Ravens of the Mist Book 3: Behind Enemy Lines

Doyle

I’m home again. After helping Madison save her mate, I knew it was time to return.

I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that I assisted a hunter, even if he was a changed man. If James gets wind of this, he’ll be out for my blood.

“True, but it was satisfying to take down some hunters,” Ares boasts. “~So, are we going to make this wish or what?”

~ That’s right. We still have a wish to make. I told Ares we should wait until we’re back home to wish for our mate.

“Well, well, look who’s back.” Aurora’s voice rings out behind me, making me smile.

I spin around to face her.

“Well, well, look at you, Luna. You’re about to burst.” I tease her, pulling her into a hug. “It feels good to be home.”

“Keep your damn hands to yourself,” James growls.

I chuckle, releasing Aurora from my embrace.

“Anything interesting happen on your mission?” James asks, wrapping a protective arm around his mate.

“Nothing out of the ordinary. Everything went smoothly.”

“Liar!” Ares interjects.

~“Quiet!”

~ I clear my throat. “What about here? Anything noteworthy happen while I was away?”

James frowns at my question, and Aurora looks at him with concern.

Seeing the expressions on my Alpha and Luna’s faces, I know something went awry in my absence.

“We hit a snag.” James crosses his arms over his chest.

~“Sorry, Ares. The wish will have to wait.”

“I figured.” ~He grunts.

We’re so close to finally having our mate with us. We’ve been waiting for them until we turn seventeen. A few more hours won’t kill us.

~“Speak for yourself.”

~ “What happened?” I ask James.

“A damn rogue trespassed on our territory.” He informs me. “She’s locked up in the cell with Malik standing guard.”

“She’s a female. Was she alone?” I’m on high alert, ready to fulfill my duty as the Beta.

Rogues are the worst of our kind. They roam from place to place, causing trouble wherever they go.

The last time we encountered them, we rescued Beth while she was still human.

Not long after Aurora joined us, they sought revenge in the name of Gitano.

That day, I didn’t get the chance to confront them. James and Aurora handled it.

“We could always have some fun with the female rogue.” Ares grins, eager to see the rogue.

He needs a distraction right now. I can’t blame him. I feel the same way.

“That’s the thing. She was alone. Rogues never travel solo. Something’s not right.” James is deep in thought.

Aurora wraps her arms around her mate, trying to calm his nerves. It’s working.

He rests his head on her neck, where his marks are visible. He inhales her scent.

“I’m going to leave you two to catch up. I’m going to see if Sigourney needs anything.”

James grabs her hand before she can leave. “Don’t overdo it. If you need to rest, don’t hesitate.”

He kisses her on the lips, then bends down to kiss her belly, where his pup is growing.

“See you later, Doyle.” She waves at me as she walks away.

“Did you get a chance to question her?” I ask, referring to the Rogue.

“Not yet. I was on my way when I saw you flirting with my mate.” James growls.

Jealous much!

Ares chuckles. ~“Just wait until we find our mate. You’ll be the same way.”

~I can’t argue with that. I clear my throat. “Do you want me to handle her?”

Please say yes.

James strokes his golden bear. “You just got back. Are you sure you want to jump into this?”

“Absolutely.” I don’t hesitate. “I could use the distraction.”

“So, I take it your search didn’t yield any results.”

I run a hand through my hair in frustration. “Not exactly.”

James raises an eyebrow, prompting me to elaborate.

I shake my head, raising a hand to stop him. “I don’t want to get into it. We have more pressing issues.”

He places a hand on my shoulder. “If you need to talk, brother, I’m here.”

I nod in acknowledgment.

Despite the threat looming over us, James always puts the pack’s well-being first. He wants to ensure everyone is okay. That’s what makes him a great leader.

He removes his hand from my shoulder. “Go ahead.”

That's all I need. “If I learn anything from her, I’ll let you know.”

“I’ll be in my office.”

~“Ares, are you ready?”

He scoffs. “I was born ready.”

~I head towards the building where the Rogue is being held. As I said, I need a distraction, and this is the perfect opportunity.

“Hey, look who’s back,” Malik greets me as I approach the building.

“Hey. We’ll catch up later. I’m going in,” I tell him.

Malik nods, punches in the code, and opens the door for me.

As I step inside, something feels off. I try to pinpoint what it is, but come up empty. Even Ares is on high alert.

I shake off the feeling and continue walking.

“Strange.”

“Very strange.”

~The closer I get to the cell, the stronger the feeling becomes.

I descend the stairs and open the door. My eyes widen in shock as I take in the sight of her and the scent in the air.

My heart does a little flip-flop when I realize who's standing before me.

“Mate!” Ares sings out in my mind, while we continue to gaze at her.

Damn!