Lifting my head, I was surprised to find myself standing in front of my closet while tears streamed heedlessly down my cheeks. I swiped at the unwelcome moisture. Now’s not the time to get emotional, Dahlia, I told myself as I tried to remember what I was supposed to be doing. What kind of Alpha are you? I continued to berate myself. Tears are a weakness. Alphas can’t be weak. I expelled a breath, but it came out as a sob and I gave up fighting the grief.
“Baby.” Alaric rushed to my side, removing my swimming suit from my hands and tossing it on the bed. Placing his hands on my face, he gently wiped the tears away. “You’re thinking about your grandmother again. I know you are. You can’t hide your feelings from me; you know I feel everything you feel and vice versa. I know all your thoughts. You are not a bad Alpha. Things like this happen. There’s no way around that. I love you, Dahlia. Come here.”
He studied my face, love and concern reflecting in his eyes, then he drew me into his arms, and continued, “Every time you are hurting, it makes me hurt too. You are not alone in this, love. We will get your grandmother back; don’t worry. For now, relax, baby. I know you’re stressing over this trial. I’ll help you get changed. Let’s go have some wine and relax in the hot tub.”
I nodded while attempting to remove my clothes, but in my heightened emotional state, my coordination was off and Alaric had to assist. He gingerly tugged my shirt over my head, then helped me into my blue bikini top, trailing soft, comforting kisses over my arms and stomach while awakening every nerve in my body.
I let out a shaky breath; he unbuttoned my skinny jeans while tugging them down my thighs, as he placed kisses to each newly exposed sliver of skin. Once I was out of my jeans, he tossed them aside and helped me step into my bikini bottoms.
Straightening, he smiled down at me, his eyes searching my soul.
He held out his hand for me to take.
I sighed, smiling back while taking his hand. “Thank you, my love. I am grateful to have you. You really understand me, and I love you so much.”
He led me from the bedroom and down the stairs, where the aroma of food made my stomach growl again.
At the back door, I looked out over the yard. Young pups ran around, racing each other, laughing and playing. Some older wolves were in the first hot tub, while Rylan enjoyed the second Jacuzzi by herself. The large swimming pool was packed, and the air was filled with laughter and fun. The backyard stretched for a mile, with a large pool that easily fit everyone. Liam really outdid himself. I was grateful to have him as a father figure. I loved him a lot.
I looked up at Alaric, who pulled open the sliding door, letting me walk out first.
I tip-toed to kiss his cheek before turning toward Rylan, who waved when she saw me.
We had a waterproof wardrobe set against the house. It was twice the size of a regular wardrobe, but it housed dozens of beach towels, sunscreen, floaties and life jackets for the kids.
Going to the wardrobe, I opened it and grabbed two towels from the top shelf. Placing them on a lounge chair beside the hot tub, I walked over, smiling at Rylan as I slowly inched my way into the foaming hot water.
As soon as I was fully seated, I sighed, feeling my body relax and my thoughts disappear.
Rylan’s dark skin glistened with droplets, her locks were pulled back into a ponytail and a half smile lit up her face as she tilted her head studying me. “Are you okay? You guys took a long time up there.” A sudden sly expression crossed her face. “Were you and my brother getting it on?”
My mouth hung open, defiant, as I splashed at her little. “What the hell! There are kids around! And no, we didn’t… I kind of had another breakdown.”
She frowned at my last words as she placed a hand on my shoulder for comfort. “I know your grandmother being kidnapped still haunts you, I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how that is. If you need anyone to talk to, I’m here.”
I smiled lightly, moving over to hug her. “Thank you, it means a lot.”
I pulled away, taking in her swimming suit. She wore a bright pink bikini that suited her well. It made her thin muscular body glow. “Oh my god, Rylan, you look gorgeous! I’m sure Eric is just drooling over there with the food.” I laughed, as we looked over to the grill where Eric and Alaric joked and prodded each other with the tongs.
We burst out laughing harder, causing them to stop and to turn to look at us.
