The Alpha’s Heir
Chapter 2

Stranger

*** Preston ***

I walk into the Chamber and immediately see my Alpha and his mate sitting at the back. He gives me an encouraging nod and I wish I had thought of asking him to keep Amber company. I worry about her being alone with her thoughts, especially while waiting to give her evidence. She must be feeling so nervous.

After being called to the stand, I swear to give the truth on the Sacred Scriptures of the Moon Goddess, and then I give my account of the event.

Halfway through delivering my evidence, I notice Former Gamma Ellis shaking his head at me with a sneer splashed across his face, so I pause and address the panel.

“From the look on Former Gamma Ellis’ face I would say he has an objection to something I have said, so I am going to pause while you question him about it.”

I sit back and listen to what Ellis has taken exception to.

“He says that the human was injured but if she hadn’t struggled, she wouldn’t have bumped her head and the only reason I gagged her and chained her to the metal bars was because she was making a racket and trying to escape.”

A growl escapes the Alpha and only his mate can calm him. I raise my eyebrows at Ellis, hoping he is starting to realise how much of an idiot he has been.

I provide the rest of my statement and answer the questions the panel has for me. Their last question puzzles me, and I really don’t like its insinuation.

“Beta Preston, both you and Alpha Aiden objected to the appointment of Former Gamma Ellis in the first instance. Why is that?”

“We honestly thought the Elders were being overly sentimental in appointing him. His father had been the pack Gamma Wolf and died while still in that position. Ellis is a young wolf; I had no doubt about his ability to become a worthy and able Gamma in the future, when the pack was blessed with a Luna. However, at that moment in time, he was immature, undisciplined, and ill-prepared for the pressure and authority his position bestowed on him. For me, this was an accident waiting to happen and his actions only prove that we were right to have reservations.”

As I am dismissed from the Chambers, Amber’s pain and anxiety fill my chest, so I link her to reassure her before I leave, and her warm love flows through me as she thanks me. I love her so much and I cannot wait for her to get home tonight.

A great feeling of foreboding comes over me when I leave the Chamber to head back to the pack house. Though I take a look around, I don’t see anything untoward, and in my distracted state, I almost knock over a woman who is standing nearby.

“I am so sorry, Miss. I didn’t see you there.” I apologise to her as my face turns crimson in embarrassment. I don’t recognise her. She is medium-height, blonde and plain and probably a similar age to me.

“That’s okay, Beta Preston. I was meaning to talk to you.” She holds out a hand for me to shake and my hackles stand on end.

“Who are you? What pack are you from?” Our borders are closed and trespassers from certain packs face the death penalty. This woman has no right to be here and I mean to find out what she wants.

“My name is Nikki. Tell me, how is Amber coping with having to give evidence in the trial? She must be feeling the strain with her own trial being so close?” She raises her over-plucked eyebrows and Zack wants to take control. He begins pacing and growling in my head and I find it a tad distracting.

Stop it, Zack, I command in frustration.

“Why are you here?” I ask her. I don’t know who she is, where she has come from or what she wants, but I want answers.

“I need to talk to you, Beta Preston. You see, I have the power to make Amber’s court case disappear. It all depends on what you are willing to do to secure that.”

I look at her in confusion. Who is she? How can she help Amber? Why does she want to help?

“How? And why would you do it?” I cannot help asking. I would do anything for the case to be dropped so Amber didn’t have to worry about it anymore. The thought of my mate being sent to prison or being sentenced to death fills me with a hopelessness that nothing can shift. I want to help Amber.

“I can make certain evidence disappear so there will be nothing to pin her to the crime she is guilty of.” There is something in that last sentence that creeps me out.

“Stop talking in riddles, woman, and spit out what it is you want.” She starts to laugh, biting her bottom l*p in a vain attempt to stop.

“She took something from me. Now I want something of hers, so she is punished correctly. I want you to take me as your chosen mate and reject your fated one”.

Oh, great! She is f*****g crazy!

“And why would I want to do that?” I ask her almost mockingly.

“Because she murdered my mate, and I will make sure she either rots in a prison cell for the rest of her days or she is sentenced to have her pretty little throat removed. So, if you want to spare her life, at least consider my request.”

