Rise of the Alpha (The Rise Series Book 1)

by Helen Dhanoya

  Terry shut the TV off before everyone started to neatly place everything back into the box. While Rylan, Ellen and Terry headed for the door, I closed the lid over the box as Alaric gently grabbed my arm and used his fingers to turn my head to face him. “I just received word from Eric about Alex’s true identity.” He must’ve seen my frightened face, because he smiled gently and pulled me into a quick hug. “It’ll be all right. Don’t worry. They’ll realize your innocence.”

  I nodded, as he took the box from me.

  We followed Nick down the stairs, to the right and through a long hallway that was dark and hidden behind a bookshelf.

  He opened the oak door which led to a large domed room. The ceiling was painted white with golden trim, and the area was filled with a jury stand and a full bench where the High Were Council sat, waiting for us. To the front of the room, directly when you walked into it, there were five seats placed for us.

  Ivan waved for Alaric to bring the box forward and set it on the table in front of the bench. He did as instructed before Ivan then motioned for all of us to stand beside Alaric.

  Ivan cleared his throat. “Thank you for coming all this way to grace us with your presence. It was brought to our attention that everyone here, especially Alpha Dahlia, has been accused of torturing a human. I would like Rylan to stay up here to give her testimony first.” He waved us away before looking at Rylan, smiling creepily. “Whenever you are ready, Rylan.”

  We took our seats as the door behind us opened. A middle-aged man rushed in, a binder full of neatly organized papers and folders in his arms. He stopped beside Rylan, said hello to her and then bowed before the Council.

  His slick brown hair was gelled and pulled back out of his face. “I apologize for being late, heavy traffic. What did I miss?”

  Ivan answered quickly, “Nothing, we’re just getting started.”

  The man began by placing his binder beside the box, opening it and sifting through everything for his argument against us. He grabbed a piece of paper as he began to pace back and forth in front of the table. He cleared his throat, before beginning, “Rylan Vernund, what is your rank?”

  She held her head high, her eyes locking with the Council as her voice echoed through the room. “I am the Beta Female of the Miller pack.”

  The man eyed her, continuing his questions, “What is your relationship with the accused? If you were brought into the pack, what was your title?”

  Rylan took a steady, calming breath before she answered, “She is my best friend and Alpha, sir. I was a rogue before being initiated into my Alpha’s pack after finding my mate.”

  Gasps filled the air as Ivan motioned for me to come up, before dismissing Rylan.

  I stood as Alaric took my hand and squeezed it gently, reassuring me.

  I smiled down at him, before passing Rylan, who gave me a small smile. Her face held no emotion. I couldn’t even tell what she was thinking but I knew everyone was nervous for me.

  I made my way to stand before the Council as Ivan tilted his head in a curious way. “Before you begin your questions, Phillip, I have one of my own. Why isn’t Nathan Abernathy here? Wasn’t he the one who did the torture?”

  I gulped, blinking before answering honestly, “High Were Council, for the safety of my pack, my hand was forced to strip him of his rank and banish him from my territory. He is a rogue.”

  He didn’t look convinced, while another member spoke up instead. “What makes you say that?”

  I stared the man down, my voice going stern and my eyes turning black. “We had previously started dating, but that was around the time I met my mate, Alaric. I broke up with Nathan, but he refused to accept that I had found my mate and he still proceeded to pursue me. He has animosity towards my mate, Alpha Alaric. Two of my Omegas overheard him arguing whether it be by himself or with another person; beats me. Nathan said he’d stop at nothing to take me at all costs, even if he had to take down my pack to do it. He became really unstable, emotionally and mentally, and he was unfit to help lead my pack. So, after initiating my new members, I stripped him of his rank and banished him.” They were silent as I continued, “I haven’t seen him since, but I’ve given the order to all my warriors that if they see him, they can kill him on sight. He is a threat to my pack and me.”

  My response seemed to satisfy their curiosity. The same man waved a hand for Phillip to continue.

