The Alpha's Promise

by Raven Darkwing

Forest gazed out the window of the plane for a moment before he looked back at his son and smiled. “I can only go by what the legends say, but in my mind it makes sense that there would be a fail safe. Don’t worry Grant, we’ll get your Semme’ back where he belongs and hopefully get rid of an Alpha who never should have been given the title.” The last part was growled as his father’s eyes darkened. “Whatever happens, son, you must keep your wits about you. Alpha Clifton is not stupid. I believe he will try to use Richard as a distraction. You mustn’t let it happen. I can’t help but feel that there is more at stake here than just regaining our lost pack members.”

  “I know, father. Don’t worry. This is one challenge I have no intentions of losing.” He felt his father pat him on the back.

  The truth was he felt guilty about how complacent he’d become over the past five years. With the Great War far behind them and no real threats to contend with, he’d made the mistake of assuming the peace would last. Oh he’d made sure his Sentries were well trained and had also made sure they had an adequate police force to keep local disagreements or fights to a minimum. But he’d thought the pack lands were safe using routine patrols. He now knew how wrong he’d been. Two members of his pack had been taken, on pack lands, which was unacceptable.

  “David was right, father. I should have let him put in more security to protect the pack. Maybe he should have been named Alpha.” Grant jumped when his father turned to glare at him. For a moment he felt like a young pup as his father’s displeasure rolled over him.

  “Are you saying you want to step down, son?” Forest growled.

  Grant shook his head. “No, this is my mess and I am responsible for cleaning it up. I know I can’t change things in the past and I have no intention of leaving us open to future attacks. I just should have been a better Alpha for our pack.”

  Forest shook his head as he glanced out the window of the plane. “Do you think I never made mistakes? There isn’t a being on this planet that wouldn’t change a few things in their past or wished they could have a crystal ball to see into the future.” The old alpha sighed. “Besides, why do you think I retired when I did?”

  “Because Mom wanted to have you to herself?” Grant couldn’t help teasing his father.

  Forest chuckled. “Well there is that. But honestly not only did I think you were more than ready to lead our pack, but I also saw no threats in our future. Now, it feels as though this current trouble is only the ripple on the surface. I’m not sure what is going on, but Alpha Clifton never impressed me as being particularly smart or ambitious. In fact, I always thought he was content with his small pack in Idaho.”

  “We will soon find out why he has decided to challenge our pack Father and then I’ll make sure no one else gets the idea that they can challenge the Windy River Pack,” Grant replied.

  “I never doubted that, my son,” Forest said simply as he settled back in the seat and closed his eyes.

   

  Ricky turned his head and watched as the doctor began to gather his supplies. He wasn’t sure what was in the various jars and bottles, but from the frown on the doctor’s face it probably wasn’t something he’d enjoy. His eyes traveled up slightly to watch the slow drip of life saving fluids as they traveled into his arm. He could tell there was also something in the IV to lessen the pain left from his experience with the collar. At least this time he wasn’t restrained.

  He glanced at the leather bands that had surrounded his upper arms, wrists, thighs and ankles since he’d been returned to Willow Creek. He was more than familiar with the attire as it had been used by Biff during his training. With little effort, he could be restrained into a number of different positions, many of them painful with just a few metal links. Of course, in his weakened condition they were no longer necessary. But he guessed, like the collar the leather restraints were meant to remind him of his new station in the pack.

  He jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He glanced up into the darkest green eyes he’d ever seen. They almost reminded him of a Jade stone his stepmother had kept in her jewelry box. “What—what are you going to do?” Ricky managed to rasp.

  Artemus squeezed his shoulder gently before with a sigh he stood. He emptied a syringe into the IV line before he turned to pick up a cup that contained a dark liquid. “Don’t worry, human. I’ve only given you something to ensure that you show the proper ‘excitement’ during the ceremony. While it may feel uncomfortable, it will wear off shortly after the mating ritual has been completed.”

