The Story of the Exile (The Belesone Pack #2)

Chapter 9

Carlton drank his second cup of tea slowly, savouring the time and the taste. When it was over, he sat back on his sofa and closed his eyes. He had to focus for this; it was always tricky creating a new passageway into someone's head.

He focused on Katarina and used her connection with Milo to scurry his way into the Alpha's head. Milo, I need you awake. I have information you require, He pressed the message deep into Milo's mind so that it penetrated the human, dreamless sleep that had taken over his body.

Who are you? Milo's mental voice was alert, even if Carlton knew his body wasn't waking as quickly as he would like.

Carlton figured there was only one answer that would get the boy's attention as quickly as he needed it. Katarina's father, Carlton. She is in great danger, as is your Beta. You must wake, but not alarm her, he explained calmly, unsurprised that Milo's eyes flickered open and he was now, at least, mentally awake. I have spoken to your mate tonight. She has confirmed the condition of your Beta. Here is what I know of so far,

He began by explaining everything he had just told Grene, about the shifters and Katarina's increased visions, and about his Beta's current condition.

Those three shifters tried to kill her? Or me? That explains why they were on my land and attacked straight after my confrontation, Milo sighed and automatically began weaving his fingers through Katarina's hair. He found it soothed him, but it was also becoming an unconscious habit. He was going to get in trouble for it one of these days.

Carlton smiled, as he picked up on both Milo's words and his thoughts. He shook his head at the innocence of children. They still believed that any thought was safe, even when being read by another. It was no wonder Katarina loved him so much; it seemed like he couldn't help but be open with her.

I need access to your memories, Milo. I would prefer that permission was granted, before I go delving around inside your head, Carlton explained, getting straight to the point.

Alright. But be careful, Milo gave in only because he knew it would help Katarina and Leo. They were the most important people in his life, so he was willing to have his personal thoughts and memories violated for their sake. But some things had to remain private. Katie and I mated today, so skip ahead to six o'clock when we had dinner, he asked, smiling when he heard Carlton's laughter inside his head.

Thank you for the warning. I would not wish to intrude on my daughters privacy, Carlton was grateful for the advice. He certainly didn't want to see any part of their mating. He only wanted the important conversations and memories from the last few days.

Oh yeah? What about mine?

Carlton considered that and weighed up his options. I do not care so much, he confessed easily.

Thanks, Milo grumbled to himself and waited as Carlton collected whatever he wanted from inside his head.

It was strange. He didn't feel anyone digging around or have a bunch of memories flashing across his mind as Carlton searched. Just quiet and peace. It was a little disturbing. Who else could invade his inner most thoughts and memories and not leave a mark?

Not many, Alpha, Carlton conceded his point as he finished gathering the information he needed. He had the last piece of the puzzle; now he needed motive, which was a little harder to come by. Don't worry, I have everything I need and I didn't have to move beyond the last two days, he promised, so that he didn't panic. It was a pleasure to see how much you love my daughter. And how much she loves you.

Milo shifted uncomfortably at the thought, wondering and not knowing what Carlton was talking about or what he had seen. But he was too worried about Katarina and Leo to care to ask.

I believe your Beta will be safe, once I arrive and administer the antidote, he swore that he would take care of everything. In the meantime there is a protection spell you must perform for me. Don't worry, you are capable. You may have Katarina assist you, if that helps.

Carlton explained the spell in all its detail to Milo twice. He had learned that repetition often did the world of good for the memory. As it was, Milo had good motivation to pay attention.

And you must promise me one more thing, Carlton realised that safety was key to the whole plan working out for the best. If they didn't take that factor into consideration, all his realizations would mean nothing.

Anything, Milo agreed, quickly.

Neither you, my daughter or your Beta must leave your house once it is cast. Not for any reason, he warned. Do not step beyond the boundaries of the doorway; do not poke your head out a window, nor a hand outside the four main walls of the house. Not the porch or the back patio. Nothing but the walls of the house, he commanded, as a true Alpha.

Milo absently wondered how he was going to manage that, before a vague idea came to him. He didn't bother arguing since he would do pretty much anything for his little wolf. He wasn't aware that Carlton had heard his nickname for Katarina though, until he heard a chuckle inside his head. That annoyed him. How was he supposed to know when someone was spying if he couldn't feel them there? It was beyond sneaky.

I understand. I'll fake an illness or something. Neither of them would leave me. We can hole up in my suite for a few days quite fine, He would think of something.

I will be there for your union on Friday, Carlton agreed to that plan without confirmation. A sick Alpha could get away with most anything and neither his mate or his Beta would leave his side for a moment. Allow none into your home, Alpha. Not even your guards or the Elders. Not until I arrive, he advised, to make sure there were no mistakes. Katarina will recognize me. Trust her judgement in everything, as long as it does not disobey these orders. He explained, confusing Milo with the mix up of orders.

First it was trust Katarina in everything. Then it was don't disobey the orders.

Milo felt that he would get a headache if he kept talking to Carlton any longer. The guy was wide awake, an Alpha of much longer rule than him and he knew things he shouldn't know. But he also talked in swings and roundabouts and it was confusing.

I get it. Katie's always right, except if she says we should leave the house or let someone in. Wouldn't it be better just to flash me a picture of yourself or something, so that I know who you are? Milo requested, since he wasn't entirely prepared for this.

Carlton frowned at that suggestion. He supposed the boy was right. Yes. I will do that once our contact is over. Very well then, trust Katarina's instincts but do not break these orders. I will see you as soon as I can get there. I will take care of everything, he promised.

Agreed. Can I get some sleep now?

Yes. In fact, encourage your mate and Beta to sleep in tomorrow, Carlton decided that it would be easier to accomplish their tasks if both Katarina and Leo slept in late. If they wake early, send them both back for a long sleep. And add some herbs to their drinks, if they refuse; the green ones only. That will send them off to sleep for a while, he suggested, trying to think about whether he might have missed anything.

He could feel Milo's frustration. He was being asked to drug his best friend and his mate, not to trust anyone, not to leave his own house and not to do anything. Carlton sighed as he began questioning if he was still Alpha any more. He had a point. Goodnight, Milo,

Milo grumbled the same wish in return and quickly closed off the connection, to return to sleep.