ALPHA
CHAPTER 17

If looks could kill, Lucas Steele would be six feet under right about now.

How could he have been foolish enough to keep that very important information drool me? Even if there was the slightest chance the Lycan Alpha would come and visit, I would like to know. Hell I would have liked to have been informed that he was invited in the first place.

Resisting the urge to punch my Beta, I inhaled deeply not wanting to cause a scene here and reigned in my anger. There was a Lycan I needed to welcome.

I pointed a threatening finger towards Lucas and whispered harshly “This is far from over Luc. We’ll talk about this later.”

He cowered slightly under my intense glare but nodded his head. From the corner of my eye I could see the smirk on Rhys face.

“Come on Ad, we can’t keep the Alpha waiting.” My mate urges wrapping his hand around my waist and began leading me towards the crowd that had formed about the mysterious wolf.

Clearing my throat I got the attention of the crowd who quickly dispersed finally giving me a good look at the Lycan Alpha.

My eyes widened at the sight of the man before me. There stood with two guards, no doubt lycans as well, was the Lycan. He was large, far larger than my own mate and perhaps just as tall. I thought Rhys was huge but this beast surpassed him. His arms were thick and muscular while his abdomen was lean.

His chiseled jawline and strong cheekbones gave him an almost God-like disposition. With pure golden eyes that shines brilliantly, it was difficult for any wolf to look away. On top of his head was pure black hair slicked back ending with curls touching the back of his neck.

He was handsome that was for sure.

When his eyes met mine I resisted the urge to bow under his gaze. It was no secret that Lycans were powerful, much more powerful than any normal Alpha. But the Alpha Lycan was the most powerful beast in the world. Our wolves had no choice but to submit to him.

Turning my head slightly I noticed Rhys keep his steely gaze on the Alpha. Knowing I should follow suit I swallowed the nervous in my throat and lifted my chin up in confidence. This was just another Alpha, I could handle him.

“Alpha River, welcome to the Ash Pack. I hope your travels were pleasant?” I asked as Rhys and I stepped closer.

I watched as one of River’s guards stepped forward to keep us back but River held out a hand signaling to stand down.

He offered a small smile and nodded “Yes Alpha Adira. Thank you for welcoming me to your pack. I apologize for my tardiness.”

The tension left the room as our small subtle conversation. Knowing there would be no escalation the rest of the celebration continued. Music once again played and couples had begun to make their way to the dance floor.

“It’s very nice to finally meet you Alpha Adira. I heard about the news of your father, I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the funeral. Emilio was a good man.” River says giving his condolences.

“You knew my father?” I asked curiously. Dad never mentioned the Lycan Alpha before. There was a silent agreement amongst wolves to never really talk about the Lycans. They were mysterious creatures and it bothered me that I knew so little about them.

River’s lips lifted “Of course. I know all the Alphas across the country. They’re all under my rule.”

My mouth opened slightly in surprise. Why was I just hearing about this? Had it slipped Dad’s mind during my training?

Rhys squeezed my hand bringing me back to the conversation. I cleared my throat and smiled “Of course. I’m sure my father would understand.”

River’s eyes turned to Rhys and smiled in recognition“Speaking of Alphas I know, hello Rhys.” He slapped my mate’s shoulder affectionately “How are you old friend? I see you’ve finally found your mate.”

Rhys just stared at the Alpha as if he was trying to remember the man in front of him. A slight look of pain flashed across his face and I knew he was trying to hard to recall the Lycan. I put a hand on his arm to gain his attention “It’s okay Rhys. Don’t strain yourself.”

River watched us with furrowed brows “Is there something I’m missing?”

“Alpha Rhys came into my territory with no recollection of his life, River.” I say quietly squeezing my mates hand “There are few events he remembers including the Crimson Pack being destroyed.”

He seemed surprised at the statement but masked it quickly “Of course, it was...devastating. I’m very sorry for your loss Alpha Rhys.” River turned his attention towards me suddenly “My time here is very short and I’d like to get to know you a little better Alpha Adira, would you like to dance?

Once again the Lycan seemed to stun me. I wouldn’t take the large man as the dancing type but then again, I didn’t know what to expect from a lycan. Knowing it would be foolish to deny him I nodded my head.

A low growl left Rhys mouth at my acceptance and I shot him a look hoping it would calm him down. “It’s okay Rhys. It’s only a dance.” I reassure.