  Ricky shuddered as he felt his cock begin to harden. His glanced up and shook his head. “Why do this? If Alpha Clifton were my Semme’ then why wouldn’t my body react naturally?”

  The doctor shrugged. “In your condition, I’m surprised you’re even still aware enough to ask. The human body does have its limits. This is just to make sure, because if you are not erect when you agree to the mating, then some in the pack might question your resolve on the matter.”

  Ricky sighed. “I will not agree to the mating.”

  The doctor shook his head. “I realize that as a human, you may not feel the mating pull as strongly as the Alpha. But after you have been claimed and the bond has been completed, you will understand and accept what fate had destined for you.” The doctor added another ingredient to the glass and began to reach forward to place it at Ricky’s lips.

  “NO!” Ricky cried as he turned his head. “I am not his Semme’!”

  “Hush, human! Do you need me to get Biff in here early to help me get this into you?” The doctor paused and glanced at the door before he lowered his voice. “Look, I have made the potion weaker than normal so that there is a good chance you eventually will gain your free will back.”

  Ricky took a deep breath and turned to look at Artemus. “Can I ask you a question first?”

  With a sigh, the doctor placed the glass back on the table. “Fine, but make it quick because Biff still has to finish with your preparations before the ceremony.”

  “Can someone have two mates—can I have two Semmes’?” Ricky held his breath as the doctor gazed closer at him.

  “What do you mean, human? I don’t see any marks of claiming—”

  Ricky interrupted. “That’s because he hasn’t claimed me yet. He told me it was my choice to accept the mating or not, that he would abide by my decision.”

  Artemus glanced at the door for a moment before he glanced back down at the captive human. “How do I know you speak the truth?”

  Ricky shrugged. “How do you know Alpha Clifton tells the truth? From what I’ve been told by my stepmother and by members of the Windy River Pack, even if I deny Alpha Clifton, the fact that I was his Semme’ would mean he would not be able to harm me. I know you haven’t been here for long, but you’re a doctor. Even you should be able to see the scars I bear from my time with this pack.”

  The doctor shook his head. “No, Alpha Clifton told me that was done by your father. He took you and your younger sibling in. Any punishments you received, he was bound to allow because you refused to follow pack rules—after you accepted his mark.”

  “Again, how do you know he tells the truth?” Ricky said softly. For a moment he thought he gotten through to the doctor, but the man shook his head.

  “It matters not who I believe, young human. To be honest, even if I were to believe you there would be nothing I could do. Alpha Clifton has hired a small army to ensure that the ceremony goes as planned. If I help you and he finds out, my half-brother would be lost. You have a brother, would you not do anything to keep him safe?”

  Ricky could feel the tears well in his eyes as he thought about Sandy. He could understand the need to keep family safe. He was surprised when the doctor stared at him for a moment before he placed his finger on the center of the captive human’s forehead, his eyes were closed as he mumbled words that Ricky could not understand. Before he could ask what the man was doing, Artemus stumbled back with a puz
zled look on his face. “This cannot be right…”

  “What?” Ricky asked.

  “Your aura flared and I sense a power surrounding you, protecting you in a way that I have only ever felt from long ago.” Artemus’ eyes had a far away look to them as he continued, “Only the Protectors were given such power, but they were all killed during the Great War. I should know because my father was killed trying to save the last one along with his charge.”

  “I still don’t understand,” Ricky said softly as he watched the doctor begin to pace. He ran his long fingers through his hair in an agitated fashion. Before he turned and walked towards the bed. He quickly removed one of the leather armbands and then hissed as he ran a finger over the tattoo that had been hidden beneath. “You are a Protector!” A look of pain filled the man’s eyes as he put the armband back in place. He glanced at the door once more before he leaned down and began to talk softly.

