Before I tried to get up, I looked around the room. “Where are my clothes?”
I glanced up at Alaric, who held a white bag between his index finger and his thumb.
I went to reach for it, but he held it barely out of my grasp.
He lifted his other hand, laughter in his eyes, as he moved his finger from left and right. “Uh-uh, you’re not getting any of your clothes unless you let me help you to the bathroom. And help you get dressed.”
Both of my eyebrows rose this time, as I narrowed my eyes. “I can stand and dress myself. You’re acting like I haven’t been up and moving for days.”
I watched as Alaric’s features softened and his eyes filled with love once more. “Because, you have been asleep for three days.”
Surprise filled my face and my jaw hung slightly. “Three days?! What happened? Where’s my grandmother?” The last word was barely recognizable through my growl.
Anxiety flowed through me, as my brain scrambled to process its memories.
Alaric dropped the bag, now moving himself between my legs, our bodies inches from touching, our heart beats in sync. He used a hand to close my mouth, sending a thrill of sparks through my body. He wrapped his arms around me in a hug, before speaking quietly, “We lost. They took your grandmother and fled the scene. We lost some of our warriors too. We’ve been waiting for you to awaken before doing a burial for them. I’m sorry, my love.”
I hadn’t realized I had broken down in tears until I felt and heard the sob escape my lips. I cried into his chest, my hands fisting his undershirt as he held me.
“I didn’t want anyone to die,” I said between sobs, hiccupping. “I promised everyone would be all right. I broke that promise. How do I face them as Alpha when I can’t keep my own promises?”
He sighed, breaking from me before lifting my face between his hands and wiping the tears from my eyes with his thumbs. “Dahlia, baby. You have to realize, promises like that can’t be kept. I think some lives would’ve been lost even if we had won, but you’re alive and you are safe. What would your pack do if you were killed? It’s a blessing from the Gods you didn’t get hurt any further.”
I pouted still, my bottom lip stuck out. I sighed, looking away from him. “What about the enemy? They all didn't get away, did they?”
His laughter filled the air as he took me into another hug.
I pushed him away, failing at my weak attempt, as I gave him a look. “What’s so funny?”
He shook his head, holding out a hand for me to take. “Because...”
He helped me stand. My legs suddenly became jelly-like, causing me to almost fall, but he quickly caught me with his hands resting on my waist. The sparks shot up my body, calming me as a tingly feeling lingered once they left. I felt myself grow wet between my thighs, causing me to blush and I prayed to the Gods that he didn’t notice. The look he gave me was filled with lust, his eyes darkening but he took a deep breath, calming himself. His eyes returned to normal and thankfully he didn’t say anything, or I would’ve melted right there.
“Because, we killed almost all of them. Their main boss, and the two who had your grandmother, got away, but he didn’t leave there unscathed. He had some nasty bites and gashes on him. He was bleeding pretty badly. I didn’t think he could’ve walked, but he did.”
Alaric bent over to grab the white bag he had dropped, before we slowly made our way to the bathroom, where he opened the door with his free hand.
In the bathroom, I looked at myself beside him. I was pale, with dark circles under my puffy red eyes, and a tiny scar barely noticeable on my throat. I wore an ugly white and green hospital gown; my brown hair was a knotted mess.
“I look horrible,” I croaked, as Alaric set the bag down on the countertop.
He helped me to the toilet, where he put the seat down, making me sit. I was grateful because my head had begun to spin.
“Thank you,” I said suddenly.
It surprised him, causing him to stop briefly before he started to rummage through the bag. “There’s no need to thank me. I’m your mate. You know I would do anything for you.”
I shook my head, as he handed me a red blouse. “Where is my other shirt I wore? And why is your face all cut up and bruised?”
I eyed him, taking the shirt, as he sighed.
“Well, the hospital had to throw it out. It had blood all over it. Oh, your Beta and I got into a disagreement,” was his answer; he shrugged being calm about it.