There is no humour left in her expression now, only grim determination.

“She took my mate; I am repaying an eye for an eye. I want her mate as my justice. I will give you two nights to think it over. Meet me at the borders of our lands in two nights’ time with your answer.”

When she looks into my eyes, I notice hers are dark brown, not green and sparkling like my mates. Before I register what is happening, she smashes her lips against mine and thrusts her tongue into my mouth.

I throw her away from me angrily. “What the f**k are you doing?”

“Hurting your mate in any way I can. You can lessen her suffering, or you can make it one hundred times worse for her. Give serious thought to my… suggestion, Beta Preston. I will see you in two nights.”

Open-mouthed, I stand there in a state of dazed, confused shock as she runs away.

It takes me double the usual time to get back to the pack house and Delta Billy m0ans at me for taking so long, but I am too distracted to care.

I would do anything for Amber. I want nothing more than to secure her future for her, but I want that to be a future with me. I want her more than anything in this world.

The thought of her losing her throat or rotting away in a prison cell physically breaks me. I don’t want my Red to have to go through all that, and Nikki seems pretty sure she has the sway to have Amber convicted and punished.

So, what do I do? Accept Nikki’s offer and reject Amber, but I will know she is free and happy, or do I refuse Nikki’s offer and risk a future without Amber, a future where Amber suffers or is sentenced to death?

No matter which way I look at it, there is a very big chance that I won’t get to be with my love in the future. And without Amber, I don’t see any future at all.

*** Aiden ***

There is a short recess after Amber gives her evidence but Eva doesn’t want to move from the Chambers. Anxiety rolls off her and I don’t like it. I want her to be happy and content here with me, not worried or concerned and certainly not scared.

“Aiden, I need to speak to Ellis,” she tells me and the haunted look in her eyes breaks my heart. She hasn’t spoken to him or seen him since he abducted her, and I know she is afraid, so I don’t understand why she is asking to talk to him now.

“Why? Why would you want to talk to him? He kidnapped you, he hurt you and frightened you. Summer ended up in a stranger’s home because of him, Eva.” I know I’m starting to rant but I am outraged on her behalf, and if I’m honest, I don’t know what good can come from her facing him.

I want to protect her; it’s my job to protect her.

“Aiden, he’s a boy. I would feel guilty for the rest of my life if I didn’t try to reason with him to get him to understand why his actions affected me. They are going to sentence him to death and I do not want that on my conscience. Please, Alpha. Please let me talk to him.”

She only has to look at me and call me Alpha and I crumble. “Okay, okay! But I will be with you. I do not want him to hurt you anymore than he already has, Eva.” Goddess be damned, she is shaking her head at me.

“No, Aiden. He won’t talk freely with you there. I need to do this alone.” I let out a growl of frustration, I don’t like this one bit.

“Compromise with me, Shortie. How about we meet halfway? I will wait outside with the door open so I can come to you fast if he starts anything.” She contemplates her decision and reluctantly agrees.

I leave to arrange the meeting for her and return to find her and Amber whispering to each other. The relationship these two have built makes me so happy.

“Eva, we can go and talk to him now.” My sister shakes her head incredulously and part of me agrees with her. Ellis had his chance and he blew it.

I hold her hand until we get to his holding cell, and I k!ss her hands and tell her I will be right outside. She needs only to raise her voice or mindlink me. Roman howls and snaps unhappily. He doesn’t think this is a good idea since he can’t protect our mate from outside the room, but I need to let her do this for her own peace of mind.

As she walks into the room with the man who brought her harm, my heart rate accelerates and I know I will not know a moment’s peace until I see her safe again.

*** Eva ***

Shock washes over Ellis’ face as I walk into his room. I only realised how young he is when I saw him sitting in the Chambers.

In my mind, I have been so afraid of him and of what his actions have snowballed into, that he has become an almighty rabid werewolf, something sinister and cruel and evil.

However, now that he’s in front of me, I can see he is just a young man who made a stupid mistake. A young man who needs a firm hand and more guidance.

I continue to look over at him, noticing how young and vulnerable he looks, and yes, I’ll admit: my mothering instincts kick in. The situation remains the same as I have been too cowardly to confront him.

Until now.

