Chapter 147: Chapter 147

/Aiden's POV/

I had no idea what was it that woke me up. Suddenly, I was sitting up in bed, the sheets sliding off my chest along with my mate's arm and every last bit of fatigue that had been clinging to my body. It's still dark, no light shining in from outside and no ray of sun pouring inside.

Instead, the window was still wide open, puddles of water covering the ground right in front of it.

I slipped from beneath the duvet and got to my feet, mind-wiped blank and steps steady but languid as I made my way towards the window. When I looked ahead, far away in the distance, a hint of light on the horizon stared back at me, a line in the darkened sky.

For a moment, I soaked the silence around me, the chilly air nipping at my skin, and my eyes fluttered shut.

The plan to draw out Reece was beyond insane, but it's the only thing I could think of with the ongoing situation. With my father's consent, I was going to plan a fake funeral, making others believe that my mother succumbed to her death. It would force him to enter the territory confirm the news with his own eyes. I needed Slyvie to send him a message that her plan worked out. She agreed to play along back when I caught her in the clinic.

"Aiden?" Rose voice, groggy and honeyed, trickled down my back, snapping me out of what turned into a trance in a matter of milliseconds. I blinked and turned my head, looking over her shoulder to where she started to gather blankets around her body. Then I realised the window was open, and icy air was beginning to fill the room to which my mate gets cold easily.

She was calling for my attention, her mouth red-bitten and hair tangled and messy, almost sticking to her sides, eyes glimmering in the dark, "Come back to bed." The omega patted the empty side, a quirk to her lips. "What are you thinking about?"

"My plan," I said, dragging my feet back to her and settling down, a sigh escaping my lips. She wrapped her arms around me, her head lying on my chest, the wisps of loose hair tickling my nose. Rose made a soft sound, pressing her ear closer as if trying to listen to the pounding of my heart.

"Oh! It will work out in your favour."

"I hope so too."

***

Hours later, I found myself in my father's room, explaining the plan. At first, he was hesitant about it but agreed upon Liam insistence. As a beta, second in command, his voice was equally important, and he believed in me.

"I will make sure to post all our guards around the woods. We won't let that fucker slip away!"

"Liam." I exhaled, shaking my head. "I don't think it's a wise choice. What if Reece uses that opportunity to attack us through unguarded boundaries? Besides, pulling off our security would create more suspicion."

My father hummed. "Aiden is right. It's a risky move. If Reece is alone, I think a dozen of them are sufficient to hold him."

"Okay, I'll get on with it!" Liam bowed his head before giving me a look and walking out of the room.

"You sure about this, Aiden?" My father's voice made me turn around, his brows furrowed together, hands clasped in his lap. His shoulders were tensed, mouth in a thin line, and I fully understand why he was so worried.

"Yes, dad. It's either this or war. I want to know why Reece is after mom and our pack."

"Good luck then."

***

It took a day to plan everything, and I checked on through Jade, making sure that she kept an eye on Slyvie. The last thing I wanted was for her to ruin it for us.

"Let's go" Rose nudged my side, the beret on the head along with the veil covering most of her forehead. As the future Luna of the pack, she had to attend the gathering and make it seem much more real.

We did not want to attract many people, so Liam informed a few guards and their families to put on a show. The venue was in the common ground, away from our pack territory, so Reece would have no excuse not to attend. Ellen, Jade and Caden also graced with their presence but left soon. There was no sign of the beta anywhere.

After a few more hours, Liam came to me as I sat on the bench with Rose and two guards behind us. The omega appeared almost tired from sitting in the same position for a while now.

"I don't think he's going to show up."

My face scrunched at that. It seemed true as I could not smell any distinct scent around us. Disappointment curled in my chest, stomach tightening. I was hopeful that this plan might work and lure him.

Looking at Rose, I straightened my back, "Maybe, but I still want to wait for a while."

Rose made a face, rubbing at her thighs. "Aiden, we have been here for almost four hours now. I have cramps in my legs."

"Let's go back home then. I'll come back here, and in the meantime, Liam can wait." I turned to the beta, "Are you okay with that?"

Rose chewed on her bottom lip, shifting her attention between both of us. She wrapped her fingers around my wrist, tugging slightly, "Umm...no, it's fine. I don't want to distract you. Besides, there's a chance he may show up. I'll walk home with Liam."

"Are you sure?"

Her lips curled. "Yes, Alpha."

"Come on, Liam."

The beta hummed, forwarding a hand to the omega who stood with a wince. At the crackle of her bones, I almost flinched, guilt swarming in my belly. I should have left her back home, but the thought only made me nervous.

"Come back soon." Rose pressed a kiss to the corner of my mouth, slowly turning on her feet. I watched as she walked away with guards following her.

***

"Miss me?" A voice rang around the woods, his boots crushing dried scrubs along the way as he came to stand in front. My mouth opened and closed as I came face to face with none other than Reece. The more concerning thing about the beta was he had no scent. Nothing.

"You—"

Before I could complete the sentence, he must have sensed something behind, a low growl escaping his lips. Reece cursed under his breath and was quick to take a few steps back, stumble, making a good run through the tall trees.

"Hey!" I yelled, my fingers curling into fists, and I motioned all the guards hiding into trees. They were stationed around the area in case Reece tried to escape and did not leave with Liam. Even if my plan failed, I wanted them to stay back till midnight if the beta showed up.

"Follow him!"

I sprinted after him before we came to a halt, standing in an open field of a sort, away from pack territories. My pack guards were quick to surround him.

"What, are you scared now?" I goaded a smirk curling into my lips.

"I know you'd like me to be, Aiden, but I'm not. You're not the only one with a trick to share." He snapped his fingers, and within seconds a dozen rogues, all in their wolves form, came to stand behind my guards, baring their canines.

"How's this for a twist?"

I clenched my jaw tight. "You are not getting away this time."

"Or so you think."

"Why?" I demanded, needing answers before we dove into this. All I wanted were answers from the wolf that's been terrorising my pack and wanted to take my mother's life. "I have to know. Why are you after me? After your Luna? What the fuck do you want?"

"Oh, so your mother passed away without telling you anything, huh? Sad!" He made loud, pitiful sounds, resting his chin on his palm, blinking at me. Taking a step forward, he met my eyes, narrowing them, a creepy smile taking over his lips. "How could you not remember my promise to you, Aiden? I told you I would come back for you."

***