With a clenched jaw and jealousy evident in his eyes my mate nodded. “I will be close by if you need me.” He kissed my forehead before shooting a dark look towards the Lycan.

River merely smiled in amusement then held out his hand for me to take. Nervously I slipped my hands into his and allowed him to lead me towards the dance floor. I could feel Rhys eyes on us the whole time.

In the distance I spotted Lucas being led out of the room by Selene.

Bastards.

“If I didn’t know better I’d say Rhys was jealous.” River comments as he put his hands at my waist startling me from my observations.

Keeping my hands on his shoulders I scowled “Of course he is. We haven’t completed the mating process. He’s a little on edge right now.”

“I can see that. It looks like he wants to kill me at the moment.”

I sighed in slight embarrassment “Sorry about that.”

“No need to apologize. He’s not the first Alpha to do that. I’ve come across many in my years.” He replies with a shrug.

“How old are you exactly? You don’t seem old enough to me the Alpha of all Alphas.” I asked curiously.

At the oldest, River looked to be 26. Not much older than Rhys and I. How did he get his position?

“I see you don’t know much about Lycans.” River chuckled “We are immortal Adira. I’ve been alive for a few centuries now.”

Centuries?! What the hell?

There must have been an interesting expression on my face because River smiled wider “I get that reaction a lot. It’s difficult to believe you’re speaking to a creature who’s older than your own country.”

I couldn’t imagine what River had gone through over the years. The stories he had to tell and the experiences he now had.

“And your mate?”

The smile left River’s lips “I have yet to meet my mate. Interesting how in 300 years I haven’t come across her yet.”

“Oh I’m sorry.” I apologize. I couldn’t imagine living so long and not knowing my mate. My chest tugged are the thought of never meeting Rhys.

“It’s okay. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I may never replace my mate. It’s a lycan curse unfortunately.”

A moment of silence came across us for a moment before he cleared his throat “But the reason I wanted to speak with you alone Adira is that I’m afraid I have some distressing news for you.”

“What is it?” River twirled me around and returned his hands to my waist.

“The Crimson pack is not gone Adira.” He states in all seriousness.

“What?” I asked incredulously “That’s not possible. That was the only memory Rhys had.”

“I’m the Alpha of all Alphas, as you like to put it, I would know if a pack was destroyed. I have a member of my own guards living in each pack.” He replies, his golden eyes never wavered from mine “Even in your own.”

“You do? How did I not know?” I demand. There was so much I was in the dark about. Why had Papa kept so much from me?

“My guards are sworn to secrecy, they report to me about the packs they reside in. It allows me to have true reports and not ones an Alpha can easily lie to me about.” He must have noticed the distress on my face, “Do not worry Adira. My guards are trustworthy and are loyal to me. Your pack is safe.”

I nodded my head uncertain about this whole situation “It doesn’t make sense. Why would Rhys think his pack was gone?”

River sighed deeply “That I am unsure about. If you’d like, I will do some investigating. There could be a chance the pack really was destroyed or there’s something else amiss.”

“Why would you want to help?”

“Besides the Crimson Pack being under my rule and protection, Rhys was-is a friend of mine. If there is any way I can help him, I will.” River replies “But it might be best to keep this between us. His mind is fragile at the moment, we don’t want to do anything to worsen his condition.”

I mulled over the Alpha’s suggestion. Would it be wise to keep something like this from my mate? I didn’t want to give him false hope that his pack was indeed alive.

“Okay Alpha. You may do your investigation. Report to me as soon as you replace anything.” I say keeping myself from ordering the man around.

“Yes Alpha.” He grinned and continued to twirl me around the dance floor.

The song came to an end and River let go of my waist and inclined his head towards me, “It was very nice speaking to you Adira. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to call any time.”

“Thank you Alpha River.” I thank him slowly. My head was still spinning after this dance and I wasn't sure how to take in this new information.

Rivers attention was suddenly on his guards who had appeared out of nowhere. One whispered in his ear quietly. With a nod of understanding River turned to me apologetically, “I’m afraid it’s time for me to leave Adira. I will be in contact with you soon.”

“Goodbye River.” I say and watched warily as the guards led the large man away towards the entrance.

I sighed deeply feeling the immense power leave the room with the Alpha. I could finally relax.

I needed to replace Rhys.

Glancing around my eyes swept through the crowd in search of my mate. After a few moments I spotted him leaning against the makeshift bar tipping his head back and swallowing the amber liquid that filled his glass cup.

“Rhys?” I asked.

