ALPHA
CHAPTER 26

-Adira-

If there was one thing I wasn’t expecting on this eventful day, it was Nat replaceing her mate. Judging by the look of utter shock on her face, I don’t think she was either.

As if snapping out of her daze, Nat quickly picked up her fallen clipboard and cleared her throat turning her attention back to Rhys “Let’s get this cognitive test started shall we?”

Selene and I exchanged side glances at the odd behavior from our sister. If there was anyone we were nervous about replaceing their mate, it was Natalia. She cared a lot about people and the pack, knowing she’d have to choose between Killian and her pack is going to devastate her. She had no idea he was the beta of another pack.

I could hear the intense beating of her heart as she spoke with Rhys. Nat was definetly nervous.

“Relax Nat.” I mindlink as she proceeded to ask my mate basic questions about his life.

“That’s easy for you to say, I have a stranger staring holes into my head. He won’t stop looking at me!” She replied hastily.

“Well he is your mate, Nat.” I all but laughed into the link but was only met with silence.

“I- just need time. Please just tell him I need time, Ad.” Nat says after a moment.

“Fine, I’ll help you but you know better than any of us that we can’t keep him away for long.” I warned knowing all too well that trying to stay away will be in vain. Natalia was smart enough to realize that.

“Okay Rhys, you seem perfectly fine. I’m going to ask that Ad keep an eye on you for a couple of days just in case any signs of your memory loss returns.” She was writing her notes on his file as she spoke “You’re free to go anytime. Try not to pay me anymore visits okay?” Nat cracked a smile.

Rhys returned the grin “How can I stay away from my favorite sister in law?”

“Hey!” Selene cried in mock outrage “Am I chopped liver over here?”

Nat smirked and blew her fringe out of her face “It pays to be the best Sel.”

“Oh shut up.” Sel grumbled leaning against Lucas who all but appreciated being close to her.

“Before you go Nat, I want to introduce you to some of the most important people in my life.” Rhys says before my sister could make her escape. Nat looked hesitate to stay but knew she couldn’t say no to Rhys.

“Okay.” She hugged the clipboard to her chest.

“This is Sam and Erica, they’re from my old pack.” He gestured to the two who waved at my sister. My sisters greeted them with a smile.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“And this is Killian.” Rhys began cautiously “He’s my beta and best friend. Killian, this is Natalia.”

Killian made no move towards Nat but his heated gaze even made me shift from foot to foot. I had a feeling he wanted to jump my sister right here. “It’s very nice to meet you Natalia.” Killian held his hand out for her to shake.

Nat slowly took his hand not wanting to be rude. Killian took that opportunity to kiss her knuckles gently. Nat’s mouth parted slightly in surprise before she all but snatched her hand away “Likewise Killian. I should probably go, I have my rounds to make. I’ll see you all later.” She gave Rhys a pointed look “Try to take it easy Rhys Carson.”

Without another word my sister left the room not giving Killian a second glance. Killian moved to follow Natalia only for Selene to stop him in his tracks “Whoa there wolfy, if I were you, I’d give Nat a chance to be alone. She’ll replace you when she’s ready.”

“But-”

“Selene is right Beta, my sister needs time to think. Trust me, she’ll come replace you.” I interject trying to reason with the man.

Killian clenched his jaw obviously not happy with our suggestions but nodded his head reluctantly.

I turned my attention to my mate who was studying his friend curiously, immediately he snapped his gaze to mine “We all have a lot to discuss. Let’s bring this upstairs.”

As we walked towards my office I let Rhys and his friends continue forward ahead of Selene, Lucas and I. “Selene.” I grab her arm gently halting her in her steps.

My sister rose a curious brow “What is it?”

“I want you and Lucas to keep Enzo and Gio company while I meet with Rhys’ packmates. They took time to come out here. Get them up to speed will you?” I asked looking between my Beta and Gamma.

Lucas groaned tilting his head back “No way Ad, that’s a terrible idea! You know your cousins hate me. Imagine how much more when they replace out I marked and mated with Sel! They’ll turn me into a fur rug!”

