Broken Alpha

by Paulina Vasquez

  “OH MY GODDESS! YOU DID, DIDN'T YOU!” She squealed and ran to my side of the table to hug me.

  “I’m surprised it took so long.” Niko chimed in.

  “Congratulations! I'm so happy for you both!” Clair said while we hugged.

  “Thanks, let's hope my parents share the same sentiment.” I said.

  We finished eating while Clair raved on about the island. Niko had taken her on a tour and they even took a catamaran sail around the island. “It was amazing seeing the entire island from the sea. The cliff and rocky sides make it nearly impenetrable. The only two points of entrance are at the little beach on the western end and the boat dock area.” Clair said.

  “I moved the rocks and cut the cliffs with my element for that exact reason. I can easily seal off the opening to the beach and boat docks to make it difficult to breach the island if I needed to.” Dimitri said.

  “Wow! You've really developed your element!” I said with a hint of envy.

  “Raven, you barely had time to train yours before you ran off to Greece.” Clair added sensing my envy.

  “We can go out and work on your element if you're feeling up to it. Maybe it will help get rid of some of your jitters before your parents get here.” Dimitri said.

  “Sounds like a great idea.” I smiled.

  “I've got to see this.” Niko said.

  We stood at the northern cliff side of the island that had a large open area. It was the highest point on the island. Dimitri held a torch in his hand and drove it into the ground before lighting it.

  “Elemental power is usually fueled by your energy and emotion. The more you use it, the more energy is drained from you. Fortunately for us, being an Alpha born wolf allows you to heal faster and replenish your energy quicker. Emotions that fuel control can be happy or sad, jealousy, anger or anything in between.” Dimitri said.

  “Think about last night’s happy thoughts.” Clair laughed.

  “Can you pull up ocean water from this far up?” Dimitri asked.

  “I've never tried.” I said.

  He stood behind me and placed both his hands on my waist. I could feel the butterflies and tingles shoot through me. “Focus on the ocean below and pull the water up to the cliff's edge. Then, try to hold it there for as long as possible.” He instructed me.

  I willed the water to rise and it did. A moment later, it splashed back down into the ocean, I couldn't hold it there for very long. “That was very good baby. It's just like exercise, the more you do it, the more you push yourself, the better you get.” He said.

  We practiced with the water and the fire element. I tossed fireballs at Dimitri who quickly extinguished them with earth. “Use both your hands and see if you can throw two fireballs at once.” He called from across the field. Niko and Clair were seated on the ground watching the show.

  A helicopter came into view and seemed to be heading straight for us. We all stood frozen and looked up into the sky. “I just got a mind link from Knox, they're on the helicopter. It was much faster than taking a boat and your father was getting impatient.” Clair told us.

  The helicopter hovered overhead, and we moved back. Kosta was sitting in the co-pilot seat and waved down to us. I gave a nervous wave back and tried to smile as best as I could. My heart was racing, and Rae was also anxiously stirring.

  “Here come the in-laws.” Niko teased us even though he could sense everyone's tension.

  The helicopter touched down in the open field and the blades powered down. The doors opened and the anxiety pulsed through me. I reached for Dimitri's hand and found comfort and calm.

  My father was the first to step off the plane and he reached back to help my mother down. They were followed by Knox, Rocky and Kosta. My father was wearing a dark charcoal two piece suit, his fists were clenched and his blue eyes icy cold. My father was a very intimidating Alpha, but Dimitri seemed unfazed.

  My brother stood just behind him with Rocky. My twin brothers, Knox and Peter were exact clones of my father, except in this moment, I could see sympathy in Knox's eyes. They stood in front of us and I knew this was not going to go well. My mother stood next to my father and placed her hands on my father’s arms to calm him.

  “Hello mom. Hi dad.” I called out, my father growled, never taking his eyes off Dimitri. “This is my mate, Alpha Dimitri Theodorus.” My father shot me a quick look, his eyes landed on my mark and he sniffed the air. A load roar ripped from my father and he pulled his hand back and punched Dimitri right in the jaw.

  “DAD!” I screamed.

  Dimitri growled and stood with his fists clenched. I could feel him trying to calm Dom down who wanted to take control. Dimitri kept reminding himself that Diesel LaRue was my father and he didn't want to hurt him.

  “You took advantage of my little girl, YOU FUCKING BEAST!” My father landed another punch across Dimitri's face. Dimitri let out a thundering growl and both Alpha's shifted, clothes ripping to shreds.

  “Oh shit!” Niko managed to utter and pulled Clair behind him. Knox also did the same with Rocky and stepped back.

  “DAD STOP THIS!” I called out but he growled at me.

  Duke had the same shiny deep Raven colored hair and blue eyes that was prominent in LaRue Alpha’s. Dom had the same honey colored eyes as Dimitri and black fur, but he was bigger than my father’s wolf Duke. They circled each other snarling and snapping. My father lunged at Dom and Dom was able to throw my father off. My father pulled up a massive water bubble from the ocean and tried to bring it down on Dom's head.

