The Alpha's Slave Mate

Daphne's Point of View

Shortly after we left Caleb's office, we were informed that more visitors were arriving. I quickly grabbed a bottle of water from the kitchen before once again joining my family on the front steps. While we patiently waited, I was lost in thought over everything that has happened. While I had been worried about saying something that would embarrass Caleb or the pack, I had never considered the possibility of our peculiar wolves being discovered. I had a newfound respect for Theo and Caleb for being able to hide them so effectively for so long.

I was also worried about Hannah. Could Axle really be her mate? If he is does that mean that she would be leaving to live with him? I was not prepared to lose yet another friend. Although I know that we would still see each other on occasion I was not prepared for her to live so far away. I also worried and wondered how that would work with her peculiar abilities as well. Would she eventually divulge the information to Axle, or would she choose to hide it?

These thoughts had me so preoccupied that I was not even paying attention to the three vehicles that were pulling into the drive, at least not until Luna Lola's voice broke through my daze.

“Luna Daphne, I have missed you so much. Oh, you look gorgeous.” She quickly ran up the steps and enveloped me in a huge hug. Luna Lola and I had met previously at the Mabon Ball. I was used to her fiery spirit, and natural loudness. She was a bubbly, passionate person, and I liked her very much.

I glanced over to Caleb who was welcoming Alpha Marcus. I knew that they were close friends, and I was happy to see them here. It took me a moment to realize that there were other people pouring out of the vehicles behind them.

“Luna Lola it is so good to see you. Who are the people you have brought with you?” I can not contain my curiosity.

“Well actually that is a conversation I need to have with you Alpha Caleb.” I was surprised that it was Alpha Marcus answering my question. Caleb looks at him questioning what is going on

Out of the second vehicle I watched two younger guys and one female exit. In the third vehicle there was another girl, and in the backseat, there were two young children. “What is going on?” When no one started talking I decided to flat out ask.

“Perhaps we should go into the kitchen?” Alpha Marcus stated. “It has been a mild trip, but I am sure the little ones are hungry.” He is practically pleading with Caleb. I have no idea what is going on, but whatever it is both Marcus and Lola are stressed. Caleb nodded in agreeance with his request.

“Brandon get a few other warriors to give you a hand. We may need to open a few more rooms in the house. Make sure that everyone's stuff is put into adjoining rooms please.” Brandon shakes his head in acceptance to Caleb's words, as we all file into the house. Theo was a gentleman holding the door, as Scarlett and I went ahead to start pulling out some snacks, as well as tea and juices. We quickly got the younger kids, and teenagers situated at the main table with a vegetable snack tray, with cheese and fruit as well. Then us adults gathered around the kitchen bar.

“So, did you two adopt some pups or what? None of those kids looks to be of age so I doubt that you have brought warriors with you.” Caleb does not mince any words.

“Caleb you and I have had an alliance for many years. I consider you not only an ally but a good friend. You, me and Theo have raised some hell in our day.” Marcus takes a deep breath, and I watch Lola gently rub his back for comfort. “I need a vow from you that what I am about to tell you stays right here within our circle. Hannah, I apologize but I am going to have to ask you to join the other teenagers at the table.” Hannah pouts but complies with his request.

“I vow to you that you have our silence, as well as our loyalty.” Caleb reassures Marcus.

"About a month ago we were having some issues with rogues. They kept attacking our south border. It was not that big of a deal, my warriors handled it quickly.” Marcus shrugs his shoulder to show that it really did not affect him. “I truly did not think anything about it, other than it was an annoyance. Then there was a night that they tried penetrating both my southern border, as well as the eastern border. My temper flared and I sent my hunters out to eliminate the rogue cell.” Marcus's breathing has changed, and he keeps glancing at Lola who is silently reassuring him. “Up until this point I had no reason to suspect that this would be anything other than a normal raid, and elimination of a rogue cell unit. Unfortunately, my hunters came back and told me that they could not find the cell, which as you know I have some of the best trackers known to our world.” Caleb shakes his head in agreeance with Marcus. “For about a week everything was quiet, then they attacks started happening again. This time I decided to head out with my hunters, and my trackers.” Marcus again looks to Lola for reassurance. “I finally located them about seven miles off my southern border.”

"What does this have to do with the children you brought with you though?” Scarlett asks curiously. “I am getting there, but it is important for you to know everything.” Marcus calmly explains. “When I came across the cell, I wanted to confirm that it was the one attacking our borders. This rogue cell was bigger than what I normally encounter, and there were some really strange things going on.” "What kind of strange things?” This time it was Theo being impatient.