Yes, he has been stupid and reckless, and he deserves punishment. However, for a young wolf like him, isn’t losing his prominent position within his pack, in such a public way, enough punishment?

“Luna, you shouldn’t be here, the Alpha won’t like it,” he tells me in rising agitation, anxiety evidently building within him.

“The Alpha knows I’m here, I asked to speak to you. Our Alpha is waiting just outside.”

His eyes widen with concern, but he sits back down and offers me the other chair.

“I should have come and spoken to you sooner, Ellis, but I was afraid.” He lifts his head so his eyes meet mine and I offer a small smile. The haunted look in his eyes tugs at my heart.

“I never wanted you to be afraid, Luna. I just wanted to give you to the Alpha so they could see I was worthy of my father’s position.” For a moment, I let that sentence sit between us.

“Ellis, I am a person, I am not something to own and to give. Surely you can see that now?” A light blush covers his cheeks, and he lowers his head. His light hair flops forward, making me think he needs a haircut. “You can’t treat others like that, Ellis. How would you like it if I gave you to a stranger?”

He mumbles something inaudible, causing my temper to flare. This boy needs a firm hand.

“Do not mumble. If you are going to talk to me, look at me and speak up so I can hear you.”

“I wouldn’t like it. I am sorry, Luna. I didn’t mean to hurt you, or your little girl.”

Happy with his apology, I nod in acceptance.

“Thank you. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me, Ellis. I just needed you to acknowledge that you did. That’s how we know you have learned from this and can be assured that you will never do anything like this again. I don’t want you to go to prison or lose your throat, but your Alpha cannot allow his wolves to run around acting as they please with no repercussions. What you did was stupid, Ellis, and as a Gamma wolf, you should have known better.”

“Yes, Luna. I see that now. I was trying so hard to prove to Alpha Aiden and Beta Preston that I was ready to take on my father’s job, but I can see now that they were right. I wasn’t ready, I was too young and foolish. My father would be ashamed of me. I know my mother is.” His shoulders slump as he takes his head into his hands.

His regret is evident now he understands why it was wrong to act the way he did. He looks like a lost little boy, not a defiant thug or a monstrous wolf I need to fear. Just a boy who made a stupid mistake. I cannot live knowing his imprisonment or loss of life is down to me.

“Change your plea. Stop this now, Ellis, accept responsibility and agree to complete the course and I will speak on your behalf. I will plead for leniency.” I hope I am getting through to him. There is very little else I can do to convince him to do the right thing, not just for me and the pack, but for himself too.

“Your Luna has shown you bravery, compassion and understanding, Ellis. At least acknowledge what she is saying to you.” I snap my head to the door to where Aiden stands. The light glowing around him makes him look like a god. His legs braced apart, his muscular and strong arms tensed but hanging by his side and his alluring green eyes full of determination. He doesn’t look at me but at Ellis.

“Yes, Alpha, sorry, Alpha,” Ellis responds immediately. “Luna, I think it may be too late, we are halfway through the trial.”

Feeling panicky, I look desperately at my mate. Surely, he can do something? He is the Alpha of this pack after all. “This is what you want, Shortie? Will this make you happy?” Aiden asks me seriously.

I nod at him. “Yes, that is what I want. I am ready to put all this behind us and move on to the future, to our future, Aiden.”

“Ellis, my recommendation to the board will be for you to be stripped of your position and for you to attend a compulsory rehabilitation course, on the basis that you change your plea to guilty, that you make a full public apology to your Luna and accept full responsibility for your actions. Do we have an agreement?” Ellis stands to take his Alpha’s hand.

“Yes Alpha, I agree, I agree with your terms.” They shake hands and Aiden turns to address me.

“Come on Shortie, we have a panel to persuade.” He takes my hand and k!sses it before pulling me from the room.

“Luna Eva. Thank you, thank you for trying to help me, and again, I am really sorry that I hurt you.”

Having faced my fears, I feel better in myself. I just hope it is isnt too late to stop the trial now.

“Sweetheart, I am so proud of the way you handled that. You are becoming a great Luna to our pack.” My face heats up at Aiden’s compliment. The worry I had that he might see me as weak or over-sentimental for wanting to help Ellis has been needless, he has been nothing but understanding.