  Dom's front paw stomped the ground and a sink hole opened up beneath Duke, who fell in. This broke my dad’s focus on the water bubble, and it splashed to the ground. Moments later, Duke jumped out of the hole and was snarling with rage. “Diesel that's enough.” My mother called out to her mate.

  My father lunged over my mother and ran straight at Dom. Dom and Duke rolled onto the ground biting and snapping at each other. My father jumped on Dom and tried to sink his teeth into his neck. Dom let out a yelp and rolled over. He managed to kick my father off, sending him flying over the cliffs edge. My father came floating back up on land using his water element. He was furious and ready to attack again.

  We heard an earth shaking growl and my mother shifted.

  “WHAT THE FUCK?!” Niko said taking in my mother's wolf, Lia. Her golden fur was radiating in the sun. Rocky's jaw dropped at the sight too.

  My mother moved between the two Alpha's and growled out. My father lowered his head in submission and Dom bowed down to her as well. In fact, I looked around and everyone had their head down in submission, even Kosta.

  My father’s wolf Duke looked up at me and then at my mother, a low whine escaped him before he turned around and ran towards the tree line. My heart ached for him and I wasn't sure what to do. I had never disappointed my father, and I don’t feel like I’ve done anything wrong. He couldn’t possibly expect me to remain mateless my whole life and live at home. My mother stared at me for a moment before she turned to follow her mate.

  Chapter 31 – Intertwined

  Dimitri's POV

  “Well that went better than I expected!” Kosta said.

  “Why didn't you tell us sooner that they were arriving early?” Niko asked.

  “I called, but Dimitri didn't answer his phone, so I left a message.” Kosta said.

  “Sorry Kosta, we slept in.” Raven told him.

  “I have to get back, call me if you need a ride back. Niko, send for a few men to take the luggage to the pack house.” Kosta said as Knox was unloading the luggage from the helicopter.

  “Thank you Kosta. Do we have to worry about Karla noticing the three of us gone?” Raven asked.

  “No, I've taken care of Karla. It's your father you have to worry about. Being part of the shifter’s council has exposed your father to some of the most vicious and cruel rumors about your mate. This won't be easy for him.” Kosta told her and then looked at me. He nodded his head to me before he turned to
leave. I was still in wolf form and stood next to my mate.

  Kosta got back in the helicopter and the blades started spinning. Knox and Rocky moved to stand with us, and we watched as the helicopter lifted off and headed back towards the mainland.

  “Are you okay?” I asked Raven through the mind link.

  She couldn't manage an answer and I could feel her sadness. Her father's heart was broken, he knew he had lost his baby girl the second he saw the mark. He also didn't seem to approve of the Moon Goddess's pairing for her. A sob slipped out of her and she was suddenly overcome by sadness, guilt and relief.

  Dom licked her hand and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “It's okay baby, it's going to be okay.” I told her through the mind link.

  “Raven, is ... is your mother an actual golden wolf? I mean, I know what I saw. Like ... WOW! Her roar! She's really a golden wolf isn't she? It’s not just a legend or myth, right?” Niko asked still in complete shock.

  I heard a chuckle from Knox. “Yes, our mother's father, was a descendant from Apollo. A golden wolf from that line is born once every century. Our mother’s mother was a descendant of the Moon Goddess and had the fire element that was also passed to our mother, Lucy. Not only is our mother the strongest of our kind, but she can tap into the power of the Gods and generate her own fire.”

  “Wow! Your pups will certainly be something special! It's like super wolves in the making.” Niko said to Raven.

  “With Dimitri being a descendant of King Lycaon and elemental, it looks like the prophecy is coming to life. I’m sure Aunt Lucy see's this.” Clair said.

  “Prophecy?” Niko asked and gave me a raised eyebrow look.

  “I think my Aunt should explain it. It was before we were even born.” Clair said.

  I mind linked Dumas to send two carts up to get the luggage and we all shifted to run back to the pack house. Niko opened the double doors and Dom trotted down the hall to our suite to shift and change. I slipped on some linen pants and a black short sleeve button up shirt, then went to join the others.

  “Should we go look for them?” Raven asked Knox anxiously.

  “No, I linked mom already. Dad is just cooling down a bit. I left some clothes for them on the back veranda.” Knox said.

  Elaina served us refreshments, chilled glasses of ouzo lemonade and meze appetizers. Niko reached for a small saganaki fried cheese square and popped it in his mouth without checking to see if it was cooled enough yet. “OWWWWW! HOT, HOT, HOT!” He danced around like a fool, fanning his open mouth with his hand and reached for a glass of lemonade to chug down. The girls burst into laughter at him.

  We continued to sit and wait for Raven's parents to return. Raven and Clair told Rocky all about Crescent Moon. Two hours later, I heard some movement outside and sensed a strong aura. I walked over to the double doors that went out to the veranda and came face to face with Raven's mother.

  “Hello Luna.” I nodded my head.

  “Good evening Alpha. My mate and I have just been out admiring your beautiful island.” She responded.

