Alpha Prime: Her Retribution

Chapter Forty One

The days flew past, and before I knew it, the night of the gala had arrived. I was seated at my vanity, a team of stylists pampering me, their deft hands transforming my hair and doing my makeup. Delilah stood nearby, fussing over my dress.

“What are you wearing?” I asked her, taking my eyes off my phone.

“Uh, Mum got me a gown.” She replied, her voice hesitant. I could tell she wasn’t thrilled about it.

“How bad is it?” I inquired, setting my phone aside. She wrinkled her nose.

“It's not bad… it's just…” She trailed off, fiddling with the fur trim of the dress. “Never mind. I should go get your jewellery.”

With that, she left the room and I let out a sigh.

“Poor girl, she really doesn't know how to stand up for herself.” One of the stylists remarked.

“It's already bad enough having someone as overbearing as Ivanka as a mother.” another chimed in.

“Do you always make it a habit to talk about people behind their backs?” I asked, my voice cold.

“Sorry Luna” they both apologized.

I ignored them, though their words lingered in my mind. I knew Delilah was timid and had a pure view of the world but that didn't make her weak or naive.

My lycan scoffed at that.

Once they were finished, I looked at my reflection, appraising the makeup. It was dark and sultry, and I loved it.

“I can pin the hair up to show off your mark.” The stylist suggested.

“No, I prefer it like this.” I said, my gaze unwavering. They looked at each other, and I knew this would further fuel the rumours that were circulating around the pack but I didn't care. I had bigger fish to fry.

“You can leave, thank you.”

They bowed and left and I immediately got to work, taking some of the concealer and dabbing it on my mark. My hand froze mid-air as a loud growl erupted in my mind. My lycan was not having it.

Give me back control!!! I growled at her, fighting the bond. She snarled at me menacingly.

I regained control, shoving her deep into my mind before covering the mark with layers of concealer.

“Uh… Miss Adelaide?”

I turned to see Delilah standing by the door, holding a jewellery box. Her eyes were on the brush I was holding.

“Yes?”

“Prime is not going to be happy.”

“Yeah well, he's just going to have to deal with it.” I mumbled, blending the concealer before looking at the mirror.

Perfect…

“Help me into my dress.” I requested.

She nodded and helped me into the dress, zipping me up. I put the jewellery on and slipped into the shoes.

“Alright, how do I look?” I asked, taking a step back.

“You look beautiful… as always Luna Prime.”

I beamed at her. “I'll see you at the gala.”

With that, I grabbed my purse and made my way downstairs where Jacob was waiting. He looked up, his eyes sweeping over my form-fitting dress, lingering on every curve. He walked over, meeting me on the last step of the staircase. His head tilting, eyes narrowing. His hand reached out to my neck but I caught his hand.

I could see the red flashing in his eyes, a warning neither him nor his lycan were happy that I had covered up the mark. My lycan growled in agreement with them. I placed a hand on his chest, feeling the tense muscles beneath his clothing.

“I am not ashamed of your mark, but I need you to trust me on this. I have no bad intentions however I don’t trust any of the other Alpha Primes… just trust me, please.” I pleaded

His eyes flickered from red to black to brown as he struggled with his lycan. He closed his eyes, letting out a low rumbling growl.

“Fine.” He conceded,

I let out a breath of relief, glad that he was in agreement. I took a step back but he held my hand, pulling me even closer to him. I crashed into his chest, looking up at him, his hot breath fanning my face.

“I might agree to this, but that doesn't mean my lycan and I are happy about it.” He uttered, his entire body was tense, I swallowed nervously and nodded.

“O-okay.”

He nodded and let go of my hand, stuffing his hands into his pocket.

“Shall we?”

I nodded.

“We shall.”

He led me to his car, opening the door. I got in and he rounded the car, getting in. The drive to the centre was a quiet one, the tension in the car so thick it felt like I could cut it with a knife.

“How many Alpha Primes are going to be in attendance?” I asked, glancing at him.

“Just the South American Prime and his son.” He answered, going silent for a bit. “Speaking of which, Tony just informed me of our guests' arrival.”