I tilted my head, squinting my eyes at him in disbelief. “A disagreement? You mean you two got into a fight? Over what?”
I was about to take the gown off, when my face turned bright red.
He furrowed his eyebrows, looking at me in concern. “What’s wrong?”
He had avoided the question but I let it drop for now.
When I talked, my voice squealed. “Turn around! I’m not comfortable changing in front of you yet, but can you hand me the bag before you do?”
He blinked for a second, relief flooding him, before chuckling lightly as he handed me the bag as I had asked. He shook his head, once he was fully turned toward the door. “I’m your mate; you don’t have to be embarrassed.”
Quickly removing the ugly gown, I winced as it scraped along my scar but I held my breath as I replaced it with the loose red blouse. I didn’t care to put my bra on, knowing it would only be uncomfortable. I grabbed the panties from the bag and put them on faster than I had ever before. The skinny jeans, on the other hand, were a lot harder.
After failing to button them up, I huffed in frustration. “Alaric, can you help me?”
He smirked, cautiously turning around to look at me with an eyebrow raised. “Anything, just name it.”
I looked down at his feet, blushing. I stood to make it a little easier for him. “I can’t button my jeans… can you help me?”
As soon as the words were out, he squatted down, but it was interesting because he was so tall, that his face was still level with my collarbone.
Our eyes locked as he easily buttoned my jeans, flashing a bright smile as he straightened a little. He surprised me when he gently pressed his lips to mine. They were soft and his goatee brushed against my chin, causing me to giggle before I kissed him back.
The sensation sent sparks through me, and my arms wrapped around his neck, deepening the kiss.
His hands found my waist, lifting me, so I sat on the countertop.
He leaned into me, hands still on my waist, as he gently bit my lip. I groaned against him, causing him to chuckle. My body tempera- ture rose, as I removed my arms from around his neck, letting my fingertips venture down his muscled chest, finding his perfect abs.
Before I could go any further, his hands found my wrists moving mine back to his chest and taking my fingers in his and stopping me.
“I’m sorry… that was inappropriate. I should’ve asked first,” he said as he panted between breaths.
I shook my head, fumbling to find the right words as I stared up at him while biting my lip on the inside. “No, you’re fine. I should’ve controlled myself more.”
He nodded, silent as he helped me down from the counter.
He held me close, a hand on my waist, as we placed the dirty gown into the white bag and walked out of the bathroom.
I felt subconscious about my hair when we left the room, slowly passing several nurses and other patients’ family members as we made our way to the elevator.
I wanted to go see my grandfather, but I knew I had a meeting to attend to.
In the elevator, Alaric looked down at me, his eyes filled with worry. “I hope you aren’t mad about me telling you what happened between me and your Beta. We did fight over you but, ultimately, he has to realize you aren’t his anymore.” His next words were a startling growl from his chest. “You are mine, and I will fight everyone who stands in my way of claiming what’s mine.”
I didn’t say anything but I pondered for a moment. “Well, until we make it officia
l, and we go on a date or two, I am not yours. If you agree to be mine, you become my Alpha. That’s how this works. There’s no turning back after that.”
I didn’t realize I had looked up at him with determination in my gaze.
That made him chuckle as the elevator opened with a ding. “Well, I’ll gladly take the responsibility if it means I get to be with you.”
I huffed, as we walked through the lobby toward the door. I ignored everyone’s stares as we walked. “You’re a rogue; the only reason you’re even in here right now is because I’m sure you told them you were with me. I don’t know how they let you stay here but it’s a lot more than just saying I’m yours.”
He remained quiet, deep in thought, as he helped me to the front desk.
Dr. Reynolds sat there, typing at the computer screen, as he printed out what I guessed was my release papers.
“Here you go,” he said once it finished; he then placed it in front of me with a pen.
I looked over the papers, as he continued, “I just need your signa- ture at the bottom of the first three pages and then the last two pages as well.”
I signed them, before handing them back over. Smiling, I thanked him.