  The trial went on for another hour and a half as we went over everything from the cameras, especially showing that our attackers had my grandmother, and that the man known as “Lucian” had stabbed my arm with a silver knife. I showed them my scar and they winced, instantly knowing how painful it was. They had called Ellen up to the stand where she explained to them that the man in the video was not Lucian. It was his son, Alex. That he had killed members of our pack before we had found him and captured him. And that we got nothing from him but his and his father’s name.

  Alaric was sent up next, where they peppered him with ques- tions, as he explained everything clearly. He made sure to emphasize that he, as Alpha, followed every protocol and procedure an Alpha was supposed to. That he was a rogue and did everything he could to protect my pack even before he was made an Alpha. And if the verdict was that I was guilty, that he would gladly go to war with the High Were Council before he let them lay a hand on me.

  Just from that declaration, I noticed that everyone in the room was silent, the chills from Alaric’s threat heavy in the air. I could tell the Council was surprised by his statement, but Ivan cleared his throat as he stared down at Alaric, a fire in his eyes that would’ve burned a hole through him if that could actually happen.

  “What can you give us to prove everything you’ve shown us?” His question scared me. I wasn’t sure what the verdict would be. “What else do you have that can make us convinced?” He spat that last word; his voice changed from his silky one to a dark and thick tone. It gave me the chills. Ivan was not to be messed with, and I prayed to the Gods above that we came out of this unscathed.

  Alaric stood tall, his head held high, as pride flowed through him.

  “My Beta informed me this morning of the true identity of the man named Alex.” He eyed everyone in front of him, before continuing, “Alex is not human.” He pulled his phone out and connected it to the TV, where he showed the pictures of Alex after we had tortured him. He was hanging by the chains attached to the ceiling, as he knelt before the camera. His arms were cut and blood dripped from them, while his face was unrecognizable and his chest was full of fresh scars. A few of his teeth were scattered on the floor.

  Alaric explained, “This is him after eight hours of torture, during which we got nothing out of him besides his and his father’s name.” He swiped the screen right, where another picture showed Alex.

  In this one, he was almost fully healed, his cuts and bruised barely visible. He stared into the camera with a deadly glare. “This is him the next morning, after twelve hours. Now...” Alaric put his phone away, letting the image engrave itself into the minds of everyone present. “Explain to me, how is he human?”

  They connected through a mind-link as we waited for the verdict.

  I rose to my feet, quickly making my way to stand beside my mate, who was so tense he got spooked when my hand gently took his before squeezing it. He visibly calmed down, relaxing at my simple touch.

  Ivan cleared his throat, taking my attention from my mate, to him. “We’ve decided we’ll give the verdict tomorrow morning, at breakfast. You are dismissed.”

  He waved his hand before disappearing, leaving a light black puff of smoke behind.

  We packed up our stuff and were escorted back to our rooms.

  I stepped inside our room, with Alaric beside me, as the aroma from the cart that was rolled in made me realize how hungry I was. Wyatt, his mother, Terry and Rylan all returned to their own rooms to enjoy the dinner that was set before us.

  After a shower to wash away the emotions of the trial, I dressed
in a tank top, a bra and a pair of booty shorts as I towel dried my hair and walked out of the bathroom, where Alaric had set up the table for us to enjoy dinner together.

  He smiled at me as he finished setting up the table and I took a seat beside him. He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close before placing a gentle kiss to my cheek and looking at me lovingly but with concern in his face. “I know you’re worried, but it’ll be fine. We’ll get through this.”

  I smiled, taking his embrace. “I know. I’m just scared. Everything we’ve worked so hard for could be rendered completely worthless.” I felt the depressive thoughts begin to set in, pulling me into a dark place.

  Alaric pushed the food tray aside, removing himself from me, before sitting back down and placing me in his lap. He kissed my forehead before pulling me into a warm hug. “It’s okay. I’ll be here with you.” He pulled back again, looking me in the eyes with fiery determination. “You will not be alone. You have me and Rylan, Eric, and the whole pack. Don’t put this on yourself. We are a team and we’ll get through this together.”