I mentally prepared myself as the centre came into view. Unlike the gala, this was more of a private event and only a few of the pack members and their families had been invited.

Jacob led me into the building, and I did my best to keep enough distance between him and I, a mask of indifference slipping onto my face. Tony was waiting for us in the passageway that led to the main hall.

“The South American Alpha Prime and his heir are waiting in the reception area.” He informed us. Jacob nodded and led me to the reception area where several guards were standing. From their scent, I knew they were not a part of Jacob’s security. Jacob walked past them and opened the door, I followed him in, my eyes landing on an olive skin tall middle aged man with greying black hair, he had an imposing aura, something that was natural to all Alpha Primes. Next to him was a much younger man, his curly hair had been slicked back though I could tell no amount of gel was going to keep it like that for long.

“Jacob” The older man said, rising to his feet, the boy following suit. Jacob stepped forward and shook his hand, the air thick with unspoken tension.

“Felipe” Jacob greeted, Felipe turned his gaze to me, something flickering in his eyes before he hid it with a smile.

“Adelaide Silverstone in the flesh,” he said. taking a step forward, his palm outstretched. I forced a smile, brushing past Jacob and placing my hand in his.

“It’s a pleasure to meet another Alpha Prime.” I said.

“The pleasure is all mine.” He replied, lifting my hand to his lips, placing a chaste kiss on my knuckle. “I trust you are well?”

“Given the circumstances on ground, I can’t really complain.” I replied, glancing at Jacob whose eyes darkened considerably. Felipe patted my hand before turning to his son.

“This is Manuel, my son and the future Alpha Prime of South America.”

Manuel stepped forward, his eyes shifting between Jacob and I.

“I-It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He stuttered, I smiled at him.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” I replied while Jacob nodded at him.

“Now that the introductions are out of the way, let’s celebrate this new relationship.” Felipe uttered.

“I can’t agree more.” Jacob said, offering me his arm.

“Luna Prime?”

I forced a smile, making sure Felipe could see my discomfort as I gingerly placed my hand on the crook of his elbow. Jacob led us out of the reception towards the main hall. The doors swung open and everyone stood up as we made our way in towards our assigned table. Once we were seated, everyone followed suit. I glanced around the hall, noticing Delilah.

What on earth is she wearing?!

The hideous gown which looked like buckets of paint had been splashed on it, it did nothing to compliment her complexion, her eyes were downcast while her mother cheerfully talked to a man seated next to her. I sighed and continued looking around, my eyes widening at the sight of Liam seated next to Magnus.

What are you doing here?

Liam grinned at me.

We got an invite.

Oh…

Jacob stood up, the conversations dying down as he did, I listened on as he began his speech. Towards the end, the waiters moved around, filing the glasses with wine. He raised his glass and we all rose as he made a toast, I sipped on the wine, noticing Manuel’s eyes on me. I raised a brow at him and his eyes widened before he blushed and looked away.

After the toast, several high-ranking members of the pack flooded our table, eager to talk to Felipe and Jacob. I used that opportunity to escape, making my way over to Liam.

“You have no idea how happy I am to see you.” I said, sitting on the chair next to him, he gently nudged my shoulder with his.

“I was not about to let you go through this alone.”

I turned to Magnus.

“Good evening Magnus.”

“Good evening Prime.” He replied, bowing his head slightly.

“So who’s the boy that can’t keep his eyes off you?” Liam asked, I turned and Manuel was staring at me.

“That’s the South American’s Alpha Prime’s son.” I replied. “The poor pup was stuttering over his words when we met at the reception area.”

Liam chuckled and I rolled my eyes.

You hid your mark

I nodded

I’m trying to figure out just how many of the Alpha Primes were actively involved in the plot to keep Jacob and I apart.

Liam pursed his lips.

Makes sense, how did he take it?

I glanced at Jacob who was talking to Christopher and Felipe.

He wasn’t happy about it but he is willing to play along.

So enemies in public and mates in private?

Something about Liam’s words brought back memories of the night in the kitchen, a heat settling in my stomach.

Something like that.