Selene and I exchanged amused glances “At least you’ll be a handsome rug.” Selene jokes earning a glare from her mate.

“Luc, the twins won’t lay a hand on you...as long as Sel says so.” I chuckled and pat his shoulder reassuringly. Though I couldn’t be too sure my cousins wouldn’t try messing with him just a little.

Selene smirked and shot a wink towards Lucas who let out a whimper of despair.

Shaking my head I jogged up to catch up to my mate and led the large group through the hallways. Once we reached the familiar wooden doors of my office I opened the door and made my way towards my chair.

Rhys kissed my forehead and leaned against my desk while his friends made themselves comfortable. I cleared my throat and interlocked my fingers together “Let’s get right to it. Something happened to my mate that night of the fire and I’d like to know what.”

“Straight to it I see.” Killian sat down on one of the chairs placed in front of my desk. Erica and Sam stood behind their Beta not wanting to move any closer than they needed to.

“I see no point in beating around the bush Beta. You’ll soon learn that about me.” I reply steadily raising a brow.

Killian smirked and leaned forward resting his elbows on his thighs “Seems like you found yourself a fiery mate Rhys. It’s nice to know you have someone who can put you in your place.”

Rhys chuckled and shook his head “You better answer her questions Kil, she’s not that very patient.”

I shot Rhys a glare only for the brute to only wink back at me. I will say, Rhys is more playful with the return of his memories. I pursed my lips and returned my attention to Killian who sighed.

“I’m not sure what Rhys remembers of that night, but the fire wasn’t what he thinks it was. The entire pack didn’t burn down merely a single home of a family who belonged to the pack. It was a distraction for the rogues that had planned an attack.” Killian rubbed his face tiredly “These weren’t any ordinary rogues, it was my uncle Victor and his followers.”

Rhys growled out angrily “Did he escape Killian?”

Killian nodded his head clenching his jaw “Your disappearance was another distraction, our attention turned to you and only you. Victor escaped easily.”

“What is your Uncle’s purpose for attacking the Crimson Pack?” I asked in confusion.

Rhys’ chest rumbled with a growl at the mention of Killian’s uncle “It’s a long story Adira. The history of our pack is not a pretty one. We are isolated for a reason.”

“If we want to figure out what happened to you Rhys, you need to tell me everything.” I urged placing a hand on his arm gently.

Rhys sighed deeply, grabbing my hand and placing a kiss on my palm. From the corner of my eye I saw Erica look away from the scene sadly. Though I didn’t like the she-wolf, I did pity her. She had a fiance who disappeared only to replace him fully mated with the person he was destined with. No matter my feelings towards her, no one deserved that.

“Many years ago when my grandfather was a young man, there was a great war. I’m sure you’ve been taught about it.” Rhys rose a brow and I racked my brain trying to recall that history lesson. Papa mentioned it vaguely saying that the Great War caused by the Crimson Pack was a long and bloody one. Almost all the packs under the Lycan Alpha, even our own, were affected.

“I remember bits and pieces...was your grandfather the reason for the war?” I nervously asked, unsure that I wanted to hear the answer.

“It was my grandfather, Lazarus Chan.” Killian interjects shamefully.

My mouth parted slightly in surprise “But wasn’t it an Alpha that led the war?”

“He was the Alpha at the time.” The Beta continues running a hand through his hair “The War was all due to my family. My grandfather got too greedy, too powerful and his mind became corrupt. He believed our pack was superior to all packs and that he should lead them all, not the Alpha Lycan. He forced our pack to join in with rogues and to wreak havoc on all our allies. Not only did he have rogues, he managed to persuade the coven of witches, Carmela, to assist him as well. The packs were outnumbered and had no power against witches. Until Rhys’ grandfather, his Beta unlike Lazarus, knew what was happening was wrong and wanted to bring the war to an end. In secret he managed to conspire against his Alpha and turned to the Lycan Alpha for help.”