“I feel better for having talked it through with him. In fact, if you have a little time later, I’d like to try and shift again.” He pushes me up against the wall, taking me by surprise. Desire ripples throughout my body for my mate and Lina purrs in delighted contentment when he k!sses me hard, mating his tongue with mine. His hard body presses against mine and my b***d burns as if it is on fire as it pumps through my veins, making me feel feverish with yearning for him.

“To be continued, my Luna. We have a mission to complete first, but goddess be damned, you get se*xier and se*xier by the minute.” I laugh as I jog away from him and his teasing.

Aiden tells the panel he needs to speak to them, and I am so glad he is on my side and taking charge once again.

“Alpha Aiden, the panel is about to resume and complete the trial, can this wait?” Aiden shakes his head at them, and I admire his nerve and his tenacity. He is the ultimate leader.

Pride bubbles up in my tummy as he takes control. I still cannot believe he is all mine.

“It would please me and your Luna if you would hear us out. We do not wish to proceed with the trial. Former Gamma Ellis has agreed to change his plea, make a formal public apology and attend the rehabilitation course. He will, of course, be stripped of his status too.”

The panel members all start to mutter between themselves but Aiden doesn’t stop.

“There is no need to continue with the trial. However, if he steps out of line again, he is all yours.”

The panel looks flustered as they ask for a few minutes’ privacy so they may discuss the best course of action. Aiden scowls at them but I pull him from the Chamber and out into the lobby to await their decision.

If you shift, will you finally agree to a Mating Ceremony Eva? He is asking through mindlink because he doesn’t want others to overhear. I love this man, I love him like I have never loved another man ever before… but a Mating Ceremony sounds very similar to a wedding and my last marriage still leaves a disgusting taste in my mouth.

One thing at a time, Alpha, one thing at a time.

*** Xavier ***

My son is still in my dungeon, but if I want my mate to forgive me, I will have to release him soon. She is still frosty towards me because of my secret child, but is more forgiving now she knows the child was conceived before we were mates.

I love my Lydia; she is a beautiful and strong woman, but forgiveness has never been a strong point of hers. I had always admired that trait in her until I was the one in need of forgiveness.

However, I am determined to learn my lesson from the mistakes I made with my daughter. I want Lydia to forgive and trust me and I therefore need to show her that I regret how I acted. So, as much as I want Lydia to forgive me, I need to do what is right, not what I want for my own means.

Junior is in shit up to his eyeballs this time and I still don’t know the full extent of his involvement in the Mafia’s business. All I know is he is involved enough that we are all in danger now. The Mafia always exact their revenge and Junior is a fool to think he could mess with them and not be in danger.

The boy is sheer arrogance personified. He told me that the Mafia would never know about his involvement because he and the woman he helped are in love. He is twenty-five years old and he still runs around like a hapless teenager, but this time, it’s gone too far. This time he is in over his head, and he is bringing the rest of us down with him.

I march downstairs into the dungeons to where he is being housed. I can hear tapping coming from his holding cell and when I approach, he looks at me in feigned shock.

“Surely, Alpha Xavier Woodward hasn’t come down into the dungeons to see his only legitimately born son! Well, I am honoured to finally be graced with your presence, father, and to what do I owe this pleasure?”

He clasps his hands together in mock glee and I want to turn right around and walk away from him. I want to wipe my hands clean of him and his sarcastic attitude.

“You haven’t given a shit about me since you found that stupid bitch. You haven’t bothered to check on me or see me. SIX F*****G WEEKS YOU’VE LEFT ME TO ROT DOWN HERE.”

“And I will leave you another six f*****g weeks if you carry on acting like you are. Don’t forget, son… I am your Alpha, and you will respect that.” He sneers at me at first, but then it develops into a laugh, an unsettling laugh that curdles the contents of my stomach.

“Listen to me, old man. You are the one who has kept me in a cell because you are afraid of me. I ensured the most powerful don in this country was poisoned to death. ME! You carry on, old man, and I’ll f*****g poison you too and that f*****g whore who thinks she is worthy of calling herself my sister.”

A red mist descends on me. He might be my son, but he will not speak about my little girl like that. “I will rip your sorry pathetic body to pieces if you ever, ever speak about her like that again. She is my daughter, your sister. She is my Heir, not you.”