  “This changes things. I’m not sure how the potion I have prepared will affect you but my guess is it will not be able to restrain your will for long.” He held up his hand as Ricky began to speak. “Listen carefully, young human. The potion I will be giving to you will take your will from you. The loss of will, even for a short time for some beings is enough to destroy their minds because you are aware of what is going on around you, but are forced to obey any command given.”

  “NO!” Ricky cried as he tried to struggle to sit up. Strong hands kept him pinned to the bed until the small surge of energy left his body. It was clear the doctor would still force him to drink the potion. It made sense; Alpha Clifton would not suffer any chance of him standing against him. The small kernel of hope he’d felt died as he watched the doctor move to get the glass from the table.

  “I know you think this is the end for you. However, I have a feeling that our Alpha will be in for a big surprise. Even he cannot force one protected by the goddess to mate. Have faith that she will provide you with the power you need to fulfill your role. I only wish I could help you more.” Artemus placed the glass to Ricky’s lips and this time the human allowed the liquid to flow into his mouth. He didn’t know if he believed anything the doctor said, but he also felt as if he owed the man a chance to save his sibling. It was the least he could do since he had failed so miserably in protecting his own brother.

  As a strange calm stole through his body he watched as the doctor leaned in close to whisper into his ear. “Remember this, should you break free of Alpha Clifton, you must allow your Semme’ to claim you within ten days.”

  Ricky tried to understand what the man was saying as he struggled against the strange feelings invading his mind. He felt as if he were inside a locked room with a window that allowed him to see out, but the window was slightly foggy. No matter how hard he tried to pound on the glass, he couldn’t break through. Suddenly he heard the sound of the door open.

  “Is it done?” Biff’s voice echoed in the room.

  “Of course, he is all yours, Beta,” Artemus replied in a cool voice.

  Ricky tried to shout, to make any kind of sound to beg the doctor not to let Biff near him. But his body refused to respond. He wanted to flinch away as his former tormentor’s face came into view and yet even that small movement was denied him.

  “Alpha Clifton was not happy with your level of training, slave. So after the ceremony, he has asked me to help him work with you until you remember what you had been taught.” Biff stood up and spoke in a stern voice, “Get on your hands and knees, slave. Make sure you reach back and spread your ass cheeks wide too. I have to prepare you for the ceremony. Although why the Alpha gives you this small mercy I don’t understand. But then I’m sure even with the stretching, you’ll still feel his displeasure.”

  Ricky fought to resist, but it was if he was a puppet and Biff was controlling his strings. As he turned over and got into position, he caught sight of the large butt plug the Beta was holding in his hand. His hole clenched in anticipation of the pain he knew was about to happen.

  A light cough behind him was followed by a quiet question from the doctor who apparently was still in the room. “I see you forgot the lube, Beta, don’t worry I have some right here that you can use to ease the way. After all, I’m sure the Alpha would not be pleased if you injured his Semme’ before the ceremony could even begin.”

  Biff growled low in his throat, but apparently had second thoughts as Ricky heard the soft snick of the bottle and could feel a cool liquid dripping down his crack. Had he been able, he would have thanked the doctor but it seemed even his voice had been taken from him. He couldn’t help the wince though when two large fingers dove deeply into his channel, pushing the lube inside. There was no foreplay as the Beta removed his fingers and placed the large plug at his entrance. The human knew he should relax, but before he could he felt his opening stretch to accommodate the large object. A soft whimper managed to escape as the Beta shoved the plug inside, forcing stiff muscles to accept the object.

  “Quiet, slave!” Biff ordered with a slap to his ass that almost sent him off the edge of the bed. “Now stand with your hands behind you while I finish your preparation.”

  Once again Ricky’s body obeyed without question even though he was screaming inside to stop, to run, to do anything to prevent what was happening to him. He watched as the Beta quickly attached a leather cock ring. The human groaned softly as his now engorged member was place on display. He also knew it meant he would not be allowed any relief as it now appeared even the ability for release would be denied him. Memories of his past abuse threated to drown him but he fought them, trying to remain in the present. A small kernel of hope had begun to bloom after his discussion with the doctor. If there was any chance for him to escape, he wanted to be aware enough to take advantage of it.

