Enjoy!

Book Twenty-Seven: The Rival Alpha

Bree rushed to Zeke's office with a smile on her face, but froze seeing him and his Beta Anthony talking.

"Bree, can I help you?"

"Sorry, Alpha, I have news about Mercedes." Bree said unable to contain her grin, it had been a few hours, surely by now they had gotten some good intel.

"Ah, we were just discussing my sister, it seems Alpha Shane is prepared to offer us a share of his land for her. Though as I told him, she isn't worth that much."

The three of them laughed as Anthony stood. "And he doesn't care that she hasn't gotten her wolf?"

Zeke smiled. "I got the impression he could care less. All he wants is for her to bear his children. He doesn't need her for anything more than that."

"As if she'd be good for anything more." Bree smirked. "It will do our pack good to get rid of her, let him give us the land, but if I were you, I would get the deal in writing, that way he can't return her when he realizes that she is worthless."

"Good idea. Anthony, send word to Shane that my sister should be back in a week and we can discuss the trade then. Having him in our pocket will ensure the counsel is on our side when I go after Evans and his land. We are growing more and we have the means to protect it. That is all."

Anthony nodded as he stood, heading off to talk to Shane's Beta. Bree moved to Zeke and sat on his lap. "What is it about your sister that has two of the strongest Alpha's, after you of course, want her."

"It's the family blood they want, they could care less about Mercedes. Just like our children, any child Mercedes bears, will be powerful."

"Unless they end up a dud like her."

Zeke sighed holding her waist. "Do you have the recording? I want to know what is going on. I don't like not knowing what is happening."

Bree nodded, pulling out her phone. As she began to play the recording, they both frowned. The more they listened the more they realized she wasn't wearing anything she took with her. They did catch the conversation with her and Stacey but that gave them no information.

Pushing Bree off of his lap he stood. "Are you kidding me with this shit! Nothing! We got nothing!"

"Zeke, baby calm down, I am sure the longer she is there we will get some kind of information. Don't worry this plan will work."

He looked at his Mate then out the window. "She had one job and even when we don't tell her what to do she screws it up. I want her gone sooner rather than later."

"You know, and I am just speaking logically, if Shane arrives the same day she returns, he can take her that same night. We just have to the Celebration but it will be worth it to be rid of her." She said moving behind him and turning him towards her.

"Make it happen." Zeke said as he looked at his mate and then back out the window. Bree smiled, hitting the intercom on Zeke's phone. Julia, an elder from the pack, came in with her daughter.

"Julia, I need you and your daughter to prepare a room for Alpha Shane. We will let you know how many guests he will bring."

"Alpha? They are returning?" Julia asked, looking at Zeke.

"Shane will be taking Mercedes, we need you to set up the going away ceremony for her as well."

"You are discarding your sister to his whim? Alpha please forgive my question, but your sister belongs here, until she has found her mate, she is meant to bring us-"

Zeke raised his hand to stop her. "It has been done, she will be their problem now."

Julia frowned, she knew that Zeke held a lot of resentment towards his sister but she never thought she would see the day he abandoned her. Julia had been the one to deliver Mercedes, had watched Zeke hold her for the first time, and saw the love for his baby sister in his eyes, But, losing their parents put a coldness in his heart, one that only grew as Mercedes did.

"Alpha if I may-"

Zeke looked at her, his eyes softening for just a moment. "Bree, did you know that when Mercedes was born, she had this aura around her, and my father told me it was my job to protect her, that she would bring honor to us, and any wolf she encounters."

"No, I didn't know, nor do I care, Zeke you aren't changing your mind are you?"

"No, I am just explaining to Julia my thoughts, don't interrupt me again." He snapped at Bree. She nodded, silently fuming inside as she noticed a small smirk on Julia's face.

Zeke sighed. "Julia, I did my part in protecting her, and now she has an Alpha interested in her. My sister, she hasn't gotten her wolf, and I know that she looks so much like our mother that you-" He stopped himself, as he felt the familiar ache, she was the spitting image of their mother, right down to her laugh. Being around her was a constant reminder of what he lost. "I believe had he known, the kind of hell she would have put us through, my father would have come to the same conclusion I have. Now I believe my Luna asked you to start the preparations. Get to it."

Julia was about to speak but thought better of it. She exited and Bree turned towards him. "You let her take too many liberties here, the Elders still should listen to you."

"Julia helped raise myself and Mercedes after we lost our parents, so she can have her opinion, but in the end as you see, she knows my word is law."

Bree was about to speak when she heard an alarm. Looking at her phone she realized that she never shut off the recording. Turning to the phone they continued to listen to the alarm.

"Is that a past alarm or real time?"

Bree looked at her phone. "Whatever is happening, is happening now."

Zeke smiled. "Well, this is an interesting development."

As the alarm blared, Sam could see that Mercedes was visibly shaken. He lifted her chin so he could see her eyes.

"It's okay, I promise it's okay, just breathe."

"Are- are we being attacked?" She asked, looking at him.

"I am not sure, Mercedes, I need to get back, and the quickest way is to turn and run. I know that was your first turn, but I need you to come with me so you will be safe."

She nodded trying to stop the inner monologue with Lilka, telling her to trust their mate. She did trust Sam.

Sam leaned in and kissed her forehead as he led them out of the waterfall. He held her hand as Magnum reached out to Lilka.

Okay Lilka, just like before, I am gonna walk you through it, feel yourself, coming forward, feel your fur, paws, you let go as Mercedes does.

Like before she transformed into her beautiful wolf. Sam didn't have time to be in awe as Magnum took over.

