ALPHA
Chapter 18

I awoke to the feeling of kisses being peppered across my face. The electric tingles of Rhys’ lips left in their wake traveler from my cheeks to my nose then finally my lips.

I let out a hum of contentment as I kissed him back “I could get used to being woken up like this.”

Rhys chuckled “You should because I plan on waking you up like this for the rest of our lives.”

My heart kept in my chest as the thought of spending the rest of my life with Rhys. A jolt of excitement flowed through me and I knew I was ready for whatever the future had for us. Any hesitation I had was long gone.

“I look forward to it.” I leaned up to kiss him once more then noticed the look of distress on his face “What’s wrong?” I asked.

Rhys sighed and leaned back into his side of the bed “Last night you asked me to trust you. I’ve been keeping so much bottled up but I need to finally let it out.” He turned his head to me “I need to tell you about my memories.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded “Of course Rhys. I told you, when you were ready, I’d listen.”

“I’m ready now.”

As Rhys recalled his memories based on his dreams I could feel my heart break for my mate. No one deserved to go that. No Alpha deserved to watch their pack disappear in front of their very eyes.

Rhys remembers his beta, Killian and his friend Sam but none of his other pack members. I wondered if more memories would return soon.

Seeing the anguish in Rhys’ ocean blue eyes troubled me. Everything in me wanted to take the pain away.

“I’m so sorry Rhys.” I took his hand in mine “You are so strong for handling this the way you are.” I say sincerely.

There would be no doubt that I’d be a complete mess if I lost my family like that.

“You’ve helped me Adira.” Rhys replies kissing my shoulder “If I hadn’t found you, I’m not sure what would have happened to me. In a way, I’m thankful for the loss of my memories. They led me to you, my greatest treasure. If you were the only person I could for the rest of my life I’d die a happy man.”

If I weren’t in a puddle before, I was now. When Rhys spoke so honestly and romantically, I turned to mush.

Unable to think of anything else to say I blurted out the words that had been on my lips since my revelation last night “I love you.”

Rhys’ eyes snapped to mine in disbelief “What did you just say?”

“I said I love you Rhys Carson. I love your strength and loyalty. I love your jealousy and protectiveness. I love your insanely loud snoring, yes you snore, your ability to love not only me but my sisters as well. I love-“

Before I could continue on Rhys grabbed the sides of my head and pulled me into a deep passionate kiss. We were pouring out all of our emotions with wild abandon.

“I love you too Adira” He breathes out as we pulled apart. I felt almost shy under his intense gaze. Rhys was looking at me like I was the only one in the world.

There was pure adoration in his eyes and I couldn’t look away.

“Can I take you on our date tonight? Before I proclaim my love for you anymore, I’d like to take you on a proper date.” He asks tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

“I’d like that.”

“Good.” He pecked my lips “Get some work done today and be ready my 6.”

Lucas Steele was avoiding me and doing a damn good job at it. All morning I looked for him at his usual spots, the training grounds, the kitchen, hell even Selene’s room but still no sight of my beta.

Finally fed up with searching I decided to mindlink Sel in hopes that he was with her. I sat at the edge of my office desk and waited.

“Sel.”

“Sup’ Ad?” Was her quick response.

“Your mate is avoiding me. Send him to my office will you?”

Selene’s laugh filled my head “You got it sis.”

I smiled in satisfaction. I knew that idiot was with her. Lucas should know better than to try to hide from me.

The minutes went by and soon a knock on my door and the faint scent of Lucas got my attention. I fixed my face into a serious expression. “Come in.”

I watched as Lucas slowly peeked his head into the office but never walked in “Did you need something Alpha?”

“Actually I did. We need to talk. Come in and shut the door.” I ordered and crossed my arms.

Lucas hurriedly closed the door and stood in front of me nervously. His Adam’s Apple bobbed as he gulped.

“You should know better than anyone that I hate being left in the dark. Why didn’t you think to tell me about the Lycan Alpha? You almost made me look like an idiot.” I asked.

“Ad-Alpha, I’m sorry it was stupid of me to keep something so important from you. I would never try to make you look bad.” He apologized bowing his head. I was impressed that Luc remembered not to be familiar with me in this situation. We were not best friends at the moment but Alpha and Beta. He was showing me the respect I deserved.

I could feel my lips tilt up in amusement. This was just too good.

I schooled my face once again and cleared my throat “How willing are you to earn my forgiveness?”

“I’ll do anything Alpha.”

“Good. You will be training the juvenile wolves for a week.”

“Wait what!?” Lucas’ head shot up in disbelief. Unable to contain my laughter I finally gave up on trying to stay serious.

“What the hell Ad. I seriously thought you were ticked off at me!” Lucas exclaimed softly punching my arm looking a little more relieved.

I wiped my eyes from the tears that tried to escape “I was ticked off but I understand why you did what you did. Just a little heads up next time will be great.”

“I’m sorry again Ad.” He says sheepishly before chuckling nervously scratching the back of his head “I’m glad you were joking about training the juveniles. Those pups are a nightmare.”

“Oh I wasn’t joking.” I laughed out “That’s your punishment. Now I suggest you let your mate know that you just got her a break for the next week.”

If there was one thing Selene hates more than anything, it’s training juvenile wolves. Those are the teens between the age of 13 and 18. With raging hormones and lack of discipline, it’s a real challenge for Sel to train them.

Having Lucas take the reigns for a week will be entertaining for not only me but Selene as well.

