Sold To The Alpha
A Love spoken Chapter 9

Her long blood red hooded cloak billowing out behind her, the woman strode with purpose along the stepping inside without waiting for invitation.

lit stone passageway to the end, where a large wooden door was placed. Reaching out, she grasped the iron handle, turning it and pushing the door inward, Seated at a table were the members of the Council, the head scowling at the intrusion momentarily before is gaze settled on the newcomers features. His face contorting in surprise with a flicker of fear, he scrambled to his feet and hurried around his seated comrades to greet the visitor.

'High Priestess' he grumbled humbly, 'you honour us with your presence today. We had no idea that you would be visiting or we would have been more prepared' he said, as he signalled to one of the lower council members who quickly stood up and scurried to a side chamber, returning with a heavy, elegantly carved chair that he placed in front of the table.

Allowing the head of the council to take her hand, the High Priestess removed her hood with her free and surveying the members as she was led to the chair. Seating her self comfortably, she waited for the council head to return to his chair before speaking. 'Good afternoon gentlemen, this was an impromptu visit on my part, some news has reached my ears and admit I replace myself troubled by it' she started serenely.

The council members all shifted forward in their seats, their full attention on the Priestess.

'High Priestess, we will always be honoured to help you with any issue that you need resolving' the head of the council replied quickly.

urned successful' the council head replied with a smile.

The stone faced woman met the eager old man's gaze sternly, her stare making him recoil slightly from her This is what you said to me last time when I came before you with an issue that needed resolving' she said, her tone soft and dangerous. 'That is correct High Priestess, and as promised, we sent our best operative to deal with your request, The High Priestess glared at the older man, her anger only given away by the flash in her eyes, 'he was not 'I.. uh. I don't understand' the head of the council finally stuttered out, 'the pack was destroyed, we The High Priestess captured him with her gaze, 'one was left alive by your operative, and they just hap The council members fidgeted under her cold gaze before one of the younger members finally dared to speak, 'uh, are you sure High Priestess, the proof provided was quite compelling' he muttered, keeping his eyes downcast.

successful though' she whispered, the council men freezing in place at her words. Though her voice was barely audible, it was as if she had screamed at them.

oto's, not a man, woman or child was left alive, there is no way that the threat survived' he said desperately.

be the one you were tasked to eradicate' she hissed. 'and now that one has surfaced again and their threat to my people draws near!

'My source has never been wrong' the woman spat back, her power radiating off her, causing the men to cringe away. Standing up she approached the table, placing her palms on them as she glared at each in turn. 'You will replace this child and you will fulfil your obligation to me gentlemen, failure a second time will draw my.. displeasure' she added before she t on her heel and stalked toward the door.

Placing her hand on the handle she turned back to them, 'oh and to make absolutely sure that our contract is fulfilled I will be sending a second with your 'ghost', they will bring the child to me and I will deal with the threat directly to ensure it is completed. Send the Ghost to my coven, he will receive directions upon his arrival' she ordered. With a last sweep of her clock she exited the room, leaving the stunned and frightened men behind her.

Turning to the youngest council man, the elder barked out, 'call the Ghost! NOW', sending the young manning from the room in terror.

***********

Having packed his bag, Vaughn grinned to himself as he checked around his room for anything he might have missed, finally, his dad was letting him go out into the world to try and replace his mate. OK it was only to his Aunt Halle's pack but it was a start. Deciding he needed to stretch his legs, he left the packed bag on his bed and set off down the stairs, through the foyer and into the courtyard.

'Grayson' he called out loudly, waiting impatiently for a few minutes before a tall solemn looking Vampire swooped down and landed, cat like next to him.

'You called your Highness?' he asked, his tone gravely as he stared unblinkingly at the young Vampire hybrid.

'I wish to let my wolf out Grayson, so I need you to accompany me into the woods' the prince replied, a touch of bitterness in his voice. He had finally been allowed to run within the close proximity of the castle in wolf form as long as he had one of the Vampire guards with him to protect him and make sure he didn't stray to far that he could not cross the protective barrier if anything happened.

'Of course your Highness, I shall be happy to accompany you' Grayson replied with a bow, falling into step beside the prince as they made their way to the front gates.

Standing just inside the boundary, Vaughn took a deep breath before uttering the sacred words that would allow him to leave the grounds 'I swear my oath to these grounds that I will return to their protection.

Stepping forward, he felt the tingle as he passed through the invisible shield, the Vampire guard stepping out beside him having uttered the same words just after.

Looking around the trees, Vaughn quickly went to a nearby tree and stripped himself of his clothes, hanging them over a low branch before shifting into his wolf Van who purred happily as he stretched his midnight black fur covered body before looking to his left at the small bat and setting off into the trees, his guard flying along beside him.

Racing along for ten minutes, he soon heard the warning chitter from Grayson, telling him that he was reaching his distance limit from the Castle and it was time to circle back again.

Growling in annoyance, he slowed to a stop and threw himself down into the gra*s, rolling on his back, scratching himself against the earth as the Vampire hovered next to him.

Looking up at the green canopy above his head, Vaughn let out a sigh of longing, this was the closest he got to freedom, ten minutes running away from the castle before he was forced to return to its compound.

A small voice in his head started to whisper to him, urging him to jump up and race off, leaving his guard behind him. He knew at full velocity, Grayson would not be able to keep pace. Sighing he rolled back over, if he ran, it would be the last time that he would be allowed to leave the castle and he could kiss his trip to the Oak Ridge pack goodbye.

Clambering to his feet, he gave the surrounding forest one last wistful look before he turned his head back to the castle, his guard chittering beside him in approval.

Shaking himself to remove any leaves or dirt from his body, he prepared to take off again when the sounds of the forest suddenly stilled, the air crackling with a light tingling electricity as the colours seemed to enhance in front of his eyes. Looking to his left, his eyes widened as he took in his guard, the Vampire bat was frozen in the air, unable to move, his eyes fixed into a look of horror as he watched helplessly.

Sensing a presence behind him, Vaughn turned his head to the right, growling in warning as a shadowy figure moved within the treeline, slowly making their way toward him.

Moving a foot forward, he found himself frozen in place as the mysterious figure waved their hand carelessly toward him. Growling louder, the Vampire hybrid tried desperately to fight against the spell that had encompassed him, holding him in place. 'Stepping out from between the trees, the tall woman, threw back her deep red hood to reveal her face, her body emanating power as she walked toward the wolf, slowly, with purpose until she was stood in front of him.

'It is a pleasure to meet you Vaughn' she said in a soft voice, as she looked over the wolf's physique, noting the hybrid's menacing aura, she gave a slow smile as she crouched down in front of him. 'Relax Prince Vaughn' she murmured, running her hands over his fur as he growled again, 'I am not here to hurt you or your guard, I just want to talk.'