“You…you knew my mother?”
THE ROGUE COUNCIL
Jasper’s face has turned so red I’m worried his head is about to explode.
“Answer me,” he rasps. “You knew my mother?”
“Yes,” Mal says, nodding. “We were good friends.”
Jasper’s eyes are darting between council members, as if he’s looking for any sign of deception, a lie betrayed by a knowing smirk or a quirked eyebrow. He mustn’t find any because he grips his hands into fists and squeezes his eyes shut. “I—I don’t believe you.”
Mal waves a dismissive hand in front of her face. “Whether you believe me or not is of little consequence. Your mother was important to us and to this settlement, and because of that we are willing to offer you hospitality.”
“Youofferus?” Jasper’s tone is incendiary, he’s insulted and not afraid to show it.
“Watch yourself, Child Alpha,” Mal warns. “We are a peaceful tribe, unlike your militaristic packs, we do not rely on our bite to assert our dominance. But we are also proud and we are not without fangs of our own.”
This must be tough for Jasper. Clearly he had no idea his mother was so involved with the rogues. Yes, we knew she reached out to them in her time as luna, but not to this extent. He’s learning things about her he couldn’t possibly have known. I reach out and take Jasper’s wrist in my hand, trying to send him calming energy. He takes two deep breaths and opens his eyes.
“There we are,” Mal says, her tone bordering on friendly. “Tomas here was especially close with your mother.” The ponytailed wolf nods in consensus. “If you would like, Child Alpha, you can stay awhile, get to know her better. I’m sure he would enjoy reminiscing with you.”
“It would be my pleasure,” Tomas chimes in. “Mitsuha was an inspirational woman and a great friend.”
Jasper’s back straightens and his chest muscles tense. “I don’t need you to tell me who my mother was.”
“Am I correct in thinking you were unaware of just how involved your mother was in the business of rogues?” Mal asks, leaning forward.
Jasper doesn’t respond.
“Why do you think that is?” she asks. “Why do you think your father has kept that side of her hidden from you?”
“Leave my father out of this.”
“Your alpha father has kept the truth from you,” Mal says, her voice level and strong. “Don’t you want to know her for who she really was?”
“I’ve heard enough,” Jasper snaps. “If we are not prisoners, as you say, then you will not prevent us from leaving. Come on, Max.” Jasper turns, not waiting for me, and stomps to the exit.
I glance between him and the council. “I—I’m sorry.”
As Jasper disappears I make for the door as well but freeze when Mal’s voice booms from behind me.
“Blood Wolf!”
A ripple runs down my spine. How does she know about that? Jasper is gone and now I stand alone, slowly turning to face the council.
“Oh yes,” she says, a knowing smile crossing her face. “We have sensed your presence.”
“How—how did you—?”
“Tell me something, Blood Wolf. Have you heard the call?”
An echo of the distant howl that’s plagued my dreams since the beginning of the year ricochets through my head and I can’t help but rub the back of my neck.
Mal leans back with the fire reflected in her widening eyes. “I see. You have heard it then. And I suppose you’ve been told to ignore it. To pretend you hear nothing. To remain in the dark like your packmates.”
“I—I—”
What is she talking about? Does she know who’s been calling to me? Interrupting every time I’ve tried to link with Jasper?
