Alpha Prime: Her Retribution

Chapter Thirty

I had killed a man… I had an innocent man's blood on my hands.

I was crouched at the corner of my room, unable to fully sit or relax. Time seemed to crawl as I waited for Liam to come, the phone clutched in my hands.

Tears gathered in my eyes, my breathing ragged.

“Addie?”

I bolted up, rushing to the door and swinging it open. Liam stood outside my room, his eyes wide with worry. I threw myself onto him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders, face buried into his neck, my entire frame shaking.

“Oh Liam… Liam, it was horrible.” I cried out, sobs racking my body.

“Hey… it's going to be fine.”

He sat me down on the chair, closing the door behind us and kneeling on the floor, lacing our fingers together.

“Let's start from the beginning, what happened?”

I sniffed back tears.

“E-everything was going as p-planned. We had arrived at the Square, we were on stage, Jacob was giving his speech and then…” flashbacks of what happened filled my vision and I let out a whimper.

“An innocent man died, Liam. His blood is on my hands, oh Eda… I didn't mean for this to happen.” I cried out.

“Hey… shhh.” He shushed me, grabbing my hand and leading me to the bathroom. He blasted the shower before turning to me. “There are guards all over the house.”

“The sniper shot the wrong person?” He inquired. I wrapped my arms around my waist and shook my head.

“N-no, h-he aimed at Jacob but Jacob was so f-fast and he dodged all the bullets, and one of them ended up h-hitting one of Jacob's security details in the head.” my voice shook. “H-he was d-dead before he hit the ground.”

“f**k. I’m so sorry you had to see that Addie.” He pulled me into a hug and I cried into his chest, leaving wet spots on his shirt.

“I killed him, Liam, he’s dead because of me.”

“Stop saying that.” Liam growled, cupping my face. “Your intended target was Jacob, not an innocent man, you didn't pull the trigger.”

I shook my head, tears rolling down my cheeks.

“I might as well have.”

“Ade… Where's Jacob now?” He asked.

“He's back there.” I whispered.

“Have you called Adlartok?”

I shook my head.

“Call him.” He instructed, handing me my phone. I nodded, blinking back the tears.

“W-what if he doesn't answer?”

“Then I'll be on the next flight to Antarctica, I'm not going to let the asshole throw you under the bus.” He snarled.

I dialled the number and held the phone to my ear.

Please answer

Please answer

Just when I thought the line was about to go dead, I heard his voice.

“Adelaide, how are you?”

Relief filled my body and I almost sank to the floor.

“Adlartok… I…” my voice broke.

“It's alright Adelaide, we will try again, no need to worry.” He replied, I shook my head.

“N-no…”

“Don't tell me you're going back on our arrangement Adelaide, remember what he did to your pack?” He said, his voice sounding threatening.

“No… I… a man died Adlartok, an innocent man was killed. I just…”

He let out a sigh

“No battle was won without a few casualties, Adelaide.” He replied. My brows knitted together as the callousness of his words.

“He didn't deserve to die Adlartok. I don't want an innocent man’s blood on my hands.”

“You still have much to learn about our world Adelaide, people die everyday, the faster you get used to it, the easier it would be for you. As for the sniper, don't worry about him, he won't be traced to you, Nanook took care of it. We will talk at a better time, take care of yourself.”

With that he ended the call, leaving me reeling from his tone.

“So? What did he say?” Liam asked stepping forward. I opened my lips but nothing came out.

“Addie? What's wrong?” He cupped my face.

“I… I think I made the biggest mistake in my life and now I have to deal with the consequences.” I whispered, crying into his chest.

“s**t Addie, it's going to be fine. I promise, everything is going to be fine.” He whispered into my hair. I held onto him, desperately wishing his words to be true.

****************** ********************* *******************

Liam left an hour later and I was left pacing my room, unable to sit or concentrate. The guilt of the man's death and my fear of Jacob discovering my involvement in the assassination attempt sent me into panic.

I was currently seated in the foyer, my hands clutching the throw blanket as I waited for Jacob.

