The Alpha's Rogue ✔️

20 | Who's Next?

4190 words

Savannah watched as Talei reacted instantly at the mention of the photo. The rogue shewolf froze, her hand pausing midair as her body locked with tension.

Then Talei released a sigh. "That, my dear little Alpha, is something you will have to ask Zion yourself. He'll probably kill me for saying too much already. Normally I don't care, but in this case," she lifted a shoulder then dropped it heavily, "that's for him to explain. Alright, sweetie? All done," she pushed Savannah around to see herself.

While her mind was reeling, she studied herself in the mirror. A frown crept over her expression as she took in the smoky eye effect and dark lipstick. "I look like a vampire."

"No, you don't," Talei tsked. "I knew a vampire back when I lived in Crater Lake, and you look nothing like him."

"Wait, vampires are real?" Savannah gaped, her eyes widening in shock.

"I'm just kidding!" Talei slapped her shoulder and doubled over in laughter. "With this midnight black hair, you do look a little like him." Giving one last tug to the strands framing Savannah's face, she pursed her lips and gave a satisfied nod.

Savannah shuddered, totally confused and having no idea what to believe. Just as she rose to get her bag, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She noticed a couple missed calls from Justin, shortly followed by a message from Emerald. "Drats. I guess Jamie made it back to my territory. Justin is probably going nuts at not finding me with them."

"Do you want to call him?"

"Not really. I know what he's going to say, and I don't feel like arguing right now," Savannah dismissed his incoming call, then briefly read Emerald's text. Her closest sister was asking in her usual sweet manner to pick up the phone. While she contemplated how to reply, another message came in from Justin that was a lot more emotive, complete with angry emojis and even a swear word his mother would surely slap him on the head for writing. He must really be livid.

"Then come on. The guys are waiting for us."

Savannah followed Talei downstairs and found everyone already standing on the street. An air of excitement lingered around them, and Phoenix bumped into her shoulder with a smirk.

"Cale helped me with the shirt. Like it?"

She eyed him up and down, nodding her head in surprise at how well he cleaned up. He was wearing hightops, dark wash jeans, a black button up with small dark red checks and rolled to his elbows, and his hair was pulled back neatly in a man bun. Though she wasn't attracted to him in any way, Savannah could still judge how good-looking he was, and only hoped he'd have enough sense tonight and not get carried away with all the girls throwing themselves at him. "I'm gonna have to keep an eye on you tonight," she warned him.

"Yes, mum," he joked.

"Think of me more like an older sister," she teased.

"It's true, she'll protect you like family if you grow too close," Cale grimaced, clearly speaking from experience.

Phoenix gave them both a funny expression, a cross between a frown and a grin, and Savannah was unsure if he grated at the idea or if he might, deep down, actually appreciate having someone watch his back. It was in her nature to care for family, and while missing her own, these rogues were feeling more and more like her brothers and sisters.

"Let's go!" Zion motioned to them, and led the way down the street.

Savannah caught up and strode by his side. He was neatly dressed as well, in combat boots, black jeans, and a light blue button up that accentuated his muscled arms and tanned skin. The clean smell of soap mingled with his natural scent, and drew Savannah like a magnet. Something about the crisp anticipation of the night had her wrapping her arm around his and interlocking their fingers.