Raven POV
I am led through the dungeons by Kieran and one of the twins, I think it is Kaden. Leo and Oliver are behind me, and they are complaining loudly through the mind link about needing to be here. I am trying to push them out of my mind, but fighting against them both when they want my attention is difficult.
Leo finally gets tired of me ignoring the mind link. "Kieran," he calls out to my brother. "Why are we here?"
Spinning on my heels, I smack Leo on the shoulder. He knows Kieran and I both get nervous at the mention of recusants. "I am sure he is just being thorough," I hiss at Leo.
Kieran stops in front of a cell, and a kind-looking older man is sitting in the corner. He looks miserable, and not just because he is sitting in a cell. His eyes are full of regret when he looks at me. He quickly shuffles to his feet and bares his neck in submission.
"Luna Queen," he says sweetly. "I apologize for my appearance."
Turning to Kieran, I raise an eyebrow at him. "This man is a threat to my crown?"
"I never said that," Kieran responds. "I just said he has information."
"Did you ask him what he knows?" I ask.
"He is under an Alpha command," Kieran replies.
My eyes widen in realization, and I step back from the cell. "This isn't how things work," I remind Kieran. "I just don't go flitting through people's minds all willy-nilly. There is a protocol. The elders need to be summoned, and there has to be a vote."
Kaden runs his hand down his face before punching the wall next to him. His knuckles crack loudly against the stone, and blood splatters to the floor. Without another word, he wraps his t-shirt around his hand and resumes his calm composure.
"Are you okay?" I ask him awkwardly.
"Fine," he lies through his teeth.
"That didn't look fine," Leo chuckles. "Got something you want to talk about?"
Kaden looks around us like he is looking for something or someone. When he decides the coast is clear, he sighs loudly. "We can't invite the elders here. We will have to find another way to get the information about the recusants."
Oliver steps to my side and pushes his glasses up on his nose. "Why don't you want the elders in your pack?"
"It is difficult to explain," Kaden whispers.
"Try," I urge him.
"Father has a belief that we are all creatures of the Moon Goddess and that we all deserve to be treated kindly, despite our social or pack status," Kaden admits. "The restrictions in and around the South Pack are relaxed."
"Are you staying your father allows rogues to roam freely within your pack borders?" I ask curiously.
"Among other things," Kaden whispers.
"Well," Leo claps his hands together. "That's new."
Kaden looks at my mate in desperation. "I thought of all the Alphas; you may understand his reasoning."
"What makes you say that?" Leo asks.
"Because you used to be a rogue," Kaden says carefully.
I wait for Leo to explode, but he doesn't. "Can't argue with the facts," Leo shrugs. "But it is still incredibly dangerous."
"Mom doesn't agree with it," Kaden continues. "She calls them strays."
Kieran snorts with laughter. "I bet Tish loved that."
The sound of chains scooting in the cell grabs my attention. I look back at Cedric. He is inching his way closer to the bars. He has been listening to our conversation. I step back from the bars for protection.
"I mean you no harm, Luna Queen," the man says. "What if I were to give you permission to go through my mind?"
"Why would you do that?" I ask.
"Because I appreciate the way Alpha Fred is running things, and I don't want to see the elders come in and wreck everything," he says.
"This man is clearly not a threat," I groan. "Why is he in the cells?"
"Because he was the last person to see my mate," Kaden growls.
My mates growl back at Kaden, and I fear a fight will erupt right here in the space between the cells.
"Enough," I shout, pushing my aura over everyone.
When I am sure they will all shut up, I turn my attention back to the man in the cells. "I don't believe we have been introduced. I am Raven."
"I know who you are, Luna Queen," he responds gently. "I am Cedric."
"Hello, Cedric," I smile. "You must know if I go through your mind, I will see everything. There is nothing you can hide from me, and it will be very personal and invasive."
"I understand," Cedric whispers. "What do you need from me?"
"It is easier if I hold your hand," I say, trying to calm my nerves. Very few people let me in willingly.
Cedric reaches his hands through the bars, and I rest my hand on his. His fingers close around my hand, and I am transported in my mind. His memories flood into my mind, and I am overwhelmed. There is nothing he is trying to hide from me.
The memory of his mate's rejection burns through my heart as if it were my own, and I am unsure how long I will be able to withstand the heartbreak of his life. Forcing myself to stay in his mind, I watch everything he has to show me.
Suddenly, a familiar face pops into his mind. A face that I haven't seen since my first visit to the South Pack. Francesca's mate, Alpha Fernando. I think we all assumed he was dead when he disappeared. No one considered him a threat, so he wasn't hunted like the rest. But it is abundantly clear he is alive and well.
Before I can retreat, the memories turn extremely personal and blush spreads across my face. Urgently, I pull my hand away from Cedric.
"My, my, my," I laugh. "You have been busy."
Even in the dim light of the cells, I can see Cedric blush. "I didn't know how much you needed to see."
"I saw plenty," I giggle.
"Do you now understand why I couldn't give you the information willingly?" Cedric whispers.
"I do, but I don't," I sigh. "How can he still use his Alpha command? He disappeared years ago. There is a new Alpha of the South Pack."
I am pacing the floor in front of Cedric's cell. I can feel everyone's eyes on me as I try to work through the puzzle in my head.
"He can mind link with his rogues as well," Cedric tells me.
"Impossible," I hiss. "That would mean he has started a new pack without my knowledge or the knowledge of the Elder Council."
"Will someone tell me what the fuck is going on?" Kieran shouts. "I want to get home to Mae."
"Mae is fine," I snap at him. "She said to say hi."
"Little Bird," Leo purrs. "What the fuck is going on?"
"Alpha Fernando is alive and has started a new pack," I sigh. I look back at the cell. "Set this man free. He has a soup kitchen to run."