***********

“Looks like your admirer is approaching.” Liam whispered, nudging me slightly. I had been seated with him for over an hour. I frowned and turned to see Manueal walking over. He stopped in front of me, bowing deeply.

“P-prime Silverstone, may I have this dance?”

I couldn't help but smile at the gangly teen.

“Yes, I would love to.”

He offered me his hand and I took it, letting him lead me to the middle of the dance floor, I could feel Jacob's eyes on me as he conversed with Felipe.

The music began and Manuel placed his hand on the middle of my back. His eyes were stuck to the floor as he repeated the steps underneath his breath. Something about it made me smile which turned into a wince when he stepped on me.

“s**t, I'm sorry…”

He stepped on me again.

“Oh Eda, I swear I'm not this much of a clutz, it's just…” He trailed off.

“How about we sit and talk instead?” I offered.

“You're not mad?”

I shook my head.

“No, come on.”

I led him to a table and sat, he sat next to me as I looked on the dance floor before turning to me, he was gawking at me.

“Do I have something on my face?” I asked, a brow raised. He flushed and shook his head.

“I'm sorry, it's just strange… seeing you. I mean everyone thought you were dead and here you are.” He explained.

“Makes sense.” I replied. “I should get used to the looks of disbelief and shock by now.”

“Permit me to ask you a question regarding the Prime?” He asked.

“Go ahead.”

He beamed and leaned closer.

“I heard he has a super computer, have you seen it before? I know he is into ICT, I mean he has achieved so much as a Prime in just a few years, it's pretty amazing…”

I stared at him, listening to him gush over Jacob, it was clear he adored him. Manuel noticed the look on my face and trailed off.

“I’m rambling aren't I?”

I shook my head.

“It's fine, you must really admire Jacob Mont Blanc.”

He nodded.

“I look up to him, if I end up being half of the Alpha Prime he is when I take over, I would be the happiest lycan on earth.” He uttered, I folded my arms, observing him. I could feel the honesty radiating from his words.

“What about his crimes? He wiped out my pack.” I inquired, he glanced at Jacob who was deep in his conversation with some men.

“I was 8 when the m******e happened and though I can't really remember the time, I won't let my admiration for him blind me from the truth, what he did was awful but I guess we are all fallible.. and I am guessing he regrets it… I mean haven't you ever done something that you regret?” He asked.

Sam Hartley

I swallowed hard, his name leaving a golf sized lump in my throat.

“I… I should go.” I got to my feet, he immediately got to his too.

“I'm sorry if I offended you.” He said, his eyes wide with worry

I shook my head.

“No, you didn't, it was really nice talking to you.”

I reached over and patted his shoulder, smiling at him before making my way through the crowd, not really knowing where I was heading to. I smiled and nodded at people as they bowed. I made my way out of the hall, heading towards the outdoor area for some fresh air when Olivia's irritating voice reached my ears.

I wonder who the unfortunate soul getting tormented is.

I was tempted to ignore and just continue on my way but the sound of her lackeys laughing with her drove me in the direction. I rounded the corner and my mood immediately darkened as I sighted a despondent Delilah backed into the wall, crowded by them.

“You should just do everyone a favour and jump off a cliff or something. No one wants you here.” Olivia snapped. “Once Jake gets over his meaningless infatuation with that tramp and he comes back to me, I'll toss you and your annoying mother out of the pack.”

My lycan roared at her insult, surging forward wanting nothing more than to rip her apart. Delilah was quiet, her jaw clenched.

I took a step forward, one of her lackeys noticed me and immediately paled, stumbling back as she reached towards Olivia to warn her.

“You really have some nerve.” I began, making her turn towards me. Her eyes went wide, fear flickering within them before she masked it.

“And? It's not like I'm lying. You came here and usurped my position.”

I walked up to her, her friends scrambling out of my path like the frightened mice that they were. Stopping, I looked at her before glancing at Delilah.

“Are you okay?”

She wiped the tears and nodded.

Olivia scoffed.

“Aww the cry bab…”

My hand shot out and I grabbed her by the throat, raising her up. Her eyes went wide as she clawed at her hand.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn't rip out your vocal cords? I think I would be doing everyone a favour.” I said, tilting my head to the side, lips pursed as I considered it.

