Alpha Markus
Chapter 70

Markus P.O.V.

I probably should have consulted with Celeste about offering Gamma Richard a place in the pack as she and the girls were the ones that had dealt with them for 12 yrs, but something inside me moved when his wolf challenged me when I told him we were taking the girl. I believed him when he said he thought she was his mate. Gillian’s words that morning I met Celeste had replayed in my head. The way Celeste squeezed my waist after, told me she approved, which was a relief.

We walked into the Pack Hospital to replace it chaos. The two guards that were tasked with getting all the girls were fighting against 4 warriors trying to get in through the double doors. I could hear and see the girls screaming each time one of them slammed on the door. A very pale and slightly bloody doctor was on the other side of the door holding it closed. I felt Celeste’s arm leave my waist and I grabbed her arm before she could join the fight, Atlas coming forward. “The pups,” he growled as we pushed forward. Gillian, Danny and the guards followed behind. I sent a quick mind link to Maya to make sure Celeste didn’t follow. I grabbed the first guard trying to push through and rolled out my aura to make the rest submit. Gillian and Danny grabbed and pinned another as the guards grabbed the other two and helped the other guards up.

“What the f**k is going on here? Why are you trying to attack my pack members?” I growled. None of them spoke. I looked at the one I was holding by the throat and pushed the full Alpha command into my voice. “Why were you trying to attack these minors?” He whimpered and tried to fight the command until Atlas pushed forward. “Answer us!” He said.

“Luna Luisa left instructions that if anyone came looking for the girls, that we were to kill them so no one would replace out who they were,” he answered. I looked at the men pinned. They were all older.

“Where all of you present at the m******e?” I asked and I saw Gamma Richard running into the hospital, taking in everything that was happening.

“Yes, we were there,” he answered after trying to fight my command and failing.

I turned to Gamma Richard. “I want these 4 taken to your dungeons and left there for the council to question. They appear to have more information of what happened the night of the m******e. My guards will assist you,” I said and a guard came over and took him from me.

“You two,” I turned to the two guards, “Thank you, my men will take it from here.” They bowed their heads and headed out the double doors. I looked back at Celeste, stretching my hand out. She came over to me.

“Ready Tuli?” I asked. She was slightly pale and before she could say anything she put a hand to her mouth and her eyes went wide. She ran to the nearest trash can and threw up all of the fruit she’d munched on the way here. I held her hair back until she finished and Maya handed me a bottle of water and some anti-nausea tablets.

I looked at her with a smirk. She shrugged. “I asked Dr West about her lack of nausea. He said it was common for some not to get it until after the first month, which he said was probably within the next few days, so I thought I’d be prepared.”

Celeste came up and took the bottle from me. She swished some around her mouth before she spit it in the waste basket and then took a sip. “Goddess love you Maya,” she said as she took one of the tablets.

Maya smiled brightly, “Dr. West said your nausea might hit worse than usual because it’s twins. I stacked my purse with stuff for you.”

Celeste glared at me before she got up and that had me confused. “Wait, what did I do?” I asked as I followed her to the double doors.

Kara said we caused this – Atlas said torn between amusement and sadness, that our mate was mad at us.

I sighed, that was not a fight I would ever win. I simply took her hand as I opened the double doors for us. She approached the girls and I could see their surprise at seeing her there. Even more so when Maya walked in with Danny and Gillian behind us.

No one said anything until a girl that looked to be about 13 pushed through everyone and ran straight at us, arms open. Celeste bent down a little and allowed her to jump into her arms. Atlas growled slightly at her and then whined in my head.

What are you whining for? – I asked.

Kara told me to shut it. – He whined and I laughed – Apparently I’m not allowed to be concerned for my pups. She said if they can kick Sandra’s a*s, they can hug a terrified girl.

She’s not wrong – I pointed out.

She’s never snapped at me before. Are mates going to be mad at us from now on? – He asked, as we felt Celeste’s annoyance at his growling through the mate bond.

I don’t know. We may be in for a rough few months. I think we’re about to get used to being put in our place. -I predicted.

f**k, no one tells you these things when they talk about having pups. – Atlas said with his tail between his legs.

They certainly f*****g don’t. We’ll have to ask dad for some advice when we get home. Maybe then we’ll have a chance at surviving this.- I commented as Celeste and Maya went to hug the girls, who all seemed to be scared and in tears.

