First Love Of The Alpha
Chapter 41

Bens POV

After what happened with the club and the rogue attacks, I felt like I was starting to get an okay place with them. Myles, however, is going to take more time if he forgives me at all. He at least spoke decently towards me when Amber got through surgery. All around, I think we made more progress in one day than the whole time I’ve been home.

Landyn was right about everyone needing time. Including him after I hit Lily. I understood, but it was still hard and lonely. I knew i deserved every little bit of it.

I woke up around noon the next day, and my bite was already practically healed. It’s just more tender than anything.

I got dressed in some sweats and a hooded sweatshirt to head down for lunch. I really wasn’t trying to make any effort on how I looked.

I got down to the dining hall, and it was far more bare than usual. I saw Landyn and Conner carrying togo boxes. I didn’t see anyone else, so I’m guessing they were probably taking food up for everyone.

I wanted to know how Lily and Amber were doing. Not that I couldn’t find out in another way. I am the future alpha. I was just trying to find an excuse to talk to them.

“Hey guys, have you heard anything on how Amber and Lily are doing?”

Conner just glared at me. Landyn tried to break the tension. “Okay, Amber just woke a few minutes ago, and they’re going to work on discharging her soon so she could go back to her and Brodys’ room. Lily, however, hasn’t woken up yet. We’ve been hanging out in their room with myles playing games till she wakes. Myles didn’t want to leave her.”

“Oh well, that’s all good news. I’m glad Lily is getting rest, especially after what happened to her and the pups. They need it.”

Conner snorted. “Don’t act like you care. You hit her while she was f*****g pregnant.”

“I didn’t know she was pregnant.”

“Still doesn’t make it okay. Just like it wasn’t okay that you continued to be with Louise after she rejected me. We were supposed to be friends.”

“I didn’t know she was your fated mate till the day of the whole ice cream scene. She hid it from me.”

“But yet even after that, you stayed with her and brought her back to the pack.”

“Well, if I hadn’t, you guys wouldn’t have had the opportunity to talk now, would you?”

“Oh, stop, you know it was Louise, and Lily were the ones doing the talking.”

“Well, it opened the window for you guys to talk at the club. Did it not?”

Landyn sighed. “Okay, you guys are getting loud and making a scene. you need to find a room and work this s**t out. We’re all part of the same pack. This s**t needs fixed now.”

He gave off a slight alpha aura that startled me a bit. I must have imagined it.

Conner moved his glare from me to Landyn. With pleading eyes like he really didn’t want to sit and talk with me.

I spoke first. “I’m fine with talking this out. I want to make amends with all of you.”

Conner put his attention back at me and huffed one word. “Fine”

We started to head to an empty meeting room. Landyn went to turn back around to give us privacy, and Conner looked pissed. “Oh hell no, this was your idea. You’re going to be the buffer in case things go bad.”

He looked back and forth at us. “You’re telling me that two grown men can’t have a conversation that won’t end in a fist fight.”

Conner looked completely serious. It is rare to see that side of him. “I can’t make any promises.”

I rolled my eyes. I knew he wasn’t actually going to hit his future alpha. I probably would let him if he tried, though.

We all sat around a large table in the meeting room. Tension was thick, and the awkward silence was getting to me. So I decided to just speak first.

“Conner, I’m sorry, it was not my intention to take your fated mate away from you. I really had no idea till she told me.”

“I just feel like your apology is a little late. You could have called and talked to me instead of blind siding me and just showing up with her at your welcome home party. You even had the audacity to act like you had no idea. You made me out to be a fool, and I was stupid and embarrassed to say anything in front of all those people. I honestly should have. You knew Amber and Lily would have recognized her. I wasn’t the only one who knew who Louise was to me.”

“I know I’m sorry, I know I’ve made so many terrible mistakes. I just didn’t know what to do. My dad was set on me taking Louise as my Luna and then at last minute asked me not to bring her. I’m guessing at that point he just found out about Lily being a blessed wolf and from the royal bloodline.” I was trying to show him I was being completely genuine.

Conner looked at Landyn like he was trying to confirm what I was saying. Landyn gave him a quick nod. Which I found completely odd. How would he know.

“Ben, I understand you felt like your hands were tied. But I deserved a phone call and apology way before now. You know how my family feels about fated mates. You were supposed to be my friend. We grew up together, and I expected more from you.”

“I can’t change how i handled things or the choices I’ve made the last few years, but I’m really trying to make amends and fix things. I can’t change the actions I made. The damage is already done. I’m willing to show you that you can trust me as a friend again and be a friend you all deserve. I’m trying to own up to my s**t Conner. I know I f****d up.”

