Forty |

By the time we pulled up to the electric gate of Wolf Cove, the sky had darkened and there was a light snow raining down. We all slid out of the car, before Leon walked around it to the trunk. As he did that, I walked over to the two guards that watched us stunned. Or rather, watched the Jeep with astonishment.

"H-Halt! What business do you have here?" one of the guards demanded.

The other wacked his arm before pointing to Cam and I, "That's Cameron Chase! Jax's younger brother stupid. And that woman beside him is Mira. She's the lone warrior of the dead zone! Know who you're yelling at you idiot."

They bowed suddenly, "Welcome back, we'll send word for Alpha and Luna at once."

I blinked slowly at the two, Leon snickered from behind the car.

"Lone warrior eh?" he hummed.

My face burned and I turned my nose up, "Shut up."

The Jeep's trunk slammed closed and he threw three bags at the feet of Cam and I. Frowning, I took one. Considering I had left my own pack in the car I guessed I could help out a tad. Picking one up, Leon thrusted something into my free hand. Looking down, I came face to face with Jax's sword.

"Thanks," I sighed taking the sword.

It was incredibly light for it's size. As light as a broom stick, or maybe a mop? It was a wonder Jax handled it so well, it didn't even feel like I was holding a long, and razor sharp blade. Cam coughed lightly, making me look up just in time to see the gates sliding open.

Alpha and Luna stepped out – both dressed in puffy, winter jackets. Alpha wore a black one, while Luna wore a white one. Her hair was loose, and the black locks sat at her tailbone while her sharp green eyes were bright and roaming.

"Mira! Welcome back," she said with a smile.

I nodded, smiling back, "It's good to see you both again."

"Let's head inside," Alpha ordered, "I'm sure we have plenty to talk about. Especially the company you are keeping."

His eyes flickered over to Leo but not his face. Instead, it landed on his hand. Where his 02 that branded him valuable was on full display upon his right hand. I swallowed the lump in my throat, scolding myself for not even realizing the dangers that I had now put on Leon. How could I forget all of the troubles that had happened last time I was here?

"Lead the way," Cam said stretching out his hand and silently we followed the two back through the snow cuddled reserve.

We settled in the kitchen, just past the inner swinging doors. Once at the long table, we all sat down. Cam placed his bags on the table and I followed suit. It was cooler in here than last time I had been here with Jax. I hope it was just due to the cold weather.

"Here are the supplies you requested," Cam said as he sat down, "We have a lot to talk about. I don't even know where to start."

"How about you begin with the illicit?" Alpha growled, pulling off his coat and handing it to Lia.

Luna sighed, also discarding hers before placing it in Lia's hands, "Thank you Lia. Could you brew us some tea? Honey and mint should be good."

"Of course. Should I get Lisa to serve?" Lia asked.

Luna waved her off, "No, just leave it on the table once you're done. Thank you."

Once Lia left did Luna sit beside Alpha. Then, Alpha rubbed his hands together as if trying to warm them up. Luna stretched her hands above her head, showing off the tribal tattoos that decorated her body.

"Are those tattoos from before the end?" Leon hummed lowly causing Luna's movement to stop.

Her sharp eyes narrowed before she relaxed, and smiled kindly, "No, after."

"Then, you're Marianna and Felix Grant?" he asked.

Both seemed to completely freeze up. I glanced over at Cam who looked as equally as confused as I felt. Luckily, Lia chose this moment to return with a tray of tea. She placed it on the table unaware of Alpha and Luna's situation before sending them a nod and leaving once more.

"So you know of them?" Cam asked Leon.

Alpha sighed, recovering, "Cameron, why did you come here? I won't lie, we were expecting Jax although if he sent you then he must be injured? What's going on in the Town of Roses?"

"Actually, Jax is now General Jax," Cam chuckled, "Landon was put to trial and found guilty of many accounts – including the murder of Cerci."

"So it finally happened huh?" Alpha hummed.

Luna tilted her head towards Alpha, "We should let the guards know not to let him in if he comes wandering this way. Our alliance with Alana won't be ruined by the likes of him. Not to mention the trouble he could cause us."

Alpha nodded, "We should send word to kill on sight. Alana might not have a harsh hand but we are not so kind. If Landon comes near Wolf Cove he will be executed. Cameron I assume you're Jax's lieutenant then?"

"That's right."

"Then you should make your new position known with the guards. You should do that now, I would like to speak to Mira of some girl talk," Luna giggled.

Cam's face turned red as he stood, "R-Right. I'll go do that then."

He scrambled from the room making me feel guilty. I'm sure Luna wanted to know that Jax and I were together...well not anymore I guess. Sighing deeply, I pushed the pain from my heart and realized not Alpha nor Leon had stood to move.

"Mira, would you like some tea?" Luna asked ignoring the tension that began to grow in the room.

I nodded. All eyes were on her as she placed cups in front of us all. Then, she poured us tea, the fragrance of mint and honey tickling my nose. I thanked her than took a sip. She smiled before sitting back down.

"Now then," Alpha spoke seriously, "Should we talk about what's really going on?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat, then took another sip to try and fix my overly dry mouth. My eyes wandered over to Leon who smirked at the two. The smirk was one I would not giving to someone like Alpha. Leon was teasing him. Such a bad fucking idea.

"The runaways Felix and Marianna. Never thought I'd run into you two," Leon whistled, "Quite the place you've got here. A hand out from old man Grant I assume?"

"You're names Leon then?" Alpha growled back, "Nice to finally put a name to Maxwell's golden retriever. Just what are you doing here? Who are you looking for this time?"

I looked between the two with confusion, "Um sorry. I'm confused."

The two looked over at me, eyes blazing. I shrank down in my chair as they continued to throw insults that didn't make any sense to me. Looking over at Luna, I realized she was drinking her tea extremely calm except...

Except for the slight shake of her hand. Was she scared? But why would she be scared of Leon? Alpha did call him Maxwell's dog (basically) he must have meant Eric Maxwell. That had to be why Leon knew so much about the City of Ash.

"You said I had a bounty on my head – from who?" I asked almost hesitantly.

He sighed, "By very bad people. It doesn't matter now, I can't give you to them even for the high bounty."

The memory hit me and suddenly everything became clear. Not only did Leon work for Maxwell, but now he was going against the man to keep me safe from his clutches. If that's what he was truly doing. I sighed softly.

"Now boys," Luna drawled out, "Enough banter. We're only going to piss each other off and not get any answers for anyone."

"You're right as usual my love," Alpha breathed, leaning back to look at Leon, "So, how about it? What is an illicit of Maxwell's doing here? Or rather, what are you doing with the Town of Rose people?"

"That's actually my fault," I said quietly.

Their eyes turned to me and I knew I couldn't let Leon get all the blame for me. So, with much resistance I told the two all that had happened between Leon and I – even that fact that I was an illicit myself.

Or at least, that's what I had to make sure everyone thought.