Alpha Nox - Forever His

CHAPTER FIVE

Darryl stepped out of his car and was greeted by Croxx.

“I see you’re not with your lover, Sir Darryl,” Croxx said with a teasing smile. Darryl let out a sigh.

“Yeah, I asked him to come, but he’s still busy painting his project,” Darryl replied. After everything that had happened, he and Croxx had grown close and become friends.

“Where’s Nox?” Darryl asked.

“He’s inside. I’ll walk you to his office,” Croxx said, and Darryl nodded.

They entered the packhouse and made their way to Nox’s office. Croxx knocked on the door before pushing it open.

“Alpha,” he greeted. Nox set his phone down and stood to shake Darryl’s hand.

“Good to see you, Darryl,” he said.

“Likewise, Nox,” Darryl replied, taking the seat across from him. “Where’s your mate?” he asked. Darryl had met Noah during Dolly’s gender reveal party, and his lover, Keith, had since become friends with him.

“He’s out visiting a friend,” Nox answered. At the moment, Noah was also spending time with Alexander—who, up until now, still hadn’t spoken a single word.

“So, where is he?” Darryl asked.

Nox glanced at Croxx and gave him a nod. Croxx left the office, and when he returned, the rogue was with him—bruised, bloodied, and barely standing.

“It’s him,” Nox said. “The rogue we captured.”

Darryl pursed his lips and stood, his eyes locked on the disheveled werewolf in front of him. He approached the rogue and grabbed him roughly by the hair.

“Where are you taking the werewolves?” he demanded.

“I don’t know the exact place!” the rogue cried out. “We receive orders from a different rogue each time. We just carry them out. When everything’s ready, another rogue meets us and leads the way. Then a vampire arrives to collect the goods—and everything shifts again,” he explained frantically.

Darryl narrowed his eyes, studying the rogue’s expression, trying to determine if he was lying.

“Take him out,” Darryl ordered. Croxx gave a nod and dragged the rogue out of Nox’s office.

“He’s not lying,” Darryl said as he returned to his seat. Nox frowned.

“How can you tell?” he asked.

“I can see it,” Darryl replied simply.

“If he’s telling the truth, then we’re dealing with a large, organized group,” Nox said, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders.

“And a powerful clan at that,” Darryl added, making Nox nod in agreement.

“You know any clan capable of handling something on this scale?” Nox asked, crossing his arms.

“There are a few I can think of,” Darryl said cautiously. “But we can’t go around pointing fingers without solid proof,” he added.

There were a handful of vampire clans—besides the Blackwaters—that had enough power and influence to pull off something like this. Still, Darryl needed a concrete lead before making any accusations.

“What about your end?” Darryl asked.

“Nothing,” Nox replied. “No one would dare challenge the Ten Alphas after what happened years ago,” he added. The packs around them knew how capable the Ten Alphas were—and no one wanted them as enemies.

Darryl nodded in understanding. The memory of that brutal war still lingered across the supernatural world.

“We’re at a disadvantage,” Darryl said, leaning back in his chair. “If only we could intercept the vampire they're transacting with…” he added.

“We could use the rogue,” Nox suggested. “Have my warriors disguise themselves as part of the group and follow the trail with the rogue,” he added.

Darryl turned to him, a grin spreading across his face.

“That’s a f*cking brilliant idea,” he said.

“Alright, let’s do that,” Nox said. “I’ll have Croxx keep you updated,” he added, standing up and offering his hand for a handshake.

“That sounds good,” Darryl replied as he also rose to his feet. “I’ll conduct an investigation on my end as well,” he added.

“Thank you,” Nox said sincerely.

“Thank you, too. And send my regards to Noah,” Darryl said, shaking his hand firmly.

Darryl left the Shadow Wolves Pack, and shortly after, Croxx returned to Nox’s office.

“Prepare a group of warriors for me, Croxx. I want them to disguise as rogues to lure out the vampire,” Nox instructed.

“Alright, I’m on it,” Croxx replied. “Anything else? Because Amber wants me back home—they’re cooking something special,” he added with a grin.

“That’s all for now. Let’s go,” Nox said, not wanting to keep Noah waiting. Croxx followed him, and they used Croxx’s car.

When they arrived at the house, they were greeted by the mouthwatering smell of barbecue wafting through the air.

Nox stepped out and spotted Noah in the backyard. He walked straight toward him, wrapped his arms around Noah’s waist, and gently kissed the mark he had left on his nape.

“Hi,” Nox greeted. Noah turned around and cupped his face.

“There are kids here, babe,” he warned, making Nox laugh.

“Sorry,” Nox chuckled. “Where’s Alexander?” he added.

“There,” Noah said, pointing toward a small tent set up in the yard. Nox followed his gaze and saw the tent was open, allowing them to see inside. Alexander was quietly playing with Jaxson.

“He didn’t cry?” Nox asked.

“No, he didn’t,” Noah said softly. “He was scared at first, but when Jaxson pulled him to play, he started to loosen up. Still, he hasn’t spoken a word,” he added with a sigh.

“It's alright, let's just wait for him,” Nox said.

“Go and play with them, will you? I asked Croxx to help Bear,” Noah said.

“They’ll probably just flirt inside,” Nox joked. Noah playfully hit his shoulder and laughed. Nox kissed his forehead before walking over to the kids’ play area.

“Hey, bud!” he greeted Jaxson.

“Uncle Alpha!” Jaxson cheered, running into his arms for a hug.

“Careful, Jax,” Nox said with a soft laugh, then glanced at Alexander. “How about you, buddy? Are you having fun?” he asked as he set Jaxson down.

Alexander gave a small nod, smiled, and went back to playing. Nox gently ruffled his hair and sat beside him, his eyes drifting toward Noah, who was busy grilling pork in the backyard wishing for day like this to last forever.