It was night when they returned, and the pack was eerily quiet. Muted light illuminated the Packhouse windows, while the surrounding cottages were shrouded in darkness. 

Visena did not stir in Gideon's arms, even as he tucked her into his bed. The pack leaders awaited him around the dining table when he entered the kitchen, expressions grim. Prim had tear tracks down her cheeks.

Liam spoke first, leaning over the table in hunched defeat. "They came as soon as you left. Asked where you were and when you'd be back. They'll be here first thing tomorrow."

"Did they tell you anything?" Gideon rubbed his eyes, an ache forming between his brows. He stood in the doorway scowling, as his feet wouldn't take him further into the room. They felt leaden in his boots.

Prim sniffled. "They said her ability was too dangerous... And that we need to hand her over, or they'll destroy the pack. I just don't get how they found out about her. They wouldn't tell us how they knew. I- I- she can't go!" Orion pulled his mate close and kissed her forehead to calm her. Panicking wouldn't do any good.

The skin over Gideon's knuckles grew taut as his nails sliced into his palms. No deep breaths could ease the fury rising in his throat. "Do they know she's my mate?"

The pack leaders all shook their heads nervously. "We told them we found her in the forest near a Fae ring. They looked like they believed us," Prim's voice wobbled.

"We won't let them take her." Eve tried to say, but Gideon's golden eyes and trembling fists froze the rest of her words in her throat. 

"It's not that simple," Jed tried to interpret as Gideon shuffled to the dining table, head bowed. The room appeared to hold its breath as Gideon suspended his shift and finally sat across from them. 

"We have to assume the Wolf Council is in contact with Zeir. They only found out about her after the blood moon. Besides, that mutt was far too sure of himself to be working alone."

"Be wary of the Fae Council too." Esmerelda appeared in the doorway. "Elowen and Oren visited one night when I was imprisoned at Malum, and they were particularly comfortable amongst the wolves. Viridis Fae are crafty and are not loyal to any species. Their own included."

"So why would they help Zeir?" Prim questioned.

"He would have to have promised them something significant." Esmerelda's ticking jaw did nothing but put the wolves on edge further.

"I'm going for a run." Gideon stood abruptly and brushed past his mate's mother. His pack looked on with worried expressions before Liam followed after. 

It didn't take long to catch up to his Alpha, who was running full pelt through the darkened forest, destroying everything in his path with terrifying accuracy. The squirrel didn't stand a chance. At least it was a quick death, Liam reasoned.

Wait up! His message didn't seem to penetrate the fog in Gideon's mind. Gideon, what are you going to do? Are you a hundred per cent sure she's even your mate?

Yes, Liam. Gideon spun on his Beta and growled, baring his dripping canines. I'm sure.

Liam lowered his stance in submission before inquiring, Why haven't you marked her yet then?

That does not concern you. I know she's my mate, and I don't need to mark her to prove it to you or anyone. Gideon sprinted away, shaking his head, trying to rid the thought of beheading his Beta.

The threat of Visena being taken or hurt by anyone was enough to drive Gideon berserk. Yet, the more he thought of his little mate curled in his sheets, the calmer he felt. He made a sharp turn in the dirt, spraying leaves and debris across the forest floor heading back to her. He passed Liam and nodded lightly. No hard feelings.

Liam relaxed and followed along back to the Packhouse.

It was going to be a long night.

...

Gideon stood over Visena's sleeping form for a moment before sliding in next to her. She was so impossibly perfect to him. He trailed his fingers across hers, and she sighed in her sleep, snuggling closer. Then, wrapping her in his embrace, Gideon held her until the first robins began to sing.

"Visena?" Gideon bit his lip at her drowsy expression. 

Her eyes were half-lidded, but her morning smile was radiant. "Are you okay? Why are you waking me up so early?" 

The rasp in her voice made Gideon swallow deeply and discreetly adjust his pants. He rolled them both so she was atop his chest and grumbled. "I have... news."

Visena searched his face now, wide awake. "What's wrong?"

The tick in Gideon's jaw was twitching double speed as anxiety rolled off him and into his mate. "Gideon, tell me."

"The Wolf Council is coming to take you away. We don't know their plans, but I bet it has something to do with Zeir."