‘Tuli?’ I said tentatively. She was also fairly teary. She turned and walked back to us. She wrapped her arms around me and got on her tippy toes. I bent down and kissed her softly. She pulled back and turned back to the room, her hand in mine.

“Alpha Markus has been investigating Alpha Geoff for a long time now. Alpha Geoff has not been exiling us as we got our wolves. He and Luna Luisa had been selling our friends on the black market.” When the girls started shaking and crying, Celeste let out her Luna aura. It was so strong, as strong as an Alpha aura, but still somehow gentle. The girls started calming down and looked at her in awe. “We had a meeting with the council this morning. They have stripped Alpha Geoff of his title. We are taking you home with us. Crescent Moon Pack is a place where we have been accepted,” she said.

“But you’re mated to ranked members,” one of them said, “We are just slaves.”

Celeste was going to respond when Maya surprised us both, taking a step forward and speaking, “I wasn’t always mated to Daniel. I spent an entire month at Crescent Moon before I met him. Everyone at the pack was kind to me, helped me, and cared for me. Alpha Markus allowed me to study. They never beat me or touched me or made me feel worthless. The short time I’ve been at Crescent Moon, I’ve come to realize that what we’ve gone through here is not how an Alpha treats its pack members, no matter how low ranked they are. Celeste is an amazing Luna.”

Celeste stepped forward too, “We won’t be forcing any of you to come with us. You are free, but I would hope that after everything we have been through together, that you give us the chance to take care of you. Beta Gillian, has been giving Dr Castle money to feed you since we left. Gamma Daniel has been investigating the black-market sales, often putting himself in danger. Without his effort, we would not have had the proof to present to the council. We are bringing Dr Castle and his family with us. You will have a full assessment by doctors and therapists. You won’t have to work until the Dr. clears you and when you do you will be paid for your work. Maya and I have been organising this since we left. You will go to school and once you have an education, we will discuss what you want to do. If you choose to go to another pack, you are free to do so. We’re giving you back that power. Your life is yours to choose again.”

“The council is also doing some research on each of you. They will look to see if you have any family that had been outside the Pack before they were murdered. You see, no one outside of this pack had known that you were survivors of the Sky Moon. We had been led to believe you all died,” I told them. I could see them thinking and talking to each other. Finally, it was the same little girl that rushed Celeste that spoke up first.

“I want to go with Celeste. She always stopped Sandra from hitting me,” she said, and Celeste smiled at her and took her hand with her free one. Slowly, all of the girls accepted coming with us. Celeste let out a breath.

“We have a bus outside ready to take us home. Bring what you want to take and meet us outside. We have clothes waiting for you at home.”

“It’s about a 5 hour drive back and we will be stopping to get take out on the way, so the sooner we hit the road, the better,” I said and the thought of take out seemed to get everybody excited. I grinned at Celeste, happy with the joy I could feel through the mate bond coming from her.

“Dr. Castle, my men are at your house. They are helping your mate and kids load the moving truck. We can drive there to pick them up. Someone will drive the truck back. You can ride in the bus with the girls if that’s OK?”

“Of course, Alpha. Thank you.”

“There’s also a girl. Gamma Richard…”

“Oh yes, he mind linked me earlier. She should be OK to transport. She doesn’t need any special equipment. She’s just in a healing sleep. I’m sure we can set up some seats in the bus into a makeshift bed for her.” I nodded and then I felt sick. I frowned and it took me a moment to realize the emotion wasn’t mine. Celeste suddenly took off and ran straight for a waste basket, Maya right behind her. I went and rubbed little circles on her back as she threw up again.

‘Oh god, please tell whoever has been eating jerky to grab something else to much on,’ she mind linked me as she heaved again.

“Umm, odd request, but if you’re eating jerky, please throw it away in a different room. We will get food on the way home. The Luna is expecting and the morning sickness just started to hit,” I told them. I heard a quick “I’m sorry!” squeak and a girl of about 15 ran out of the room, running back in 30 seconds later, her face beet red.

“Let’s head home!” I said and they all started moving around, picking up some bags with their belongings.

‘They are coming out. Make sure to help any that need it,’ I mind linked my warriors.

‘Yes Alpha,’ I heard back.

Celeste stood up and g*****d. “Tuli?” I asked as she swayed.

“I’m fine, just stood up too quickly. Let’s get out of this place,” she said and we headed out behind the girls.