“No, girl, you look goddamn gorgeous yourself. I know your personality is amazing but hot damn your body is nice too,” she replied.
Wyatt brought over a large plate of buns with every condiment tucked under his elbows. He smirked, watching us laugh. “I see the ladies are enjoying themselves.” His tan muscular body was just as dazzling to look at as Alaric’s and Eric’s. We had some good-looking men around here.
He placed the items down on the table, which was placed a few feet away from the back door. He walked over to the boys, snatching the tongs away from both men before nudging them. “Go join your ladies; they’re waiting for you.” He pointed a steaming hot tong at Eric. “Besides, this is your engagement celebration. Go the fuck over there and relax.” When he wanted to be intimidating, he sure could best even the Alpha.
Our mates just exchanged a glance before shaking their heads and laughing. They nodded at Wyatt before walking over to us.
I scooted a little bit away from Rylan, as Alaric stepped down into the hot tub before sitting beside me and pulling me closer. He draped his other arm over the edge of the hot tub, as he leaned over to kiss my cheek.
The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying each other’s company and drinking lots of wine and whiskey, while eating the delicious meal the boys had made.
Life could be stressful at times, but the little moments like this, gathered around the table or a bonfire with the pack, were everything to me.
Never, not in the last six years, had I felt this complete. There was still a hole in my heart, one which my parents had left after they died. And another one inflicted when my grandmother was kidnapped, but having my mate beside me was helping me slowly heal. It would take a while, nonetheless, but it was relieving and it comforted me.
CHAPTER 18
DAHLIA
THE NEXT MORNING, Alaric and I walked into the living room to find the Beta couple, who sat side by side on the love seat, while the Gamma shared the sectional with Mr. and Mrs. Harlow. Terry had stepped out to make a phone call. I could hear his heavy footsteps pacing the front porch. Everyone was visiting and laughing together.
“Alphas, good morning.” Mr. and Mrs. Harlow stood before walking over to us. Alaric and Ryker shook hands while Ellen and I hugged tightly.
I smiled, as they returned to the couch. “Good morning. Ellen, how was the trip?”
Alaric found a lone recliner, set beside the empty fireplace, where he sat down. I had walked over with him before he pulled me down onto his lap.
Ellen smiled warmly, leaning into her husband. “It was good. I’m glad to be back in familiar territory, though. It’s unsettling, being away for even a week.”
I frowned. “I’m sorry we had to cut short your honeymoon.”
She laughed, waving a hand to dismiss my comment. “Don’t worry about it, dear. There’s nothing to be sorry about. When the High Were Council calls, you heed. No ifs, ands, or buts.” She looked thoughtful for a moment, a finger on her chin as she glanced toward me. “Though, it has been quite some time since anyone has been called to stand before the High Were Council. Do you mind filling us in as to why?”
I cuddled closer to Alaric as I gathered my thoughts. “Well, it was yesterday, when my Beta came to my room saying we got an important letter. I realized it was from the Council, and called a meeting immediately. Opening the letter, it read that I was being charged with the crimes of capturing and the torturing of a human. That if I am found guilty, they will strip me of my rank and force my pack to disband. So, everyone who was present during the incident has to attend. Eric will stay behind to wa
tch over the pack while we’re gone. I’ve asked Liam to check in on him at least once a day. Eric knows to contact either me or my mate if anything is to happen. Liam’s Beta, Terry, is here as well. He’ll be making the trip with us. Do you still need to pack? Right now, we’re unsure of how long this will take; we leave tomorrow morning at 4:30 a.m. Our flight leaves at 6.”
Ellen thought over what I said.
It was Eric who spoke suddenly, clenching and unclenching his fist as he considered what to say. “What will you do when they ask why Nathan isn’t present?”
Both of my eyebrows rose. I realized I hadn’t thought about that yet, but I looked to Alaric, who nodded encouragingly. “Well,” I began, tilting my head slightly. “If they ask, he’s been banished. He no longer is a part of my pack. Surely, they know that.”
“Hmm,” he said, looking content with my response. “You are right. Thank you for answering my question.”
