Chapter 408
Chapter 408
65 – Ben
“Damn, man, I really missed you!” I exhale, unable to hold back the relief and warmth flooding through me.
Jason grins, shaking his head. “Yeah, it’s been different without you around, bro. Your brother’s hanging in there, though. I think he’s feeling the weight of living up to your reputation, if I’m honest p>
I scoff lightly. “That’s nonsense. He’ll be alright. He’s only two years younger, and honestly, he never signed up for this kind of pressure. Not many second-borns expect to step into the shoes of the first-born p>
We’re outside, sitting by the firepit that Brody, Junior’s Beta, thoughtfully set up for us before heading off to rest ahead of his patrol. The night air is cool, the crackling fire casting flickering shadows on our faces.
I decide to address the obvious but uncomfortable topic. “I’m going to skip the elephant in the room because you’ll probably say now isn’t the time. But don’t think I haven’t noticed-you’re still not marked p>
Before I can launch into the usual explanation Elara and I give everyone, Jason cuts me off. “Save it. Seriously, we’ll talk about this later. Jer’s worried, and Rayna’s got that ‘mom-mode’ switched on—she’s ready to drive out here and pack you up like a kid to bring you home.” He chuckles, but I can tell there’s no exaggeration in his tone.
He leans in, voice dropping. “What’s going on with Malcolm? I know what you told them, but I want every detail, even the small stuff. We knew magic was involved, but what the hell happened after you got back to Black Claw p>
I spend the rest of the night-and part of the early dawn-filling him in on everything we’ve witnessed in Black Claw, along with what Elara and I have been sensing. The weight of it all presses down on me as I recount every detail.
“My biggest question right now is why I didn’t feel the stone’s effect that trapped Junior,” I admit, sliding to the edge of my seat and gesturing behind me. “I’ve always been the barometer for detecting magic around Black Claw. Even on the drive here, I could sense the pull-the influence of the Shadow Markers. But when I walked into those cells, I didn’t feel a thing. Junior’s reaction was extreme-he was caught in a feral rage, something I’ve never experienced p>
I run my fingers through my hair, frustration evident. “I hate that someone can have that kind of unchecked power over us. I hate that I don’t know how to defend myself or protect anyone else. The worst part? Nothing is consistent. Nothing adds up or makes sense p>
I sigh, letting my hands fall to my sides. “We’ve been operating on the assumption that I can detect the magic because it targets wolves under twenty-one. That’s been the pattern-those running the drugs, the ones we’ve found dead. That’s the only constant. But now… after seeing Junior’s reaction and my lack of one, I just don’t know p>
Before I can say more, a voice clears its throat behind me. “Excuse me, Beta,” Damon interjects, stepping forward with a thin leather strap bearing a black, diamond-shaped stone.
I barely have time to question him before he continues. “I had the same doubts you did. If age was the factor, you should’ve felt something. But that theory doesn’t hold. At first, I thought maybe it was because Malcolm Junior is only seventeen, and that’s why his reaction was so intense. But then I overheard some teenagers complaining about all the leaders being targeted and what would happen if someone could protect them properly p>
He trails off, rolling his eyes. I know I’m young, and sure, I’ve said my share of dumb things before gaining experience, but Junior’s team is still green-they’ve got a lot to learn. Unfortunately, now isn’t the time for lessons.
“Sorry for the tangent,” Damon says, shaking his head. “Anyway, the mention of leaders got me thinking about you. You’re mated to the Black Claw Alpha, right p>
I hesitate, avoiding Jason’s pointed look. “I am, but I’m not marked. So technically, I’m not a leader of the pack.” Thıs content belongs to.net
“Pish, details,” Damon waves it off. “Your goddess chose you to stand beside Elara. That’s enough for your pack to recognize your authority and follow your lead p>
He pauses, then adds, “Back to my point-I think they’re right. The leadership is being targeted. Some spells grow stronger over time, like a fine wine aging. The spell on the stone meant for Junior was powerful, but only affected him. If our theory was correct, most people in those basement cells would’ve been affected, including you. But now I believe the magic is targeted, with side effects p>
He places the pendant in my hand, and immediately I feel a strange lightness, as if a weight has lifted from my shoulders.
“What is this?” I ask, surprised by the sudden surge of energy coursing through me. “Let’s call it amped-up obsidian,” Damon replies with a smile. “I called Brianna and told her what happened. Your mate has a matching one, just in case. The stone offers protection on its own, but we’ve added modifications tailored to the reactions we’ve seen so far. As long as you wear it, you should be safe from what we’ve encountered. If the rogues change tactics again, we’ll adapt p>
Before I can respond, a voice calls out from behind us. “Beta Ben, Alpha Malcolm wants to see you p>
We all turn, the night suddenly feeling heavier with the weight of what’s to come.