My wolf, Ace, tries to take control, but Junior has already submitted. He cowers on the floor, trembling, and I step back from the bars.

“Don’t ever forget who is in charge around here, son. I love you but if you continue to put the pack at risk and openly disrespect me, I will take your f*****g throat myself.”

Before I say or do something I will regret, I walk away from my son

*** Alejandro ***

After leaving Sal at Paloma Azul, I go to my father’s office to meet him and my older brother Matteo to discuss Jose’s death. I have a feeling my father will know about Jose’s mistress, and I intend on pressing him for as much information as I can.

Laughter carries out from the office into the lobby and everything seems jovial, and I don’t have to wait long to find out why. They both turn as I stride over, and my father greets me with the happy news.

“Ale, there you are! Matteo has some great news: Elena is pregnant, the family is growing again!” Instinctively, I plaster a massive smile on my face. I’m happy for my brother and his wife, but it’s fresh off the back of the disappointment me and Sal suffered this morning.

For Salma’s sake, I put a brave face on but I am full of disappointment that we aren’t expecting yet. I spend my time reassuring Sal that it will happen and that it takes time, but deep down, I worry it’s not going to happen for us. How can I say that to her? I need to be strong for her, and she needs something to focus on, a distraction to keep her positive. A part of being a man in the Mafia is being strong, and right now I need to svck it up, if not for myself, then for Sal.

“Congratulations, brother, I didn’t know you were trying for a baby, but this is wonderful news… we should celebrate!” Although I try to keep my voice upbeat, I sound false even to my own ears.

“We weren’t trying, Elena is livid,” he tells me through his laughter. “She has cried non-stop about her figure being ruined and having to cancel our holiday. What can I say? I have super s***m.”

My father claps him on the back as he laughs. “The Suarez family keeps growing, Lucia told your Mami she wants another baby soon too.” F**k, there is no escaping it, my siblings are spitting babies out left, right and centre and I want in on the action.

“When is the baby due, Matteo?”

He looks at me, baffled by my question. “I haven’t a clue, Ale, you ask the weirdest questions!”

Inside I am screaming but I laugh with them, wanting to change the subject.

“Well, congratulations, I’m really happy for you. However, I am sorry, but I have to be a party pooper because I need to talk to you both. This was left at Paloma Azul a few hours ago.” I place the box with the photographs on the table in front of my father. His face quickly changes from laughter to anger as he looks through them.

“Alejandro, this is your home. How did they get so close? Who the f**k is threatening us?” My father is up out of his chair and in an obvious rage. My brother takes the box and looks through it too.

“What does this mean, Papa? Who would want to harm Alejandro and Salma? Is this linked to what happened to Jose?” Matteo asked, but my father shakes his head.

“Salma thinks it’s linked to her father’s death. She believes her father’s mistress might know something… or even Jose’s bastard son.”

It is evident from the looks on their faces who knows something and who doesn’t.

“And from the look on your face, Papa, I can tell you know about this, don’t you? You know why Jose wanted me to marry Salma and lead the firm and it wasn’t just because she’s a woman. He has a son that could challenge us, doesn’t he? Jose’s bastard son has a better claim to this firm than Sal and I do.” My own indignation is growing. Why didn’t they tell me in full so I knew what I would be getting into? Salma is at risk!

“We worried you wouldn’t want to do it if you knew about the threat. Look, Jose loves his son, but he is illegitimate. Sal has trained for this her whole life. She was the right person and with you by her side, we didn’t think anyone would pose much of an argument.”

He pauses to take a sip of his water before continuing.

“Dominga has obviously not taken this as well as we thought she would. We can’t rule her out of being responsible for poisoning Jose. I’m sure Jose would have mentioned that he wanted Salma to marry someone influential and Dominga would be an idiot to not realise why.” My father trails off, deep in thought.

“So, what do we do? I do not want my Sal anywhere near the apartment, or Paloma Azul if I can help it. I will f*****g murder anyone who hurts her.”

Matteo and my father stand over me trying to calm me down. “Ale, Ale! Stop, Salma is family now. We will not let anyone harm her. You will both have to move in with your Mami and I. Salma will have to appoint a manager at the club until we can establish who dropped this box off and if there is still a threat.”