  “Thank you. Your belongings have been taken to the guest suite. It would be an honor to have you and Alpha LaRue join us for dinner, but if you would prefer a quiet dinner in your suite, we can arrange for that. I understand you may be fatigued from all the traveling.”

  “That's very kind of you.” She smiled at me.

  I could sense Diesel was still in wolf form just beyond the trees, he was listening to us. “My mate is anxious, and it troubles me. I understand you may have some preconceived notions about me, Alpha, and I hope to have the opportunity to set things right with you.” I said and the black wolf stepped out of the shadows.

  He stalked towards me and I could feel his angry aura radiating. He stopped next to his mate and bared his teeth at me. Obviously still upset. Lucy reached over and placed her hand on his back to calm him. We stood for a few moments staring into each other's eyes. Raven had the same blue eyes and dark shiny fur as her father.

  “Alpha, I'm not going to apologize for loving my mate or reject what the Moon Goddess has done.” I said. Diesel growled at me and looked like he wanted to attack, but his mate was obviously holding him back and mind linking with him.

  “Kosta was right, there are greater forces at work here. I'd like to hear about your prophecy and share with you the prophecy I also received many years ago.” I told them, this seemed to get Alpha LaRue’s attention.

  “Prophecy?” Lucy asked.

  “Yes Luna. The Greeks have long believed that an Oracle of the Gods still exists, the most notable Oracle of our time is Ms. Alexis Ivy, who was a friend of my mother's.” I told her and noticed the sharp inhale of breath when I mentioned the Alpha's cousin.

  “Please, come in. Your daughter wants to see you and I don’t like seeing my mate upset. We also need to talk." I bowed my head and stepped back inside.

  Twenty minutes later, Elaina and the kitchen staff started setting up dinner. We left the living room and took our seats at the round table. Alpha Diesel and Luna Lucy walked into the room holding hands. “Mom, Dad!” Raven said and quickly moved to her parents for an embrace. I could feel her happiness which brought a smile to my face.

  “At least he's not trying to rip your head off.” Niko mind linked me laughing. Platters of grilled lobster tails, Greek muscles, fried fish, potatoes, saffron rice, zucchini, cucumber and tomato salad, were set on the table.

  “Wow, those lobsters are huge!” Knox said.

  “That's because they're Greek.” Niko smiled at him.

  “This looks wonderful, thank you Alpha.” Lucy said.

  “Kali orexi!” I raised my glass to start the meal. Dinner went surprisingly well; Diesel didn't say much but Lucy seemed particularly interested in the olive business of the pack. She inquired about the ancient olive trees and the special reserve of fine olive oils they produced. She enjoyed cooking and was familiar with our premium and fine labels of oil.

  “And the revenue from the family business, it generates enough income to sustain your pack's needs?” Diesel asked.

  “I admit our humble little business is dwarfed when compared to the LaRue Enterprises empire Alpha. However, the table olive exports, for consumption, generate nearly twenty million euros in profits annually. Our olive oil labels, which hit the global market seven years ago, generate nearly twice as much.”

  “And your labor? Pack members or slaves?” He asked.

  “Neither. The pack members who choose to live on the islands we own, caring for the groves, are also paid. The employees who work at our two large processing facilities and warehouses are well paid humans and wolves.” I told him.

  “What happened to the wolves from the small packs you've destroyed?” Diesel asked.

  “I see you may be confusing me with Eros. The only packs I've destroyed are the ones where I may have killed an Alpha because he was engaged in slavery and trafficking. Or the ones that tried to attack my pack after I took over. I was young, a few other Alpha's thought they could pick me off easily. It's true, Greece once had a dozen packs and now we have five. Some of the smaller packs that were engaged in illegal or unethical activities, have been destroyed, and I would gladly do it again.”

  “Why not seek the help of the shifter’s council?” Diesel growled.

  “You've been on the council what, ten years now Alpha? Have you not noticed that the council doesn't seem to show much interest in smaller packs? No, they're more interested in the larger packs, the ones that could disrupt the flow of order on a large scale.”

  “That's not true.” Diesel said.

  “It's not? Forgive me, but I recall both you and Alpha Georgios seemed to welcome the news of Eros’ death. He was knee deep in illegal activities, trafficking omega wolves and humans as slaves on the black market. Running the human mafia business, drugs, guns and sex. And what did the council do about it? NOTHING. Eros’ pack, the Moon Warriors, is about six hundred members, not including the slaves. Alpha Georgios�
� pack, Zeus's Howlers, has about seven hundred members and mine is nearly three times the size. My pack, who runs a respectable business is the one the council is worried about.” I said feeling the tension in the room.

  Lucy broke the awkward silence. “Alpha, you said you had received a prophecy from my mates cousin, can you share that with us?”

  “Yes. My mother was friends with Ms. Alexis Ivy, I'm not exactly sure when or how they met. When I was twelve, my mother, our beloved Luna was murdered. Which is what drove my father mad. Ms. Ivy attended my mother's funeral. Niko, Alec and my sister were in the kitchen of our pack house with me when she entered. Her eyes had lost color, they were white, and she walked as if she was in a trance. She placed her hand on my shoulder and spoke the prophecy.”