Rise of the Alpha (The Rise Series Book 1)

by Helen Dhanoya

  I shifted back to my human form, the pain intensifying as I felt my body rip in the places my flesh was torn. I didn’t care that I was naked… I had to find my mate. And fast.

  On top of having to trek through the rain, I limped and dragged myself through the mud in the direction of the house, where my blurry vision could only see faint lights. The rain and the blood in my eyes made it difficult to navigate. All I could smell was tangy, copper blood but somehow, by the will of the Gods, I made it to the open front door.

  Frantic voices boomed through the castle, and as my bare feet hit the door frame of the entrance, Alaric stormed into the room. He was distraught, worry consuming him. I noticed that when he looked at me, Braxton had taken over. Their yellow-blue eyes bore into me, assessing my bloody body.

  The last thing I perceived was my mate letting out a howl that made my ears ring before rushing to me and calling my name. As soon as he reached me, my body gave out and my vision went black.

  CHAPTER 23

  DAHLIA

  MY BODY ACHED and groaned as I sat up, but my eyes refused to open.

  Alaric’s strong, warm arms enveloped me, his voice in my ear sending chills down my spine. “Baby, lie down. You need to rest. Your wounds aren’t healed completely yet.”

  A soft whine escaped my lips, as he gently helped me to lie back down. His embrace comforted me while I willed my eyelids to open. My head spun when I looked up, greeted by the white-colored ceiling of our room at the High Were Council’s castle.

  I lifted my left hand, wincing at the pain shooting through it, which forced me to set it back down. I slowly moved my head to look at Alaric, who now sat in a chair beside the bed and stared at me with deep emotion written all over his face. His gorgeous jawline was covered in stubble, like he hadn’t shaved in a few days. His eyes had dark circles underneath them and he looked like he hadn’t slept at all. Sudden tears formed in my eyes, making him get up and stand beside me before carefully taking me in his arms and sitting down with me cradled in his lap. Resting my head against his chest, I listened quietly to his steady heartbeat, trying to calm down as he stroked my hair and whispered sweet words to comfort me.

  He placed his fingers under my chin, moving my face to his, so that he could look me in the eyes with his beautiful deep blue orbs. They glowed, intriguing me. “What’s wrong, my love? I know you have questions, so ask them.”

  I sighed, moaning at the slight motion that sent a shock of pain through me. It was like I had been run over, had all my blood taken away and then put back in. I rested my forehead against his lips, where he pressed them gently before pulling me closer.

  I then spoke the first thing that came to mind. “Is our pup okay? Tell me our pup is okay...”

  He hugged me close. I felt the tears run down his face, as mine joined them before hitting my neck. He pulled away, looking me in the eyes, while we wiped each other’s tears away. He smiled brightly, placing his hands on my hips before leaning over to smash his lips against mine.

  I ignored the pain in my arms as I wrapped them around his neck; my mate’s presence enveloped me, taking some of the pain away so I could enjoy the moment. Kissing him passionately, I playfully nip his bottom lip making him growl before breaking away. The kiss left both of us panting lightly.

  Pressing our foreheads together, our noses touching, he answered while out of breath, “Our pup is fine. We were able to get you to the doctor before too much damage was done. You are okay. I was so worried when I came into our room, only to find the window broken, your frightened scent everywhere with the intruder’s scent as well. I didn’t even think to look out the window… I was too preoccupied with freaking out. Braxton took over when we smelled the blood as we rushed downstairs. Ivan had taken care of the last of the rogues when you stumbled into the castle.” His voice cracked with emotion as he recalled what I looked like, gently tightening his grip on my hips and pulling me closer. “You were completely covered, head to toe, in blood. It dripped from the corners of your mouth and your eyes were heavy. I barely had time to catch you before you collapsed.”

  He held me even closer, like he was afraid to let me go, as if he’d lose me again.

  I pressed my cheek against his warm, muscled chest; the fabric of his t-shirt scratched my cheek but it comforted me as I took a deep breath, thinking about what to say. “How long was I out for?”