“Oh come on Ad! What about my Beta duties?” He tried to argue.

“Don’t worry I got it covered. Now come on let’s go tell Selene the good news.” I say teasingly pushing my grumbling beta towards the door.

Selene was on the training field watching her warriors spar. Her long hair was pulled in her signature ponytail and she wore a lightweight jacket over her sports bra. The sheer gleam of sweat on her body indicated she had just finished her own workout.

“Hey Sel.” I greet standing next to her.

“What’s up?” She side eyed Lucas and I and crossed her arms.

“Lucas has something to tell you.” I say shoving Lucas forward.

He glared down at me before sighing deeply “I’m going to take over your juvenile training for the week.”

Selene stares at him blankly for a moment before erupting into laughter. She clutched her stomach and bent over. I joined in as Lucas’ look of annoyance.

“Oh that’s good. Here you go Luc, you’re gonna need this.” She pulled out a black whistle from her jacket. “It’ll help keep those little demons in order...for a couple of minutes at least.”

“Thanks.” He grumbled taking the whistle in his hands.

“No, thank you. A week away from those monsters is just what I needed.” She laughs then kisses his cheek.

Lucas sullen mood lifted slightly and he pulled Selene closer to him by her waist “Give me more of those and I’ll take over training them for a month.”

Much to my disbelief, Selene let out a giggle and cuddled closer to Lucas. Mating sure must change a person because never in my 24 years of living did I ever think I’d hear my sister giggle.

Oh barf.

I scrunched up nose “Come on guys I’m still here.”

The two lovebirds didn’t seem to hear me and were lost in their own little world.

“Never thought I’d see the day Selene accepted Lucas. It’s about time.” A soft voice says from behind me.

I turned to see none other than Delilah Wilson standing with her hands clasped in front of her. Her bright red hair shined brightly in the afternoon sun.

“Councilwoman Wilson. It’s good to see you.” I greet with a smile.

“You as well Alpha. Do you mind if I steal you for a quick chat? I’ve been meaning to speak with you.” She asks tilting her head slightly.

“Of course.” I began to lead her away from the happy couple “How does a walk sound?”

“Perfect.” She replies happily.

Delilah and I walked past the training grounds and through the neighborhood of homes all in perfectly straight rows. Children ran past our legs and grown wolves greeted us with friendly smiles.

“I just wanted to apologize for my mate’s actions towards you lately.” Delilah begins breaking our moments of silence.

“It’s okay Councilwoman. I understand Abraham’s reluctancy to accept me as Alpha.” I replied as sincerely as possible. The thought of the man sent my head into an angry frenzy but I didn’t want to let his mate know that.

“It’s unacceptable Alpha. I will be speaking to him about it regardless. As my mate, he needs to support you just as I do.” She continues her gaze never wavering from the path ahead of us.

“I appreciate that Delilah.”

“You are very welcome my dear. Now how are your alpa duties faring? Are you handling it?” She asks curiously.

I chuckled lightly “Yes. I’m getting the hang of it. It has it’s difficult moments but nothing my parents didn’t train me on.”

“And your mate, the Alpha. Is he getting part of the responsibilities?”

I gulped nervously “Um no. Right now I’m the only Alpha. He has been training with Selene and the warriors.”

“Really?” She rose a perfect brow “and he has no problem with this?”

I knew the councilwoman meant well but at the moment I felt like I was being interrogated and I wasn’t happy about it.

“Of course not. Rhys wants me to be happy and being Alpha makes me happy, he has no problem only being a warrior.” I replied attempting to keep my temper in check.

“While Rhys may enjoy being merely a warrior, his wolf will not for long.” She points out.

“What do you mean?” I question.

“My dear, Rhys is an Alpha, it runs in his veins. You will not be able to keep his nature at bay for long. Just like no one would be able to keep you from being an alpha. Sooner or later, a decision must be made.” Her green eyes peered into mine “Who will be Alpha?”

I gulped and looked down, “Do you think he will be able to submit to me...if I choose to lead the pack?”

Delilah sighed deeply “That I am unsure of. Male wolves are strange creatures, predictable but strange. Your mate does care for you but an alpha wolf can only hold back who he is for so long.” She put her hands on my shoulders “When the time comes, you will make the right decision. What is best for you, your mate and most importantly, your pack.”

“Thank you Councilwoman.” I say quietly.

“Adira, you may call me Delilah. If you need anyone else to talk to, don’t hesitate to call me. Your parents have done so much for me in my life it’s only fair I return the favor to their daughter. In uncertain times like these, you never know who you can trust.”

“I don’t?” I question feeling a cloud of doubt fill my head.

“Of course not. With so many attempts to end your life, there aren’t many people you can trust right now. Remember that Adira, no one, not even those closest to you are trustworthy.”

I gulped and nodded my head. Was Delilah right? Could I really trust anyone? Even my own mate?

So many questions filled my head and I was sure I needed to sit down.

“I should be going.” I murmured feeling a headache coming on, “Thank you for speaking with me Coun-Delilah.”

“Anytime my dear. Don’t forget what I’ve told you, trust no one.” She warns.

Trust no one.

Things are getting a little spicy for Ad!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I know there wasn’t much of Rhys/Adira but we’ll get more of their cuteness in the next chapter!

Don’t forget to give some love to this chapter by commenting or giving a like! I’d really appreciate it!

Thank you to all the 13k of you who have read Alpha! I’m SO grateful for all my readers and am giving all 13k of you giant hugs!

Until next chapter!