Page 104 of The Secret Mate Society

I felt my chest constrict, panic clawing at my throat.They were going to kill him.Even if I found him, even if I saved him from the rogue, the Council would order his execution.And there was nothing I could do to stop them.

"There has to be another way," I pleaded, hating how desperate I sounded but unable to stop myself."Memory modification, relocation…anythingthat will keep him alive.”

I watched as the hooded figures exchanged glances, though their faces remained hidden in shadow.The silence stretched between us, their judgement making the air heavy.My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, wanting to fight, to flee, to do anything but kneel here while Ethan was in danger.

"Memory modification is not without risk," the female voice finally said."Especially with someone who has been so...deeply involved with one of us.The mate bond complicates things."

"I don't care about the risks," I said quickly, hope flaring in my chest."Whatever needs to be done?—"

"You misunderstand, Alpha Thorne."The rasping ancient voice cut me off."The risk is not to him.It is to our secrecy.If the modification fails, if fragments remain, he becomes an even greater threat.One who knows just enough to be dangerous but not enough to understand the consequences."

My heart sank.They were looking for reasons to refuse, not ways to help.

"Then let me take him away," I said, desperation making my voice crack."Far from here.Somewhere remote where he can't possibly threaten anyone.I'll give up my pack, my territory, everything.Just let him live."

"Noble," the first voice said, though there was no warmth in it."But ultimately futile.The rogue will not stop hunting him.You know this.The creature has fixated on your mate, following him for years.We have no idea why, but clearly distance means nothing to this creature’s obsession."

It was true.The rogue had tracked Ethan from New York to Maine, had murdered his father and now Jake.It wouldn't stop until Ethan was dead, no matter where we ran.

"Then let me kill it," I growled, my patience fraying."Give me some resources, backup, whatever I need to end the rogue.Once it's dead, Ethan will be safe."

"And still in possession of dangerous knowledge," another voice chimed in.

“I don’t fucking care!”I cried, my anger getting the better of me as I rose to my feet.“Mymateis in danger!I will save him whether you approve of it or not!”

“Alpha Thorne, this is most irregular?—”

“That rogue has murdered several people, some in broad daylight, in the last month alone,” I barked, cutting them off.“Are you going to stand here and tell me that this council cares more about a human with some pictures than a rogue werewolf kidnapping and murdering in the middle of a city?”I glanced at each one in turn.“The papers are buzzing, the cops know something strange is happening, and this rogue put the entire city on a curfew.The humans are already talking and if you don’thelpme stop this monster, everyone is going to find out our secret anyway.”I threw up my arms in frustration.“And yet nearly half the council is wasting time, standing in an alley to give me a talking to instead of protecting our secret world that you seem to care so much about.”

Silence met my outburst and for a moment, I thought maybe I’d gone too far.But I stood my ground.Nothing I said was untrue.The Council clearly had its priorities mixed up and I wasn’t going to stand for it anymore.

The first hooded figure stepped closer, and I tensed, ready for whatever came next.But instead of condemnation, I heard something unexpected in his voice.

"You have courage, Alpha Thorne," he said."Foolish courage, perhaps, but courage nonetheless."

"I don't need courage," I shot back."I need help finding my mate before that monster kills him."

The female voice spoke again, softer this time."The rogue is indeed a problem we have neglected too long.Perhaps...the Alpha has a point."

My heart leaped.Were they actually listening to me?

"The human has already been exposed," the ancient raspy voice mused."Whether we eliminate him or modify his memories, the damage to our secrecy remains the same.But the rogue..."There was a pause."The rogue threatens us all with every kill."

"Then help me destroy him," I pressed, sensing an opening."Give me permission to do whatever it takes.I'll end this threat, and then we can deal with...the other matter."

The hooded figures conferred among themselves in whispers too low for even my enhanced hearing to catch.I stood there, fists clenched, every second feeling like an eternity while Ethan was out there somewhere, hurt and terrified.

Finally, the first figure turned back to me."We will grant you permission.Find your mate.Kill the rogue.Then you will present yourself and the human to the full Council for judgment."

"That's not?—"

"That is all we can offer," he interrupted, his tone brooking no argument."Take it or face immediate sanctions."

I swallowed hard.It wasn't much, but it was something.A chance.That was all I needed.

"I accept," I said.

"Then go," the female voice said."But know this, Alpha Thorne.If you fail, if the rogue escapes or if your human's knowledge spreads, the consequences will be severe.Not just for you, but for your entire pack."