Follow me, and be aware of your surroundings, I am going to get you to the shed.

I want to help you, we can help

You want to help? Stay Safe.

That was more of a plea than order but Mercedes could feel Lilka's need to help, to protect him. They ran together in tandem, their paws hitting the ground causing small tremors underneath the earth. Lilka looked over at Magnum, seeing his fur rustling in the wind and felt her heart pounding. This feeling was beyond anything she'd ever felt before, finally she was able to run freely.

The distance to the shed seemed shorter than anticipated, prompting her realization that it was now necessary to part ways with Sam and Magnum.

He wasn't kidding, we are fast.

We were meant for greatness Mercedes, he seems to bring it out of us.

Looking around, it was clear a few Rogues had broken through the barrier. Magnum looked at her, head nodding towards the shed.

You will be safe there. Do not leave until I get you. Lock it.

Magnum ran off and Lilka looked after him.

Why can't I just leave him.

I know the feeling but he wants us to be safe, and we have never fought in this form before. We would only be in the way. Move before we are spotted.

Lilka sighed as she started towards the shed, but stopped sensing something.

Do you feel that?

What is that? It's like…something bad is about to happen.

Lilka's eyes darted around, taking in the shadowy figures lurking just beyond the barrier. Acting on instinct, she sprinted towards the shed as Magnum had instructed. However, before reaching safety, she felt a searing pain in her hind leg. She had been bitten. Howling out in pain, she struggled to break free from the grip of the rogue, but it only tightened its hold and began pulling her away from the shed.

Panicking, Lilka looked and met eyes with Magnum, seeing him as he fought off the rogues before he briefly tilted his head upwards letting out a loud howl. Feeling herself being drug further away and her heart racing even harder, she knew she either needed to accept her fate or try to fight.

Mercedes?

I know… but I don't know how to get out of this.

We can either fight or we can lie down and take like always.

We're not strong enough. We-

Either we fight or we die!

Lilka waited for Mercedes to reply but after a few moments she knew she had to take the reigns and right as she about to attempt an attack, she felt the pressure in leg ease before seeing a large black wolf with intense yellow eyes yanking the rogue away from her.

RUN!

Lilka didn't hesitate as she sprang up, yelping in pain but quickly running out of the reach of any other rogues. She was passed by several other wolves before reaching the shed. Panting in pain, Lilka reluctantly forced switched back to Mercedes who screamed out in pain before fainting.

Mercedes blinked, attempting to remember what happened before smelling the scent of antiseptic assaulted her senses, followed by hushed voices and she could feel someone lifting her leg. She looked around before remembering, she wasn't at her pack house- she was Alpha Sam's.

"Mercedes..." A soft voice floated over her from beside the bed, rousing her from her daze.

She turned her head to the source of that voice and found Stacey there, eyes brimming with concern and relief as she tended to Mercedes' bandaged ankle. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, strands falling onto her worried face. The overall air around Stacey was tense but composed, giving Mercedes a sense of security.

"Where's Sam?" Mercedes croaked out her first words, her throat parched and voice a mere whisper. She remembered that Alpha Sam had saved her, transforming into his wolf form in the nick of time.

Stacey's eyes flickered down momentarily before meeting Mercedes' again. "He's... He's taking care of the rogue problem. He asked us to patch you up and make sure you're alright."

A faint sense of relief washed over Mercedes. She tried to sit up but gasped in pain as a jolt shot through her leg, making her lie back down instantly.

"No, don't move," Stacey gently commanded. "You've suffered quite a severe injury. Your wolf form managed a lot of the healing, but it will still take some time."

Mercedes nodded weakly, looking down to see the bandaged limb propped up on pillows. "There was a black wolf…"

Stacey smiled, nodding. "Stevie. He was the first to come running when Sam sent the signal. He got a little banged up but he's fine."

"I should thank him… I didn't- I'm sorry." Mercedes said, feeling her heart racing.

"Hey, there's nothing to be sorry about, you didn't know that the rogues were going to attack."

"I know but I should've listened when Sa- Alpha Sam told me to go into the shed but Lilka… she didn't want to leave him alone."

Smirking, Stacey covered Mercedes' leg and walked closer. "I think that's the best reason to not feel bad. Your wolf wanted to protect your Alpha, you did nothing wrong." She reassured her. "Sam will be by to check on you and we'll have dinner sent up."

Mercedes looked at her, feeling tears burning in the back of her eyes. "I can at least help cook."

"No." A voice came from the door. Stacey looked over her shoulders, seeing her brother standing there. "Stacey, leave us."

Stacey offered Mercedes a small smile before leaving the room. Sam waited before closing the door behind him then walking to the foot of her bed. THere was a palpable silence in the air as he stood brooding before he finally took a step closer.

"Mercedes-"

"I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you, Alpha Sam. I understand if you need to punish me."

He looked at her before frowning. "And what do you suggest as suitable punishment, little wolf?"

Mercedes swallowed as she thought what Zeke would do. "A day or two without food, extra chores." She replied barely above a whisper.

Sam nodded, walking around the foot of the bed to her side. "And you deem that enough? You deem that sufficient to not listening to an Alpha's orders?" He questioned.

She bowed her head before nodding. "Yes, Alpha."

He looked at her, anger fuming deep in his core. "Look at me." He commanded, she lifted her head, her brown eyes wide with anticipation. He hated that it wasn't for something good, he wanted her to look at him like that- he stopped the thought.

"You will eat and you will rest and as your punishment you are to train with me." He said and Mercedes could see the anger in his eyes. "You will train until you can take me down in a fight. I can not have my- you will not be weak."

Well.. She's about to kick some ass!