He escapes

After you head home to Blood Rose territory, you try to live life like normal. Every morning you head over to Khayone's office to discuss pack politics. You pay close attention, hoping to hear anything about the Red Fang or Dakota. Their pack is suspiciously silent now that your deal is done, but you can't focus too much on it. You have to help Khayone figure out the Solar Silence marriage, arrange contracts with vendors in your commercial area, and deal with a new pack of rogues in your forest territory.

Outside of politics, you either go hang out with your friends or begin preparing for the pups. Again, while it is too early to tell if you're pregnant yet, your instincts tell you you are. You repaint the spare room in your apartment and gather furniture whenever you can. Everybody thinks you're overreacting, but don't stop you. Nobody can deny that a prepared leader is a good leader and your dedication is a good sign.

Thankfully, no one has noticed your bond bite yet. You are thankful for the cool weather, as the layers of clothing hide it from prying eyes. You can't help but rub at the spot when you're nervous or scared. No one thinks twice about it, attributing it to a nervous tick.

At night, alone in your apartment, you marvel at the sight of it. You know that Dakota was huge, but the size of your bite shows how easily that bond bite could have killed you. You shiver at the thought of you two at war, his teeth around your neck... No, don't think that way! You two weren't at war, you doubt he would have killed you even if you didn't bond. Bottoms are too valuable to kill.

It isn't until a month later that you get news. Khayone is sitting at his desk when you arrive, looking like he had a migraine. You approached cautiously, quietly asking if he was okay and if you could help.

The older man shakes his head and sighs. "There's news from the Counsel." he says. It sends a shiver down your spine.

"What did they say?" you ask, burying your nerves.

"It isn't clear yet, but you do remember the Alpha you slept with?"

At your nod, he continues. "From what I understand, he has brought some serious accusations against Zachery. Bad enough that the Counsel is opening an investigation."

"Did they say what he said?"

Khayone shakes his head. "They're keeping the details to themselves for now. All I know is that, if the Red Fang calls for help, we're to ignore the call until this is over. If we answer, they'll take it as us helping them hide evidence."

"And what of the Alpha?"

"What of him?"

Khayone is eyeing you suspiciously. You sigh, debating how much you can tell him. The news is already out about the Red Fang. As long as you keep the bond a secret, you should be fine. Khayone might be mad, but he was the one who told you months ago to start acting like a leader.

"He trusted me with information about his pack in case they found him out." you say, "He wanted someone to know the truth in case he disappeared. If I hadn't heard anything by the end of the week, I would have come to you about it. I just didn't want an innocent wolf to die, not when he just wanted to protect his packmates."

He sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Rowan, you are aware of how bad it looks to keep this information form me, correct?"

"Yes leader." you say, not breaking eye contact.

Another sigh. "I understand where you are coming from. I just wish you had trusted me with this. The Red Fang and Zachery are one of our biggest allies..."

"And it played a part in my decision. I knew if I brought it up, you might confront Zachery first or send me straight to the Counsel. You always tell me to give my informants a chance to prove themselves and this was my way of doing so."

Khayone is silent for a moment. "And what does this Alpha want for this information?"

"He only asked for a chance to handle it himself, though... I might have promised to try and find him a spot in the pack..."

"You trust him that much?"

"I trust in his loyalty to keep his pack safe. I trust in his strength and determination. I also trust the fact that, as an Alpha, he could bring some sway for our pack. You and I both know an Alpha-rich pack is taken more seriously than one without."

"We'll have to bring this up with the Elders."

This time, you sigh. "I know."

"You won't be able to keep him to yourself."

"I know and I have no problem with sharing. As long as I don't have to breed with someone else."

"The Alpha was that good?"

You can help but rub your hidden bond bite. "He was unforgettable." you say, grinning.