“Does the Alpha still uphold pack law? If he was challenged, would he fight honorably?”
“No, he is quite mad. He thinks he is entitled to the Alpha position. He will do everything in his power to keep the title.”
“These young single men, what is their position in the pack? Would they fight with their Alpha or would they support a challenger?”
“They have no love for the Alpha. If they respected the challenger, they would support him.”
“How long do you think the Alpha will wait for your return? Does he know you saw the ad in the paper?”
“No, but he is getting impatient. He threatened to kill my husband again this morning.”
A plan began to form in Grigori’s mind. If he worked things right, this pack might be saved.
“I think we will move on the Alpha this evening. Why don’t we go out back and see Carly. My mate is resting upstairs, but when she awakes, she will be happy to meet you. Carly is such a sweet child. We are both very fond of her,” Grigori said, leading the woman through the house and to the backyard. Children’s laughter could be heard coming from outside, and the woman’s mood visibly brightened.
This was the final step toward never returning to the Siberian pack, his homeland, the home of his ancestors. Grigori felt sadness, but somewhere along this journey of discovery, his allegiance had shifted to his mate and the people here in England. He could do far more good by staying than by ignoring these people, his people.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Melisande awoke and took stock of her physical condition. The earlier pain was gone, and her stomach rumbled, letting her know she was hungry. That was a good sign. Things were returning to normal. She sighed and stretched before slowly sitting up in bed. Still no pain. Things looked good.
She glanced around, expecting to see Grigori lounging somewhere close by. But the room lay empty.
I am never far from you, lyubov moya, came his mind touch. We have company, please come and join us.
Company? Who could be here? Was it Inspector Lewis? Suddenly Carly’s squeal of delight rang out, and her yelling echoed through the house. “Mommy, Mommy, Brencis is going to get me and tickle me.”
Mommy? Carly’s mother was here? Melisande was glad Carly was reunited with her mother. But a sudden sadness overwhelmed her, knowing the child would be leaving. She had come to love the little girl and would miss her when she left. Warmth and love flooded into her thoughts, taking the sadness away.
We will have children to love, Melika. Don’t feel sad. As the Alpha’s Mate, you will have many children to love.
Melisande enjoyed the feelings washing over her. Thinking of having children with Grigori lightened her previous mood. She pictured them—a little boy with brown hair like his father and a little girl to wrap him around her little finger. Wait a minute? Alpha’s Mate? Did that mean Grigori was going to fight the current Alpha? Flinging the covers back, Melisande rushed into the bathroom to dress. She needed to get downstairs and find out what was going on.
She hurriedly dressed, and as she walked down the stairs, Grigori came out of the living room to meet her, his look tender as he scrutinized her. “You are feeling better?” he asked as she reached the bottom step and he pulled her into his embrace. Melisande returned his hug, enjoying the feelings of love coming through his touch and the mating bond. “Much better.”
At that moment, Melisande's stomach gave a loud growl. Grigori pulled back and looked down at her. “Let’s get you something to eat, and then you can meet our company.”
“Shouldn’t we take care of the company first?” she asked, hesitating.
“You need nourishment. Our company will be joining us for dinner and already enjoyed a large lunch. They can wait a moment. Rosie was released from the hospital and is working her magic in the kitchen. I suggested she take the night off, but she wouldn’t hear of it.”
“Where are the children?”
“Seth is at his job. Joe is outside with the other pups, except Carly who is in the front room with her mother. Everyone is fine, Melika. Now let’s get you some food,” Grigori said, taking her hand and leading her into the kitchen.
She loved how he cared for her needs, always making her feel important and cherished. She reached up and gave his cheek a kiss as they walked hand in hand.
They entered the kitchen to see Rosie stirring a pot on the stove as she hummed a little tune. Rosie glanced up and saw them. Then she rushed over to give Melisande a big hug.