  He gently rubbed my back in circles. “After the doctor got you fixed up, and the blood you lost was replaced, he made sure the baby was safe before giving me the okay to bring you up to our room. I knew you would be more comfortable here. You’ve been asleep for two full days. Earlier this morning, the doctor came in to check your wounds and he said the baby is just fine and your wounds have healed nicely. He really stressed that you not do any heavy lifting or strenuous activities while you let your body heal. No shifting either. I understand you had to, to protect our pup and yourself but that was almost your downfall.”

  He stroked my hair, taking a deep breath and calming me as my emotions took control, the tears falling freely. Through my sobs, I formed the words that raced through my mind. “I finally did it. I took revenge for my parents… He said something about my parents’ murdering his wife and child, so he took revenge for them. I don’t know what to believe anymore.” I sobbed even more, hiccupping.

  He shifted underneath me, taking my face in his hands and moving it upward so that I could stare into his loving eyes before he spoke, his voice calm and collected, “You avenged your parents. You did what you thought was best to protect our cub and yourself. I couldn’t be prouder of you, baby. I love you and I am happy to be yours. Now, let’s get cleaned up and head down for lunch with the Council.”

  Before I had the chance to say anything more, Alaric’s phone rang from the bedside table, spooking the shit out of me and making me jump.

  Alaric chuckled, wrapping an arm around my waist to keep me in place as he bent over to snatch the phone from the table. As he brought the phone closer, I looked at the name above the FaceTime call. It was Eric. We’d been expecting this call but not this soon; I guess it’s better now than later.

  He held the phone out, so we both could be in view of the camera, as he answered the call. Eric’s and Rylan’s smiling faces greeted us.

  “Alphas.” Eric and Rylan bowed their heads.

  We bowed in return as she peppered me with questions. “Dahlia! Are you okay? I heard about what happened! So, did you kill that sick bastard?”

  Alaric growled at his sister, but I rest a hand on his chest making him stop, before shaking my head at him. “It’s fine, Alaric. She’s just concerned.” Turning back to my best friend, I smiled, nodding. “I am doing fine, sore from my injuries, but otherwise almost healed now. I did kill Lucian… it was hard with the rain. He got what he deserved and that’s that.”

  She was about to ask another question, when Eric gave her a look before saying, “They don’t have time to play twenty questions, babe. We’ve got business to attend to. Anyway, Alphas, I have an update of the patrols and meetings. First, the patrols haven’t found anything suspicious. In fact, it seems everything has gone still. Like it was six months ago before the Elder’s kidnapping. I’ve added extra security because Liam and Ryker have had some of their weaker pack members go missing. I’ve not let anyone leave unsupervised, just to be safe.”

  I nodded in agreement, my heart aching at the mention of my grandmother. “That’s smart, Eric, good thinking. How have the meetings gone?”

  Eric sighed, pulling Rylan closer. She giggled and let out a low squeal of happiness. “Ryker, your grandfather, Rowan and I have been extremely stressed. I don’t know how you guys do it so gracefully, but we’ve had more and more pack members disappear.” He shook his head, looking apologetic. “I’m sorry for not protecting them as I said I would.”

  Alaric and I exchanged a glance, each of us understanding what the other was thinking.

  “No.” Alaric’s deep voice rang through
the room while sending chills of pleasure through me. I hoped they wouldn't notice. I felt Alaric chuckle softly; excitement flowed through me as his erection hit my core through each of our jeans. I had to bite my tongue so I wouldn’t let out a deep moan. “You’ve done great. There’s nothing anyone could do to prevent them from being taken, aside from what you’ve already done to protect them. Keep up the good work; we should be heading home in a few days. Keep us in the loop.”

  The Beta couple nodded, while Rylan gave me a mischievous look, a knowing look. I gave her a cheeky grin, trying not to squirm under her friendly judgment, as she winked at me and returned the smile.

  “We’ll continue our duties until your return, Alphas.” Eric grinned before hanging up the phone on his end

  Alaric set the phone back onto the nightstand, before placing his hand gently on my cheek and moving my face so that I could stare into his now dark and lust-filled eyes. “We have thirty minutes before lunch with the Council.” His voice was thick and husky. I melted underneath him, my core getting wetter just by hearing his voice.