  I looked at him, seeing his eyes change from the beautiful calming blue to the stunning deep ocean color. It was his wolf.

  “Hello, darling.” Braxton’s voice was thick and husky. He tilted his head, brushing the stray strands of hair that covered my face. “What can I do to help you? What’s got my beautiful mate bothered?”

  I smiled softly, letting the simple touch warm me. “I don’t want to bring any harm to anyone but I can’t protect them from the High Were Council. How do I face them if we fail?”

  Braxton contemplated my words, his eyes searching mine. “Nothing we can do but have faith, my love. Everything will work out, I promise. Let’s eat and relax; and then get some sleep, I know you need it.”

  He pressed his lips to mine briefly before switching back to Alaric, who grabbed the food tray and pulled it closer.

  After dinner, we spent a good two hours passionately making love. We took care of each other, making both of us feel loved and appreciated when we were finished.

  CHAPTER 21

  DAHLIA

  THE NEXT MORNING, the vivid images of the events that went on last night raced through my mind. I shook my head, stretching my sore body and smiling like a fool. It was early morning; the light blue almost white sunlight shown through the curtains of the bay window, setting up for a peaceful morning.

  Sitting up too fast, I felt my stomach lurch and I knew my dinner from last night was coming up. I jumped out of bed, rushing to the bathroom.

  After loudly vomiting, I held myself beside the toilet, not daring to move in fear of vomiting all over everything. I felt horrible.

  Alaric hurried into the bathroom, his eyes filled with concern as he watched me. My head rested on my arm that hugged the bowl of the toilet.

  “What do you need, my love?” he asked, coming to me before squatting down to rub the palm of his hand in a circular motion on my back.

  I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath and letting the massage do its magic. “I could use some water, maybe a cool rag over my forehead and eyes. And a change of clothes for breakfast with the Council.”

  “Okay, be right back.” He leaned over, kissing my cheek, before he got up and busied himself gathering the items I requested. When he returned, he placed the items on the counter, before carefully maneuvering himself so he could turn the shower on for me.

  Fresh out of the shower, I wore a pair of sweatpants and a fluffy sweater, feeling a little cold but slightly better. I slowly drank the water he provided for me when a knock on the door scared me, causing me to spit the water all over the floor.

  Alaric grabbed a towel and handed it to me before going to the door, unlocking it and peeking through to see who was there.

  It was Rylan with a bottle of ibuprofen and some more water. When she walked in, I saw how worried she was. Her blue eyes were clouded. She came to me, helping me clean the water up before handing me two little white pills. “You look rough. How are you feeling?”

  I took the pills, downing them, before sipping at my water. “I’m much better. I don’t know what came over me. I haven’t been sick in a while. How are you? I know being away from Eric is hard on you.”

  We moved to the bed, where Alaric had neatly made it and both sat down.

  She smiled, patting my back before grabbing a hairbrush. She started to comb through my hair, as she thought of what to say. “I’m good. I miss him dearly but there’s nothing I can do about it right now. I’m sure it’s nothing serious but have the doctor take a look at you after the meeting with the High Were Council.”

  Alaric, Wyatt, Ellen and Terry walked in, just as she finished braiding my hair and gave me a hug, which I gladly returned. She was the sister I never had. I was grateful to have her here. “Thank you, Rylan.”

  Alaric smiled, watching us fondly, before clearing his throat. “It’s time to head down for breakfast. Nick is waiting outside.”

  We stood up, moving to him; he gently grabbed my hand, as we followed the rest of our group out of the room. Nick wore his usual dress suit as he greeted us, turning around to begin his way down the stairs toward the dining hall.

  The atmosphere was one of anxiety and fear. The decision today would either completely destroy everything Alaric and I built or we would be free to continue. Maybe they’d even give us some pointers on how to lead better.

  I swallowed the lump in my throat, feeling Alaric’s warm hand squeeze mine as we entered the massive dining hall, where a large redwood table was set up; the Council sat at the far end.