After was seemed like hours, the door opened and he stepped in, his phone pressed against his ear. I shot up and he glanced at me, confused.

“Yes, make sure you get that done. Good night.” He ended the call and turned to me. “What are you doing down here?”

He walked over to me, his eyes looking me over.

“I… um… I… just… were you able to c-capture the person?” I asked. His eyes darkened at my question.

“No, not yet but the town is under lock down the moment you left, so he will be fished out and once he has been interrogated and I find out who else was behind this, I will make them all wish for death.” He said, his voice becoming deeper, huskier, a telltale of his beast wanting to come out.

But that was the least of my worries.

“Y-you think there are others involved?” I barely hid the trembling in my voice.

“Yes, no one in their right senses would try an assassination attempt on me unless they are backed by someone very powerful.” He muttered, I could see the gears in his head turning, his eyes narrowing as he looked me over.

He raised a hand and I closed my eyes, my heart beating wildly. I felt him flick something off my neck and I opened my eyes to see him holding what looked like…

I clasped a hand over my mouth, fighting the nausea. Some remains of the man were still on me.

“I-I’m going to take a shower.” I whimpered, fighting the urge to throw up as I rushed past him up to my room. I slammed the door shut and ran into the bathroom, stripping my clothes and stepping into the shower. I scrubbed my hair vigorously, doing the same to my body.

By the time I emerged, my skin was an angry red. I walked over to the couch and sank into it, pulling my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around myself as I stared off in the distance, my mind a chaotic mess.

****************** ******************* *****************

I was standing next to Jacob as he made his speech, staring at the crowd before glancing at the surrounding buildings, waiting for the shot that would free me from Jacob and avenge Silverstone.

Three bullets sailed through the air and I held my breath waiting for them to pierce Jacob instead they hit a blonde haired man… pandemonium ensued, people running helter skelter yet I remained in my position, frozen. There was something familiar about the man laying face down on the stage, blood pooling around him.

I swallowed the ball of nerves and walked slowly to the body, kneeling down, I placed a shaking hand to the dead man's shoulder and rolled him over. The screams that left my lips were inhuman even to my own ears.

***************** ******************** ******************

I jolted awake, my haggard breathing filled the room as I looked around, eyes wide, heart slamming against my chest. I reached my phone, dialling the last number I had called.

He answered, his voice groggy and sleep filled.

“L-Liam?”

“Yeah, are you okay? What's wrong?” He asked, yawning slightly.

“I-I had a bad dream, you were hurt.” I whispered. “It felt so real.”

“I'm fine, it's just a dream Addie.” He replied assuring me.

“But it felt so real Lili.”

“It's probably a reaction from all the emotional trauma you went through, I'll come see you tomorrow, okay?”

I nod.

“Okay… can you stay on the phone with me until I go to sleep?” I inquired.

“Just like old times huh?” He asked, referencing to the times when he was away from Ridgeway Valley and I had to call him at odd hours of the night when I had a nightmare.

“Yeah.”

I curled up on bed, the phone pressed to my ear, listening to his breathing and the steady thumping of his heart as I finally drifted off.

*************** ***************** *****************

“Oh Ms Adelaide! I heard what happened, I can't believe someone tried to kill the Prime.” She exclaimed hugging me. I let out a shaky breath as she pulled back, looking up at me.

“Are you okay?”

I forced a smile.

“Yes, I'm just a bit tired.” I replied.

You're really good at this lying thing Adelaide.

“Would you like to have breakfast up here then? I can inform Prime if you aren't feeling up to it.” She offered.

“No, it's fine. I'll just freshen up and head down.” I replied. She nodded, walking over to make my bed. I stepped into the bathroom and stared at my reflection. Exhausted eyes stared back at me.

I splashed some water on my face, running my fingers through my hair, willing some life into them.

You are Adelaide Silverstone, Alpha Prime of Europe, you are strong, you are brave, you will walk out with your head held high, you will not let him suspect a thing.

I repeated the mantra over and over in my mind until I felt ready to face the world. I brushed my teeth and made my way out of the bathroom. I shrugged on a robe over my night gown and made my way downstairs to the dining room.