  An evil grin appeared on Biff’s face as he stood and glared at the human. “You will follow me, two steps behind. I expect you to obey without question and when the time comes, you will answer our Alpha by nodding your head indicating your acceptance of his claim. You will not speak, you will not make any noise or show any sign of distress. If you understand these instructions, then nod your head.”

  Ricky felt his head nod even though he was screaming inside. How was it possible? He glanced over at the doctor and saw pity in the man’s eyes. The only thing keeping him sane at the moment was the hope that whatever was affecting him would eventually wear off.

  As he followed his captor from the room, he couldn’t help the feeling of despair that threatened to drown him. Once again he realized how foolish he’d been in running from Alpha Grant. Unfortunately, his mistake would not only affect him, but also put his brother and maybe even Alpha Grant at risk. He felt the sob trying to break free; but his eyes remained dry and no sound escaped his lips. All he could do was hang onto the hope that someone really was looking out for him.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  GRANT SIGHED WITH RELIEF AS THE PLANE FINALLY ARRIVED at the small private airstrip. He didn’t know who it belonged to, but Blaze had assured him that not only could they use the airfield, there would also be transportation waiting when they arrived. They still had over an hour’s drive to reach the Willow Creek pack lands.

  As the plane coasted to a stop, Grant glanced at his father who was frowning at something on his cell phone.

  “What’s wrong?” Grant asked softly.

  Forest’s face was grim as he quickly typed in a response before shutting his phone down. “That was your mother. I told her I would text her when we arrived.” The former alpha sighed. “She says young Sandy is trying to shift and leave the house.”

  “He won’t get far; I’ve left extra Sentries around the house. They have instructions not to let anyone in or out of the house until I return,” Grant replied while he began to remove his seatbelt. “I understand how he must feel—”

  “Do you, Grant?” Forest interrupted. “According to your mother the boy has been spacing out more frequently. When he comes around, he’s extremely upset and i
nsists that he has to get to his brother before it’s too late.”

  Grant paused. “You think the link he has with his brother is working again?”

  “That would be my guess, son. This means we may be running out of time. Your mate has been protecting Sandy but something must have happened for him to drop his shields.” Forest stood and glanced at the other wolves who were listening in. “It could just be that he’s tired but from what my mate says, Sandy is suffering so—”

  “I will kill that son of a bitch!” Grant roared as he felt his wolf fighting to break free. He took deep breaths before he moved to exit the plane. As he reached the door he growled, “Get a move on! The longer it takes us to get to the pack lands, the longer my mate suffers.”

  Blaze clapped a hand on the Alpha’s shoulder and squeezed tightly. “Well, then I guess it’s a good thing our transportation has arrived.” He glanced back at the rest of the team. “Let’s lock and load boys!”

  As they exited the plane Grant paused and sucked in a deep breath. Before he could respond, he heard Sparky squeal, “Sweet!” The exuberant wolf rushed down the stairs and went to examine the vehicles neatly lined up on the tarmac. Grant couldn’t help the small grin that tugged at the corner of his mouth as he watched the mechanic reverently run his hand over one of the motorcycles that stood behind two large black SUV’s.

  The large bikes were all black, but each had details that made it clear these belonged to Blaze’s group. Grant watched as Sparky traced the flame decal on the tank of the first bike. It was pretty clear that one must belong to Blaze. The size of the vehicles spoke of power. Even the modifications to the frame that probably allowed for the men to carry their various weapons and other things didn’t detract from the pure beauty of the machines. Grant had to give it to Blaze; the wolf had come through for them. The Alpha smiled as he watched his mechanic almost have an orgasm over the bikes.

  “Tell me these babies come in purple!” Sparky said in an awestruck voice. “And where I can get one!”