_ Oh, Mate

Rhett shook his head. "Direct questioning would yield quicker results, Alpha. We can detect deception, and inconsistencies, and potentially uncover crucial information. That will only be possible when we confront them directly. We do not have a reason to cower or hide behind shadows. We helped them. We also have the right to question them."

Beowulf glanced at Darius, who met his gaze with a nod and a grunt. "I like Rhett's plan, Beowulf," Darius declared. "If you trust him to lead the investigation, I'm willing to lend a hand."

Rhett felt a pang of unease. Why was the Alpha deferring to the Beta on such a critical decision? He didn't like this. He knew his dislike for the Alpha was justified.

Anytime he had a bad feeling about a person, it was always justified.

Beowulf seemed to be thoughtful for a while and finally, he cleared his throat.

"Very well, Gamma Rhett. You have my permission. Proceed with the questioning, but keep Darius involved. Your combined experience will be invaluable."

More like Darius is in charge, listen to him. Rhett would never like an Alpha who seemed unable to make decisions for himself. His business was done here.

He rose from his seat and offered the Alpha a slight bow. "Very well then, Alpha. I will take my leave now."

The Alpha extended a hand and Rhett shook it. Darius also initiated a handshake that Rhett met. "See you at the investigations, Gamma."

"Yes." He stoically stated and left.

.

On arriving back at the headquarters, Rhett met Farkas already waiting for him just right in front of his office.

"Well, Rhett?" Farkas rasped with eagerness. "How did the Alpha take to your suggestion?"

Rhett sighed and ushered Farkas into his office. "He agreed," he muttered. "But with a little bit of thorn."

Farkas already had his brows furrowed. "What?"

"The Beta joins the investigation." Instantaneously, Farkas hissed. "Darius? That oaf will turn the whole thing into a clumsy mess!"

Rhett ran a hand through his hair, frustration mounting. "My hands were tied, Farkas. I had no choice."

His second let out a throaty growl, but Rhett barely registered it. His mind was already racing ahead. His wolf was wailing, aching – yearning for someone.

"Very well. We will send out word for the meeting tonight so that the questioning can be held tomorrow. We can't afford to waste time." Farkas had gotten serious.

Rhett nodded while his gaze flitted to the map of the surrounding territories sprawled across his desk. "Outposts are set up?"

"Scouts are already patrolling," Farkas assured him. "They'll alert us if anything changes. What happened at Vietanne restaurant last night will not happen again."

It should not happen again. The vampires could not beat them in their own territory. It was even shameful for their reputation with the other wolf packs.

"Good." Rhett mused. "Send everyone who isn't on duty home for the night. We'll need all our strength for tomorrow."

"How about you?" Farkas's gaze lingered on Rhett.

Rhett frowned. "What about me?"

"You," Farkas pointed, his voice softened, "are the one who needs to go home and rest. You look like a storm about to break."

Rhett forced a smile. "I'm fine, Farkas. I have to be here to lead. I wasn't even home sleeping last night and look what happened."

Farkas wasn't ready to have it. "Don't be a stubborn fool, Rhett. You're already running on stinks. Go. Get some sleep. Come tomorrow, you'll need every ounce of your energy and IQ to deal with the fey and most importantly, Darius."

Rhett was about to disagree again when Farkas came over the desk, yanked him up, and shoved him towards the door.

"Since you want it rough, man. There you go, rough. I don't want to see you here tomorrow looking like a tired bunny, okay?"

This was how Farkas could break a laugh out of him. "Suit yourself." Rhett laughed, grabbed his coat, and left.

.

The drive home proved harder than his job. Rhett wanted to drive home but his wolf seemed to be the one in control this time. It was almost the full moon.

"Alright, I'll just go take a few seconds look and head home." He promised himself and glided the car to a not-so-familiar destination.

He remembered the last time he tried to drive to her was to warn her off his son but when he thought of how happy she was making Kylo, he decided to postpone his visit.

Perhaps, if he had gone at that time, they'd have arrived at a destination now. Perhaps, he would have dealt with finding out that his son's girlfriend was his mate better than when there was no war going on.

Now, he had to deal with the war and deal with the bond.

He soon arrived a few houses away from the apartment that Isleen shared with a boy. Thinking of how she shared an apartment with a boy was rising his blood.

He wanted no man near her.

He parked the car at a discreet distance and followed her scent. Since he was here to peep, he could not use the door, nor did he know which was her window.

He could only follow the her delicious scent. His wolf was happy – pacing back and forth with excitement. Her scent was like a drug that it was learning to get addicted to.

Moon Goddess, help him; Rhett thought – he was getting lost. He had not in the least bit of an idea of what he was doing. Yet, he was doing it.

He followed her scent to a window adorned with lace curtains. He was a wolf and a military man, so climbing the window was easy for him. He scaled the building and dipped his claws into the wall for balance.

Right when he was balanced, he peered inside the curtain from the little space left. However, he wasn't expecting what he found. Maybe he came at the wrong time.

SHE WAS NAKED!