Intuition

Eve was told all about the beginnings of his pack. Apparently, when Bastian was seventeen, there were fights for dominance among rogues in the valley. No one could take Bastian down. According to him; this was more because of his mind than his strength.

He was declared the strongest wolf in the valley and he held these fights every year afterwards. It was at the third annual rogue fights that Bastian began gathering opinions on something. The topic at hand was simple enough. What makes them any different from the packs on the mountain.

The answers he got were simple as well. Some said it was the half-breeds they allowed to flock around them. Others said it was the mindlink. So, after another day of victory, Bastian addressed everyone. The discussion lasted well into the night but discussions were eventually made.

There are only two ranks in Bastian’s pack. Defenders and Supporters. Defenders were fully-bred Lycans, while supporters were half-breeds. Being unbeaten in the dominance fights every year meant Bastian automatically became their Alpha. At six twenty in the morning the following day, those willing to join the pack as his lessers knelt to him. At age twenty, he became the youngest Alpha the range had ever seen.

“You still aren’t a pack, punchy.” Eve eventually stated. “You need the mindlink. You don’t have one, that’s how you managed to stay in with StarLight members.”

“It’s the twenty first century, Evie.” Bastian smirked. “Ever heard of sending a text? Technology being what it is, the link is a perk. Not a requirement.”

She shook her head at him and averted her gaze. Bastian placed his hands behind his head and leaned on the wall. His long legs were thrown over the mattress with his hiking boots hanging over the edge. He watched Eve carefully, as if trying to read her thoughts.

We have to get out of here. Now. The she-beast stated firmly.

I know. We have to wait. Maybe tonight, when he’s asleep. Eve silently replied.

Bastian shifted in place, drawing her gaze again. She examined his features. His dark eyes were so often sharp, but they seemed softer now. More curious than malicious. His jaw was covered in a light stubble and his smile, which was usually devious, seemed calm. He looked at oddly at ease, like his mind was at peace.

“You okay, Evie?” Bastian disturbed the thick silence.

“No. I want to go home.” She answered honestly.

He sighed and move to sit on the side of the bed closest to her. Eve leaned away from him in her seat, narrowing her gaze at him.

“You’re hungry.” He stated randomly. “Let me take you down downstairs. You’ll meet the pack and I’ll get you something to eat.”

She glared at him without responding. Bastian heaved another sigh before approaching her. Eve tensed, preparing to fight him if he touched her. He noticed this and paused.

“You have to feed the pup, Evie. Come on.” He breathed.

She paused to take a deep breath in through her nose. She would need her strength if she were going to try to escape, or even use the power inside her. Also, she couldn’t deny the fact that she was famished.

Eve braced herself on the arm of the chair to push herself to her feet. Bastian reached toward her and braced her back, helping her up. He stood there for a moment, looking down at her. She glanced at him and had an unfamiliar feeling in her chest. As if she simply knew Bastian meant her no physical harm. She shivered and shook off the sensation.

“Let’s go.” Eve stated quietly.

He smirked and nodded, leading her downstairs. The living room was small and filled with worn furniture. There was no television but several bookshelves full of books. The kitchen was small but clean and the walls were all the same shade of pale green. The house was empty, but Eve could hear what sounded like a party happening outside.

Bastian brought her through the kitchen and out the back door. This entire area was hidden behind the house when she’d arrived. There were six picnic tables surrounding a roaring bonfire. Rock music was blaring from a boombox atop a table littered with bottles of alcohol. There was a grill sending smoke high into the air beside the table covered in containers of food.

Eve glanced at the people standing around as they talked, drank, and ate. There were only seven rogues present and she could smell that some of them were half-breeds. All conversation stopped as she and Bastian approached a nearby table. All eyes were on the Luna. Some were curious, others were smug, and she could sense the feeling of tension in the air around her.

“Come on, guys. Don’t stop the celebration on my account.” Bastian waved them off.

They slowly went back to what they were doing but Eve noticed the attentive glances of those around her. She sat at the table Bastian led her to and he walked over to the food table. Eve stared back at those who looked her direction until he returned to sit beside her.

“Here. You said you were only eating meat and I don’t know how much to give you.” Bastian put a plate in front of her.

She looked at the food closely. There was a hamburger patty beside two hotdogs and a fork. She smelled the steam coming from them and her stomach flipped. There were no scents of drugs or anything funny. Still, the meat smelled very unappetizing.

Eve decided it had to be her anxiety. She mumbled something like a thank you and began to pick it with the plastic fork. Bastian watched her for several long minutes. She couldn’t eat as he intently gazed at her features.

“I’m going to get us something to drink.” He eventually broke the quiet between them and again walked away from the table.

She tasted the meat in front of her and a wave of nausea washed over her. Eve sighed and pushed the plate away. She was worried about Flint. His heart was racing. Wherever he found himself, Eve knew something was happening.

A female approached her casually. Eve took a moment to examine her. She had brown hair styled in a short pixie cut with dyed, bright red tips. She wore low rise jeans and a sweater that stopped at her navel. Her confident stride and intense, light green eyes told the Luna a great deal about her character. She sat on the bench across the table from Eve and leaned her elbows on the table top.

“You must be Evie.” The woman stated.

“I must be. Who are you?” She replied.

“Callie.” She answered stiffly.

“Okay...?” Eve furrowed her brows. “What do you want, Callie?”

“I just wanted to get a look a closer look at the trophy. Don’t you know that’s what you are?” She grinned sharply.

“Ah, I see.” She took in a slow, deep breath before speaking again in a nonchalant tone. “Usually the spoils are counted after the war. Not in the middle.”

Callie leaned forward and looked her over more closely. Eve felt her wolf stirring in her mind, preparing to defend herself and her pup.

“The way he described you... Powerful, clever, beautiful.” Callie hissed the words. “I don’t see it.”

“Oh, honey...” Eve pulled her lips into her sweetest smile. “You’re just a weak bitch that aligned herself with traitors and liars. I don’t give a flying fuck what you think of me.”

Callie stood abruptly from her chair. A wave of power burst from Eve’s chest as she rose to her feet. The female across from her was struggling to maintain eye contact with her in the face of such strength. Bastian appeared beside Eve but she didn’t notice him.

The sight of the woman’s pale green eyes infuriated the Luna. She lifted her chin as another wave of power erupted from her. Callie immediately took a step back and was forced to her knees by her inner wolf.

“Evie?” Bastian’s voice seemed to bring her back to the scene at hand.

Every rogue in the yard was watching her, drawing closer. Once she met his gaze, Bastian turned toward Callie. His entire demeanor changed in the blink of an eye. His dark eyes regained their piercing sharpness. His jaw was tight, his shoulders straightened, and he raised his chin authoritatively.

“Callie.” His tone was nearly a growl.

The woman stood and balled her fists, glaring at him. She quickly turned and stalked away. Eve touched her face. Her skin was tingling. She felt nauseous and lightheaded. Bastian’s eyes widened as he watched the color drain from her face.

“Evie. What’s wrong?” Bastian asked anxiously.

The world around her blurred as the Luna felt her knees give way. Bastian caught her just before she collapsed.

“You’re what’s wrong.” Eve stated in a fading voice, “I need Flint.”