Gamme Richard met us outside. He was carrying an unconscious girl very gently. You could see how scared he was to hurt her and how much he cared. “Zack, please grab any blankets and pillows you can replace. We need to make a bed in the back of the bus,” I ordered.

He struggled with his wolf as one of the guards came to take the girl from him, but he finally let her go. He looked wistfully after her as he took her up into the bus, his eyes following her through the windows until she disappeared as she was laid on the seats. I took out my phone. “Here, add your number on there. I will make sure to update you on her condition regularly. Once you are done with all of this, let me know if you’re coming to visit or to stay.”

He looked at me gratefully, “I already feel Odin losing his mind at the thought of being away from her. I think you can count on me at your gates as soon as I can,” he half laughed and frowned, looking at the bus.

I slapped him on the shoulder. “Celeste will make sure she’s under the best care,” I told him.

“Yeah, she was always like that. I always felt bad that she was always so stubborn. Letting them beat her instead of the girls instead of keeping her head down. I guess she was always meant to be a Luna,” I nodded before one of the guards came over.

“The moving truck is full and the Doc’s family is ready to be picked up. All of the girls are loaded and accounted for. Luna Celeste is making sure everyone is comfortable and they have snacks for the trip. We are ready to head out Alpha,” Gabriel said.

I turned to Gamma Richard. “Good luck with the council. Celeste already told them you never mistreated them, so they won’t be arresting you too. I’ll wait for your text when you are on your way. Thanks for helping,” I said and shook the man’s hand before I saw Celeste coming towards the front of the bus. I walked to the entrance and held out her hand to help her down. She rolled her eyes but smiled and took it.

“Let’s go home Tuli,” I said as I picked her up and took her to the SUV. She sighed and placed her head on my chest.

“Let’s,” she said. She looked truly at peace for the first time in a long time. I put her in the back seat and then slid in after her.

“Are you not driving?”

I shook my head, “Danny and Maya will be riding up front for the drive back.”

Celeste snuggled up against me and was fast asleep by the time Gillian, Maya and Danny got in the SUV. Maya looked back and giggled. We made a stop at burger place. Danny went inside with Maya as they placed an order for about 50 people. An hour later, everyone was munching on some much-appreciated burgers and fries, then everyone had to throw their tomatoes out the window as Celeste’s nausea kicked in.

Markus P.O.V.

I probably should have consulted with Celeste about offering Gamma Richard a place in the pack as she and the girls were the ones that had dealt with them for 12 yrs, but something inside me moved when his wolf challenged me when I told him we were taking the girl. I believed him when he said he thought she was his mate. Gillian’s words that morning I met Celeste had replayed in my head. The way Celeste squeezed my waist after, told me she approved, which was a relief.

We walked into the Pack Hospital to replace it chaos. The two guards that were tasked with getting all the girls were fighting against 4 warriors trying to get in through the double doors. I could hear and see the girls screaming each time one of them slammed on the door. A very pale and slightly bloody doctor was on the other side of the door holding it closed. I felt Celeste’s arm leave my waist and I grabbed her arm before she could join the fight, Atlas coming forward. “The pups,” he growled as we pushed forward. Gillian, Danny and the guards followed behind. I sent a quick mind link to Maya to make sure Celeste didn’t follow. I grabbed the first guard trying to push through and rolled out my aura to make the rest submit. Gillian and Danny grabbed and pinned another as the guards grabbed the other two and helped the other guards up.

“What the f**k is going on here? Why are you trying to attack my pack members?” I growled. None of them spoke. I looked at the one I was holding by the throat and pushed the full Alpha command into my voice. “Why were you trying to attack these minors?” He whimpered and tried to fight the command until Atlas pushed forward. “Answer us!” He said.

“Luna Luisa left instructions that if anyone came looking for the girls, that we were to kill them so no one would replace out who they were,” he answered. I looked at the men pinned. They were all older.

“Where all of you present at the m******e?” I asked and I saw Gamma Richard running into the hospital, taking in everything that was happening.

“Yes, we were there,” he answered after trying to fight my command and failing.

I turned to Gamma Richard. “I want these 4 taken to your dungeons and left there for the council to question. They appear to have more information of what happened the night of the m******e. My guards will assist you,” I said and a guard came over and took him from me.

“You two,” I turned to the two guards, “Thank you, my men will take it from here.” They bowed their heads and headed out the double doors. I looked back at Celeste, stretching my hand out. She came over to me.

