The Silverclaw Chronicles: Where will Fear take You?

Too Many Alphas

Chapter Nine

Jessie

I stand beside Mom, unsure if we are supposed to be here for this or are simply unwanted onlookers. Without even looking around the room, you can feel such a strong sense of tension blasting you from every direction. I am so in shock that they are all still here, but even more unsure about why they are all involved in a heated discussion about Addison. I look over at Mom, who just puts her finger to her lips to tell me to stay quiet. I guess we are staying then until someone tells us to go.

I shuffle my feet to get into a more comfortable stance when all of their eyes turn toward the barely audible noise that I made. I have never had this amount of power pushed on me by anyone, but the stare of an Alpha, Beta, three Future Alphas, and four Future Betas is too much for me. I avert my eyes slightly to my side and gulp without even realizing that I am doing it.

"I am sorry, Jessie," Father says, and I look back at him. Everyone's stares have eased and I feel more comfortable with looking up now. "We didn't mean for you to feel the weight of all of us like that. Some people in this room need to remember that this is my Pack and respect our leadership." He adds, looking around the table at all of the future leaders.

"We are all sorry. This is a very stressful time for everyone." Wilson replies and then he turns to look between Dad and Mom before speaking again. "I believe that I speak for all of us when I say that we hope that Amelia is doing better."

Mom takes a small step forward. "The doctor said that she should be fine. He is running tests and some of his staff will be staying on our floor tonight to help watch over her." She says, looking around the room, but then holding Dad's gaze while she speaks.

"That is very good to hear. We truly are sorry for any oversteps." Lucian adds, glancing at Mom and I before also looking toward Dad.

"We hate to impose upon you more than we already have, but would it be possible for us to stay the night as well?" Dante asks as he turns toward Dad and then gives Mom a pleading look.

"I am not sure that is really necessary. We obviously have a lot to figure out and my team and I will be busy deciding things," Dad says with an edge of authority in his tone.

Everyone begins to speak at once to each other and over one another. This is when Blake from Wolf Moon catches my attention because of his quiet, peaceful demeanor as I notice him messaging on his phone, seeming disinterested in this whole conversation. I can tell from just pieces of things that I am picking up that no one is agreeing on how Addison should be dealt with or who should have the final word on that decision.

Just when I thought they are all going to start yelling, Blake's phone rings rather loudly, silencing everyone as they turn their attention to him. He answers the call, which is very brief, and then he hangs up. I am not sure why, but the whole room feels frozen for a moment. The silence is so thick that you could literally hear a pin drop onto a pillow.

Blake stands up and turns to Mom first. "Luna Micaela, we are sorry for the invasion, but we will be needing a place to stay for at least the night please." Then he turns to Dad and goes on. "The Lycan King will be here tomorrow. He wanted me to tell you that he will be needing ten rooms ready for him. He did not say how long he will be staying, but he would like to discuss this matter with you and your leadership. He would also like to speak with Amelia when she is awake." He turns to the rest of the group and adds, "I don't know about all of you, but I am quite tired. Arguing about this will not get us anywhere, especially when we are all on edge and sleepy. We know that this is between Alpha Marcus, his leadership, and the Lycan King, so we will just have to see if we are needed tomorrow when he arrives. I suggest we turn in for the night."

I am not sure if I am in awe of Blake at that moment or just shocked that he was so quiet and then took over. Mom grabs my arm and we turn to make arrangements for everyone. I don't know how this is going to work out, but it should be interesting.

Mom is the most amazing Luna ever. She snaps into Luna mode and has the whole Pack house buzzing around getting things done. She has them preparing all ten of the guest rooms on the main floor, the four available guest rooms on the 3rd floor or Gamma floor, the four available rooms on the 4th floor or Beta floor, the room on the 5th floor or Alpha floor has been set up for a few nurses already, and then she has everyone working on the four available offices on the 2nd floor. She told me that the King will expect everything to be pristine and will need at least one office to conduct business in, but will most likely expect more. She also has some of the extra staff rooms in the basement prepared as she is sure that he will come with quite the entourage. I watch as she handles everything with grace and dignity. She never gets flustered outwardly and takes everything that happens in stride.

As she starts assigning rooms, I am intrigued to see the way that her mind works. She places future leaders strategically by separating the Alphas and Betas. She has all of the Future Betas stay in the rooms on the Beta floor and the Future Alphas on the Gamma floor. I look at her slightly surprised and she explains it quickly.

"There is a lot of tension about how Addison should be dealt with in this situation. We can't put these Future Alphas on the same floor with Beta Keagon because it will be too stressful for him and his family. They have enough on their plates. A Future Alpha should never question the authority of any current leader, but these boys seem to be hardwired to tempt fate. A Future Beta will never have authority of any kind over another Beta, so they will tow the line better. Plus, none of them were as hostile during that meeting if you noticed. These boys will not bother Gamma Thaddeus and if they do, he will have no problem showing them their place in the pecking order." She links me with a small laugh at the end. I nod my head in response and start leading people to their rooms as I see Mom heading to the basement. I quickly return and listen in as she speaks to them all.

