Her Forbidden Alpha Mates

Chapter 11--Know Your Place

Alpha, word has come from Black Wind. Alazar has taken command while Kross seeks out Kira.

Xavier couldn't help the wry smile that came to his lips at the mind-link communication from his Beta. Perfect. Everything he had worked for all these years was finally coming together. None of would have been possible if not for the Moon Goddess's blessing. Kira as his sons' fated mate would ensure the destruction of Black Wind. Or, at least, yield all control to him when the satellite Alpha he intended was installed.

Xavier stood in his office with a glass of brandy and surveyed the scene below: his newest crop of warriors got stronger everyday. None were as fierce as his own sons, however. They were terrifying warriors on the battlefield. They had already claimed many lives of Black Wind in the skirmishes that had broken over the years. The embers of the dying pack had refused to be exstinguished; in fact, they always came back lusting for what he had claimed. Had Kross only given his cousin, Alazar, what he had longed for--what was his right--all those years ago, he may have still had a pack, and perhaps even a male heir to hand it over to.

But, that was past, wasn't it?

We've made an excellent team over these many years, Felix, his wolf, said. Indeed, they had. With a wolf as fierce and cunning as Felix paired with a man of his own sharp intellect, Xavier had brought every plan to fruition. He'd rendered aid to his cousin in his time of need and, now, would be able to see it through.

The next phase would be the most difficult. He wasn't particularly fond of Kira. He had nothing against her, whatsoever. It was more the threat she posed to the entire operation. If his sons were unable to mark and mate her, it would cause more trouble than he'd bargained for. He needed Kira to love his sons, needed her to be bound by the bond. It would anchor her when the eventuality of her father's death came, when the new changing of the guard occurred. Though, of course, she wouldn't necessarily lose anything except Kross. One thing he hadn't lied about was his sons taking over Black Wind. They would. He would make sure of it.

- - - Maximus - - -

For the first time in my life, I didn't have a plan.

Everything hinged on her--on Kira. I needed her, desperately, to choose us.

When she left us to spend time alone, it left the three of us alone in Jaxon's room.

"Wow," Dax said as he laid back on the floor.

"No kidding. She's coming around," Jax said.

Even if it was true, I couldn't help the pit in my stomach. She's giving us a chance, but what will she think when she discovers the truth? Rhyel asked.

"Rhyel brings up a very good point, brothers," I said. I was seated on the bed again, but I couldn't get comfortable--not with this weight on my shoulders. "She might actually give us a chance to prove our trustworthiness. But this entire thing is--"

"Built on a lie," Dax said quietly.

There was silence as we collectively rolled it around in our heads.

"Can she still break the bond after we've legitimized the mark?" Jax asked.

I ran a hand through my hair and gave a deep shrug. "I...honestly don't know. How many stories have you heard about rejection after the fact?"

"Actually, I know of a few. I think they both had to agree to the rejection, though." Dax said.

"That's not helpful. I'd agree," Jax said matter-of-factly.

"I would...I would have to," Dax said defeatedly.

The problem was that I would, too.

"She may never find out," Jax said. My head snapped up and my eyes met his. I couldn't believe him. He'd seemed the most against this entire process when we'd met with father the night the plan went into action. He actually shrugged. "I mean, Max, c'mon. If Kross dies before all of this takes place? We could certainly spin this. Father already has it covered on the political side. Once this is all over, he'll relinquish his title and we'll take position of Cold Moon and Black Wind. Kira will be ruling by our side. Kross's death will be an unfortunate accident, but we can get through it."

"What the f**k, man?" Dax said, clearly shocked.

"Glad it's not just me," I growled.

Jax held up both hands in front of him. "All I'm saying is that we have to consider all angles, here. We're the future Alphas of this pack. Not everything is so black and white in a moral context. We're making both of our packs stronger by merging them. That's ultimately what we want, right? And if we lose this bond with Kira we weaken as Alphas, and our pack weakens by default. Is Father's plan absolutely heinous? Yes. Is it for the greater good? I mean..." Jax trailed off, but I had to admit that when he lined the points up like that, I could see where he was coming from.

I need to speak with you, my sons, Father came through mind-link. The three of us looked at each other, uncertain.

"Whatever we do, we do together, right?" I asked, looking from Jax to Dax. They nodded solemnly.

"Always," They said in unison.

Father stood behind his desk in office, a glass of brandy in his hand. He was always standing when we entered; he wanted to remind us that he was still our dominant. We couldn't forget our places until he said we could have his.

We took our chairs on the other side of the desk and, in usual fashion, waited for him to take his time before he told us whatever it was he wanted.

This time it was a question. "Have you fulfilled your responsibility yet?"

His eyes never left the window behind his desk, and he took a sip from his glass as if it were merely a passive inquiry.

Silence.

"Answer me." He commanded.

Compelled, we answered in unison, "No, Father."

He turned to face us, placed his glass on the table, reached across and smacked me across the face. I could feel Rhyel's rage more than even my own. He snarled within me, Challenge him. Tear his throat out!

"Calm your wolf, Maximus. There'll be no Price dying today."

I rubbed my face, but said nothing to either Rhyel or my father. I couldn't even look at my brothers.

"It's only been five days, Father," Jax insisted. "What do you want us to do?"

"Whatever it takes," Xavier snapped. "Hold her down if you have to. Make it happen. I don't care! She must be marked and mated in order to solidify my plans. Her allegiance will be strong."

"YOU WANT US TO WHAT?" Dax roared. Before I could even react he was flying across the desk toward Father. The shifts happened so quickly it knocked Jax and I backward. Snarling, ripping, growling in a mad flash of black, silver, and grey fur. Father pinned to Dax to the ground in mere seconds with his mouth on his throat. I couldn't stop myself from shifting; Rhyel was still so enraged from the previous slap.

I gave him total control. A mistake. I lunged for Father, but he released Dax and whipped around to s***h my neck. I thought he missed me, but he grabbed hold of my ear as I dodged and yanked with such force I thought he would tear it off. In seconds the pressure released and I realized he was off of me. Jax had shifted and attacked his flank. Dax was working his left side as they went face to face vying for the other's neck. I sprang forward and clamped a hind leg in my mouth.

The door burst open and another wolf was on me snapping and lunging--Kai, damn him!

Now busy with him, I could only listen as I heard Father take each of my brothers down.

STOP THIS NONSENSE

His mindlink was strong enough to compel us, and my body went limp atop Kai. He shoved me off to the floor, and I shifted back--naked on the floor of Father's office.

"F**king pathetic. Three of you to take on Alpha Xavier? Over what? That b***h?" Kai said after he had shifted again.

"Enough, Kai. My sons just needed a refresher of their place." Father stood over us with that damned smirk, his eyes dancing with glee. "Now that it's over, get to it. I want her marked and mated. By tomorrow night."

With that, he padded out of his office, leaving us there on the floor and licking our wounds.