“Ready Tuli?” I asked. She was slightly pale and before she could say anything she put a hand to her mouth and her eyes went wide. She ran to the nearest trash can and threw up all of the fruit she’d munched on the way here. I held her hair back until she finished and Maya handed me a bottle of water and some anti-nausea tablets.

I looked at her with a smirk. She shrugged. “I asked Dr West about her lack of nausea. He said it was common for some not to get it until after the first month, which he said was probably within the next few days, so I thought I’d be prepared.”

Celeste came up and took the bottle from me. She swished some around her mouth before she spit it in the waste basket and then took a sip. “Goddess love you Maya,” she said as she took one of the tablets.

Maya smiled brightly, “Dr. West said your nausea might hit worse than usual because it’s twins. I stacked my purse with stuff for you.”

Celeste glared at me before she got up and that had me confused. “Wait, what did I do?” I asked as I followed her to the double doors.

Kara said we caused this – Atlas said torn between amusement and sadness, that our mate was mad at us.

I sighed, that was not a fight I would ever win. I simply took her hand as I opened the double doors for us. She approached the girls and I could see their surprise at seeing her there. Even more so when Maya walked in with Danny and Gillian behind us.

No one said anything until a girl that looked to be about 13 pushed through everyone and ran straight at us, arms open. Celeste bent down a little and allowed her to jump into her arms. Atlas growled slightly at her and then whined in my head.

What are you whining for? – I asked.

Kara told me to shut it. – He whined and I laughed – Apparently I’m not allowed to be concerned for my pups. She said if they can kick Sandra’s a*s, they can hug a terrified girl.

She’s not wrong – I pointed out.

She’s never snapped at me before. Are mates going to be mad at us from now on? – He asked, as we felt Celeste’s annoyance at his growling through the mate bond.

I don’t know. We may be in for a rough few months. I think we’re about to get used to being put in our place. -I predicted.

f**k, no one tells you these things when they talk about having pups. – Atlas said with his tail between his legs.

They certainly f*****g don’t. We’ll have to ask dad for some advice when we get home. Maybe then we’ll have a chance at surviving this.- I commented as Celeste and Maya went to hug the girls, who all seemed to be scared and in tears.

‘Tuli?’ I said tentatively. She was also fairly teary. She turned and walked back to us. She wrapped her arms around me and got on her tippy toes. I bent down and kissed her softly. She pulled back and turned back to the room, her hand in mine.

“Alpha Markus has been investigating Alpha Geoff for a long time now. Alpha Geoff has not been exiling us as we got our wolves. He and Luna Luisa had been selling our friends on the black market.” When the girls started shaking and crying, Celeste let out her Luna aura. It was so strong, as strong as an Alpha aura, but still somehow gentle. The girls started calming down and looked at her in awe. “We had a meeting with the council this morning. They have stripped Alpha Geoff of his title. We are taking you home with us. Crescent Moon Pack is a place where we have been accepted,” she said.

“But you’re mated to ranked members,” one of them said, “We are just slaves.”

Celeste was going to respond when Maya surprised us both, taking a step forward and speaking, “I wasn’t always mated to Daniel. I spent an entire month at Crescent Moon before I met him. Everyone at the pack was kind to me, helped me, and cared for me. Alpha Markus allowed me to study. They never beat me or touched me or made me feel worthless. The short time I’ve been at Crescent Moon, I’ve come to realize that what we’ve gone through here is not how an Alpha treats its pack members, no matter how low ranked they are. Celeste is an amazing Luna.”

Celeste stepped forward too, “We won’t be forcing any of you to come with us. You are free, but I would hope that after everything we have been through together, that you give us the chance to take care of you. Beta Gillian, has been giving Dr Castle money to feed you since we left. Gamma Daniel has been investigating the black-market sales, often putting himself in danger. Without his effort, we would not have had the proof to present to the council. We are bringing Dr Castle and his family with us. You will have a full assessment by doctors and therapists. You won’t have to work until the Dr. clears you and when you do you will be paid for your work. Maya and I have been organising this since we left. You will go to school and once you have an education, we will discuss what you want to do. If you choose to go to another pack, you are free to do so. We’re giving you back that power. Your life is yours to choose again.”

“The council is also doing some research on each of you. They will look to see if you have any family that had been outside the Pack before they were murdered. You see, no one outside of this pack had known that you were survivors of the Sky Moon. We had been led to believe you all died,” I told them. I could see them thinking and talking to each other. Finally, it was the same little girl that rushed Celeste that spoke up first.