"I want all of the finest things put in each of the guest rooms here on the main floor and I want the large corner suite to be setup for the King. If we have to call for more of anything, please do so and let's get it all here before morning. We have no idea what time he will arrive or who will be in his party. I don't want any of you to feel uncomfortable about anything. Remember that this is royalty and they will expect you to be quiet, quick, and courteous at all times. I only want our most seasoned staff to wait on anyone in the Royal Party and males for males and females for females whenever possible. Is that understood? I want all of the younger staff to stay out of sight and simply work behind the scenes while they are all here. If you have any problems at all, you are to bring them to me directly. This will be fine as long as you all follow my directions, alright?" Mom says while speaking to all of the staff in the basement great room.

Everyone nods their heads and runs off in multiple different directions to finish things up. I look at Mom with questioning eyes. She puts up her finger to tell me to wait for a minute. The heads of each staff section come over to Mom to give her a report.

"Luna, we have all of the rooms ready to your specifications and have each assigned our eldest professional staffers to each suite. We will adjust it tomorrow if needed based on who is in the party." Martha tells Mom with a smile.

"Thank you all. I just don't want any issues if we can keep from it. This will be a very strained situation already." Mom replies, patting them each on the shoulder. "I will be available via link all night if you need anything."

"Get some sleep, Luna. We will not let you down," Gerald says with a small nod.

As Mom turns back to me and we walk slowly up the stairs, she finally explains some things to me. "Jessie, you need to understand that not all packs are run the way that ours is. We are very fortunate and all our wolves are treated as equals here, able to work or go to school for the jobs they desire. Now many of our Omegas still choose to be on the Pack house staff, but they are not forced into that anymore. Several members still follow the old rules pretty strictly, even Amelia's parents believed that it was best for Omegas to live a life of service. All of that is fine, but your father and I worked very hard to make sure that choice is an option for everyone. The Royals are no exception to this. They have always lived in a much stricter version of the old ways. While they are here, I need you to help me by keeping an eye out for staff and younger members of the Pack." She tells me with a serious look on her face.

"Alright, Mom. You can count on me," I reply.

"Jessie, some Royals will just act on instinct and expect to be given whatever they want. This is why I want all of our older staff to be the only ones seen. There won't be a problem with anyone expecting anything from staff that is not considered young and desirable to them. Do you understand what I am saying?" Mom continues and I feel like I am going to be sick as the full weight of what I am being told hits me. Mom wraps her arm around my shoulders and tries to alleviate some of the worry she can sense from me. "Jessie, it will all be fine. The King seems to be a much more forward thinker than his father was, but it is always best to be prepared. That is a lesson that I learned from both of your grandmothers. They were two of the best Lunas I have ever known. I just want to make sure that I share all of their knowledge with you."

I hug Mom and smile at her. I know that she is right and this will all end up okay. I am glad that I am able to learn from her and all of the great Lunas before her. We make our way to the top floor as the doctor is coming out of Amelia's room. He looks as tired as I feel.

"Doctor, how is she doing?" Mom asks quietly.

"Amelia is doing alright. All of the tests came back fine and she is recuperating just as I expected. She is experiencing some elevations in her heart rate and blood pressure, which I believe are the result of her suffering from night terrors. Her body is quickly recovering each time, so I see no need to be alarmed by this. The deeper state of sleep that she is in right now is allowing her mind to experience more imagery than we normally do when sleeping. My nurses and top two residents are setup in the room next to hers to keep a close eye on everything throughout the night. I would like to advise that Aiden gets some sleep in his room too. He is looking a little rough and I know that it is because he can sense things through their connection, but she might feel some of that too. If she is experiencing some of their connection, it will be better for her if Aiden is well rested and in peak shape."

Mom nods her head and says, "I will talk to him. I know exactly what you are talking about. We will make sure that he gets some sleep."

We walk into Amelia's bedroom as Dr. Franklin starts down the stairs to go home for a little rest. When we enter, Aiden immediately looks up at us and to say that he looks horrible is an understatement. I have never seen my brother in this state. I can see stress all over his face, but it is more than that. I walk over to Aims' side of the bed, pulling her desk chair with me so that I can sit by her. I know that Mom is going to deal with Aiden, but I have to admit that this is the first time I have ever seen my brother so vulnerable. I reach out and take Aims' hand in mine and am relieved to see her looking better.

"Aiden..." Mom starts softly, waiting for him to make eye contact with her before she goes on. I sit here very quietly trying to let her find a way to tell him that he looks like s**t and has to get it together for Aims and himself.

Aiden

"Yes, Mom." I reply, knowing she's going to try the same thing that the doctor did on me, but then in true Mom fashion, she surprises me.

"Honey, I know that you want to be close to Amelia, especially now, and that makes complete sense to me." She says and then just looks at me like she is done.