The front door opened and closed, as Terry made his way from the kitchen to the living room. He smiled at me, before taking a seat across from us. “What did I miss?” he asked, as he settled in.
I went over everything we’d discussed. He was quiet while he listened.
He nodded as I finished. He smiled, asking, “What is on the agenda for today?”
Alaric shifted under me, replying, “We’ve got a meeting with the Elders and the other Alphas today. So, everyone is free to do as they please, but remember, we’ve got to be up at 3:30-4 a.m. so don’t stay up too late.”
Everyone nodded, getting up to go about doing their own things. Ellen checked the time. “It’s 8 a.m. Are you ready to go to the Alpha meeting?”
I smiled, getting up as Alaric did the same. “Yeah, let me go get freshened up and we’ll take my SUV. I’ll meet you outside.” I tossed my keys to Alaric, who caught them and winked at me, before I headed up stairs. Doing my hair and reapplying another coat of makeup, I tugged at my shirt before grabbing my purse and stuffing the letter into it. I then headed out of our bedroom, closing the door behind me.
Alaric had the SUV running and waiting out front.
Closing the front door, I smiled as he got out of the driver’s seat and rounded the car to open my door for me. At the passenger’s side, he leaned over and pressed a kiss to my cheek before sneakily smacking my ass as I climbed in.
I growled softly, laughing, as he closed the door behind me.
I turned to see Ellen, seated by the door, with Ryker in the middle and Terry behind me. Even though they were mates, and Ellen was marked, Ryker still didn’t like her sitting by unmated males. Though I didn’t blame him; after all, Alaric did the same shit.
Once Alaric was back in the driver’s seat, and everyone was buckled up, he shifted gears and started down the road.
WE ROLLED UP to Liam’s pack house, where he and Rowan waited outside. Liam wore a pair of dark blue jeans and a t-shirt while Rowan had on a pair of black jeans and a red t-shirt. I wore a blue shirt and white shorts with my sandals. Alaric wore a white wife- beater and gray jeans. The morning sun made his exotic skin glow; his complexion was dazzling. I swooned as he smiled widely at me, moving to stand beside me while holding out his hand for me to take.
Terry mumbled something about going off on his own before he did just that, leaving us to follow his Alpha.
An Omega strode out of the house, as Alaric parked the SUV in front of it, while we climbed out. He handed the keys over to the young man, who quickly drove off as Ellen, Ryker, Alaric and I followed Liam toward the little park they had recently made. It sat directly in between the village and the pack house. It featured three swing sets, a slide, two double-courted volleyball areas, and a large patio that held the equipment to hold huge barbecues and gatherings. There was a massive gazebo set in the middle of the grassy area; it could easily hold twenty people. It had a table set up in the middle with built-in seats installed into the rails. There was also a swimming area, but that was fenced off while they continued building it.
The gazebo was beautiful; it was made of wood, which was painted white, and the metal roof gleamed against the morning sun. The breeze was cool and refreshing. Liam stepped up into the warm and inviting cover, waving a hand for us to follow him.
Rowan, Ryker and Ellen filed in next, taking a seat across from the Head Alpha. Alaric led me to the seat beside Liam, waiting for me to take it before sliding in next me.
“Good morning, Alphas.” Liam nodded at each of us as he began. “Thank you for meeting on such short notice. It seems our newest Alpha has been summoned by the High Were Council.” He looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “Dahlia, it’s your floor.”
I cleared my throat, grabbing my purse and pulling out the letter.
“I’m not sure how long we’ll be there for, but I know my pack will be fine with you all watching over Eric. I don’t doubt that my Beta can run it by himself, I just would rather have you close, in case someone tries to infiltrate while most of the higher ranks are away. We leave tomorrow morning, so Alaric and I appreciate this meeting immensely.”
Everyone nodded, staying quiet while I continued, “I’ll have copies of this letter made, so everyone has one, just to be safe. I know the High Were Council are supposed to be protecting every kind of supernatural being there is, but I don’t trust them. I always remem- bered my parents whispering in the corner about them, and from what I remember, they weren’t on good terms with the Council. That, or they discovered something the Council would have rather kept a secret.”