“I want to go with Celeste. She always stopped Sandra from hitting me,” she said, and Celeste smiled at her and took her hand with her free one. Slowly, all of the girls accepted coming with us. Celeste let out a breath.

“We have a bus outside ready to take us home. Bring what you want to take and meet us outside. We have clothes waiting for you at home.”

“It’s about a 5 hour drive back and we will be stopping to get take out on the way, so the sooner we hit the road, the better,” I said and the thought of take out seemed to get everybody excited. I grinned at Celeste, happy with the joy I could feel through the mate bond coming from her.

“Dr. Castle, my men are at your house. They are helping your mate and kids load the moving truck. We can drive there to pick them up. Someone will drive the truck back. You can ride in the bus with the girls if that’s OK?”

“Of course, Alpha. Thank you.”

“There’s also a girl. Gamma Richard…”

“Oh yes, he mind linked me earlier. She should be OK to transport. She doesn’t need any special equipment. She’s just in a healing sleep. I’m sure we can set up some seats in the bus into a makeshift bed for her.” I nodded and then I felt sick. I frowned and it took me a moment to realize the emotion wasn’t mine. Celeste suddenly took off and ran straight for a waste basket, Maya right behind her. I went and rubbed little circles on her back as she threw up again.

‘Oh god, please tell whoever has been eating jerky to grab something else to much on,’ she mind linked me as she heaved again.

“Umm, odd request, but if you’re eating jerky, please throw it away in a different room. We will get food on the way home. The Luna is expecting and the morning sickness just started to hit,” I told them. I heard a quick “I’m sorry!” squeak and a girl of about 15 ran out of the room, running back in 30 seconds later, her face beet red.

“Let’s head home!” I said and they all started moving around, picking up some bags with their belongings.

‘They are coming out. Make sure to help any that need it,’ I mind linked my warriors.

‘Yes Alpha,’ I heard back.

Celeste stood up and g*****d. “Tuli?” I asked as she swayed.

“I’m fine, just stood up too quickly. Let’s get out of this place,” she said and we headed out behind the girls.

Gamme Richard met us outside. He was carrying an unconscious girl very gently. You could see how scared he was to hurt her and how much he cared. “Zack, please grab any blankets and pillows you can replace. We need to make a bed in the back of the bus,” I ordered.

He struggled with his wolf as one of the guards came to take the girl from him, but he finally let her go. He looked wistfully after her as he took her up into the bus, his eyes following her through the windows until she disappeared as she was laid on the seats. I took out my phone. “Here, add your number on there. I will make sure to update you on her condition regularly. Once you are done with all of this, let me know if you’re coming to visit or to stay.”

He looked at me gratefully, “I already feel Odin losing his mind at the thought of being away from her. I think you can count on me at your gates as soon as I can,” he half laughed and frowned, looking at the bus.

I slapped him on the shoulder. “Celeste will make sure she’s under the best care,” I told him.

“Yeah, she was always like that. I always felt bad that she was always so stubborn. Letting them beat her instead of the girls instead of keeping her head down. I guess she was always meant to be a Luna,” I nodded before one of the guards came over.

“The moving truck is full and the Doc’s family is ready to be picked up. All of the girls are loaded and accounted for. Luna Celeste is making sure everyone is comfortable and they have snacks for the trip. We are ready to head out Alpha,” Gabriel said.

I turned to Gamma Richard. “Good luck with the council. Celeste already told them you never mistreated them, so they won’t be arresting you too. I’ll wait for your text when you are on your way. Thanks for helping,” I said and shook the man’s hand before I saw Celeste coming towards the front of the bus. I walked to the entrance and held out her hand to help her down. She rolled her eyes but smiled and took it.

“Let’s go home Tuli,” I said as I picked her up and took her to the SUV. She sighed and placed her head on my chest.

“Let’s,” she said. She looked truly at peace for the first time in a long time. I put her in the back seat and then slid in after her.

“Are you not driving?”

I shook my head, “Danny and Maya will be riding up front for the drive back.”

Celeste snuggled up against me and was fast asleep by the time Gillian, Maya and Danny got in the SUV. Maya looked back and giggled. We made a stop at burger place. Danny went inside with Maya as they placed an order for about 50 people. An hour later, everyone was munching on some much-appreciated burgers and fries, then everyone had to throw their tomatoes out the window as Celeste’s nausea kicked in.