“Have fun with the Lycan?” He questions never looking away from his glass.

“It was interesting.” I say slowly not liking his tone of voice.

“I’m sure it was. You two seemed very comfortable with each other.” He snorts before tapping his glass on the bar for another drink.

I didn’t know why he bothered, it was difficult for a wolf to get drunk. We merely got a small buzz that helped lighten the mood at any event.

“Rhy we were just talking.” I say with a laugh. He was being ridiculous right now.

“It didn’t seem that way. I saw the way he looked at you.” He turned towards me and I could see the jealousy raging in his deep blue eyes.

“You are being ridiculous Rhys.” I whisper harshly not wanting to draw attention to us.

“Excuse me for being ridiculous for being angry at my unmarked mate who so eagerly jumped into another wolves arms.” He sneered down at me.

“I did not “jump into his arms” Rhys! He just wanted to talk. I shouldn’t have to explain myself to you.” I say glaring up at him.

“If you just talked, what was it about?” He demanded harshly.

My mouth snapped shut and I looked down. I couldn’t tell him about my conversation about his pack.

“That’s what I thought.” He says downing his drink once again.

“You’re being a jealous ass Rhys.” I nearly exclaim in anger “If this is how you’re going to be, leave me alone for the rest of the night. Don’t bother coming to bed.”

“Wasn’t planning on it.” He never looked in my direction and I felt my heart shatter.

“Fine.” I quickly stepped back from the bar and willed the angry tears to go away.

If my mate wanted to be an asshole, I’d leave him to be one alone.

“Hey Ad are you okay?” Natalia asked as if she sensed my distress. She held a thin glass of champagne in her hand.

I snatched the drink from her hand and swallowed all the contents “Yeah I’m fine. Just some trouble in paradise. Will you keep me company for the rest of the night? Seems like my gamma and beta ditched me too.”

Natalia smiled and looped her arm with mine “Of course. I’m glad to finally have someone to keep these sleezy Alpha’s away. I swear 3 have claimed we were mates.” She rolled her eyes playfully.

I couldn’t help but laugh as she led me through the crowd, leaving my mate behind me.

The rest of the night was uneventful. I still had not seen Rhys since our argument and it hurt more than I would ever admit.

I met more Alphas and had promises to be in contact with all of them to discuss becoming allies. They all made me feel welcome and didn’t treat me any less than the Alpha I was.

It felt nice.

I hoped with time, my pack would treat me the same way.

Ridding my face from the makeup and taking out the Bobby pins that held my hair in place I began to prepare for bed.

I stared at the side of the bed Rhys slept and felt a twinge in my chest. It was odd not having him here with me. Sure we only slept in the same bed twice but I had begun to get accustomed to it very quickly.

Not wanting to think about him further I got into bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. The night's events finally caught up to me and soon I felt myself falling asleep.

I couldn’t have been sleeping long because the soft movements of a hand smoothing back my hair seemed to startle me from my sleep. If it weren’t for the tingles leaving their wake, I would have assumed it to be another intruder.

“I’m sorry.”

I kept my eyes closed and waited for him to continue.

“You were right. I was a jealous asshole who couldn’t stand the sight of another man touching you” Rhys continues quietly “I know you’re awake, can you forgive me?”

I opened my eyes to see him looking down at me with a slight smile on his face. Rhys was now wearing a t shirt and sweats. Based on his hair that looked like he ran his hand through it a hundred times, I don’t think he was able to sleep. “You’re not very good at pretending Ad.”

I scowled and sat up “You’re not doing a good job at earning my forgiveness.”

He frowned and sat at the edge of the bed “I really am sorry.”

I sighed “I understand that we aren’t fully mated yet but you need to trust me Rhys.” I took his hand in mine and kissed his palm “You’re the only one I want.”

“I’m sorry. I do trust you.” He replied tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

“Good. Now stop apologizing and get in bed, I’m tired.” I say with a yawn.

In almost a flash Rhys was under the covers and pulled me close spooning me from behind. I sighed happily in his arms and felt myself begin to doze.

Before I let go of consciousness I felt Rhys’ lips kiss my head before he uttered something lowly against my hair.

“I love you.”

I love Rhys and Adira so much *cries tears of happiness*

What did you all think about the news the Lycan Alpha had for Adira? Do you think the Crimson Pack is alive?

And what did you think about River? (He is played by Henry Cavill btw *swoons*)

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Don’t forget to leave some love for this story! I love reading your comments and reviews!