“Miss Meli, you’re okay. I couldn’t believe it when I saw Officer Kincaid shoot you with that dart, and then he turned and shot me too. It was awful. I woke up with such a headache. How are you feeling? Can I fix you some soup or tea?”
Melisande returned the hug , then looked at her mate and at Rosie. “I feel pretty good, now, Rosie. Grigori, you said I was kidnapped last night?”
“I am afraid so, Lyubov moya. Funenko hired Kincaid to spy on us and deliver you to him. As soon as you blacked out, I felt it through the mating bond and rushed back to find you gone. It terrified me. After finding Rosie, Brencis, and Valerii, and knowing the children were safe in bed, I headed out to find you.”
“Are you okay? Were you hurt?” Melisande asked in concern. She didn’t remember anything between the dart and waking up the first time.
Grigori went on to explain the rest of the events of the previous evening, including young Seth’s part in saving her.
“Remind me to let Seth know how much I appreciate his helping you, Grigori,” Melisande said.
“He is a good boy,” Rosie said proudly, handing Melisande a ham sandwich. “Eat. Dinner is still a couple of hours away.”
“Are you sure you feel up to all this work, Rosie?” Melisande asked in concern.
“Oh, I’m feeling fine. I’ll rest tonight while watching the children. We can rent a movie, and they’ll be quiet as a mouse.”
“Watch the children? Are we going out, Grigori?” Melisande asked.
Grigori grew still and looked worried. “I must fight the English Alpha. He is holding Carly’s father prisoner and killed other members of the pack here. Three of the single males will be joining us for dinner. Then we will go out to his estate in two cars, and I will challenge him for the position.”
“You are going to fight him?”
“That is the only way, Melika. I doubt he will give up the position voluntarily.”
“But you might be hurt or killed . . . ,” Melisande began.
“Melisande, I need you to believe I can win. Your doubt coming through the mating bond affects my concentration. Your belief will give me strength. Your love will help me to fight my hardest. I must do this, and I need you on my side.”
Melisande gasped. Was it possible her fear could infect him? “I am always on your side. I believe in you.”
“If this is too hard, you do not need to come. I would feel better knowing you are here safe. I almost lost you last night, and my heart is still quaking in terror at the thought,” Grigori admitted.
“I want to go with you to help you if I can.” Melisande didn’t think she could stand staying home with the children. She needed to see he was safe.
Grigori smiled and leaned down to kiss her nose. “There is my mate, so brave and fierce. You are a treasure I cherish.”
Melisande had taken a bite of her sandwich so she couldn’t comment. She didn’t know if she was brave or selfish. But they had just gotten rid of one threat, and now there was another one. Was life as Grigori’s mate always going to be like this?
As Grigori climbed into the back seat with Melisande and Carly’s mother, he felt resigned. The three young single wolves seemed like nice young men. They had rented a flat together and had tried to make their own little family pack. Once they met Melisande and heard how lycans mated with psychic humans, they had become hopeful. After this business was over, Grigori was going to send them to visit the pack in Siberia so they would see how a real pack lived together and supported
each other. No one ever went hungry in the pack or lacked for clothing or basic necessities. These young men had been abandoned to their fates. Luckily, they were smart and resourceful and survived, hiding what they were from their human neighbors.
Once at the estate, Brencis and Valerii would take care of the two Betas with the help of the young men, and then Grigori would challenge the English Alpha for the pack. It had been a long time since Grigori had seen a fight to the death, let alone participated in one. But Grigori hoped the English Alpha was getting soft since he had two Betas to do his dirty work. Even if Grigori and the English Alpha were well matched, Grigori would fight for these people. The English Alpha was violating pack law. He must be removed.
Grigori noticed Carly’s mother was wringing her hands. Melisande sat quietly next to Grigori, her hand on his knee.
“We will save your mate. You must not worry.” Grigori tried to reassure Carly’s mother.
“I can’t believe that you are willing to challenge for the Alpha position, that you are willing to fight for us,” Carly’s mother said.