With Alaric by my side, I made my way through the front door where the morning sun greeted me, warming my knotted hair.
“Oh, Alpha,” a nurse called, rushing outside to catch up with us. “You forgot your other belongings.”
It was my phone with a note on it.
“Thank you,” I said as she headed back into the hospital. Standing there, I turned my phone on.
Alaric suddenly growled, smashing me against his chest roughly.
I swiped at the screen, my eyes wide when I saw Nathan standing there, anger in his emerald eyes. He was sluggish, with almost a full beard on his face. He stunk, causing my nose to wrinkle in disgust, like he hadn’t showered in a while. He wore dirty jeans and a blue t-shirt.
“Nathan,” I said, taking in his appearance and immediately noticing the bruises on his face and the cuts on his arms. “What are you doing here?”
He looked baffled, scowling. “What am I doing here? Coming to check on my Alpha, my girl. But I see he is with you.” He spat toward Alaric.
Alaric growled louder this time, ready to launch himself at Nathan.
I pushed myself from him, grabbing Alaric’s wrist and tightening my grip before getting angry.
I looked between both of them, the rage getting the best of me. My Alpha voice came out; I had had enough. “Enough, both of you!
Back down, Nathan.” I looked at Nathan, who growled in response, then back at Alaric, who just stared at me, a confused look on his face. “And you need to leave. I don’t have time for any of this. I’m already late for my meeting.”
Nathan shifted, running off toward the entrance of Liam’s territory, as Alaric just looked at me in disbelief.
“You can’t walk well enough,” he argued, stepping closer.
I gave him a look of “don’t touch me” making him step back. He looked hurt but nodded, shifting himself, before running in the oppo- site direction.
I sighed, the guilt building up inside me. I felt bad doing that to Alaric, but they both were too much.
Eva whined as we no longer could smell his delicious leaf scent. Alaric’s absence and not having his lips plastered to mine made me sad, but I shook myself, determination fueling me as I thought about what to do next.
I knew walking to Liam’s house would take too long, so I decided to let Eva take over. The shift was agonizing this time. It had been a while since the last time, so I felt everything. The rearranging bones, my face repositioning into a snout, my hands morphing to paws. It was like slow motion as each claw developed, and fur sprouted all over my body. I roared as my scarred arm drummed with pain.
It was a few minutes before I could stand as I shook my fur. Making sure I could walk on my scarred foreleg, I sprinted toward Liam’s main house, where the other Alphas waited for me.
CHAPTER 14
DAHLIA
I STRODE UP Liam’s steps, heavily panting and not bothering to shift back. The pain was excruciating from my scar, but now wasn’t the time for that.
The butler took one look at me—he was surprised when he saw me—but opened the door wider welcoming me in. I didn’t bother to have him escort me. I just used my nose to guide me.
I reached a closed door, pawing at it to get their attention. Alpha Rowan opened the door, letting me into the room.
Liam looked at me, a curious expression on his face. Ryker just nodded at me while Rowan closed the door and returned to his seat beside the head Alpha.
I whined loudly as I forced myself to shift back, the pain becoming twice as bad as it was when I shifted in front of the hospi- tal. It wasn’t as slow as the first time but it caused my arm to burn like a wildfire.
I shook my head, as a set of plain sweatpants and a t-shirt were provided before me, trying to lessen the spinning sensation. I opened my eyes, quickly dressing before stumbling to my chair, barely making it to my seat. They all looked concerned but I waved a hand to dismiss it, stating, “I’m fine, but can I get some pain killers and some ice for my arm?”
“Of course,” Liam said smiling softly before going quiet as he mind-linked someone.
Just then, Amy strode in, bringing me a bottle of pain medicine. A couple of bottles of water were tucked in her arm with a sandwich bag wrapped in a towel. She set everything down beside me, bending down to gently kiss the top of my head before nodding at Liam and leaving the room again, silently closing the door behind her.