  He removed my shirt and bra with ease before his mouth devoured mine. The touch of his fingers on my body sent me into heavenly bliss.

  Within no time, I was bent over the edge of the bed, taking it from the back, with Alaric roughly gripping my hips as he thrust into me hard and deep, both of us moaning in ecstasy. I screamed out his name as he hissed and groaned with our combined release.

  HAND IN HAND, we strode into the dining hall of the High Were Council’s castle. We had showered quickly and changed into formal clothes before heading down to meet the Council.

  My stomach roared with hunger, as the aroma of different foods hit me. Roast stew, barbeque chicken, Chinese stir-fry. They had my mouth watering while my stomach twisted and turned as we took our seats across from Ivan and his fellow members.

  Vernon gave me a creepy smile, while Ivan shot him a death glare that froze him to his seat and caused him to angrily look down at his plate.

  Ivan turned his gentle face to me, smiling softly. “I’m glad to see you fully healed. We were anxious having you in the doctor’s room, but everything has seemed to work out. Now, I don’t mean to bring up what happened… but what relation did you have to the man you killed? Lucian was his name, correct?”

  I sighed.

  I knew he had to know, and it was better to talk about it than to keep it inside, but the longer I looked at Ivan, the more I knew he was holding things back from me; however, it was best not to question or anger him. So, I started with what happened seven years ago. “Well, when I was fourteen, my parents’ car was wrecked and we were surrounded by the W.E.U., who employed Lucian, the man who admitted killing my parents. He also stated that he regretted not killing me at the time as well.”

  The emotions that now filled me were ones of anger and sadness, as I fought back tears and continued, my voice cracking with each word I said, “And then, six months ago today, my grandmother was kidnapped by an unknown being, but I realized at that meeting with Alex, that he was the one who kidnapped her. However, that was the last time I saw her, and I haven’t even caught her scent since then. So, I don’t know if she’s alive or not, but Lucian didn’t even have a chance to explain himself before I killed him. It was either him or me.”

  Alaric noticed my sudden change in emotions, scooting himself closer before pulling me into a warm and comforting hug. No one spoke—they watched in silence—as Alaric comforted me enough that I wiped the few tears I had let fall away and moved from him, keeping his chair beside mine.

  Ivan cleared his throat, smiling at me softly and continuing, “I’m sorry. I know this upsets you. Let’s talk about happier things. He’s dead. He’s not coming back, but we want to form an alliance with the Miller pack. In the past, we didn’t align ourselves with the wolf packs, but I think it’s time to rethink that. I would also like to invite you two to come back and visit any time you would like. It doesn’t have to be for business, you can come and stay when you just need to get away.” He rose, coming over to us. He held out his hand for Alaric, causing us to get up and stand before him, bowing in respect before Alaric took his hand. “And don’t hesitate to call us if you ever need anything. We’ll always cover the cost of the trip here. I know how limited pack finances are.”

  I smiled, doing the unthinkable. Removing my hand from Alaric’s, I went to Ivan, wrapping my arms around his thin body, making him freeze slightly before he hugged me back. It was a weird hug, like hugging a long-lost brother who you just met. But something about Ivan was comforting.

  Breaking the hug, I smiled up at Ivan who had a huge grin on his face as he looked between my mate and I. He chuckled. “I am now under her spell. I can see how any man can be enticed by her.” He took my hands in his, pressing gentle kisses to the back of them. “You, my dear, are the embodiment of the Gods themselves. You will lead the Werewolf Community to greatness. Be proud, my dear, you and your mate are a powerful couple and I know your parents would be proud.”

  I felt the tears well up in my eyes, as he placed a hand on my shoulder before turning and waving his hand to one of the servants, who was hidden in the dark shadows of the back of the room.

  The small woman, in a pair of dark jeans and a red blouse with her hair the color of fire, held a white medium-sized box in her arms as she stepped out of the shadows and made her way over. Like a robot, her olive-toned face expressed no emotion as she set the box down on the dining room table, before turning to Alaric, Ivan and me. Her yellow eyes hid something deep inside as she smiled brightly and bowed at us before quickly exiting the room with Vernon fast on her heels.

