Arise

I was about five seconds away from throwing this file at the Stiles’s head. The stapler on the desk would do more damage but my aim was shot.

“They don’t seem to be terrorizing your pack at all.” I folded my arms over my chest. After going through a briefing, it seemed like their rogue problem wasn’t even that big of a problem.

“I disagree, human.” Stiles didn’t even glance in my direction. Asshole.

We were all in the Alpha Jackson's office: me, Logan, Beta Stiles and the Alpha. The meeting had started about a half hour ago.

The rogues were demanding sanction. Many of them believed that they had mates within the pack and wanted to see if that were true. The resolution looked cleared to me. Not so much them.

“She may be human, but she held my pack together. Don’t underestimate my mate.” The vein on the side of Logan’s head seemed to almost pop.

The excuse for a Beta turned to Logan. “Right, because you failed to do what was required of you.”

It was my turn. “Think twice before you insult my mate.”

“Last I heard, you two weren’t speaking. You don't need to act in front of us.” The look on my face brought a smirk on to his face. “I do my research.”

Without a second thought, I stood up from my seat. “And last I heard, you were kissing the Mayor’s ass to get a seat at the table--”

“Doll.” That nickname.

“Your problem isn’t even a big deal. You can handle this issue,” I lifted two fingers from my hands in air quotes, “without hurting or threatening anyone.”

“I think I’ve heard enough.” The harsh tone from the Alpha had me slowly sitting down. He looked unimpressed, but irritated with how everything was being handled. “We understand you were Beta for a short time, Rosetta, but that is not the role you were meant to play. There is a reason my mate and daughter are not present at this meeting,” he lifted his chin, “maybe that same reason should keep you out as well.”

My lips parted. Instant regret. “Alpha.” I made a move to apologize but he raised his hand to stop me.

He cleared his throat. “There is no need for you at this meeting anyways. I appreciate the help, but I believe this discussion can continue with just Beta Miller.”

I sighed before nodding and rising up from my chair.

Without another word, a reaction from the shock I was still in, I opened the door and walked out of his suffocating office.

“Doll, wait up.”

I turned around as Logan approached me. I hadn’t realized I was crying until he frowned and wiped away my tears with his thumbs. “Hey, look at me.”

I let out a frustrated cry. “I couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry.”

He pulled me closer as he shook his head. “Don’t be.”

I brought my hands to his chest. “This is so stupid. I don’t even know why I’m crying.” I bowed my forehead on his shoulder. “They’re the one that asked for help and they won’t even listen to anything I have to say.”

He rubbed my back in circular motions. "It's going to be okay."

I shook my head. "No, it's not. Beta Stiles doesn't take us seriously. He could care less what we have to say. This was supposed to be a way to earn back pack relations and I blew it."

He gave me a small smile. "No, you didn't." Tucking a piece of hair out of my face, he lifted my chin. "This is all about trusting a Beta who went rogue. I have to be the one to do this, though I appreciate you standing up for me."

I shrugged and sniffled.

He chuckled before kissing my forehead. "I have to finish this meeting, but as soon as we're done I will come straight to you."

I watched him walk back into the office before turning around and heading towards our room begrudgingly.

Stupid werewolves.

I should've thrown the stapler.

There was a printer on the side; I should've aimed it for Stile's head. How did his mate handle him? Clearly he was as misogynistic as he appeared to look. The ego on the guy could be its own territory.

I would find out what happened as soon as the meeting was over. All I had to do was keep myself busy to let the time go by faster.

That had not appeared to be the problem because as soon as I opened the door to the room we were staying in, I came face-to-face with Emily pacing back and forth.

She stopped as soon as she saw me. "I need your help."

I found myself following Emily through the secret passageway she created in the forest.

She had told me it was an urgent matter and only I could resolve--whatever that meant.

Emily hadn't said much either. As soon as I unknowingly agreed to help her, she rushed me outside and through the dense forest.

I ducked under a thick, fallen branch and huffed. "I know I said I was going to help, but I would really like to know where we are going."

She kept walking, but faster. "Almost there. Just. . .a few more marks."

Marks?

"I told him to meet as by the stream coming up."

"Who?"

"You'll see."

I wiped the sweat off my forehead and crinkled my nose. "Now, I like a little mystery here and there, but seeing as how rogues are targeting your pack, I find this trek a little risky."

I assumed she ignored what I had said, because she stopped and waited for something. A ruffling in front of us brought a huge smile on her face as she ran towards the stream. "Ryder!"

A man stepped forward, eyes bright. But stopped when he scented someone else, scented me. He glanced at me, but then engulfed Emily into a hug, lifting her off and spinning her.

I knew that look they shared. I shared it with Logan.

I walked closer until I was a good foot in front of them. He held her waist and looked at me. "Em said you would help us."

There was something off about it. Something about him just felt wrong, but he looked normal. "Who are you?"

"I am Ryder of the Dissent rogues."

Blood drained from my face as I paled.

No.

No.

Emily bit her lip nervously before looking up at me. "He's my mate."

Shit.

I just had a surge of writing just course through me. It's a shorter chapter but definitely has a lot packed in. Let me know what you think!

-Gemini