as he passes him Mila's phone and the note addressed to him. "Look through these, it's got everything you need to know."

"Reports on the table Alpha" Luca tells him quietly, his concerned gaze taking in the tight stance of his leader. "I've handled everything."

With a silent nod, Axton lowers himself on the chair and begins reading over what Luca has readied for him.

Hearing the door open, I look to see Elder Martin enter. "Alex filled me in already at the car park" he tells us as I go to speak. "I've sent out notice of an emergency Alpha Meeting, two days from now, all are expected to attend." "Bruno won't" I mutter.

"No, I doubt he will. But I am intrigued to see if everyone else does. His support is strong in the south wether that be by choice is to be determined, if he is planning what I think then this could give us an indication of how much support he has" Martin says calmly. "To become an Alpha King in his own right" I murmur.

"I fear so" Martin sighs, not surprised by us knowing his assumption. "His father was the first to propose the idea of a North and South divide. But we as the council didn't believe it to be the correct course of action, Alex has done a brilliant job at keeping unity, it is a tricky part of being Alpha King, and he has personally supported a few packs in matters over the past few years. It was part of his aim during his time as Alpha King, to increase pack relations." "Did any other packs agree with Bruno's father at the time?" Nova asks curiously.

"At the time, no. But that was almost 20 years ago now, times have changed" Elder Martin says sadly. "I believe you being here is for a reason, unfortunately a Guardian Wolf is there to help and they always appear in times of great need. I doubt your grandfather was the only obstacle you will face Nova."

"We will face" I interject quietly as Nova smiles at me gratefully.

"One step at a time" she whispers as her eyes flicker to Luca who offers a supportive smile.

"I agree you need to visit the Deep Forest Pack, you are to make a peaceful entrance and not cause any reason to fight. Express your concern and state what their Alpha has done, I don't believe they are aware but it may do the pack some good to know Bruno is doing a few extra curricular activities" Martin explains calmly. "I also have a personal request for for Luna Nova here."

"To take a reading of people's emotions, get a feel of pack members and to see when there is deceit in the air?" She asks as he chuckles at her.

"You got me" he shrugs as he holds her gaze.

"Because I was already planning to" she smirks. "I want to make this clear though, I do not intend to change people's emotions other than when necessary. It's something I'm struggling with, bending people true feelings, shaping them to suit me, but I will when the time is needed. I am happy to take a reading though, to gain more understanding."

"That is something I can agree with" Martin says with a smile. "Thank you."

"So what of Mila?" Axton asks as he comes to stand near us.

"Why don't we speak to the witches, perhaps they have some information which will help" I muse. "It's worth a try isn't it. I just wish Mila had spoken to me before making this decision."

"Jax.." Nova whispers, her hand resting over her heart as she feels my pain through the bond. "In the little time she had, I doubt we would have managed to come up with something to save the people of this pack without causing more harm. What Mila has done is incredibly brave, but we will get her back."

"I know" I sigh as I pinch the bridge of my nose, keeping the emotions at bay.

"He promised to leave the White Mountain Pack if Mila went with him. Mila knew we were going there so arranged to meet him away from the pack, leaving our members safe here" Axtons informs the Elder as Martins face stays expressionless while looking at the messages Luca shows him on the phone, not allowing us to see his reaction.

"I have to admit..I'm surprised Bruno kept to his side of the deal" I growl. "Bruno is not someone who values his agreements, as we all know. So why this time?"

"To save face" Alex replies. "It was already a bold move, he managed to seize control of the White Mountain Pack for a short time without any suspicion. I know it would have been different if the pack was all together but it was still a bold move. He taunted us on the phone earlier, he was enjoying himself, enjoying being the one in control. Especially because it involved a direct link to Axton I imagine. But I believe he was desperate to get Mila if he went to this length."

"If he'd attacked more forcefully he would have gained more attention" I acknowledge.

"We need to go to the Deep Forest Pack in the morning" Alex tells Elder Martin.

"Then do" Martin tells him. "But be back within the day, you need to all prepare for the Alpha meeting."

"What will be said at the council meeting?" Nova asks as she leans into me.