  Ivan’s gaze immediately fell on me, a twisted smile on his face.

  I squirmed under his gaze. What was so fascinating about me? He’s creepy.

  Alaric felt my uneasiness as we sat down. He pulled my chair closer to him, so that I was sitting directly beside him, his arm resting on the back of the chair.

  Nick and Gregory stayed at the entrance of the room, standing tall with their arms folded over their chests as they examined everyone in the room. Once everyone was settled, silence filled the air as the maids brought in breakfast. I watched as they piled double portions on my plate.

  I furrowed my eyebrows, looking at Alaric, who shrugged as Vernon cleared his throat, causing our attention to turn back to the head of the table.

  “Good morning, everyone,” Ivan began, holding his cup of coffee in the air. “Let’s have a toast for the new day before I get to the verdict, you’re all so anxious about.”

  I looked at everyone around the table. We all lifted our cups to toast the new day. I didn’t trust them but I had to be hospitable, definitely didn’t want them to get suspicious.

  We all took a drink at the same time.

  I fidgeted in my seat, noticing Ivan studying me before asking, “So, how far are you along, Dahlia?”

  I spit my water out, choking. I looked at him like he was crazy and raised an eyebrow. “What are you saying? That I’m pregnant?”

  Just as I said that, the doctor from last night came in, holding a little plastic cup in his hand; he walked to me and held it out.

  Ivan motioned for the door. “Go take care of that. We’ll wait until you return, to do anything more.”

  I sighed, getting up while thanking the doctor, taking the cup, and heading out of the room to the nearest bathroom. After doing my business, I washed my hands and headed over to give the cup to the doctor, who waited beside the dining room door.

  Returning to my seat, I took a nervous breath. I felt everyone’s attention turn to me.

  I picked at the food on my plate, staring at my eggs as Alaric placed a hand on my thigh to calm me down.

  Over our link, I heard his husky voice in my head. It’ll be fine; we’ll get through this too. I love you, beautiful.

  I looked up at him, giving him a small smile.

  “Eat something, please,” he said, leaning over to kiss my cheek and brush a loose strand of hair from my face.

  I cut int
o my waffles, taking a bite and chewing softly.

  I had no appetite. I was too nervous about the verdict and this new situation I might be in. As I finished the waffle, the doctor came back in with a piece of paper in his hand and a smile on his face.

  “Here.” He gave me the piece of paper before stepping back. The paper was folded neatly as I held it in front of me.

  I exhaled, taking my mate’s hand, squeezing it tightly, before unfolding the paper.

  My eyes widened as I read the text on the page. In bold letters, the results flashed before me with a note on the bottom. It read: Preg- nant. Will need to do an ultrasound after the meeting to know how far along you are. Congratulations.

  The tears formed, freely falling down my face. They weren’t sad tears. Emotions filled me as Alaric looked at me, confused. “What’s wrong, Dahlia?”

  I looked up at him, smiling, and handed him the piece of paper. He reviewed the contents quietly, before jumping from his chair, which caused it to fly back. Taking my hands in his and helping me stand, he wrapped me in a hug before twirling me around.

  Gently placing me back on the ground, he kissed my forehead and asked, “Do you want to announce it? Or would you like me to?”

  I smiled, wrapping my arms around his waist. “You can. I’m dizzy. Let me rest for a moment.”

  He looked concerned for a moment, holding me closer, before smiling again while looking at everyone. “Well, looks like I’m going to be a father. We’re pregnant.”

  Hoots and hollers filled the air. “Congratulations!”

  Rylan smiled brightly, squealing, before jumping from her chair, rushing to us and stating happily, “I’m going to be an aunt! I figured with all the screaming and hollering last night that that’s what you two were up to.”

  I blushed, my face burning, as Alaric and I broke our hug before she crushed me in her arms.

  Alaric growled, forcibly removing her from me. “I don’t need you to break her. Even if you’re my sister, back away.” His Alpha tone shook the room, forcing her to bow and step back.