He scrunched his eyesbrow so the lines between his eyes and forehead were really distinctive. He looked at Landyn for a brief second, and then he brought his attention back to me. “I believe you’re truly sorry, but I’m going to need some time. Louise and I are talking, and I’m not so sure how she would feel about if we were to become friends again. She comes first. She’s my fated mate, and I want to make it work out.”

Part of me felt weird about them working things out. I knew they probably were with how cozy they got with each other at the club. But both my exes ending up with my friends. Life is just weird.

“I understand, Conner. I won’t come in the way of that ever again. I swear. Do what you gotta do. I just wanted you to know that I am truly sorry for my actions.”

“Okay, well, we have to head back up with this food before Myles kills us. He skipped breakfast.”

“Okay, I guess I’ll see you guys around.”

Conner nodded. yeah, see ya.”

Landyn patted my back with his hand. “It was a good start, Ben. You’re doing the right thing.”

It was weird feeling happy that Landyn seemed proud of me. He wasn’t that much older than me, but it felt good to know that he was.

I got a sandwich and chips togo and headed back upstairs. I wasn’t really feeling hungry anymore. I got to mine and my parents’ floor when I noticed my mom’s door cracked very slightly, almost unnoticeable. I went to knock to see if anyone was in there or to see if she forgot to close it.

I heard a faint voice and turned to walk back towards my room after realizing she was indeed in there. Before I took a step, I heard her say, “I know you’re the rogue king, I understand you have a certain reputation you’re trying uptain.” It got my attention fully, I couldn’t help, but be curious. Why the hell she would be talking to him.”

I pressed my ear to her door slowly so it wouldn’t make any noise or move the door at all. I knew I would only hear one end of it, but I needed to know more.

“Lily will not go without a fight. I’m not sure you can just barge in here and take her. she’s got friends and lots of them. She even has Landyn wrapped around her finger, and he has alpha b***d. Plus, he’s huge. He will protect her. They all will. I also know for a fact that Landyn can take on at least six rogues by himself, if not more. It won’t be an easy fight. You should have figured that out after yesterday.”

It got quiet. I figured she was listening to what he had to say.

“No, no, you won’t have to worry about Ben. He’s completely clueless, and he is on the outs with all of his friends. I don’t think they will ever forgive him. He actually may come in handy. He’s already hit Lily.”

The door creaked. s**t. I took off towards my room quickly before she noticed someone outside her door. I still didn’t understand why she was talking to the rogue king after what she told me about him wanting Lily. Was she trying to get rid of Lily for rejecting me. Surely, she’s not that cruel to just hand her off like that. Is she? I knew she was pissed but I didn’t think she was pissed off enough to get rid of her.

I lay in bed for hours trying to put the pieces together, and I just couldn’t make sense of it all, and what the hell did she mean about Landyn having alpha b***d. She had to of meant beta. Maybe she just misspoke, that must be it.

I got up realizing it was already past six. I decided to head down for dinner. I never touched my sandwich, and it was all mushy at this point.

When I got down, I went past Louise she was holding five or six pizza boxes and a bag of something. I wondered where she was headed. it’s not like she really has any friends here.

I stepped in the dining hall, looking around to see if I could spot Lily and them. They weren’t at their usual table in the corner. I actually didn’t spot them anywhere. The thought dawned on me that Louise was probably headed up to be with Conner, and I knew Conner was with Myles and Lily. Probably, why she had so much pizza.

I actually felt kind of jealous of Louise that they were already welcoming her so easily. I mean, why else would she be bringing them pizza and hasn’t gone back to her pack yet.

I picked at my spaghetti, taking a few bites here and there. I saw Brooke heading to my table, so I decided to bolt not really wanting to deal with that right now.

As I was walking back up to my room, another thought dawned on me that Lily might know why mom was talking to the rogue king.

I headed to the gamma and beta floor and knocked on her and Myles door. I hate how that sounded. I shrugged off the feeling and waited for them to open. It seemed like it took longer than what it should have.

When Myles opened the door, I wasn’t expecting Lily and Louise to be all cozied up in bed together. It was just weird to me and even weirder that Louise had her hand on Lily’s bare stomach. I probably looked longer than I should have. Seeing Lily’s stomach all swollen like that got me in a way. It still hurt that I wasn’t the reason she looked like that. She was seriously beautiful, though. Even more so now.

Conner broke my trance with one of his smart a*s comments. “Having a hard time with your ex groping your other ex?” Like why? He made the awkwardness so much worse. I was officially uncomfortable.