“With my grandfather’s betrayal and the help of the Lycans and the rest of the packs, we were able to take back the Crimson Pack.” Rhys continued on “My grandfather soon became Alpha and banished Lazarus and all of his followers. It was decided that the Alpha Lycan would take care of the witch Carmela, to this day we don’t know where she is. The rest of Killan’s family was proven innocent and was able to live their days out in the pack. From that day on, the pack lived in shame resulting in our isolation from the rest of the world.”

“That’s terrible but what does his uncle have to do with this story?” I asked looking around the room.

“My Uncle chose to follow in Lazarus’ footsteps. He believes my father and our family have the right to the Alpha title and continuously challenged the Alpha for his position. Rhys’ father had no choice but to banish him as well. That turned out to be the biggest mistake he could ever make. It would cost him and his mate their lives.” Killian held his head down refusing to look at Rhys.

“Victor and Lazarus killed my parents Adira and have been after my head since their deaths.” Rhys says clenching his fists by his side “I have no doubt Victor had something to do with the loss of my memories.”

“That’s not all Rhys.” Sam spoke up, he and Erica had been silent this whole conversation “His rogues have kept us within our borders for the past few months. Anytime a wolf got too close to the edge they’d be attacked. We’ve been trapped.”

“How did you escape?” Rhys asks looking between his friends.

“It wasn’t easy.” Erica responds crossing her arms “We had to go one by one. I figured out their shift change and came up with a plan to allow each of us to get out of there. There’s a reason only three of us came to replace you.”

The four continued talking amongst themselves while I sat and took in all the new information. Whatever was happening with Rhys’ pack was serious and they needed help. “We need to get to your pack.” I say aloud.

Rhys turned to me with furrowed brows “What did you say?”

“Your pack needs our help Rhys, they’re being trapped within their own land and there’s no one to help them.” I rose to my feet and put a hand to his chest “Your pack needs you.”

“You can’t be serious Ad, besides this is my pack now.” He reasoned unsurely.

“But that was your home Rhys. You can’t turn your back on them.” I put a hand to his cheek smiling softly.

“I’m not leaving you Adira.” Rhys growled out leaning into my hand.

“I never said you were. I’m coming with you. Did you think I’d let you go off on a dangerous mission alone?” A smirk pulled at my lips and Rhys chuckled.

“Of course not.” He sighed “This isn’t going to be easy Adira, what has been happening may put your life and your pack in danger.”

“Don’t worry.” I reply gently “We’ll be okay.”

I brought my attention back to the other wolves in the room “We’ll leave the day after tomorrow, be prepared and get some rest, I have a feeling you’ll need it. I’ll have Selene show you where you’ll be staying.” I order towards our guests.

They all looked up at Rhys who nodded his head giving them the okay to follow my orders. They were still bonded to him and saw my mate as Alpha. I understood their hesitation to obey me.

After Selene led Rhys’ pack mates to their temporary rooms, Rhys and I decided we would retire to our bedroom where we’d have our own talk. My cousins could wait another day to speak with me.

Once we entered our room Rhys spun me around and crashed his lips to mine. Unable to resist I immediately responded and kissed him back feverishly. All the talks of war and the dangers of Killian’s uncle must have gotten to him. My mate needed a distraction.

He groaned into my mouth and I felt his hands tease at the bottom of my shirt wanting to take it off my body. His hands ran under the fabric and traveled up my stomach and cupped my breasts. I let out a mewl against his lips, feeling the pleasure cloud my mind. It was when Rhys attempted to take off my shirt that I remembered why we were here in the first place “Rhys stop.” I all but moaned.

“It doesn’t sound like you want me to stop little mate.” He growled out kissing against my neck.

I gathered all my strength and pushed him away from me “Rhys.”

Rhys sighed and ran a hand through his hair. I did my best to recuperate myself and pulled down my shirt that was bunched up under my breasts revealing parts of my bra.

Sighing I stepped back finally feeling the lust that overcame me fade away and crossed my arms “We need to talk.”

Any new theories now? What did you think about Natalia's response to replaceing her mate? What's up with all the Angelo sisters wanting to run away? haha

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to comment, leave reviews, or just say hi! I love hearing from you all!

Until next time readers!