Control

One-Hundred and Thirty-Six

When I began to come to, I could feel the freezing caress of someone’s hand on my cheek. I was lifted and being carried. I could distantly hear the buttery smooth voice coming to the forefront of my thoughts.

“Alpha Grey? Alpha Grey, are you ok? Call the doctor, I think she’s fainted. She looks a little pale.”

“You’re one to talk”, I said as I opened my eyes. I knew who’s arms I was in before I could even focus. Dante looked down at me and have me a half smile as he lowered me down on the chaise in the sitting room.

“Nice to see your sense of humor is intact, Alpha Grey. Are you ok? You fainted suddenly.” He pushed a stray hair out of my face. I fainted...? Then it all came rushing back to me. Father! I began to try to sit up, still feeling lightheaded. I grabbed his arm, the contact sending a shock through my body. Jason, Raphael, and a slew of other Alphas and Betas rushed into the room, all asking the same thing.

“My father called. We were attacked.” I turned to Jason, “My mother…” Jason’s eyes widened, and he immediately retrieved his phone from his pocket. I had made him turn it off so he would not be distracted. He stepped out of the sitting room but stayed in the hallway where he could see me. I knew he was calling my Gamma, Victor, for a full report. No doubt, he would call Isbell as well. I hadn’t even noticed that Dante had stepped to the side and was having a hushed conversation with Isabella. She nodded and left the room. He returned to the chaise where I was now sitting up and knelt down, so we were eye level.

“Alpha Grey, do you accept the terms of the peace treaty between the Vampire Authority and the Smokey Mountain Pack?” I didn’t know if I had a choice. My pack had some incredible trackers and the fact that they couldn’t pick up a trail had me concerned. The look in Dante’s eyes told me I had something to worry about.

“Do you think they’re coming back?” I began to stand and every man in the room nearly rushed to my side. “I’m fine. Mr. Giordano, is my pack in danger?”

“Your mother, do you share similar features?” I stared at him in disbelief. My pack was in danger and I’m hundreds of miles away at a dinner party.

“Yes, they look nearly identical from the back. Same hair color, same height.” Jason’s said as he approached my side, coat in hand.

“It is very possible then that the vampire who attacked your mother, was indeed after you, Alpha Grey. I would expect that once they realize the wrong person was murdered, they will come back, and I don’t know that they would stop at just one.” I had a choice to make and no time to weigh the options. I knew the pack could afford the terms of the treaty and I needed to get to my father. I looked into Dante’s eyes, could I trust him. I grabbed my coat from Jason.

“The Smokey Mountain Pack accepts the terms of the treaty. How quickly can you have a team there?”

“Isabella has already been in contact with a squad and they are on their way. Should be there in just over an hour. I will be escorting you home personally.”

“That’s unnecessary. Jason has already contacted the airline,” I looked at him and he answered with a nod. “We will be on the next flight out.”

“Frankly, Alpha Grey, this is not up for discussion. You are now under my protection and it is my job to keep you and members of you pack safe.” Isabella stepped back in to the room and gave Dante a nod. “There is a car out front to take us to the airport and our jet is ready to go. It is your quickest, and safest, route to get home.”

“You will do well to remember once we leave this property that I am the daughter of the great Alpha Orion and Luna Pearl, the first woman Alpha of the Smokey Mountain Pack, and you will not speak to me like I am anything less.” I began to walk towards the door, Jason close behind. I knew going with Dante would get me there sooner, my pack was my top priority.

Jade, maybe take him up on his offer. If we’re attacked… I don’t know that we could do it alone.

I stopped in the doorway and took a deep breath. “Are you coming, Mr. Giordano?” In the blink of an eye, Dante was opening the door of the car.

We arrived at a private airport and we’re driven straight onto the tarmac. I had called my father and Victor to let them know the names of the squad that would be arriving and ensure proper accommodations were made for them. Our pack rec room was located in the basement, it made movie night easier without the windows, and was outfitted with a room of bunk beds. As I stepped onto the plane, the flight attendant handed me a folded black track suit.

“I guessed your sizes. I assume you won’t want to arrive in your cocktail dress. I have a team packing your belongings at the hotel. It will arrive tomorrow.” She then walked to Jason and handed him some folded clothes as well. When we had finally ascended, I went into the bathroom to change, grateful to shed this barely-there dress. I felt vulnerable and exposed, in more way than one. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The polished hair and perfected makeup hid my true emotions well. When I came out, both men were sitting across the hall from each other. Both looked at me expectedly, expecting me to sit next to them. Instead, I walked to the last possible seat by the window. I needed a moment to process what was happening. Not long after, Jason went to change as well.

After Luke died, a piece of my mother died. She had become more reserved, mostly keeping to daily chores in the kitchen and out at the garden. She had so much to deal with after Father’s amputation. I worked diligently on my studies and keeping out of their way. I was afraid my presence was a constant reminder of Luke. Now that she was gone, I couldn’t even remember the last conversation we’d had. Why couldn’t I think of our last conversation, I started trying to picture her face and hear her voice. A handkerchief was held out in front of me and Dante was by my side. I quickly realized that my lap was soaking wet and tears were flowing from my eyes. Dante looked at me concerned.

“I don’t handle pity well,” I said, ripping the cloth from his hand. “And who carries a handkerchief now? What are you, an eighty year old man?”

“One hundred and thirty-six.” His honesty caught me by surprise. “And I don’t think you need pity. I do think you could use a little bit of help.” He motioned to the flight attendant, “and probably a strong drink.” She brought us two glasses of a clear liquor, tequila by the smell of it.

“I need to protect my pack.” I said and devoured the drink in one shot. The door to the bathroom opened and Jason emerged. Dante had flashed back to his seat and Jason kept his distance as well. We arrived at the airport in Gatlinburg late and a car was already waiting for us. As we approached the gates to our pack’s land, I noticed many of the cabins lights were on, including many in the main house. The pack house sat on top of a hill, overlooking the other cabins and lands. Jason’s phone chimed. Likely Victor or Isbell checking in, they would be up waiting for us. He responded to the text message and saw it was after midnight.

Jade.

I’m fine, Jason. Just need to get inside.

I’m happy to hear it. They are waiting for us.

As I expected.

And Jade?

Yes, Jason.

Happy Birthday, Alpha.