Louise made a laugh, I don’t think I’ve ever heard. “Is it always like this with you guys, like seriously. “

We all said in unison “Yes” I couldn’t help the smile that went across my face. I even saw one on Lily and Landyn. For a moment, it felt like it used to be.

Myles invited me in, and I took a seat in one of the armchairs by the fireplace. Man, it’s kind of chilly in here. I might need to start a fire.

We all sat in awkward silence for a moment before I finally spoke. “I know we agreed to wait till Amber was up to have this conversation, but can one of you tell me why my mom was just talking to the rogue king?”

Everyone stayed silent and wouldn’t look me in the eye. Lily bit her l*p, which is a tell that she does infact know something. I actually was a little annoyed that they were all hiding s**t from me. “By the silence and the tense reactions I’m picking up on, you all know exactly what I’m talking about.”

Conners face went red. He’s always the first one to break. “Damn it, does that mean Call of Duty is over with since shits about to hit the fan?”

I know he was trying to lighten the mood, but seriously. I shook my head at him. I honestly couldn’t tell if he was serious or not. But I hate feeling like everyone is keeping something from me.

I heard some whispers coming from over by the bed. Louise was saying something in Lily’s ear that she clearly thought was amusing. Then she tossed a bag of popcorn at her and giggled. I realized I wasn’t the only one staring at them at this point. Conner looked thrilled about it. They both looked at us all like we were aliens. All Lily got out was “What? We’re fast friends.” Louise put up her fist for Lily to bump, and she did so acting like it’s something they do on a regular basis.

Landyn was holding back a smirk but was clearly failing at it. He was amused with the interaction with Lily and Louise.

I kind of got pissed. ” As weird as this is for me that Lily and Louise are suddenly best friends, can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?”

They door was flung open abruptly and louise, and Lily squealed and jumped into eachothers arms. Amber stood on the other side with Brody right behind her. “Replacing me already?” She did not look thrilled by any means.

Brody shook his head. “I couldn’t stop her any longer from coming over. She was ready to see Lily hours ago. “

Lily jumped off the bed and ran towards Amber carefully, wrapping her arms around her in a hug. “I’m I’m glad you’re okay. I was so worried.”

“I’m just glad dummy over here was able to keep you slightly safe.” She scowled me. I sighed. I make two steps forward with her just to take ten steps back. She’s never going to let me live any of this down. Even if it wasn’t my fault. Well, this time, anyway.

She looked around the room. “You guys having a party without me. I least thought I would be invited over Ben.”

I saw Myles smirk slightly. “No, Lily was about to tell Ben everything.”

“Oh, goodie, I made it just in time. Who’s got the popcorn?” Louise shook the popcorn bag in the air. “Over here I got you, just warning you I stress eat and I don’t know what the hells going on and it seems like shits about to hit the fan.”

Lily covered her mouth, trying to cover up her laugh. I hate that everyone thought my confusion and agony were amusing to them. They must think I’m a joke.

I sat back in the chair and crossed my arms. Waiting for whatever laughter they had going on to stop.

Lily rolled her eyes at me. I never thought she would act like that. Especially at me. “I’m going to tell you now, just get your panties out of your a*s.”

Myles snorted out the drink that he just sipped, and Conner couldn’t contain his laughter. Why the hell did I want to be friends with them again? They were acting like children.

Lily came and sat in the chair next to me. I could tell Myles didn’t like it, and he came and sat by her legs on the floor. She rubbed her hand through his hair and her looked up at her with so much adoration and took her hand, and kissed her fingertips. They seemed to be in their own little world for a moment.

Lily looked at me, giving her undivided attention to me. “You’re right. There’s a lot that you don’t know. I need you to let me get this all out before you freak out or decide you don’t believe me, okay?”

I nodded. I mean, what else could I say or do?

I do know your mom told you about the rogue king being after me and that there holding my dad captive. I also know she told you my mom is missing, but you found out that it wasn’t true from your uncle Remi that she’s at the palace. But what you dont know is your mom tried to have my mom and your uncle killed. She was the only other person who knew they were headed to try to rescue my dad. There was a trap set up like they knew they were coming. “

The trap could have always been in place because of intruders. ” She looked annoyed at me.

“Let me finish, please. It wasn’t that kind of trap. My dad was on display for my mom. He was tied dangling to a pole, and when she approached him, he told her to run, and they knew she was coming. Your mom is under the impression that they both were killed. But really, they’ve been in hiding. If your mom was actually concerned, she would have texted your uncle, but she never did not once.”

“Okay, what else?”

