Alpha Prime: Her Retribution

Chapter Thirty Two

ADELAIDE

I let out a gasp, sitting up on the bed, my body shaking as the last vestiges of the nightmare left my body. I reached a shaky hand over to the bedside table and flicked on the lamp.

It was the same nightmare, over and over and over ever since Sam Hartley's death. Liam lying in a pool of blood, in place of Sam. I pushed my hair away from my face, scooting to the edge of the bed before getting up. I headed out of the room, the cold weather washing over my body as I made my way down to the kitchen.

I made myself a cup of warm milk before sitting on a chair, staring out the window. Images of a dead Liam were still floating around my mind.

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

I had no idea how long I stayed in the kitchen, cradling the mug until the first rays of sunshine crept in from the windows. Blinking, I glanced at the clock.

5.50am

I got to my feet and rinsed the mug before walking back upstairs to get ready for the day.

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

“Good morning… you're up already… and you're ready for the day?” Delilah commented.

“Yeah, I couldn't sleep.” I whispered.

“Oh, well, are you going down for breakfast?” She inquired, I shook my head.

“I'm not hungry, I was actually hoping we could go out. I've only been around the pack, I'm sure there's so much to see in Yellowstone.” I explained, desperately wishing she would say yes. I needed a change of environment or else I would go mad with guilt.

“Oh that's a great idea. I know some really good spots. We'll be able to see the elks, bison, black bears and even some Grizzly bears.” She replied, excited.

I forced a smile.

“That sounds great.”

“And there are really nice picnic spots too”

I listened to her talk about our outing and for a while, the looming cloud of guilt was gone and I was able to breathe.

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

JACOB

I walked out of the dining room, Adelaide had not joined me for breakfast, I had felt her wake up the night before and I was certain she had spent most of the night and early morning in the kitchen before she headed back to her room. The reason for her actions having been the same thing that kept her awake every night since she came to Yellowstone.

“Oh this is going to be fun”

I turned towards the stairs, Delilah was bouncing down, a grin on her face followed by a more subdued Adelaide.

“What's going to be fun?” I inquired, leaning against the door frame, my eyes still on my mate. I tilted my head to the side, eyes slightly narrowed as I took in the dark circles beneath her eyes and the heavy oppressive air around her.

“Ms Adelaide wants to see the park, so we are going to have a little picnic.” Delilah explained, I raised a brow.

“Is that so?”

Adelaide raised her chin, her eyes meeting mine, a hint of defiance flashing through them.

“Or am I not allowed to do so?”

I smirked.

“Of course not, pet.” I pushed off the wall and sauntered over to her, stopping mere inches. “You're my Luna, everything I own, from my heart to my possessions, is yours to take. You can do with it as you please.”

I brushed the hair away from her face, watching as her eyes widened a bit, her breath hitching in her throat, lips slightly parted, the moment was broken in a matter of seconds and she took several steps back.

I chuckled, staring at her fighting the desire she had for me.

“Have fun then.”

With that, I made my way to my office. I had several things that needed my attention.

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

The hours flew by with me attending several virtual and inhouse meetings with my Alphas. The door opened and Tony walked in, a solemn look on his face.

“I have the report ready.” He handed me the envelope. I stared at him before taking the sealed envelope. I opened it and looked down at the documents and the pictures, shock giving way to disbelief which gave way to anger.

My eyes snapped from the CCTV pictures of Nanook walking with the sniper and Adelaide interacting with Nanook outside her Consulate to Tony.

“I'm sorry Prime.” Tony whispered, I could feel my teeth grinding against each other, every cell within me wanting nothing more than to make everyone involved pay including her. My beast roared within me at her treachery, he wanted to punish her for her crime.

I took several calming breaths, reeling him in.

“How many people know of this?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm but the harshness betrayed me.

“Just me, I figured you wouldn't want this to get out.” He answered. “The team just knows this has something to do with Nanook but they don't know the connection between Nanook and the Luna.”

I nodded.

“Delete the tapes, no one can know about this, she's already infamous among my wolves, this will only make matters worse.”

I stared at the pictures, the raw feeling of betrayal coursing through me. It was one thing for her to attempt to kill me but to conspire with another Alpha Prime, especially a conniving bastard like Adlartok, it was a f*****g slap to my face.

“What are you going to do?” Tony asked.

“I'll have to address Sam Hartley’s family.” I said, getting my feet.

“I'll head over there right now, the sooner I get this done with, the better.”

I made my way down the stairs and out of the house to my car. The drive to … was a quiet one, my mind miles away as I thought of just what Adelaide had done, my anger building with every passing second. By the time I arrived at Hidden Rock, I was a ticking bomb..

Alpha Xavier

Yes Prime, greetings. He answered.

I'm in your pack, I have business with Sam Hartley's family. I informed him.

Alright, do you need me present? He asked.

No, I’ll handle it.

As you wish Prime.

I cut the connection and continued driving towards the Hartley residence, I parked my car and took a few seconds to calm myself before I stepped out of the car and approached the house. Sam's mate was seated on the porch, rocking her baby. Her eyes widened at the sight of me and she rushed to her feet.

“Alpha Prime” She bowed.

“Hello, is Mr and Mrs Hartley in?” I inquired. She rose and nodded.

“Yes, please come in.”