Jacob was already seated, having breakfast when I walked in.

“Good morning.” He greeted.

“Good morning.” I replied, taking my seat. I made myself a cup of tea, I could feel his eyes on me and it made my skin prickle.

“Is anything the problem?” I inquired, concentrating on spreading a thin layer of butter on my toast. I avoided his gaze knowing it would most likely unnerve me.

“You seem much more composed than yesterday.” He commented. I shrugged, taking a sip of my tea.

“I guess I am good at adapting.” I replied, taking a bite of my toast.

“Good, I intended to let you recover instead of attending Sam Hartley's funeral but since you are feeling much better, you'll attend with me.”

My head snapped up to him, the toast suddenly tasted like sawdust.

“What?”

He glanced at me, taking a sip of his bræw.

“Sam Hartley, the wolf that died yesterday, today is his funeral.” He explained. Whatever shield I had erected came crashing down under the enormous weight of the guilt.

“W-what time is it?” I asked, poking at my eggs, my appetite gone. He glanced at his watch.

“In three hours. I trust you have something suitable to wear.” He inquired, I nodded.

“Good.”

The door opened and Tony walked in.

“We found the sniper.”

My heart leapt into my throat, ice cold fear gripped my spine. I looked over at Jacob whose eyes had darkened to a deep red.

“Where is he?”

Tony shifted, frustration etched on his face.

“Unfortunately someone got to him before us. We found him dead in an apartment block a few kilometres away from the square.” He explained. I almost let out a sigh of relief but kept in, the sound of glass shattering had my eyes snapping over to Jacob who was holding the remnant of a glass cup.

“Whoever hired him wanted to silence him. Was there any identification on him?”

Tony shook his head.

“It's a dead end with the man.”

Jacob pursed his lips.

“It's fine. We'll continue with this after we bury Sam.” He said. Tony nodded, bowed and turned to leave.

“Oh Tony?”

“Yes Prime?”

“Look into Sam's finances, if he has any debts, I want it cleared. Same with his wife.” Jacob instructed.

“I'll do that right now.”

The rest of the breakfast was spent in silence, my mind reeling from the revelation. Adlartok's words came to my mind. Nanook had killed the sniper. I thought I would feel bad for the sniper yet I didn't.

I excused myself and made my way back to my room where Delilah was still tidying up.

“Well you look much better.” She said, grinning. I smiled at her, settling down on the couch.

“I guess I do feel better.” I replied. She continued tidying up while I watched her.

“Delilah?”

“Yes?”

“Do you know about the funeral been held today?” I inquired. She nodded, clearing her throat.

“It's in the next pack, I don't personally know the Hartley family but from all I've heard, he was a well liked and kind wolf.” She replied.

“Jacob said we are attending the funeral.” I whispered.

“Oh, well that makes sense. I think you have a couple of black dresses, let me check.”

I sat as she came out with an armful of black dresses.

"Which would you like to wear?" she inquired, I looked up from my fingers and shook my head.

"Y-you choose." I uttered, she nodded and picked out one.

"Here you go."

I took it from her and headed to the bathroom where I changed into the knee length black gown with cap sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. It had a tight bodice and flared down to my knees from my waist. I looked at myself in the mirror, fighting tears.

It's alright Adelaide, you can do this

I wiped the tears away and pulled my hair away from my face into a ponytail. I walked back into my room, Delilah handed me my bag and I slipped on a pair of black heels.

"Do you want a jacket?" she asked.

"No, I'll be fine."

There's no jacket that can provide me with any semblance of warmth

I made my way downstairs where Jacob was waiting, dressed in a suit, holding a glass tumbler of red liquid... blood. He pushed off the wall, gulping the contents down as I came into view.

"Ready?" he asked, I nodded.

"Yes."

He led me out of the cottage to the garage where his car was, he opened the door for me and I got in, watching as he rounded the car and got in. A few minutes later, we were out of Yellowstone, on our way to the funeral.