“Amber heard your mom and dad talking in the Library about me and my powers i will get when i turn nineteen and the power i would give to my mate when i mark them. She was trying to convince your dad to make sure that you didn’t bring Louise. She then opened up about how she killed her own fated mate, and your dad was actually impressed by that. But she wasn’t completely honest with your dad.”

Landyn spoke up. “I think I need to share this next part.” Lily gave him a reassuring nod. which confused the hell out of me even more.

“I was born with a blessed wolf, I can hear people’s thoughts, and before you freak out for not telling you. I never told anyone till the night of your welcome home party. My parents don’t even know. I can control it for the most part when I want to. But your mom had been acting strange since we got back, so I decided to see what that was about.”

He paused for a moment, I’m guessing, to make sure I was okay. I nodded for him to keep going. I needed to know, and I trusted Landyn more than anyone.

“I heard her thinking about her fated mate and her sons.”

I took a deep breath and nodded again for him to continue.

“He was never murdered and she never killed him. He’s actually still alive. Your mom’s fated mate is the Rogue king, and she had two sons with him. The oldest one is actually the one that wants Lily for the power. But your mom was trying to let you have her first. He even went against your mom a few times trying to guarantee that one of his sons would have her instead. But what your mom wasn’t prepared for was one of the rogues that Lily and Myles killed was their youngest son, and now your mom has it out for Lily and Myles. She knows she can’t kill Lily because she’s too valuable, but she wants Myles head.”

I started to pace, and Landyn kept talking.

“We found out that once Lily is marked, the power is set to go to Myles she can’t be remarked, even if they kill Myles, no one else will get the power. If your mom finds out, we think she will go ahead and kill Lily and myles. It gets worse. The rogue king is planning on attacking the pack in November. Lily and Myles should have their power here in a week because of Lily’s birthday, which will help.”

I looked at Lily . “What is your mom doing at the palace?”

“There going to prep and plan to send warriors here and to the rogue base. They want to protect us, but they also think it would be the best time to save my dad because there won’t be as many rogues there to guard him. My mom will get back to me when they have a set plan. Im sure she’s pissed after what happened yesterday.”

“Did my mom have anything to do with yesterday?”

Landyn shook his head. “Not that I know of. She was pretty pissed at him.”

“Okay, what I’m supposed to do here. Just let them attack the pack?”

“No, my grandfather is going to be hiding with warriors. It’s the only way not to spook your mom and end this. My life will always be in danger if we don’t, and my daughter.”

She looked at me with so much fear in her eyes. Myles held her hand, trying to comfort her.

“When they learn, I won’t be useful to them anymore, and they see that I’m pregnant, they will take her, Ben. Just like they took my mom when she was pregnant with me.”

I sat back down and put my head in my hands. I felt like my world was exploding, but there was one more thing I wanted the answer to.

I looked at Landyn with pleading eyes, hoping he would tell me the truth. “Why did my mom tell the rogue king or her fated mate, whatever he is to her, that you have alpha b***d?”

Landyn looked distraught. He looked at Lily for help. So, whatever this was, it was a secret that they shared. Which pissed me off even more. I slammed my hands on the coffee table and let my alpha aura out. Everyone submitted and bared their necks to me. All except Lily and Landyn, it didn’t even affect them. “Tell me now!”

Landyn sat the edge of his seat. “My dad isn’t actually my dad. My mom had an affair with an alpha.”

“Which alpha?”

Everyone stayed quiet. Lily bit her l*p and looked extremely guilty. I was slowly putting the pieces together. He had dark hair and dark eyes. He looked exactly like my dad. How was i so blind to this. Maybe because he’s so tall, or maybe I just didn’t want to see it.

“Alpha as in my dad?”

“Yeah.”

“Does he know?”

‘No, he doesn’t, but your mom knows.”

“Of course she does.” I go from having no siblings to three brothers in one day. I guess technically, two since one is dead. But still so many damn secrets.

I got up. “I need to go for a walk.”

Lily looked panicked. “Lily, I’m not going to say anything. I just need a moment to process everything. In the end, I will always protect you and your pups.”

She nodded and slouched back in the chair. I left the room without saying another word. I slid down the door to the floor and just sat there for a moment to breathe.

I heard Louise yell. “Holy s**t Conner you weren’t kidding about s**t hitting the fan.”

I walked off to the woods for a quick run, hoping it would calm me and my wolf down. It has been raining and just smells like fall. The scent alone starts to calm me. How am i supposed to let my mom get away with this? How am I supposed to stay quiet? I know I need to trust Lily, and I know that in the end, my mom will lose her life. It just can’t be by my hands.