Book 2 Chapter 20
Caleb's Point of View
Well, this is turning into such a lovely day, I think to myself sarcastically. I had already been anxious to see how Daphne was going to react to seeing Alpha Noah today. I had never considered the possibility that there was any potential for anyone to find a mate at this meeting. This was not a huge social gathering, nor a ball.
Now I have a visiting Alpha that thinks Hannah is his mate. I have a ticked off Beta and his mate is acting like an overly ferocious momma bear. My mate is commanding people in a tone that is making Alpha’s bend to her will, and I have no idea how she is doing that. I have Hannah that seems both terrified and intrigued that Axle has declared she is his mate. Oh, and the really kicker to the wonderful assortment of problems I have a jealous guard, that is also another peculiar wolf. I feel a migraine coming on as I watch Brandon lead an Alpha into the warrior's quarters. This meeting is falling apart before everyone has even arrived.
"Special meeting now, before anyone else shows up or any more damage is done.” I swiftly command my family that is on the front porch. I send Brandon a mind [**k commanding his presence as soon as he has the Alpha in a room. I lead them quickly into the house and up to my office. Wolves have very sensitive hearing, but my office is soundproof. A literal bomb could go off in there and no one would hear it.
The fear and worry in me is turning to rage, and as I stomp into my office, I pick up the mug on my desk and hurl it at the wall. Watching the ceramic burst into a few shards and dust eased some of it, but also made me want to break more. I noticed everyone was inside except Brandon and the door was closed.
"Well, this is a perfect start to this visit.” I know that my voice is loud, and I am growling. “Theo how in the hell could Axle think that Hannah is his mate?” I do not give him time to answer as I continue ranting. “She is not even eighteen yet, mates cannot detect each other until they are of age. This is preposterous and unheard of.” I have been pacing behind my desk and as I turn, I catch sight of Daphne. “You, and how could you bend the will of an Alpha huh? I am one of the strongest and even I was compelled to follow your commands. Did you know that you could do that? Is this something else you have been keeping from me like your counselor?” Crap I knew I went too far when Daphne burst into tears. In fact, looking around the room I could see that my anger had gotten way out of control.
I allowed my fear for my family and my pack to cloud the way I spoke to the ones I love the most. Daphne is now in tears; Hannah looks ready to burst into tears. Theo is shaking his head at me, and Scarlett is glaring at me as if I am the lowest of traitors. Seeing the hurt I have caused them makes me instantly disgusted with myself.
I stop pacing and place both hands on my desk, taking a few deep breaths as I bow my head to them. “Guys I am sorry. I did not mean to allow my anger to get the best of me.” I look up at each of them sincerely apologizing for the way I handled the situation. “The truth is I am scared out of my mind at the moment. No one else knows about our peculiar wolves, and unfortunately there was enough weird crap that just happened that Alpha Axle or his Beta may start to question things.” Silence hung in the room as my words sank in. I watched Daphne's eyes go wide, Theo took a more defensive stance in front of Hannah, and Hannah burrowed into Scarlett's side more.
“We have never been in a position like this before. For years Theo and I have concealed the particular wolves that we have discovered. I never wanted anyone to try to get to them, to use them as weapons, or kill them for sport.” I take a ragged breath knowing that I am being completely open and vulnerable right now. “Theo, do you know of any stories of anyone being able to scent their mate before that mate was of age?” I am hoping that there can be at least one solution to my current problems.
Before he can speak Brandon quickly enters the room. I signal Daphne to mind I**k him and explain what is going on while I concentrate on Theo's answer. “I personally have never heard of it happening, but that does not mean that it has not. I will get a messenger to the elder council and see what, or any information I can get dug up.” Par usual Theo already had a plan in place.
"What if I am actually eighteen?” Hannah asks quietly. We all stare at her with questions in our eyes “I was about ten years old when you bought me, but I do not know my real birthday. I have no real memories of my parents anymore. We celebrate my birthday on the day you guys bought me, but we do not know the real day.” For a moment I am excited that we may have found at least one solution.
"Did you feel, or smell anything differently when Axle was lunging for you?” This time it was Daphne asking the question.
“Well, no but that may have been because he caught me off guard and scared me.” Hannah answers truthfully.
“He acted like an animal, and he does not deserve you.” Brandon piped in.
“Now is not the time for jealousy Brandon we have a serious situation on our hands.” Theo does not mince his words when addressing the soldier.
“Alright so solution one to the issue for now. Everyone is aware that this pack regularly buys slaves. Hannah was a bought slave, so none of our visitors know that she may not be of age since we only have an estimated age. That is how we explain that away. Brandon, you need to keep your attitude in check when addressing the visiting Alphas. It is our duty to care for them while they are here.” I watched as once again Daphne started handing out orders and making plans. Everyone was nodding in agreeance with her words. “Scarlett, Hannah, and I have a spa day tomorrow with the ladies if there is one thing that they love it is gossip. We will ensure that everyone knows that Hannah's true age is a mystery even to us.” Hannah and Scarlett nod in unison at her demands. “Theo, I want that messenger sent to the elders tonight, we do not have time to delay. In the meantime, Hannah you are not to be alone with Axle at any given moment, always have one of us with you.” Daphne turns and flashes a smile at me very pleased with herself, but all it does is remind me of the next issue we have.
"Great we have the Hannah thing covered for now. The next thing we need to discuss is you.” I point at Daphne, and she looks baffled.
“Daphne out front you managed to command two Alphas, two Betas, and a handful of stronger warriors. Only Alphas should be able to command their people, and only the strongest of Alphas can use their voice to command other Alphas.” She is looking at me with her big doe eyes and I can see the wheels turning in her head.
“I got the story for this one. So, Daphne is the daughter of an Alpha, and recently was pregnant. No one has to know that we have no idea what the sex of the baby was. Therefore, if anyone gets the balls to ask it is simple. She already has Alpha blood in her, mix that with the left-over hormones from losing the pup, and voila Alpha voice command.” Scarlett looks over at Daphne and I knew the apology that was coming. “Daphne I am so sorry that I am suggesting that we use your tragedy to get out of this mess, but Alpha Caleb is right. You should not have been able to command everyone down there like you did. I think you may have unlocked another peculiar gift.” Scarlett's voice is soft, and I know that she is uncomfortable with using the pup’s death like this.
Daphne shakes her head in agreeance although I can tell that the idea bothers her as well. “Ok we need to go back out front and put on a face that nothing is wrong. Daphne I am sorry for this love.” She smiles at me and nods. “We also need to be on high alert, and careful. Not everyone coming here is what I would consider a friend. I do not want to give anyone any ammunition that they can use against us.” My voice is clear, and my demands have been heard. I look at pride in my little family and I know that together we can make it through anything.
With a sigh I turn and head for the door. Time for the acting to really begin