Sold To The Alpha
A Love spoken Chapter 18

After wandering aimlessly for just over a week, Rowan started to recognise the area they were heading toward, discomfort sinking to the bottom of his heart, he tried to steer the Vampire Prince into a different direction, but found that their course kept altering back toward the same place. Dread enveloping him, the werewolf decided he needed to be more forward in trying to move their destination, 'maybe we should head over toward the Red Moon pack? We haven't searched that area yet?' he offered.

Vaughn shook his head absent mindedly, 'no, I feel like we should carry on this way, I can't explain it but this way makes me feel better' he muttered back, continuing on his path.

As the pair walked resolutely onward, Rowan finally broke and grabbed the Vampire's arm in desperation, 'look we can't go that way' he growled causing Vaughn to eye him warily.

'Why not? This is the way I feel we are meant to go, if my senses say this way then surely that's where we should head too?' he argued back.

Sighing heavily, Rowan shook his head, 'we are heading toward Silver Cross' he replied dully.

Vaughn raised his eyebrows, 'Alpha Isabella's pack?' he asked surprised, he had only visited Silver cross twice in his life and both times he had been a young boy and driven under the heavy protection of his fathers and their guards. Yet again his propensity for trouble had caused their visits to be curtailed. His smile widening, he added, 'but this is good! Alpha Isabella knows me so we will be able to enter her pack lands to search' he grinned.

Rowan shook his head in disbelief, 'and how are you going to explain to her that we are searching for someone and want to take them to hand them over to a Witches Coven?' he demanded in a low voice, 'do you think she's just going to be like, hey yeah, take one of my pack members by all means. The werewolf glared at his young companion as his face fell in realisation.

's**t, how are we going to take someone from her pack' he muttered, his enthusiasm disappearing as quickly as it had arose.

Deciding to take a break, the pair sat on the grass in silence for a while until Vaughn spoke again, 'look, we don't know if the person we want is even at Silver Cross, maybe they are behind the pack, but we can't just ignore the entire pack because it's Silver Cross' he said in a tight voice, 'I think we need to go there and see if we can replace the person we are looking for, if they are there, then we'll figure out our next step but until then it's just an informative visit.'

Rowan looked at the floor, masking his face, 'and what story will we be giving them to enter their lands? I doubt Isabella is going to believe that you just happened to be wandering past, she knows who you are' he replied.

Thinking for a moment, Vaughn's face brightened, 'we'll tell them I am searching for my mate, I am of the age where werewolves usually travel to look, so it won't be suspicious!

Rowan nodded, 'yeah, umm you can go in and have a look as you have the tracker on you, I'll wait out here for you to return' he agreed quickly.

Vaughn shook his head, 'no man, you have to come with me' he argued, 'Alpha Isabella knows my parents, there is no way she would believe that my Vampire father would ever let me travel on foot by myself to her pack to replace my mate, I need you there as my protection.

Panic filled the werewolf's face, 'no, it's really much better if I don't go Vaughn, you can do this alone' he said desperately, his hands clenching around his backpack strap as he spoke.

Vaughn viewed his companions stiff exterior curiously, 'why are you afraid to go to Silver Cross?' he asked bluntly

'I'm not afraid' Rowan growled, his eyes glinting, 'it's just not a good idea, I'm a Rogue for Goddess' sake, they don't just let Rogues enter their land! I'll be dead before I reach the border' he added.

Vaughn chuckled, 'one, you are immortal remember, they can't kill you and two as my guard, appointed by my father, which Alpha Isabella can check if she wishes, you will be granted access as I will vouch for your trustworthiness!

Rowan dropped his shoulders in defeat, 'fine, but I wear my cloak and I keep my hood up' he said determinedly, 'I am the Ghost, I still have a job to do after this job is finished, I need to keep my identity a secret.

Nodding hesitantly, Vaughn agreed, 'fine, you can keep your hood on to cover your face and I will do the talking with Alpha Isabella, I doubt we will have to spend more than a couple of minutes in her office, she is only going to want to check why I am here and have me vouch for your harmlessness.'

Scrambling to their feet again, they set off resolutely toward the Silver Cross Pack territory, circling around to make sure they presented themselves at the front gate, feeling this would give a better impression than being stopped by one of the border control. As they drew closer, Rowan pulled up the hood of his long cloak, hiding his face from view, bending his neck forward to enhance the shadows that covered his features.

Squaring his shoulders, Vaughn marched up to the gates, Rowan keeping a few steps behind him, looking around them alertly. As they reached the large wrought iron entry point, two guards stepped into view behind the gates, eyeing him suspiciously. 'Halt stranger, what is your business here?' the blond haired werewolf asked, his voice authoritative, telling the pair that he was high up in the warrior command chain.