She spluttered, trying to kick me.

“Ms Adelaide…” Delilah whispered, I glanced at her, her eyes pleading with me not to hurt the brat. My lycan growled, disgruntled that Olivia was getting away with disrespect once again. Sighing, I let her go, watching as she fell to the ground, massaging her throat.

I gripped her chin, forcing her to look at me, my nails morphing into claws and digging into her skin making her whimper.

“Next time, you won't be so lucky.”

With that I turned to Delilah, taking her hand and leading her away from the group. We walked in silence, my lycan growling, wanting nothing more than to go back and rip the brat's throat out. It scared me how much my lycan was protective of her, somehow without me even knowing, it was intent on protecting her, almost as if it had taken her into the small group of wolves we called ours.

We got to the small private sitting area outside and I watched as she folded her arms, struggling not to cry.

“You must think I’m also weak right?” She muttered.

“Is that the new word for being empathetic or a soft hearted?” I inquired, she kept quiet, staring at the trees instead. Sighing, I walked closer to her.

“You're not weak Delilah, you're far from it. You're not jaded, yes you've seen the ugly side of life, losing your father but you didn't let that change you. You're still pure, still optimistic… nauseatingly so.”

Her shoulders shook in silent laughter making me grin.

“Besides, you shouldn't listen to that brat, she's as delusional as they come.”

She sighed and turned to me.

“we can't all be as badass as you, besides her father had been pushing her to Jacob for years, we all expected him to you know… Mark her… I mean he did sl…” She trailed off, her eyes wide. I swallowed hard, she didn't need to complete her words for me to know what she wanted to say.

“M-Ms A-A…”

I turned and headed in…

Jacob had slept with Olivia…

Our activity in the kitchen a few nights ago came to mind, and all I could imagine was him and Olivia, naked, his hands on her body, his lips on hers, his length in her.

My lycan howled in agony and rage, demanding Olivia's blood. I stumbled down the hall, my mind a whirlwind of emotions.

It suddenly made so much sense why she had the gall to keep on defying me.

“Adelaide”

I bumped into a body. Looking up, I noticed it was Felipe.

I stepped back.

“I'm sorry, I wasn't aware of my surroundings. He tilted his head to the side, a frown on his lips as he stepped forward.

“Are you okay? You look… troubled.”

I forced a smile.

“I'm fine.”

He tutted.

“You know you don't have to lie to me, your father and I were good friends, brothers even. It is completely understandable if you are troubled… especially being here with the man who took everything from you.” He whispered, guiding me towards a hidden part of the hall. I stiffened at his words, fighting the urge to glare and snap at him.

“If you ever need help, I will always be willing to help you.”

I pushed back all the hurt I was feeling from Delilah's revelation, focusing on his words.

“Really?”

“Of course, child. Tyrants like Jacob need to be cut down, don't you think so?”

I nodded.

“They do… but if you hate him then why are you offering him your port?”

He huffed.

“The bastard is one of the most powerful Alpha Primes in modern times. I would be stupid to let my pride get the best of me not benefiting from his immense wealth. But apart from that, I would love to see his downfall.”

Fucking disgusting

“Well it seems your son doesn't share the same view as you, he is completely infatuated with Jacob and his achievements.”

Felipe’s face darkened.

“My son is still a boy, he doesn't know or understand a lot of things but i assure you, he will once he is of age.” He said, assuring me.

I nodded, smiling.

“It’s good to know I have an ally so close. Thank you.”

He nodded and I made my way back into the hall, my mind a jumbled mess. It was clear that Adlartok and Felipe were not to be trusted, he had not succeeded in poisoning his son's mind yet.

The guards opened the doors leading back to the hall and I walked in, my eyes meeting Jacob and… Olivia. She was pressing herself onto him, laughing, her hands on his arm as she conversed with her father. My lycan snarled, demanding I walk over and rip her hands off him and mark him for the whole world to see.

No.

I made my way down the short flight of steps to Liam, he turned to me, frowning when he noticed the look on my face.

“Are you okay?” He asked, I nodded, not trusting my voice. He cupped my face, making me look at him.

