A Secret Alpha Mate

(Jackson) I backed out of the room, I've never seen Isla act like that before. She's always managed to mostly keep it together even through the pregnancy scare with Jennifer and the challenge. I've never seen her so at a loss for words and I couldn't hell her. I felt utterly useless. I didn’t know what she needed, but 1 would respect her wishes for space. Heartbroken I walked down the hall back to the guest room to get ready. My phone was ringing, and I saw I had a few missed calls from my dad and from Abigial. I sighed this was going to be a long day and I wasn't mentally prepared to deal with any of it. My dad calls again and I reluctantly answer, craving a moment of solitude before the day begins, “Hello?” “Son, I remember the Alpha, it wasn't Benjamin.” “We already knew that, Dad." I say, slightly annoyed. “He was one of my closest friends, and- * His voice breaks, “I can't believe he's gone.” “He's been dead for years now.” I say trying to rationalize, my mind still focused on Isla “I didn't know that, I couldn't remember him, or his Luna, Lily." He falls silent for a second, “And their daughter, I can't believe he killed them all” “I don't think he killed their daughter.” I say, finally realizing what Isla must be going through, remembering her parents fa the first time in years, I wonder if she was there when they were killed, what she saw. “What do you mean?” My dad asks, “Then where is she, should we go and try to find her?” “That's not necessary,” I say, “She's with us now. Well currently in her old room, she just got all of her memories of her parents back” “50 she’s been at Silver Moon this entire time? Not able to remember who she was.” My dad asks incredulously. “Dad, it's Isla" “Isla?” The phone falls silent, “Gianna get in here’ “What is it honey?” She asks worried, “Problems with the witch again?” “No, my love. Not yet, at least. What was Alpha Anthony and Luna Lily's daughters name?” My mom pauses for a second. “Oh! I remember them, they were so lovely, what ever happened to them?” “Ill explain in a moment, my dear. Can you remember their daughters name? She was quite young the last time we saw her” “Oh, of course. It was Isla, such a sweet child, oh Goddess is she dead?” I roll my eyes, this was going to be a long day, an would have to have the same conversation over and over again. “No honey. It's our Isla, Jackson's Isla. She's Anthony and Lily's daughter” My mom doesn't say anything. “son, I'll call you back” I hang up the phone, rushing into the bathroom before anyone else can call me. Abigail called to talk to Isla as she wasn't answering her phone, 1 told her what had happened and she's on her way here. hated feeling so useless. I snuck back to the room Isla was in, her childhood room and found her asleep, curled up under the blankets, her breath still coming out unsteady. cam I need someone to stay on the Alpha floor today, preferably one of our men with experience lL bring one now, Im going to head in to take a shower Did you sleep at all? veah, 1 just slept out here, I didn’t want to risk anything happening when I was gone Did anything happen? Nothing new, we recovered the bodies of forty four people Shit some of them looked young too Were going to have to identify them, surely people would remember when someone went missing and then have a prope burial for them all Ves, Aloha Any news on the warrior we rescued? I checked on him earlier this morning, the doctor said he was stable but he's never seen anything like it before. The man has definitely aged and I don't think that will be reversed. His mate came to see him and she’s just overjoyed that he is alive. At least they're reconnected. - I sigh, I guess that is something Ill be there in ten unless you need anything else? Thats fine thanks. Lucas comes out of his room, “What's up man?” “They found forty forty bodies in the pit” Just getting into it, “I think people are getting their memories back, oh and sla an Alpha.” His eyes bug out, “The daughter of the previous Alpha and Luna of Silver Moon.” He doesn’t say anything for a minute straight, turning this new information around in his head. “How did you figure it out?” “I think her memories came back, it was like she was dreaming but this time she could remember everything when she woke up. She's had a few nightmares where she started to remember a few things when she came to Moon Stone, but but think everything has fallen in place.” He looks around, “And, where is she now?” “In her old room, down the hall” He stares at me, “Of f**k. That doesn’t sound good.” I shake my head, “Its not, she’s going through a lot, she knew she lost her parents but she had no memories of them so it wasn't as hard, now it seems she remembers her parents, and what happened the night they died.” “shit” “Abigial is on her way but she doesn’t want to talk to anyone.” “What can we do?” “I honestly have no idea, I've never seen her like this." “she’s finally mourning, man. It will take some time but all of us will be here for her” “I feel so helpless, she doesn't even want me around.” Lucas comes up and pulls me into a tight hug. “She just needs to process it, and I can fill in for her today." Lucas claps me on my back, “Thanks, man. She was supposed to watch some kids actually” Lucas groans and I laugh, “Hey, you promised.” cam comes bounding up the stairs followed by one of his warriors, “What did I miss?” He looks between us. Fill him in please, 'm going to grab some food and leave it outside the door for Isla. I want someone on this floor at all times until she comes out” I look between the three of them. “Yes, Alpha.’ The warrior says, “Let me know where you want me.’ I headed down to the kitchen and the omega’s tensed for a second before relaxing. Benjamin must have done some number on them if they were nervous every time he walked into the room. “Alpha, good morning.” Rosa walks up to me, “What can I get for you?” “Good morning, Rose.” I smile at her, “I was hoping to take a plate up to the Luna, she’s a bit under the weather today." “Of course, what can we make her?” She returns my smile, “Anything easy, I doubt she will be in the mood to eat but I want to give her the option in case.” “How about a smoothie, fresh fruit, and some bacon and scrambled eggs?” I nod, “That sounds fantastic’ “will you be joining us for breakfast?” “My Beta, Gamma and 1 will come down when I deliver her food. We can eat anything thats prepared, no need to go throu any trouble” “No trouble at all” She pauses, “And thank you for last night” I eye her, confused, “The barbecue, that was the first event that I've been to in years. I would say forever, but there used to be events back when Alpha Anthony was around.” She drops the plate she's holding and it shatters everywhere, “Oh!” “Rose? Are you okay?" I walk her towards a chair, “Alpha Anthony, and his gorgeous Luna Lily, they were so sweet, so kind. I, I-uh haven't thought about them for a while. I couldn't remember for some-" She shakes her head, “What is wrong with me?” “Nothing is wrong with you,” I sigh, we would have to explain this to everyone, people that were around for the previous Alpha and Luna, which is most of the pack it seems, would all be getting their memories back. “It's okay, Rosa” One of the younger omegas walks up and says, I remember too, I was just a kid but I haven't thought about them until today. Not since Alpha Benjamin took over” “So I'm not going crazy then?” Rosa looks around and gives a nervous laugh, I shake my head. “Okay I stand up, “Looks like I'm going to have to explain everything. Do you ladies mind summoning as many pack members as you can? I want to address everyone at the same time, an hour from now, in front of the packhouse.” “Of course, Alpha.” One of them says and the others follow her out. “But what about breakfast?” Rosa says, “Don’t worry about it, this is more important.” She nods and wipes her hands on her apron looking a bit flustered, “And Rosa?" She turns back, “Yes, Alpha?” “You're doing a fantastic job.” She smiles widely at me and blushes a bit before going back to her work. I take a small plate of things that are already made, some pastries and fruit, and a large glass of orange juice and head upstairs. I nod to the warrior, who is standing at the top of the stairs, in view of Isla’s room but far enough away to give h space. I knock lightly on the door frame, she doesn't move but I see her eyes are open. “Isla, love. It's me, I'm just going to set some food down next to you in case you get hungry. I'm going to address the pack seems they all got their memories and have a lot of questions about the Alp- er- uh- your parents.” She tenses at that, I place her food down and reach out to her, hesitating before I can make contact. “Lucas, Cam and I are going to address the pack soon, and explain what we know to them. There will be someone on this floor for your protection while I'm gone.” I couldn't tell if she was annoyed by my being there or not. “Abigial is coming here soon, she’s worried.” I pause trying to read the small part of her face that I could see, “I'll be back check on you. I place a soft kiss on the back of her head. “I love you so much, baby. We are all here for you. Link me if you need anything at all” She doesn’t say anything and it hurts me so much to leave her like that, I would be there whenever and however she needed me. I catch up with Lucas and Cam in Benjamin's office. “Alright, game plan’ I come in and address them. “How is she?” Lucas asks, “She won't talk to me." I shake my head “I can't believe it. Well, I can, she always had an Alpha aura about her. I never took her as an omega.” “I never heard you say that before.” Lucas gives him a playful glare. “You can't deny it, there is something about her” Cam retorts. “Okay” I raise my voice, “Abigial is coming here in an hour or so, we need to make sure there's a room set up for her. We'r going to address the pack in thirty minutes outside the packhouse. As you can imagine there are a lot of questions.” I hav both of their full attentions. “We have two men coming this afternoon to try to look at the computer and the safe.’ Cam raises his hand and Lucas give him a look. “Yes, Cameron?” I sigh, “Why did you raise your hand?” Lucas nudges him in the ribs. “I just wanted to add that I got in touch with someone that can help identify the bones. Hopefully see how long they hav been there so we can match them up with any missing people from this or nearby packs." “Very good, thank you. The Elder's know of the situation here too, I'm sure they will send a team out to look at it all, but I haven't heard anything from Elder john yet I rub one of my hands down my face, I was at Silver Moon for less than 24 hours and there was so much to handle. I knew it would take work and the pack wasn't in the best condition. I didn't kno it was dark magic, fourty dead, Isla’s parents, stolen memories, bad. I don't think anyone could have predicted this magnitude of events. “What do you need us to handle today?” Lucas asks, “There are a few families Isla promised to visit to extend her babysitting duties, I want you to show up and see if they're comfortable with you helping them out. Explain the situation, but they should already know after the announcement.” I wonder if Isla is okay with me telling everyone she’s the Alphas daughter, but they would probably figure it out eventual anyways. “Cam, continue training as normal, I want to have patrols around the packhouse as well as pack borders while Benjamin i on the loose.” He nods, “The rest I think we need to wait for the elders to decide what the next steps are. I'm not touchin the bodies in the tanks until a light witch can make sure its safe’ “Makes sense,” Lucas says, “What do we do with the bones after we identify them?” “I want Cam in charge of making a list of what your man finds, if he can even identify them with all the dark magic used o them. Then we can compare that to any missing pack reports, which now that I think about it, Benjamin wouldn't have frevsrg kept” I fight the urge to punch a wall, who would take over a pack just to run it into the ground? He was some kind of twisted f* and my heart breaks for all the pack members that were harmed because he wanted more power than his position allow We will get out chance at him — Flint says We already did, we should have attacked while he was on the ground I regret it too Too late now, lets just focus on the future of this pack I take a deep breath, “After that, I think I should let Isla be in charge of a memorial ceremony. A separate one from the warriors who fell protecting Benjamin at the challenge.” “We're giving them a ceremony?” Cam interrupts, looking confused. I nod. “They died protecting their Alpha and their pack. They thought what they were doing was right, I know their families woul appreciate it.” Cam gives me a short nod in understanding. “Do we hold one for the Alpha and Luna of Silver Moon, the actual ones?” So many memorials to plan. “Yes, I think it would be good for closure, but we can hold off on that one. I want to make sure Isla is in the right head space so that she can fully appreciate it and say goodbye to her parents” Thinking of all the things we had to do there w: no way we would only be here for a week like we planned, “It's looking like we're going to have to be here for longer than week. 1 sigh. “You think?” Lucas raises an eyebrow, “Three memorials” He shakes his head. “Oh yeah, Lucas, double check with the lead omega, I'll point her out to you. I want to make sure that everyone has relocated and has a space to move to. As 500n as we get the all clear from the Elder's I want construction to begin immediately on a new village for them. The best damn village they could ever think of” “Yes, sir. Il get on it after the announcement” I check my watch. “Let's head down. I hope they take this well” I knew they wouldn't but speaking it out loud gave me a glimmer of hope. I was surprised to see most of the pack already outside the packhouse, and we were early. I give them a few more minute for some more people to arrive before starting. I look at Cam and Lucas for reassurance and then start. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice, there is something serious that we want to address with the entire pack. Something that you have a right to know. Many of you might have woken up today to suddenly remember your previous Alpha and Luna, the rightful Alpha and Luna. and there's a reason for that.” I take a deep breath and go into the explanation that we knew. From what we found out from the omega village, our conversation with the witch, and the pit that we found and how it all tied together to their memories, or lacktherof. People were rightly upset to find out that there was a dark witch living so close to them, saddened to hear about the pac members bones that were found. Some loud wails, 1 assumed from people who was missing a family member, putting twe and two together. “Now, there are a lot of things that we don't know still. I wasn't around when this happened so I don't have all the answe or many of them. You all would have better recollection of the night, and 'm going to turn to you to fill in the blanks for t so we can all get some closure.” I motion to Cam. “My Gamma has someone coming to try to identify the bones so we can get a better idea of who they might have been. 0 that is done we will have a memorial for them, a separate one for the warriors who gave their life a few days ago to defer their pack, and eventually, to properly mourn Alpha Anthony and Luna Lily." The crowd was silent, heavy with the weight the information that I gave them. Many of them were crying, some holding onto each other. "However, the daughter of the Alpha and Luna has found to be alive, her memories gone too. Until today.” Silence falls ov the crowd, “She is your Luna, my mate, Isla.’ The crowd gasps. “Where is she?” Someone shouts. “She is taking some time to herself, she has just remembered who her parents are, and who she is. It's understandably hz for her and I would like everyone to respect her space for the time being” Some of them nod. “There is still much that we have to figure out and a joint pack moving forward, we are working hard to erase the negative damage that Benjamin has done over the last few years, I am happy to say that the pack is back into the rightful heir of Alpha Amos, the founder of Silver Moon.” The crowd paused before it swelled with emotion, a few claps and cheers for Isl and some more crying. It was going to be a very emotional day for all of the Silver Moon's pack members. “What can we do for them?” Lucas asks, “We will be working in the dining room for most of the day, open office. If anyone wants to come forward with informatio about any missing members in the past fourteen years, any comments, concerns, or questions going forward.” Can I say something, I have an idea, I nod once “Ill set up food in the ballroom too, all day. If anyone wants to come together to talk to each other, no one has to be alor today.’ I squeeze Lucas’ shoulder, that was a great idea. “We're sorry that all this has happened to you. If there is anything we can do for you please let us know. We will be here : day” I head back inside letting them talk amongst themselves, this information would take a while for them to process. “Ym going to make some calls, get some food here!” Lucas says, “What time are the guys coming for the computer and safe?” “Not until the afternoon, we can set up in the dining room. I'm gonna go tell Isla what is happening.” Lucas gives me a sympathetic look. “Ym gonna go speak to my warriors again, make sure they're okay." I nod. The morning goes by in a blur. I was glad that the pack members were willing to take us up on our offers. Many of the pac members met in the ball room, Lucas has breakfast catered and was on his way to help set up the taco bar he had ordere it was a nice touch and I think the pack members needed a space to talk and grieve together. Finding out that their Alpha for the past while wasn't a true Alpha, and then mourning the deception and death of the leaders they were so fond of, I can't image what they were going through. A few of them did come to see us to report a missing person or someone they thought moved but haven't heard from. Af people were curious about what was going to happen in the future with construction, and some had some requests for tt memorials. Alot of people came in to ask about Isla. I was surprised how many people remembered her as a child and were worried about her. So many people wanted to talk to her when she was up for it and asked what they could do. Someone even brought some flowers for her. Abigial showed up and hasn't been down since, I ran up to Isla before she got here just to tell her that I addressed the pa and they are ready to welcome her as not just their Luna but the heir of Silver Moon. 1 was going to wait until Abigial cam down to drop off the flowers. We were waiting on the guy to come try to get access to the lock, and waiting impatiently to see what the hacker could fir on his computer. I wasn't expecting it to be great but knowing where the pack stood so we could make a plan for the futu “Tacos are set up, I brought you a plate.” Lucas slides a heaping plate of tacos over to me, and sits down in the chair next me, “There's a few people in there now, but 1 know once word of a taco bar comes out no one will resist. You can't ignore taco bar.” He flashes me a smile. “Thanks for thinking of that, it's a great idea and I think they need a space to gather today." He nod and waves it off, “Beta duties, I think. Anyways, have you heard anything from the tech dude?” He shoves a taco ir his mouth, on cue my phone rings. “Ym done up here, Alpha, if you would like to come up when you're ready.” “Thanks. I cut the line and grab Lucas’s arm “Hey! I'm eating." “The tacos will be there, let's see what he found out.” I fight the urge to go see Isla immediately and go to Benjamin's office instead. The guy looks up and gives a small smile. “I got in the main computer, and unlocked some of the files that were closed. I haven't looked at them yet." That was a relief, at least it we had access, “Thank you so much, invoice us at Moon Stone please.” “Don’t worry about it, I owe your dad a few favors!” I raise my eyebrow “insist” “Fine, fine, but you're getting the family and friends rate.” He packs his things up and leaves. I sit down at the computer, not exactly sure what i was looking for. I start by checking his search history, and any files tha look like they could be spreadsheets. “Check that, I think it's a banking app.” Lucas points over my shoulder “F*k" I mutter under my breath Lucas takes a few steps back. “Can we afford to take on another pack?” He asks the question I was wondering since I saw the zero dollar balance. “I think we can, we can make it work. We can offer jobs to the pack members from one of our companies, we have the funds. I just wasn't expecting to take on everything without anything." I slam my hands on the desk, “f**k!” “We got this, it's going to be complicated but we have enough to cover Silver Moon until we find a way for money to be coming in here too." “You're right, it's just-" “I know, man. It's Fd up." (1sla) There's some part of me aware that someone else is here, moving around the room. I didn't feel any danger, I knew I was; in danger so 1 let them be. I felt like I could barely keep my eyes open, sleep was the only reprieve, even if temporarily from this crushing grief. I wanted my parents, I would never be able to see them again and that thought was terrible and complete. There was nothing I could do to help this pain. Soft footsteps, the smell of something familiar, I slip back into the darkness. Would I feel like this forever?