Vaughn raised his chin and met the challengers gaze, holding it firmly until the warrior felt the need to submit to him, 'I am Prince Vaughn, son to Vallance, the Vampire King and I come seeking an audience with Alpha Isabella' he replied firmly.

The warrior immediately bowed his head in respect at the young man's words.

'Forgive my abruptness Your Highness' the blond responded, 'I did not recognise you!

Vaughn waved his hand as if waving the werewolf's words away, 'there is nothing to forgive warrior, it has been many years since I or my family have visited Silver Cross and this was not a preplanned visit. If you could kindly link to the Alpha and let her know I am here and ask if we may enter your territory, I would be grateful' he added, using his most formal voice.

The blond werewolf nodded immediately before looking over the Vampire's shoulder, 'and um, your companion? Who should I introduce him as?' he asked carefully.

Vaughn shook his head, 'he is my guard, authorised and vetted by my fathers, Alpha Isabella is welcome to ring through to the Castle and confirm his trustworthiness if she requires' he replied easily.

The warriors eyes clouded momentarily as he spoke to someone up at the pack house, once cleared he smiled and opened the gate, allowing the two men to enter.

'The Gamma is coming down to escort you to the pack house Your Highness, the Beta apologises but he is currently detained by a pack issue or he would have come to escort you personally' the warrior explained.

'Oh I fully understand, this was a spurious request as we were passing by the territory and I felt wrong to come so close to my werewolf father's friend's pack and not visit' he replied with a smile.

Behind him, Vaughn felt Rowan's tension ease slightly at the warrior's words, soon enough a black haired woman came down the gravel driveway, her smile welcoming as she held out her hand to Vaughn and bowed her head in respect. 'Prince Vaughn, it is an honour to meet you, I am the pack's Gamma, Darcy, if you would like to follow me, I will take you to the Alpha' she said formally as Vaughn shook her hand firmly.

'Of course, lead the way' he replied, 'my guard will be accompanying me, my fathers still refuse to allow me to travel alone' he added with a roll of the eyes as Darcy laughed.

'His majesty Jason is quite laid back from what I remember of our youth, I assume it is more His Majesty Vallance that is protective over his son' she said with a knowing smile.

Vaughn nodded, 'yes, being the son of the Vampire King has its disadvantages, if he had had his way, I would be in that castle until I was one hundred and fifty' he replied with a chuckle.

Making their way up to the pack house, Vaughn openly marvelled at the structure that was laid out in front of him, the building was stunning, surrounded by lush lawns and a deep inviting forest that made him want to strip off and shift.

Allowing Darcy to guide him into the pack house, his eyes swept the foyer, taking in the ornate décor, next to him, Darcy was pleased to see his obvious appreciation of their home.

'Follow me Your Highness, the Alpha is waiting in her office for you' she said gently, drawing the Vampire Prince's gaze back to her.

Nodding silently, Vaughn followed the Gamma toward the stairs, Rowan close behind, ascending to the top floor where Darcy knocked smartly on the door, awaiting her Alpha's voice before opening it wide and stepping inside.

'Alpha, I have His Highness, Prince Vaughn to see you along with his bodyguard' she said formally.

Looking up from her papers on the desk, the soft face of Isabella looked over the Vampire Prince, a huge smile breaking across her face as she nodded to her Gamma who swiftly left, shutting the door behind her.

Standing up, Isabella swept around her desk, throwing her arms around the young prince and hugging him tightly to her.

'Vaughn! What a lovely surprise, I have not seen you in years and years' she exclaimed, standing back and holding his shoulders as she looked over his face, 'you have grown into quite the handsome young man, though I am amazed that Vallance allowed you to leave the castle with just one guard' she added, a shrewd look on her face.

'He knows Alpha, you can ring and check' Vaughn replied with a smile, 'I swear I didn't sneak out' he chuckled.

Isabella joined in his laughter, 'hmm just checking young man, I do not need a fight with Vallance about allowing his son to enter my territory when he's on the run' she growled affectionately.

Looking over at the hooded figure next to him, she furrowed her brow slightly, 'and who is your companion Vaughn, what is your name warrior?' she asked stepping over to Rowan who visibly stiffened.

'Oh he's just one of our guards Alpha' Vaughn replied easily, trying to deflect the older woman's question.

Isabella shook her head, 'I like to know who enters my territory, it is a sign of disrespect to hide your face from an Alpha on her own land sir, I must insist that you remove your hood and greet me' she growled testily.

Vaughn stood there, silently, unable to think of how to protect the Rogue, Rowan keeping his head down, staying silent.

'Warrior' Isabella growled, her Alpha tone evident, 'remove your hood' she ordered.

Slowly, Rowan lifted his hand and placed it upon the top of his head, sliding the hood backwards over his hair the light from the office windows brought his face into sharp relief.