  “Anyway.” Ivan brought our attention away from the moaning and groaning, from somewhere outside of the room, and toward the box. “This is everything we found from your parents, Dahlia. It’ll be of more use to you than it will to us. We appreciate the time you’ve taken out of your busy schedule to make an appearance before us.”

  LATER IN THE afternoon, Alaric and I had joined Ivan and the others in front of the pier, waiting for the escort to arrive. Strangely, Vernon was nowhere to be found. He creeped me out, so his absence didn’t bother me.

  Within minutes, Nick rolled up beside us in the shiny black SUV. Nick parked the vehicle and went to pack our single bag and the box into the back of the SUV, closing the door. He wore his usual black suit, as he walked toward us. The hum of the engine was soothing against the rough splashing of the ocean. The salty, cool air whipped around us.

  “Everything is ready to go,” he stated, after we finished our conversation.

  I hugged Ivan and the others, as Alaric shook their hands. I smiled at them, waving as they turned and walked back to the boat that was tied to a post at the end of the dock.

  Nick held the door open for us, as I climbed in with Alaric behind me. Closing the door, Nick climbed back into the driver’s seat, buckling up and shifting the gears, before starting us on our way toward the airport.

  I snuggled into Alaric’s embrace, looking up at him as I sighed, “I’m glad everything worked out. I’m ready for my comfy bed.”

  He chuckled, shifting in the seat slightly, before he kissed the tip of my nose. “I know, me too. We’ll be home before you know it. Try and get some rest, love. It will be late when we get home.”

  Resting my head against his shoulder, I smiled, letting his pres- ence calm me enough to sleep.

  “DAHLIA, WAKE UP.” Alaric stroked my hair, his lips pressing against my forehead.

  I groaned, smiled and sat up.

  When I looked around the SUV, I noticed we were surrounded by fields on one side and a thick line of trees on the other. The airport was long gone, as the afternoon sun beamed down on the hay fields and cut through some of the scarce branches at the top of the canopy, which the tall wood beings seemed to create. It was beautiful, green and filled with life as birds flew across the sky and squirrels played through the forest.

  I looked at Alaric, confusion pi
cking at me. “Where are we going? What happened to the airport?”

  He smiled cheekily, shrugging his shoulders. “Well, you remember that phone call from the other day when we took Rylan and the others to the airport?”

  I gave him a look, folding my arms over my chest and getting more irritated by the minute. “What about it?”

  He looked at me, his expression turning serious. “Well... that was my father. He invited us over to his home to catch up.”

  My irritation faded but was quickly replaced by nervousness. “Oh my god. I thought your dad was dead? Wait! I’m not ready!” My eyes widened and my heart beat faster. “What will I wear? Do I look okay? God, is my hair and makeup okay? Will he like me?”

  Alaric laughed, pulling me close, while his eyes studied my face. “Baby, you look perfect. I wouldn’t want anyone else for my mate and my fiancée. I love you and I know he will too. Besides, he got remarried. I’ve never met his new mate, so we’re in the same boat with that one.”

  I relaxed a little, letting him pull me into another hug.

  His breath hit my forehead, as he spoke softly, “It’ll be fine, so relax.”

  I nodded, looking out of the front window as a lone cottage came into view in the distance.

  As we got closer, I noticed the white picket fence and the beau- tiful purple flower bushes that were placed along the roadside of the posts. Soon the cute two-story cottage came into view. It was painted a light gray color with windows that had white curtains; flower boxes were attached to the ones on the second story. The porch wrapped around the front of the house with hanging flower pots and lights strung strategically around each post. There were two cute little steps leading down to a concrete, stone mixture path. It was lined by neatly mowed dark green grass.

  Nick brought the SUV to a stop in front of the cottage.

  He climbed out and got the door for us. Once we were out of the vehicle, we moved to the back where Alaric took the bag and the box from Nick. Our attention was brought to the front of the house as the door opened and closed.