“Don't lie to me Addy”

I clenched my jaw, glancing at Jacob and the brat.

Don't you f*****g cry!!! He marked you, you wear his Luna ring.

Yet the fact that he had laid with her of all she wolves, it drove me to the edge of sanity. I didn't expect him to be celibate for all those years, it would be foolish of me.

It's the blasted bond!

“Addy”

“Just drop it Liam.” I whispered, he huffed but nodded

“Fine.”

A bell dinged signifying it was time for the dinner, I watched as Jacob's eyes searched through the crowd before landing on me. Everyone seemed to disappear as he made his way towards me. My heart was beating faster and faster as he approached.

we all expected him to… you know… Mark her… I mean he did sl…

Delilah's words hit me like a freight train.

“What's wrong?” He asked, the moment he stopped in front of me. I stared at him, my lycan growling and urging me to mark him right there and then.

“Nothing.” I whispered “It's time for dinner, we shouldn't keep everyone waiting.”

His eyes darkened but he nodded, offering me his arm, I placed my fingers in the crook, letting him lead me back to our table. Dinner was a tense affair, as I picked at my food, I could feel Jacob’s eyes on me but I ignored him, focusing on keeping my lycan from tearing Olivia and basking in her blood while also making Jacob bleed.

The rest of the event was a blur and even as the pictures were taken, a fake smile on my lips as I stared at the cameras while Jacob and Felipe shook hands.

“You must come and visit us.” Felipe said as we stood outside the hall. I forced a smile.

“One day, you have my word.”

He nodded satisfied as he patted my hand before smiling at Jacob though there was nothing warm about his smile. We watched as he and Manuel got into the car, until they were out of sight.

“Would you like to stay…”

“No.” I stated, Liam and Magnus had left earlier and I saw no reason to stay behind and watch as that f*****g brat rubbed herself all over my mate.

Damn this blasted bond for making me so weak and susceptible to this stupid emotions

“You can stay behind, I’ll be heading home.” I uttered, turning to leave when he stopped me.

“I see no reason to stay behind if my Luna will not be there.”

A few seconds later, one of his men brought his car to the front. We got in and the drive home was quiet, I did my best to keep my lycan under control but it was becoming more and more impossible.

He parked the car in front of the house and I got out, slamming the door shut as I made my way into the house.

“Adelaide” He called out, I grit my teeth, ignoring him as I continued on, up the stairs to my room. I reached for the knob about to open the door when a gasp escaped me as I was spun around and pressed against it.

How the f**k is he so damn fast?!

“I don't appreciate being ignored.”

I glared at him.

“And I don't appreciate being manhandled.” I snapped, using my lycan strength to shove him away, he stumbled back, catching himself, his eyes flashing red before he appeared in front of me once more, his hands grabbing me by my waist and pinning me to the wall.

“We left this house on good terms so either you tell me what the f**k happened or I get it out of you.” He threatened. I glared at him and he did the same, tightening his grip on my wrists.

“Adelaide” He warned.

“Did you even plan on telling me?!” I snapped. He frowned, his brows furrowed.

“About Ushuaia and Adlartok?”

“f**k that slimy bastard, I'm talking about that brat! Did you ever plan on telling me that you and her had something going on?!” I hissed.

He smirked, tilting his head to the side.

“I thought you said you didn't care if I f****d her, what changed?” He asked, his words were like fire in my veins and I snarled at him, my lycan demanding Jacob's blood for this insult and Olivia's head.

“Jealousy is a good look on you, Adelaide, maybe I should make you jealous more of…” I didn't bother letting him complete his sentence, my fingernails turning into claws as I dug them into his chest, mt lycan furious. I knew she wouldn't kill him but that didn't mean she wasn't above hurting him and at this point, I more than agreed with her.

“Don't push me Jacob” I snarled. “It's bad enough that I have to deal with another stupid Alpha Prime offering me your head on a silver platter, I don't need this s**t!”

The already tense atmosphere became thick with tension. The palpable sense of unease was almost suffocating, it snapped me out of my anger as I gazed at a fury filled Jacob.

“What did you just say?”