************ ************** *****************

We arrived at Hidden Rock Pack. It was located in a small quaint looking town. Jacob drove directly to the temple, I could see several cars parked. He parked and switched the engine off. I swallowed hard, fisting my hands to stop my fingers from trembling. He got down and helped me out, I held his arm as he led us up the steps into the temple where most of the pack members were seated. They stood as we entered, bowing as we walked to the front. The Alpha, Luna and Sam's family were seated in front. They bowed and we sat.

I looked over at the casket and his portrait, my breath hitching in my throat.

Oh Eda…

He was young, probably the same age as Liam.

My nightmare came back to mind and I shivered.

The Alpha stood and made his way to the podium, clearing his throat and began his speech. Each word added to the overwhelming guilt.

“Sam was a good kid, he was loved by all, no one had a bone to pick with him. He was an overachiever, the best graduating student in his class, the best in the defence academy. I remember the day he told me he got a job as part of the security detail for the Prime. He had been over the moon, wanting to serve our Alpha Prime in whatever way he could.”

I glanced at Jacob who was staring ahead, his jaw clenched.

The Alpha finished his speech and a man walked up to the podium. From his looks, I knew he was Sam's father. His eyes were red rimmed as he wiped the tears. He glanced at the coffin.

I swallowed hard, the temple suddenly felt so small and stuffy.

“My little boy…” Mr Hartley began “He was filled with so much love and wisdom even at his young age. He always wanted to make a difference and he did.”

His voice shook and tears filled my eyes, I let out a shaky breath. My throat, clogged with guilt.

I had killed a man, his blood would haunt me for the rest of my life. His father finished his speech and Jacob stood. I watched as he made his way to the podium, eyes dark.

“I didn't personally know Sam Hatley but I have heard stories about his dedication and devotion. This is indeed a great loss to our continent and you all have my assurance that whoever is responsible for this will be brought to justice.”

He paused, placing a hand on the coffin.

“Rest well Sam Hartley.”

He came back and took his seat. I swallowed hard, my heart slamming in my chest as a young woman holding a baby went up to the podium.

Oh Eda… he had a mate and a pup already. The revelation was a punch to my guts.

I had not only killed a man but I had taken him from his mate, I had stolen a baby’s chance of ever growing up with a father.

She cleared her throat as she began to speak, her voice shaky as she spoke about how she had known Sam all her life before they found out they were mates and how she always thought they would grow old together and raise their children together.

Each word felt like a knife in my heart, I could barely keep still. The guilt eating me raw. I abruptly stood up, my actions making everyone turn to me.

“I-I’m sorry…” I whispered, making my way out of the temple. I could feel eyes on me but I couldn't stay there anymore. I stumbled out to the wide of the Temple and slid down against the wall, my breathing ragged. I closed my eyes, fighting the tears.

“Are you okay?”

I looked up to see Jacob standing in front of me. I shook my head, getting to my feet.

“Being in there just b-brought back some memories.” I whispered, the lie leaving a foul taste in my mouth. I shiver, rubbing my hands over my arms.

He shrugged off his jacket and placed it over my shoulders, not that it helped.

“Come on, the service is over.”

I nodded and followed him to the nearby cemetery where the family had gathered. I watched as the coffin was transported from the temple to the cemetery. The priest said the final rites as Sam was lowered into the ground. My eyes moved over to his family, to his mate and their baby.

Jacob led me over to the family and we offered them our condolence. I stopped in front of Sam's mate who was rocking her baby.

“T-thank you for coming.” She whispered, smiling softly. My lips parted but nothing came out. I cleared my throat.

“I-I'm sorry… I'm sorry for your loss.” I said, tears gathering in my eyes. She patted my arm.

“He's in a better place, safe in Eda's warm embrace.”

By the time we headed back to the car, I was numb, unable to say or do anything, completely engulfed with guilt.

************* ******************* ******************

We arrived at Yellowstone and I got out of the car, my movements almost mechanical. I headed up the steps to the cottage.

“Adelaide”

I turn to see Liam, I immediately ran down the steps into his open arms, sobs escaping me.

“It's okay… I'm here, I'm here for you.”

I could feel Jacob's piercing gaze as Liam lead me away.