“What happened here is a crime against pack law. Surely you know that. I fight for justice, and I fight to save your daughter who is important to the future of our race. I am asking you and your pack mates to accept my leadership. Can you do that? Will your husband support me?”
“My husband never wanted to be Alpha. He is not as strong as his brother. We just want to live in peace and raise our daughter.”
“I will do everything in my power to see that happen,” Grigori said, and he meant it.
Carly’s mother directed the two cars to the estate and got the men and Melisande into the mansion. The house was richly appointed with a marble foyer and velvet drapes on the windows. A large wooden staircase led up to the private rooms in the house. When the two Betas were found in the kitchen, they were easily subdued and tied up.
When Grigori heard growling, he hurried up the stairs. He ripped off his clothes as he ran. A sharp yip worried Grigori. He hoped he wasn’t too late to save Carly’s father.
Carly’s mother cried out, “He’s killing my husband.”
As she tried to run to him, Valerii stopped her. “You must wait here, little sister. Let us save your mate.” She burst into tears, and Melisande held her as she cried.
Be careful, my love. Come back to me. Melisande’s mind touch came flooding into Grigori’s thoughts. He felt her love pour into him as well as her belief he was doing the right thing and would win. He wanted to answer her, but as he reached the top of the stairs, a large gray-and-white wolf leaped at him. He changed in an instant and met the rogue wolf with a snarl.
Melisande watched as both wolves growled and snarled and leaped up on their hind legs, snapping their teeth and biting into their opponents. The wolves tried to get to the vulnerable throats of their enemies. Then they would break apart, snarling and growling, and circle each other until one of them charged again.
Melisande fed her strength and love to Grigori. It was easy to see Grigori was slightly larger than the other wolf. But whatever advantage Grigori had in stature was more than made up for by the viciousness of the English Alpha’s attack.
Grigori wanted to finish the fight quickly. There was no need to prolong the battle. Melisande and the others were gathered at the bottom of the stairs. He smelled blood from another lycan coming from down the hallway. Carly’s father might need help. But no one could get past the English Alpha. Relinquish your title, and I will let you leave this place, Grigori sent to the other wolf.
Never, came the answer as the English Alpha attacked again, narrowly missing Grigori’s eye. They turned once more, and Grigori saw his chance when the English Alpha’s back leg teetered on the edge of the stairs.
Grigori leaped at the other’s throat and sank his teeth deep. Then he shook the other wolf hard and heard the sound of bones breaking. He dropped the wolf, which fell down the stairs, rolling to a stop at the bottom.
Brencis reached down to feel for a pulse. “He is dead, Grigori.”
Carly’s mother broke away from Melisande’s embrace and raced up the stairs, calling to her mate. She returned in a few minutes, supporting a blond-haired man who looked pale and weak.
Melisande went to the bottom of the stairs as Valerii and Brencis moved the other wolf’s body. Are you hurt, Grigori? Change, so I can see you are uninjured.
Grigori appeared with a flash of light, standing tall and proud at the top of the stairs in all his naked glory. He smiled as he looked down into Melisande’s shining eyes. He felt her pride in him and what he had accomplished here tonight, coming through the mating bond. The young males from dinner cheered, and Valerii chuckled as Brencis shook his head. Melisande knew nakedness was a part of shifting, but she wasn’t sure she would ever get used to it. She picked up Grigori’s slacks and started walking up the stairs as Grigori picked up his shirt and met her halfway.
Melisande walked into his embrace and held him hard. She was so thankful he was unhurt. She knew she would never want to live without him. He kissed her hard, and the mating bond flowed back and forth, carrying their love and building on it until the cord glowed a bright golden yellow.
“I love you, Grigori Solovyov.”
“And I love you, Melika, the new English Alpha’s Mate.”
More cheering ensued, but all Melisande saw and heard was the man before her and their hearts beating as one.
