The Fall Ball
Chapter 16

(Jake)

I knew she would be upset about having a bodyguard. But it’s the only way to protect her. I knew Craig was qualified for the job. He is close to her age, loves to joke, and is only serious about his job. I have no doubt he can handle her.

I also knew that I could trust him with the information about Rose rapidly healing and having an inactive wolf. He was shocked, but took in all the information. I even told him about her dream, so that he was aware of everything.

I talked with her parents for a brief while before turning around and heading back to my wing in the pack house. As I walked in I could hear shouting. Can I just come home and drift off to sleep? I think to myself. It’s late and I have a long day tomorrow.

“Mom come on, just let her stay. Dad is out and won’t see her come or go,” John says.

Ahh so that’s what this is about, Ashlee. I chuckle. I link my Luna.

“My love, he has broken the rule that I gave him. I’m downstairs. I think he needs to be taught a lesson. As the next Alpha, he needs to learn some self-control. Not everything is black and white.” I tell her.

Her soft voice came back to me, “Yes I think you are right. What do you want me to do?”

“Nothing. I am on my way up.” I reply.

I get to the top of the stairs. Elizabeth is standing in front of John refusing to let him and Ashlee into his room.

“Mom, come on let us in Dad will be back soon,” John says.

At this she smiles. “You mean like now?” she asks him.

He stiffens and his breathing increases.

Ashlee gasps. “Alpha Jake, I didn’t realize you would be so fast.” She says.

I smile at her.

“Ashlee, I do believe you have broken the rule of your punishment. You are not allowed in the pack house without my permission. So you will spend the night in a cell.” I tell her.

At this moment, two guards move from their post in the hallway and come over. They grab her arms and walk her away.

She doesn’t say anything and just cries. She knows that she deserves more than the punishment she is getting. After they are gone, I look at John.

“And for you…” I start, but take a deep breath. I want to stay calm and not let my anger towards him and his actions get the better of me.

“You cannot respect my pack house rules. That shows that you don’t respect me. I am your father and your Alpha. You are next in line to take my place, and yet you show no respect.” I say to him, watching him closely.

“You shall leave the pack house and live in the cottage. It has all the things that you shall need. And you can have whatever company you want. However, you will have no maids or cooks. You will need to do everything on your own.”

“That is where you will live until your mother and I see that you respect us and the rules that we lay out.” I tell him.

“You can’t do that; I am your son!” He screams at me.

“I can do this, as you are not respecting me and the things that I put into place. Your mother and I leave in the morning for the palace. While we are gone the guards will be aware of what is going on and will deny you access to the pack house.” I reply.

Elizabeth walks over to me. She stands at my side; she has tears in her eyes. She is always the emotional one, and I love her for it.

“We love you and want nothing but the best for you. For you to have that, you need to show that you understand that respect is not given, it is earned. And that girl is going to do nothing but bring you down.” She finishes and gives him a hug.

As she pulls away from him a guard walks up. John looks at him. The guard grabs him and escorts him out and over to the cottage.

I hug my Luna. “Come on love, let’s get to bed. We have an early morning. I am set to be at the palace by noon tomorrow. I do have some good news for you,” I tell her as we walk into our room.

“Some good news?” she asks me.

“Yep. So we will have two more people coming with us in the morning.”

“Oh, who?” she asks me with curiosity.

I smile at her. “Rose.”

“Rose will be coming with us? I love that idea! “That way we can keep an eye on her, and keep her away from Ashlee.” She smiles at me.

“Yes love, and the other person is Craig. I have assigned him as her personal bodyguard.” I tell her.

She laughs and interrupts me, “Is that what the commotion outside was? I bet she did not like that one bit.”

“No she did not,” I laugh. “But the most exciting news is yet to come.”

“I know that you love to shop. Well, sweet Rose has yet to find a dress for the ball. So I told her parents that we would get her one.” I say to her.

She squeals and gives me a hug. “It’s going to be so much fun to go dress shopping with someone else. It’s not just a ball though, it’s also the day that Rose turns 18. So I will make sure she finds the perfect dress for the occasion.” She says to me.

I smile at her. “Yes I am sure you will. Let’s get to bed before it gets any later.” We get ready for bed. And crawl under the covers.

I k**s my lovely Luna’s head and drift off to sleep.