"I'm going to announce Ophelia and mines decision about stepping down, I will also formally announce my decision to put Jax forward as a candidate, I think it's time to also explain the mark of the crown. It may help change a few opinions of those in the south if we are correct in what Bruno is hoping to achieve" Alex explains.

"And what about Mila?" Axton growls, his form stiff and intimidating as he stands by the window. "What about my mate? The witches cannot be our only plan."

"A mate being taken by a vengeful ex first mate isn't unusual, im afraid it has happened before despite our efforts to avoid it. But this is different" Martin says slowly. "Why?" Axton growls as he steps in.

"Because he did it so blatantly in front of the council" Martin explains. "He knew I was here, he knew his Alpha King was here as well as who else was in our company. So in taking Mila he has moved against the council and his King." "So what do we do?" Nova asks once again.

"We see who comes to the alpha meeting, if there are any no shows from the southern packs without a viable reason then it can be quite clear who is siding with Bruno" Martin continues. "We will also gage the Alpha's reactions to our news." "Do we tell them what has happened to Mila?" Jax asks, his hand reaching for mine as he holds it for silent support. Sending a rush of love down the bond, I see his shoulders visibly relax as he lets out a long breath.

"Yes" Elder Martin says, his eyes meeting each of ours as he answers confidently. "It was known to us, and many others, that Mila wanted the bond to break. For him to follow her wishes then force her to go with him, it is essentially an act of war." "Then why don't we attack the Deep Forest Pack?" Axton snarls.

With that Nova clears her throat softly before speaking, "May I?" She asks looking between Martin and Alex for confirmation to answer. As they both nod she turns her gentle gaze to Axton.

"Multiple reasons, ones I'm sure you're aware of as well. I doubt you would have even suggested that if you weren't suffering right now, it's clouding your judgement and that is understandable" she says softly. "None of us are that knowledgable on the Deep Forest Pack other than Elder Martin and Alex perhaps, of course there are many rumours but as you know, they became an increasingly private pack in the last few years. Spending little time in the northern territory from what you have told me in the past. We don't know what we would be going in to, we also can be fairly certain Mila isn't there. Now I don't know about you..but I have a feeling if Bruno is as horrible as suggested, the pack members of his may also be suffering. Why attack if the innocent could be hurt. Going for a visit first is the right thing to do, gain some understanding and scout the pack out. I don't believe attacking them is the smartest reaction right now."

With a deep sigh Axton sits, studying Novas face long after she stops speaking, making me rather tense beside her. "Relax" she links me.

"Why do you have to be right all the time" Axton grunts as his eyes shift to Luca.

"Annoying right" his Beta says rolling his eyes at his sister, before shooting her a grateful smile when Axtons attention has moved on.

"Do you think Mila is going to be ok?" Axton asks us.

With a tight smile, Nova nods her head slowly. "You know full well I won't promise something I'm not certain of. But what I will say is that woman is intelligent, brave and a quick thinker. It's not an ideal situation for her, and I don't know what Bruno's intentions are with her. But I'm certain she will handle it like a true Luna and work to make contact with us as soon as she can."

"I hope you're right" Axton sighs.

"My sister is a fighter" I tell him, proud that my voice stays strong as I speak of her. "She grew up with three brothers, and she can hold her own. I don't believe she would have gone into this without thinking the possibilities through."

"So when do we travel to the Deep Forest Pack?" Nova asks as she moves to stand.

"We will leave at 5am" Alex answers looking at the clock above his head. "We have to go first thing so as not to give them any more time and to ensure we are all back quickly."

"Yes I need to be back here for the pack members" Axton says. "I have been away far too much already and I don't see that changing any time soon."

"Which is why I have a suggestion" Alex mentions quietly.

"That being?" Axton asks curiously.

"You need Luca right now, you need his support and his quick thinking by your side" Alex explains slowly. "You're all aware of what we have asked of Sophie and Luca, I believe what I'm going to suggest will help strengthen this pack for the time being but also help show the Rogue Pack what Luca is truly capable of."

"What are you suggesting?" Luca asks.

"Bring them here" Alex says simply.