EPILOGUE
“Well, Grigori, you finally have a pack of your own,” Dmitry Volkov said, chuckling as he handed a bow tie to Grigori. “And of course Brencis and Valerii have told me they are joining you. It grieves me you won’t be returning to Siberia, but you are always welcome. I will, of course, expect you to continue your mentoring of our young men.”
“You choose now to discuss this?” Grigori asked incredulously.
“What better time? Right before your wedding when you are too flustered to say no.”
“Why did I invite you again?”
“Because I am your Alpha and one of your oldest and dearest friends and don’t you forget it,” Dmitry said. “Just because you are an Alpha now in your own right doesn’t mean you can neglect me. Here, you have it crooked.” Dmitry reached over to fix Grigori’s tie.
“I appreciate you coming, Dmitry. I feared with Violet and the twins you wouldn’t be able to make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it, my friend. Kolya will keep things going while I’m away. Violet has come to meet the newest human mate, though she is driving me mad with worrying about the twins. She calls and checks on them every few hours.”
“Isn’t that what an Alpha’s Mate is supposed to do? Worry about the young in the pack?”
“Yes, she is doing a great job and has taken some of the burden from my shoulders. Your mate seems very strong as well. I am sure she is a good helpmate to you. You must demand a blood oath from those two former Betas. That way you can assure they stay out of trouble.”
“Take them back to Siberia with you,” Grigori suggested.
“I just got rid of a couple of rogue wolves in the pack. I don’t need to take on those two lazy brutes.”
“I’m not giving up on them yet. They might turn themselves around,” Grigori said, shrugging. He had thought that with a new leader in place and some rules laid down, the two former Betas might work out. Now that everyone in the pack was well fed and taken care of, the two men seemed to be mellowing.
“If anyone can turn them around it’s you, Grigori. You always inspire the best in people.”
Just then, a knock on the door announced Brencis and Valerii. Both wore their tuxes proudly. More than one woman in the crowd would swoon over these two, Grigori thought to himself.
“Grigori, you need to come downstairs,” Brencis said. “Melisande and her bridesmaids are arriving very shortly. Lord Barras has arrived with his entourage. He is being seated. Melisande’s mother is in place. Everything is a go.”
Grigori smiled in anticipation.
Finally, Melisande would be his in the eyes of her family. No too long ago, he feared this day would never come. Last night had been especially hard because Melisande’s parents insisted she stay at the hotel with them. It was so difficult to let her go. At least, he and Melisande were able to touch each other’s minds.
“Don’t just stand there, Grika. Let’s go,” Brencis said, scolding him.
“You have the ring?” Grigori asked, thinking of the band he had ordered specially designed to fit around the Solovyov diamond.
“Of course,” Brencis answered.
Grigori walked down the stairs and into the chapel where Melisande’s parents and grandparents had been married. Lord Barras had arranged a special license to have the marriage done in the traditional setting. Dmitry and Brencis, his groomsmen, joined Grigori in front.
Grigori noticed that the three young single pack members were working as ushers. The former Betas were taking coats and directing people toward the guest book. The older couple who tried to help their English pack members sat proudly near the front on the groom’s side next to Carly’s father, who smiled broadly.
Carly started down the aisle as the flower girl, while her mother hurried to join her husband. Then Jeremy, Rosie’s youngest, started down the aisle as the ring bearer, and Rosie and her brood watched proudly.
Melisande’s cousin, another possible lycanthrope mate, followed. Then Violet, Dmitry’s wife, walked down the aisle as matron of honor. Finally, Melisande appeared, wearing a gown of white satin and holding a bouquet of white and lavender roses, much like the ones Grigori gave her the day they met.
As she walked on her father’s arm toward Grigori, he felt his breath catch in his throat. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and she was his, his life, his everything.
AMAZON KINDLE VERSION A Siberian Werewolf In London EDITED 3 9 2012 Page 15