Chapter 32
Chase’s POV
More than any other member of the pack, it is a Beta’s job to transform; to change shapes according to the moment at hand. We do not serve any one role, or know any limits to our responsibilities; we simply become whatever we have to be for the best of the pack. Our transformations go far beyond man and wolf, extending to mediator, guardian, enforcer, disciplinarian and anything else the Alpha might need.
One day I will serve as a key negotiator between quarreling pack members, as well as a diplomat to our allies and enemies in other territories. When that time comes, I will also become the foremost proponent and enforcer of the Alpha’s rule within the Nightshade pack. But now my most frequent job is tempering Caspian’s violent mood swings and wild aggression.
Caspian is no different from any other Alpha in this regard. The indomitable strength required to lead a pack of the Nightshade’s renown overflows in excesses of anger and hostility so volatile most shifters could not survive them. It is my job to make sure he gets through the rages without harming himself or others, and sometimes that means triggering an explosion where it can do the least damage, rather than continuing to let it build.
When Caspian took off into the darkness after learning about the break in at the citadel, I had a feeling no amount of running or simple exercise would be enough to bring him out of this dark mood. Now, as his paws continue to pound into the rain-soaked earth and foam flies from his muzzle like some sort of rabid beast, I realize things are even worse than I imagined.
I’ve rarely seen my friend so out of sorts, and I’m amazed he was able to keep it together long enough to pacify Viviane. Finding his mate truly has made a remarkable impact on the future Alpha, though I’m not sure whether the results are positive or negative at the moment. It’s true that it’s refreshing to see Caspian care about anything so much and take things so seriously, but it’s also alarming to see him change so drastically in such a short amount of time.
Caspian’s temper has always been dangerous, but now it can be provoked by the slightest offense toward his mate, or sent into absolute overdrive by a simple threat. A few months ago James’s antics at the Games would have been an annoyance, but he never would have had the kind of ammunition necessary to make Caspian risk throwing his victory away completely.
Likewise, a breakout of the citadel would always be cause for concern, but were it not for the prisoner’s connection to Viviane, I would never be on the verge of risking my own neck to bring my friend down from the brink. The mate bond is clouding Caspian’s judgment, and an Alpha with an unclear head is a fundamental threat to the pack.
I’ve got to break Caspian out of this blind rage, and once he’s regained control I’ve got to help him figure out what to do about Viviane. He has to find a way to cope with the bond, for all of our sakes.
Caspian’s POV
When Chase attacks me, charging and tackling me with a vengeance I’ve rarely seen, it takes a moment for me to understand what’s happening. At first I see only aggression from another wolf, an attack from one of the only shifters in Asterion capable of challenging me. My instincts respond in kind, putting down my opponent without mercy, throwing him off of me and pouncing with savage ferocity.
I close my iron jaw around his throat, pinning him in place and snarling cruelly while he bucks beneath me on powerful haunches. Wrenching free with a particularly fierce strike, Chase jerks to the left, forcing me to change my tactics. We roll through the mud in a frenzy of violently flailing limbs and lethal snaps of raser-like fangs, claws scrabbling at the earth.
When I draw the first blood from Chase’s shoulder, forcing a coarse yelp from his maw, logic breaks through the bloodthirsty haze in my mind. My blurry vision clears, and suddenly I realize this is my best friend beneath me; his familiar gray fur matted with crimson and brown eyes narrowed in annoyance and exasperation.
I cock my head to the side, trying to make sense of this strange development. Chase bares his teeth and growls, saliva dripping from his fangs, but then his voice sounds in my head. Is that the best you’ve got, you big ugly mutt?
A thread of humor weaves through my fury and adrenaline, and this time when I pounce, it's more playful than malicious. We fight like we have since we were children, sparring as if we are fighting a true battle, and only pulling our proverbial punches enough to prevent doing any true damage to one another.
The moon is high overhead by the time we finally exhaust ourselves, and the city is so far behind us I fear it will take hours to get back on foot. Breath coming in gasps, Chase and I roll to a halt in the damp leaves. My faithful Beta is much worse for wear, but not complaining one bit.
Thank you, brother. I pant through our link.
You really lost it there for a while. He replies simply.
I know. I say, I’m sorry. I can’t help it when it comes to Viviane.
You’ve got to find a way. Chase counters tiredly, stretching his aching limbs. This is only the beginning for you two, things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
I know you’re right. I agree, studying our surroundings. We originally set out to hunt Mordred, but I got so caught up in my anger that our mission went out the window. Another failure on my part. Where are the others?
No one has been able to pick up a trail. Chase relates, At least, they hadn’t when we went out of range. Though that was some time ago.
We’ve got to get back. I grumble, more at myself than him. After all, it’s my fault we’re out here in the middle of nowhere, caked in mud and hamstrung by sore muscles.
Lead the way. Chase bows sardonically, and together we trot back towards Asterion
When I find him, I’m going to kill him. I grouse a few hours later, after scouring the territory with the pack enforcers and my father’s personal guards. I should have killed him the moment he laid a hand on Viviane.
You did the right thing, Caspian. Chase argues. Executing a wolf of Mordred’s standing without a trial wouldn’t have gone over well with the gentry.
And how do you think it will go over with them when he’s raping their daughters instead of my mate? I hiss.
That’s not the point and you know it. Chase chastises. There’s more at stake here than one man’s crimes. It’s like the Games all over again, they’ll use this as a test of your leadership. You cannot afford to make any mistakes.
Until someone strong enough to challenge me comes along, I can afford whatever I want. I contest, willfully missing the point. And I want him dead. I want his head on a silver platter along with everyone and anyone who helped him.
What do you mean? Chase remarks sharply.
No one breaks out of the citadel without help, whether the guards are incompetant or not. I sigh internally, Someone is helping Mordred, someone who knows what Viviane means to me.
James? Chase suggest grimly.
The possibility did occur to me. I acknowledge gravely. My father seems to think he’s just a sore loser with a jealous streak, but I don’t think he’s capable of seeing my mothers precious brother clearly.
“Do we know where James is now?” Chase wonders aloud as we shift back to human form, “Or where he was when Mordred escaped?”
“Still no updates.” I growl, “Dad isn’t putting much effort into finding out either. I think we may be on our own with this one.”
“That’s alright.” Chase flashes me a wolfish grin, “It will be good practice for the future.”
I don’t reply as we pull on our clothes, eager to get back to Viviane now that my anger is under control and we’ve done as much as we can to search for Mordred tonight. “Do you want to stay out with the enforcers or come with me to Kiera’s?” I ask my friend instead, knowing what his answer will be. Not just any woman can distract my Beta, the fact that Viviane’s little feline friend managed to do so earlier this evening speaks volumes, whether Chase realizes it or not.
As predicted he perks up at the sound of the lynx’s name, looking temporarily conflicted by his duty. “I’ll come with you, unless you want me to stay.” He hedges.
I smother my laugh, but before I can respond a sheepish-looking sentry approaches my side. “Actually sir, I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhearing…”
“Yes?” I prompt him sharply, not liking the uneasy energy rolling off the man.
“Ms. Belle is no longer at her friend’s house.” He announces, tail between his legs.
“Excuse me?” I growl.
“She left very early this morning, without telling anyone.” The sentry explains hurriedly, “she snuck out the back.”
I pull up to my full height, watching the shifter quell with relish. “You cannot honestly mean to tell me that one tiny girl managed to slip past your entire team.”
“She was very quiet, sir.” He sputters apologetically.
The banked embers of my anger begin to writhe and seethe in my chest, reigniting into a riot of flames. “Where. Is. She?”