I shook my head, placing the letter down in front of me. “I don’t have the slightest clue of what that secret, if there is in fact one, could be. But if I can help it, I would rather not know. I also have good news. My Beta couple will be married in two months from now, so we’re going to look at dresses while in New York tomorrow.”
Liam nodded in agreement. “That is exciting news, Dahlia. A new marriage is always a celebration.” He turned his gaze to Ryker, tilting his head. “Alpha Harlow, you said you had an announcement? And again, congratulations on the wedding. I know you guys will be very happy.”
Both Ellen and Ryker smiled, looking between each other, before Ryker returned his gaze to everyone. “I know this might come as a shock, especially to Dahlia.” He looked at me for a moment. “But I’ve decided it’s time to pass the Alpha title to my eldest son, Justin. I’ve been an Alpha since your father was Alpha, Liam. I’m getting too old to lead.” Ellen snuggled closer to him, resting her head against his shoulder. “I will do the ceremony after the wedding in two months. That’ll give me enough time to finish up the arrangements and to prepare my son. I’ve found my mate and I’ve wanted to travel the world, so why not do it with the love of my life?”
I smiled, blown back. “Well, damn.”
I shook my head, as everyone laughed.
The rest of the meeting went by in a blur, during which we typed up a few agreements for each of us to sign. These documents were the treaty between all the packs, agreeing to protect each other, while Alaric and I were gone. It only lasted for the duration we were gone, so I hoped the trial wouldn’t take long.
It was around noon when three Omegas came out of the pack house—with one of them carrying a Dutch oven, another with the cups and drinks, while the last Omega held the plates, rolls and silverware. The smell from the Dutch oven filled the air with an aroma that made everyone’s stomachs growl. The roast’s smell was mixed with carrots, potatoes, celery and jalapenos.
After they set everything down on the table, they bowed their heads in respect. “Alphas,” they said in unison before they started dishing everyone plates. They then set them up in front of us while pouring delicious looking pink lemonade. They bowed again before placing the lid on the Dutch oven, leaving us to our lunch.
My mouth watered just looking at the food. I grabbed my spoon and dug in.
THAT AFTERNOON, I was stretched out on my bedroom floor, a yoga mat underneath me. I wore a pair of workout tights and a sports bra. My
body was covered in sweat and I panted slightly. After every- thing was settled three months ago, I started doing yoga to help keep me relaxed at the end of the day. Too much stress wasn’t healthy.
I rolled my neck as it popped in two places. Stretching my arms one more time, I sat up before rising to my feet. I slid my feet into my sandals and headed to the door.
When I was outside of my bedroom, I headed downstairs and into the kitchen to grab a water bottle from the fridge. Taking my water bottle with me, I went out the front door to go sit out on the steps and watch the sunset.
I left the door open but kept the screen shut.
I took my seat on the first step, admiring the beautiful orange, yellow and white colors from the sunset that cast shadows across the pack grounds. The breeze gently flowed through the scattered trees while kids played in the dirt. The blue sky was clear and the atmosphere was calm.
I heard loud laughter to my right, making me turn my head in that direction.
Alaric and the afternoon patrol had just returned. He shifted back while Olivia and the others headed off in their separate ways. Alaric wore a plain pair of blue shorts and no shirt. The sweat glis- tened on his chest with his hair draped down his back. He shook his head, taking a deep breath. His head snapped over to me, and a mischievous grin crossed his face when he took in my attire.
I chugged the rest of my water bottle, scooting over and patting the spot beside me.
He gladly took the spot, leaning over to rest his face in the crook of my neck before taking in a deep whiff of my smelly scent. He kissed the spot, making me laugh.
“I smell disgusting,” I commented between laughs as he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me closer. His touch ignited sparks through my body and I huffed, leaning into him.
Rise of the Alpha (The Rise Series Book 1) Page 25
