As far as presenting a sense of normality for the young boy, Roxie was doing a wonderful job, and for that Ben was thankful. He didn’t imagine being suddenly thrusted into the role of both protector and father figure for Marcus, but it happened all the same, and it only added to the many concerns the Beta had. For the moment at least, they were alone and they could speak freely without involving the boy in any of the difficult conversations that would occur. “That was my first assumption, but no one would benefit from this. It only hurts both packs, and I don’t see anyone having a grudge against both packs.” Benjamin started to drive, thinking on his own words, when he realized something “Maybe it’s not a play for power. Somebody wants a war just to see the packs kill each other.” It was crazy to even think that, but it was the most plausible explanation at this point. Yet, who would want this kind of slaughter? And what would they gain from it?<br/><br/>Once they arrived back the Alpha’s home, Ben stepped out his car and realized something. He could smell the both of them, and it was incredibly strong. There passion had left a lingering sent on the two, and they hadn’t showered in a day. If they could smell each other, then the others most definitely would be able to as well. “We should clean up. Then we can make a list of suspects.” Walking back inside, the Beta eyed anyone who looked at Roxie, though they were only looking at the both of them, due to the very... powerful smell they were admitting. That was perhaps the worst part about being a werewolf, one’s sense of smell could be both a blessing and a curse at times. Once they arrived back in Ben’s room, the Beta directed his mate to his own bathroom, which was connected to his room. “You can shower first, I’m going to lay down for awhile. Sleeping in a wooden chair all night isn’t all that comfortable.” Before he could lay down, there was a knock at the door, and the Beta went to answer it. When opened, one of the warriors of the pack stood before Ben, and he brought news “Beta, there’s been a skirmish between a few members of our pack and...” the warrior spots Roxie, and pauses, though Ben knew what he was going to say “Fuck, just... I want everyone in our Pack home, and put a curfew in effect. Who started the fight?” The warrior shrugged his shoulders, adding “We don’t know. It was probably both sides.” Sighing, Ben nods to the warrior who then promptly leaves the two alone, the Beta shutting the door behind him.<br/><br/>For a moment, he was quiet, simply walking back to the bed and sitting on the edge as he allowed himself to fall backwards. While he looked up at the ceiling, he spoke to his mate, and it was one of the few times he let someone else know his inner feelings. “Things have changed so much, Roxie. I don’t know if I can keep up. Maybe the peace has made me to weak, but I feel like I can’t handle the pressure anymore.” To be fair, Ben had never had to try and advert a war. That was something that would be tough for anyone. “I’m worried, not just about that Packs or Marcus. I’m worried about you, us, fuck I don’t know.” The very idea of the two of them actually being in a relationship was also rather knew, as Benjamin had believed that they’d be enemies until the day they died. Now? They were mates, and the fate of everyone was now on their shoulders. “Say we stop all of this. Say we do catch the killer, then what? What do we do?”