Braided Fate - A Werewolf Romance

Carson's Family

(Jaxon POV)

      “How are they all doing, Carson?” I asked my Beta without looking up from my notes. I had spent the last couple hours on the phone trying to coordinate everything. Chris’ prisoner had come as well, so I was dealing with that mess at the same time. Carson shifted uncomfortably. He looked uncomfortable. I had no idea what had gotten into him. Since we had gone to RedTide, he was not acting like himself.

      “They are all getting the help they need. I’m going to head back-” Carson began to leave. I growled softly. He froze. I was tired of the man lying to me. First, he had made a decision to start a war by stealing prisoners, then the entire time he was practically glued to the prisoners’ sides. Now, he was pushing me off.

      “Carson, you are my best friend, but I swear to the Goddess that I will kill you if you don’t tell me what’s going on right now.” I ordered. Did he think I was an i***t? Carson deflated.

      “The girl...”He began, but trailed off. I waited patiently.

       “The girl is my mate. I couldn’t leave her there, Jax. I’m so sorry.” Carson looked defeated and overwhlemed. I blinked in surprise. That was not what I was expecting at all.

       “Since she was in the cells, I didn’t think that they’d let us take her. And she wanted to come with me. The other men are her brothers.” Carson continued. I nodded slowly, understanding finally clicking in. Carson had taken his family, no one else. I could work with that. I wish I had known that before I had been on the phone with the other security teams. The other Alphas had been outraged at the breach in protocol. But this fact was exactly what I needed. Not a single one of them would have left their mates there, nor would they expect anyone else to.

     “Carson, I never would have asked you to abandon your mate. Please trust in me as your friend and your Alpha in the future. Now that I’m done with all of the talking with Alpha Chris and the other security teams, I’m ready to meet your mate. Lead the way, introduce us.” I ordered. Time to meet the woman that had my best friend tripping over himself. Carson lit up like a Christmas tree. I followed him to the makeshift medical area. 

      The young woman was sitting patiently on her cot. She had beautiful tanned skin with dark, curly hair. She looked like she was barely 18. The other men, her brothers looked to be between her age and made mid-30s at the oldest. She made eye contact with Carson and me but said nothing. Anger rolled through me as I saw how thin and pale she was. She obviously hadn’t had enough to eat for a while. Her hair was matted and dirty, her skin covered in grime and mud. Carson went up to her and she stiffened as if Carson was going to hit her. Carson froze and settled on just standing near her.

      “Alpha Jax, this is Miranda. My mate.” Carson glowed. Miranda looked very cautious, but stared at Carson with wanting eyes. It was obvious she thought the situation was too good to be true.

      “Miranda, it’s so good to meet you. My friend is very excited to have finally found you.” I chuckled to myself.

      “If I had known where you were, I would have come long ago.” Carson huffed. I nodded.

      “Of course we would have. It’s really good to meet you, Miranda. Do you mind if I ask some questions?” I moved to sit next to her. Her eyes got wide and she automatically clung to Carson. Carson held her close and patted her hair.

      “It’s okay. He’s here to help.” Carson assured her.

      “I am. Miranda, what in the heck is going on at your pack? Forgive me for being blunt, but I know something is wrong.” I asked. Miranda’s eyes were wide. When she spoke, her voice was weak from misuse.

      “H-he took over a couple years ago. He was a rogue. H-he killed my father, the Gamma. H-he hurt Samantha, our Beta’s daughter. She’s dead.” Miranda started sobbing.

     “Slow down, love. Slow down. He? Alpha Simon?”

      “Yes, our Alpha had given him and a couple other rogues shelter. Within 24 hours, our Alpha and Gamma were dead. He finally killed Beta Kyle after he killed Sammy.” She cried. One of the girl’s brothers spoke up.

      “They did a pack Cleanse.” The man growled. He looked to be in his thirties and had several scars on his face and arms from defending himself. I stiffened. Carson looked sick. We both knew what that meant. His mate had been r***d more than once. No wonder she was so skittish.

       “To break any faith in the old leadership team.” I sighed. The girl and her three brothers nodded.

       “Why were you in the dungeon?” I wondered out loud. This arrangement was new. The fear tactic had worked. So, why were they in the dungeon now? I wondered what had changed to breathe life into them again. Anger flooded the features of the men in front of me.

      “She was pregnant. And then they hit her so hard she-” The eldest one trailed off. A mix of intense emotions swirled through me. This jackass of an Alpha had killed what I could only assume was his own child.

      “Branson, it’s okay. We aren’t there anymore.” Miranda smiled softly at her brother. Branson started at his own name.

       “I’m sorry, Alpha Jax. We are so confused with everything going on. It’s been a long time since we’ve met a friendly face. I am Branson Pearson; these are my brothers, Nick and James, and this is our kid sister, Miranda Pearson.” Branson introduced them. I waved my hand.

       “Don’t worry about it, Branson. You were focused on keeping your family safe. Miranda, I am very sorry for your loss. Carson, I am going to put you in charge of their care. I’ll send for a truck to come and take you guys back to our pack. You’ll be safe in my territory.” I told them and turned to leave.

       “Alpha Jax, please make sure he pays for this. We failed Sammy. She was like our sister. We let them- We can’t fail the rest of the pack again.” The soft voice of Nick Pearson surprised me. The way the men were looking at each other made me feel like I was missing something. I made eye contact with the man. He was about my age.

      “Definitely. His reign is over. It might take time, but we will get everyone out.” I promised. I knew immediately I shouldn’t have made that promise, but I couldn’t help it. I walked out of there before they could get me to promise them something else.