"Again, I am getting to that. For one I found them entirely by accident. They had no scent, as in none.” Marcus carefully looks at each of us as we silent register this information. “The next thing that I found strange was that there were a lot of younger wolves. The straw that really shook me though is the twins in there.” He quickly gestured toward the dining area, and his voice drops an octave. “When I first arrived, the twins were literal babies, like young infants. When we made our presence known they grew into toddlers that could magically walk.” Marcus whispers the last part. "Was there a witch amongst the rogue cell?” Theo is seeking a scientific explanation of everything. “No Theo not that we could see. Their warriors offered little resistance and we quickly dispatched them, but as you know I do not harm children at all. The two older boys of the group at Liam and Scott they were quick to inform us that the cell that we eliminated were kidnappers. The reason for the many children is that they were being snatched from packs. Unfortunately, Liam and Scott were taken when they were younger, and they do not know what pack they used to belong to. The cell was intent on raising them to be warriors. There were three additional pups that we have already located their packs, and they have been returned home. The girl that was with Liam and Scott is called Maria. She only remembers that her pack was near mountains.” Marcus sighs deeply. I can tell that mentally he is exhausted.

“The other young woman that was driving the twins is named Isabella.” Lola starts to take over for Marcus. “The reason why Marcus is scared to tell you about her is”

“It is because I am a witch.” We all turned quickly at the voice in the doorway. We had been so wrapped up in the tale that Marcus was telling us that we had not noticed the children had shuffled near the door. When she noticed all eyes on her she continued her story. “I guess technically I am a witch hybrid because I also have a wolf. Alpha is scared to tell you about me because I had a vision from the Goddess herself.” She pauses and looks directly at me.

"What was your vision about?” I find myself asking her.

“She told me to find you. That you would be able to help train me and help me harness my powers. She told me to tell you to have faith, that she has great plans for you.” Isabella stated in a matter- of-fact tone.

"What about the twins?” Caleb was wondering. Upon mention of the twins a tear fell from Isabella's eyes.

“Their names are Savannah, and Bryson. They are now orphans.” She stated plainly.

"How do you know that they are orphans?” Scarlett asks her.

“The rogues took me when I was five. They did not know at the time that I was a hybrid, I barely knew it myself. Once they discovered that I had other powers they tried to use me as a weapon. I have not had any proper training though, so everything that I do know how to do I have learned on my own. When I learned how to mask our scent, they became more effective at snatching children.” Isabella looks down with regret. “Please understand that I did not have a choice.” She hastily gets out. “If I did not help, they beat us more, or starved us.” The tears that had been pooling were now falling down the young girl's face.

"Plus, they used to threaten us girls that they would turn us into breeders.” Maria spoke up.

"What is a breeder?” I ask confused at the terminology.

“The leader, Skylar said that he would use his strongest rogues to mate with us and force us to bear him a rogue army so that he can take back the lands that should belong to him.” Maria explained to me.

“The twins are my siblings. When the rogue pack heard that my mother had birthed more children, they figured if one witch could help then several would make them unstoppable. This time though my father woke up as they were attempting to snatch the babies from the crib. I watched them slaughter my parents and I could do nothing to stop them.” At this point Isabella broke into heart wrenching sobs. I quickly ran to her, and wrapper her in my arms, allowing her to cry into my torso. “Caleb this is why I brought them to you. Lola and I have decided to take in Liam, Scott, and Maria indefinitely or until they remember their pack. After Isabella's vision I knew that I needed to come and speak with you. Now since I was the Alpha that found them, they are my responsibility. I am asking you though if you would like to adopt them into your pack?” Marcus's voice was both nervous and oddly calm as well.

Caleb did not even have to consult with me, I knew that he was going to say yes. “Who am I to go against the Goddess? Nor would I ever dream of splitting up siblings. Isabella I always give everyone the choice though and now I present you with the option as well. Since you are the only living relative to your younger siblings you would need to make the choice for them as well. You have two options at the moment, you may stay with Alpha Marcus, or you may join us and be members of the Blue Mountain pack.” Caleb offers her the choice.

Isabella pulls away from me slightly and looks up into my eyes. “Is he kind?” She asks me timidly. "Yes child, he is the kindest man I have ever known.” I answer her truthfully.

"Yes, we would like to stay here. I can clean and take care of the twins I swear they will not be a bother.” I admire the fire in Isabella.

“While I appreciate the gesture, the answer is a flat no on caring for your siblings. That is not the kind of pack we are Isabella. You are still a child. You will attend school, as well as training. Do not worry about the twins, we have several families that would love to help raise your brother and sister. We work together as a pack here. For now, you all will stay here in the pack house. I will get a few of our day care workers to help with the twins. I would also like our pack doctor to look over all of you to ensure that you are all healthy.” Caleb's voice is full of warmth, and I was proud of how he handled the situation.

I peeked outside and seen that the catering company was here. “Alright now that we have that settled, how about everyone go check out their rooms, and wash up.” I clap my hands together ushering everyone upstairs. “Hannah can you please help out with the twins? I will get ahold of Mavin and see if she can help out soon.” Hannah shakes her head yes and helps get everyone upstairs.

Today has certainly taken a lot of twists that none of us were expecting.