Visena swallowed, worrying her bottom lip. She didn't dare speak, knowing there had to be more. There always was when it came to bad news.

"They've threatened the pack if you don't go with them, and they don't know about us..."

Visena was acutely aware of the internal battle in Gideon's heart. However, his Alpha responsibilities and duty as a mate completely bound him.

"I'll go." There was no doubt in her mind that she would do anything to protect the pack and Gideon.

"That's what I was afraid of."

"Gideon, I know you'll do everything to fix this, and I'll do everything to make it back to you. I'll be okay." They held each other close, for the last time, before leaving the Packhouse.

...

Svend and Yrsa were waiting outside. Gideon was surprised to see the Wolf Council leaders doing their dirty work for once.

"Alpha Gideon."

"Aldermans.'" 

Visena watched the tense interactions before stepping forward with a deep breath. "What do you want?" Her voice was firm and unwavering despite her inner turmoil.

"Ah, Visena, is it?" The woman, Yrsa, did not wait for a reply. "We have been made aware of your existence here at Invictus, and it made us feel very... Uncomfortable. You are in every sense of the word, an abomination, and the lives of every wolf in this pack are in danger due to your presence."

Gideon bristled at her side. Despite sending a soothing look to her mate, he only appeared more livid. At least they were honest, she thought wryly, before commenting aloud, "In danger because of me, or you?" 

Visena wasn't going to make this easy. Many of the pack watched from their windows or hovered on their porches. There were many witnesses for whatever was about to take place.

Svend cleared his throat and looked pointedly at the Fae. "That's a bold remark, child. And also not what we are here to discuss. You are Fae, correct?" He let her nod before continuing. "Yet members of the Malum pack described seeing you shift into a large silver wolf."

"Yes." Visena stood proud. "Why do you assume I'm dangerous to Invictus? They took me in and protected me from the Malum Alpha." She watched their faces closely when mentioning Zeir, but they showed no expression beyond a twitch in Yrsa's right eye. 

Svend tactfully skated straight past the insinuations. "The unknown is what we consider dangerous. You will come with us so that we may shed some light on this new phenomenon. The car is waiting at your borders." The last statement was directed at Gideon.

Visena refrained from rolling her eyes before speaking. "Can I at least say goodbye?"

Yrsa clearly wanted to say no, but her companion spoke first. "Make it quick."

As Visena turned, she was wrapped in a warm embrace. So many arms enclosed her, and she could hardly breathe. She could make out Prim's sniffles and Eve's tattoos but was surprised to see Jed and Liam in the group hug. Gideon stood off to the side with a masked expression. Visena knew he must have been hurting, but he wouldn't show any evidence of their matebond to the Council leaders. If he did that, the pack could be more vulnerable.

"Okay, guys, let go now." Visena wheezed. Their grips loosened, and she smiled at her teary friends.

Her family.

Speaking of family, "Have you seen my-" A loud throat-clearing cut her off mid-sentence. When her gaze found the source, she was taken aback. The woman looked like the pack healer, Kora, and walked like her, but she was not. The swirling rainbow orbs peering down at her was Visena's only clue. She didn't have time to question the use of a glamour as her mother kissed her cheek. 

Esmerelda lingered a moment and whispered in her ear, "Don't trust anyone and don't let Zeir mark you. I love you." When she pulled back, the wolves around them looked confused. 

Visena heard Prim whisper, "did you hear anything?" to Orion, who simply shrugged.

Esmerelda must have cloaked her voice. I wish I could do that. Visena was so enamoured with Fae magic, but she was about as good as a small child at controlling it. 

Gideon took Kora, or rather, Esmerelda's place, and squinted at the Fae. "Go." His ability to sound so cold towards her was shocking. It hurt even though he was pretending.

"Will you escort us to the border, at least?"

Gideon's nod was clipped as he walked towards the Alderman's with Visena matching his stride beside him. Their hands never touched, but the air between them was electric.

Aching and yearning for contact. 

~~~

A/N

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? 

I feel like this chapter is all over the place, but hopefully, you still like it!

I didn't want to drag it out over too many chapters, so there are a few scene cuts and time skips which I don't normally do often.

Thanks for reading, commenting and voting <3

Until next time xxx