My brother smiles at me, and I wonder why. “Little brother, I can see now that you love her, don’t you? I did wonder if some of this was for show, but I was wrong. You are madly and deeply in love with her. It’s not just about the Mafia or power.”

With passion bursting from my chest, I smile back at my brother. “It’s never been just about the Mafia. I wanted her from that moment I saw her sitting on the sofa with Lucia’s baby in her arms. I fell in love with her when she tripped down the stairs and I caught her. It consumed me when she turned down her father’s proposition. All I hoped for was her to give me a chance, and now she is mine and I will never let her go. No one will ever take her away or hurt her, not while I have air in my lungs.”

“That settles it then. I don’t know anything about Jose’s son, but I have met Dominga a couple of times. I know what family she is from, and I can arrange a meeting between them and us and establish if Dominga is involved. Until then, you and Sal will stay with us,” my father instructs me with a firm nod.

With both him and Matteo on my side, I know I have a better chance of helping Salma eradicate this threat. I won’t let her down.

*** Amber ***

The trial has been postponed and I don’t know why. After looking for Aiden and Eva, and not finding them, I make my way back to the pack house, alone, to find Preston.

When I gave my evidence earlier, a moment of pain twisted deep inside me. Even Lizzie felt it and we did not like it. Since then, I need my mate, I need his closeness, his embrace, his touch.

When I walk into our apartment, my gorgeous mate is sitting waiting for me. The room is dark except for the candles which flicker, giving out a soft, sensual light. Preston is sitting on a stool, and I can hardly contain my glee.

He’s dressed up as a fireman. Vague memories of telling Preston about my ultimate fantasy come rolling back: for a buff and burly fireman to seduce me, and he has obviously gone behind my back to make my dreams come true.

“Lieutenant Amber Goldrick, I heard you had a fire that needs putting out.” I giggle and cover my face.

“Oh, my Goddess! Preston! I can’t believe you did this. I love it.” He stands up and twirls for me. He is the finest specimen of a man I have ever seen. He has the jacket and trousers and even the suspenders holding them in place. Big black boots and a fireman’s helmet complete the look, his toned abs stand out prominently and I want to run my tongue all over him.

“I thought I could give my girl a little treat after a hard day, so let me get out my hose and give you a dousing!” We both laugh at his joke, and it’s enough to feel free, and light and loved. All thoughts of the horrible feeling I had earlier float away.

He sits me in the chair and seductively dances for me as he slowly strips off his clothing. I squeeze my legs together, craving the friction of my damp panties against my we*t pvssy. The heat rises within me as Preston rips the trousers off himself.

I can’t take it anymore. His long and meaty d!ck stands to attention and I caress it slowly. My mate shudders as I do it. I love the silky, hot, and hard feel of him in my hand. When I see a tiny dew drop of precum on the tip of his head, I drop to my knees and slurp it all up, teasing him at first, just taking the tip of him in my mouth and then l!cking all the way down his shaft and back up again.

I keep repeating the motion, taking a bit more of him into my mouth until finally he is hitting the back of my throat. I cup his balls and he gr0ans as he threads his fingers through my hair, holding me in place.

As I pleasure my man with my mouth and hands, I become his goddess and I’ve never felt as powerful. The act of making him feel amazing makes me feel invincible.

Preston f***s my mouth, gr0aning, and shouts, “F**k, yes.” With a final thrust and growl, he comes, ribbons of hot, pearlescent fluid shoot from him and onto my tongue, and I l!ck up every drop. He shudders and gasps with sheer pleasure and I love it. I did that.

“Red, I was supposed to be making you feel good, not the other way around.” Climbing up on top of him so I can straddle him, I crave being close to him.

“It feels good for me to give you pleasure too. I love making you come. It makes me feel powerful. But now I need you, I am ready to explode all over you.” He chuckles at my enthusiastic honesty.

“Oh, so you do need a fire putting out,” he teases while slowly removing my top and bra. “I am going to stoke the fire first, Red. I’m going to cause an inferno right here inside you.”

Overcome with need, I smash my mouth into his. My own need takes control. I love this man, I love him with every fibre of my being and I want to be doing this with him and only him for the rest of my life.