She led me into the house through the foyer to the living room.

“Please sit, I'll call them.” She gestured to the armchair before walking deeper into the house. I looked around, my eyes landing on the large picture of Sam on the wall, in his uniform from the Defence Academy. It made all that I was about to do even more bitter.

Sam's parents walked in, bowing.

“Good evening Prime, you didn't have to come all the way here.” Mr Hartley said, rising.

“With the circumstances on ground, it only made sense for me to be here.” I replied, taking a seat, they did the same. I swallowed hard, before looking at them.

“We found the man who killed your son.”

Mrs Hartley and Sam’s mate gasped.

“You did?”

I nodded.

“Yes, unfortunately he was dead by the time we found him.” I continued.

“Dead?” Mr Hartley echoed. “W-was he killed? Was there some sort of cover up?”

I shook my head, hating myself for what I was about to say.

“No, it was a suicide, we conducted an autopsy and it all pointed to an apparent suicide.”

Sam’s parents were silent as they digested the news.

“So that's it? There's no justice for Sam?” his mate spoke up, tears in her eyes.

“Unfortunately, it was a dead end. We deduced he must have killed himself when he realised he had failed to achieve his objective.” I explained. She sniffed, sobbing slightly.

“I hope he rots in hell.” She said, getting to her feet and storming out.

“I apologise for her behaviour, Prime.” Mr Hatley began but I stopped him.

“She just lost her mate, her behaviour is acceptable. I will take my leave now. If you ever need anything just let me know.” I said standing.

“Thank you for everything, Prime.” Mr Hartley bowed once more before escorting me to my car. We walked in silence.

“Prime?”

“Yes?” I asked, turning to him.

“The speculations.. do you suspect…” He paused, choosing his words carefully.

“No.” I cut him off. “My Luna may have her issues with me but I assure you she had nothing to do with this.”

He nodded, his face relaxing.

“That's good to hear, she makes a fine Luna Prime. We send her our regards and have a pleasant drive back home.”

I nodded, unable to reply before getting into my car, driving away from the house and out of the packlands.

My mind turned to Adlartok, a part of me wanted to make him pay, my beast demanded his blood in exchange for Sam but starting a war with Adlartok wasn't wise, I would win but there would be casualties and most importantly, Adelaide's involvement would be exposed, I didn't put it behind the slimy bastard using it against me.

Damn you Adelaide, why the f**k did you have to do this?!

My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I accelerated down the long winding road.

It was night by the time I got back to Yellowstone, I made my way into the house.

Tony? Are you awake?

Yes, Prime. Do you need me to come to the cottage? He asked.

Yes.

I walked over to my office, my neck and shoulders aching. I could feel my fangs slowly pierce my gums, saliva pooling in my throat, the familiar itch at the back of my throat. I didn't need to look at my reflection to know my eyes were a bright red.

I opened my cabinet and grabbed the decanter of blood, opening it. The metallic scent of blood seemed to send my senses into overdrive and I closed my eyes, reeling in my beast before pouring the blood into a glass. I gulped it down, sating the thirst. I let out a groan, my beast sated for now.

The doors opened and Tony walked in. He took one look at me and the blood filled glass container in my hand.

“You wanted to see me?”

I poured myself another glass, handing him a decanter of bræw and a glass before walking over to my chair and sitting down.

“The Hartleys believe the sniper was working on his own and he killed himself because he failed to kill me.” I muttered, swirling the blood in my glass. I glanced at him, my red eyes reflecting in his.

“Mr Hartley asked me if the speculations were true.”

“The TV host's words?” He asked. I nodded.

“I lied to him. I lied to a grieving father to protect my mate.”

I let out a chuckle, gulping down the blood.

“A mate who wants nothing to do with me.” I mumbled, staring at the blood stained glass tumbler before shaking my head.

“I want Adlartok to pay for what he has done, I can't expressly do something that will put my people and Adelaide in danger.” I stated.

“So what do you have in mind?” Tony asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“Something subtle.” I replied. “But strong enough to send a message”

My eyes landed on a picture taken some years back between The South American Alpha Prime and I.

“Tony?”

“Yes Prime?”

“The North and South American Free Trade Agreement with Felipe is still in place, is it not?”

Tony perked up, his brows knitted together.

“Yes, what has that got to do with Adlartok?” He asked. I got to my feet.

“Adlartok relies heavily on the Ushuaia port in Argentina as a stop along the route to Antarctica for supplies to his continent and what does he provide them with in return? Frozen fish and crustaceans.” I replied “at a high rate if I must say.”

“So what are you planning on doing?”

“I'll widen the trade agreement, offer them more tariff free opportunities and in return, I want full control of the Ushuaia port.”

Tony tapped his finger against the glass.

“What if Felipe refuses?”

“Only a fool would refuse my offer and if he does, well I'm not above using blackmail to get what I want.” I said, picking up the brown envelope and pulling out the pictures and report Tony had brought in.

“When do you plan on executing the plan?”

“In a couple of days, let him think he has gotten away with it.” I replied, walking over to the fireplace.

“And the Luna Prime?”

I stared at the pictures, my eyes on Adelaide and the smile on her lips. I could feel the anger rising within me with a vengeance as I tossed the evidence of her treachery into the fire.

“I lost a man, it's only fair she loses one too.