Opening the bottle, I popped two pills. Grabbing one of the water bottles, I opened it,
chugging it down like I was dying of thirst. Finishing it off, I crushed it before noticing that everyone was staring. I shrugged, sighing, as I picked up the bag of ice and gently pressed it against my throbbing scar. “How is everyone today? Sorry I’m late; I just had some issues to deal with before I came.”
Liam nodded, smiling before giving me a slight frown. “We’re doing good. But we’re here to discuss what happened at the meeting three days ago. We’ve called one of your pack members here to discuss what she saw. I hope you don’t mind.”
I shook my head in response, as the door behind me opened and closed. Ellen walked in, moving across from me, where she gracefully sat.
Ryker stared at her in disbelief, his eyes wide with shock, like he’d just seen the most beautiful woman in his whole life. She did the same but quickly shook it off before turning to me with a soft expression.
She bowed her head toward me, stating, “Good morning, Alphas. Alpha Dahlia, I’m happy to see you’ve recovered nicely. I thank the Gods every day we didn’t lose as many as we could have.”
I nodded, but remained silent.
She took the hint, continuing, “So, I’ve come here to discuss my side of things. We had waited for the signal to move. My group had been stationed directly across from Alpha Dahlia and the group of men that had come to bargain. One of the other wolves had told me the man’s name was Lucian, but when I got a good look at him, I real- ized that wasn’t him.”
I had opened another water bottle, taking a drink before almost choking on it. “What do you mean?! That wasn’t Lucian? What the fuck!”
I didn’t realize the roar that escaped me when I spoke, but Ellen had been taken aback by it; she lowered her gaze, moving her neck to the side to show her submission.
“Ellen, raise your head,” I commanded, receiving a growl from Ryker, who in response sent me a glare, but he quickly retreated when I narrowed my eyes and frowned slightly.
“Continue,” I told her as she raised her eyes back at me. “Please?” She gave a small smile before nodding. “So, like I said, that wasn’t Lucian. Though he looks terrifyingly close. I’ve only actually seen Lucian once, and that was years ago, but the resemblance is uncanny.”
We nodded, thinking about what she just revealed.
Ry
ker spoke up first, tilting his head in confusion, “So, if that wasn’t Lucian, who was it? A clone?”
She shook her head, leaning forward with her elbows gently pressed against the redwood conference table. “No, I’m thinking someone related. A brother or a son.”
Liam looked between her and me, resting his chin on his hands before stating, “There’s only one way to find out. We need to track him down and ask him ourselves. I feel that would be better than trying to find the real Lucian.”
I raised an eyebrow. “How do we go about that? We don’t know where to begin.”
He nodded, thinking deeply. “We’ve got a few people who retrieved the license plate numbers of the vans they were traveling in.”
It was quiet as he mind-linked someone.
A few minutes later, the door opened again and in walked Terry. He wore a black t-shirt and jeans with a laptop tucked under his arm.
He strolled to the front of the desk, where he placed the silver device onto the table in front of Liam.
“Now,” he started. “Before the meeting, I had set up a couple of cameras. Turns out, it was the best thing I could’ve done. I got the license plate numbers, and already called the rental company. They told me his address, very reluctantly. He lives outside all the territo- ries. It’s about twenty miles up in the mountains. It’s perfect. There should be no one who can interfere.”
We nodded, as Rowan spoke up, clearing his throat before briefly exchanging a glance with me, “Who will lead this operation? We need to send in some warriors to capture him for questioning.”
“I will,” I blurted out, causing everyone to look at me.
“No, you just got out of the hospital. You need to heal,” Liam stated matter-of-factly.
I scowled. “No, I am leading this operation. I have been healing for the last three days!” I made eye contact with Liam, and he sighed.
“All right, but we choose two wolves to take with you. Your Beta will be the first choice. Your stand-in Gamma can take over your pack while you’re gone. If he needs any help, I’ll be here to provide it.”
Rise of the Alpha (The Rise Series Book 1) Page 17