"That's right. I'm glad you get it. She's having nightmares or something that is causing her to have panic attacks. I have no intention of going anywhere." I tell her in a firm tone.

"Like I said, I understand that. I do want to let you know that you should get as much rest as possible because all of your classmates have insisted on staying to discuss both Addy and Amelia more tomorrow." She pauses, but I can see that she has more to tell me. I am sure that both the shock and slight anger are showing on my face.

"Why would they think that they have any say in anything that goes on within our Pack and its members?" I ask, not really expecting an answer.

"That is a good question, but they were very adamant during the meeting they were holding with your father and his leaders earlier. They even informed the Lycan King about everything and he will be here tomorrow with several others from the Capitol." She simply states the facts like they are nothing to be upset over and I can feel my temper rising.

"Why would they do that?" I say once again, not really wanting an answer. "If the King is coming here, he will want to take Amelia back with him, especially after this." I am talking more to myself than Mom at this point, but I can feel my heart rate and anger rising.

I sit up in bed more and start opening and closing my fists, trying to figure out what I am going to do now. Even if I tell the King that she is my mate, he will not change his original plan to take her back so that he can investigate her situation further himself. I can't let anyone take her away from here unless she wants to go. She has so much going on inside of her already that I want to try to help her with, but being ripped away from another home is not going to help with that. I am feeling an anger and even a panic that I can't explain until I hear Jessie yell at me.

"Pull it together, Aiden!" She yells and I turn to look at her. Then she turns her eyes down to Amelia and starts yelling again. I can see that Amelia looks paler and now hear that her heart rate is racing much higher than mine. "Aiden! You need to get out of here and go calm down right now!"

I reach out for Amelia's hand thinking I can hopefully help calm her again, but I am feeling just as upset myself. "Aiden, your sister is right. You need to go and take a shower and try to get some sleep." Mom adds, and that does it for me.

"I am not leaving her side. I can't." I tell them both.

Jessie stands up and slaps me across my face before I can even react. "Aiden, Mom is trying to be nice, but I am not going to take that approach because this is about Aims not you. You need to go now! Look at her..." She says as she motions down to Amelia. "You are making this worse for her right now because of your emotions being all over the place. You have got to get your s**t together and figure out a plan for everything that is heading our way. I know you love her, but right now you need to realize that Mom and I do too. We will take really good care of her while you are dealing with all this other crap!"

I take a deep breath while looking at my little sister and realize how grown-up she has become. I can see Amelia's body relaxing some as I am trying to calm down. "You are right." I tell her as I take another breath. "I will go shower, talk to Kyle, and then try to get some sleep if you both promise me that if she gets any worse you will come and get me."

Mom lays her hand on mine and says, "Of course we will. Nothing is going to happen to Amelia. Your father has dealt with the King before and his father before him. We will all make sure that she is safe, Aiden." She leans toward me and gives me a hug.

I climb out of bed and walk over to Amelia's side, leaning over to kiss her forehead lightly. "Rest well, Little Luna. I will be back soon."

Jessie looks up at me. "I am sorry that I smacked you and I promise that I will get you if she needs you." She tells me and I give her a half smile.

"I forgive you this time, Sis. Thank you for knocking some sense back into me." I tell her as I walk toward the door. I look back at Amelia one more time before I let the door close behind me.

I don't even get all the way to my room before Kyle finds me and looks shocked. "I thought you would be in Amelia's room with her all night. I was coming to talk to you." He tries explaining as he follows me into my room.

"I was planning to, but it seems that my emotions and tiredness are affecting her, so I am going to try to deal with some of that before I go back in there. You want to tell me what the hell happened earlier. I am just going to jump in the shower real quick and then you can fill me in on everything." I tell him and he nods his head while he plops down on my couch.

I take a quick shower, but feel a lot better after it. I get dressed in some sweatpants and a t-shirt before walking back out into my room. I am slightly surprised to find my father and Uncle Keagon have joined Kyle in my room, but it also makes sense that they would want to talk to us before everyone arrives the next day.

"Son, I am sorry that we are invading your room. We are a little limited to places that we can talk privately right now. We wanted to talk to you together." Dad states calmly.

"So Mom and Jessie told me that things got a bit heated earlier with all of our classmates and they are all still here. They also said that the Lycan King will be here tomorrow. Why don't you all fill in the blanks for me?" I reply while I sit down on a chair beside them.

"After you came back up to Amelia, we all decided to try to have a small meeting to discuss Addy. It was just supposed to be our leadership team and Kyle, but your classmates all felt that they should be involved as well. Many of the future Alphas seem to think that they have a stake in the decision involving my daughter since she attacked Amelia." Keagon explains, as I can hear the disgust in his tone.

"Why would they think they have any rights in this situation?" I ask still trying to remain as calm as I can.

"Well, Bro..." Kyle starts and then he looks like he is trying to decide how to tell me the next part before he just spits it out. "Apparently, they all feel like they still have rights in this situation because it involves Amelia, who was a member of each of their Packs previously."

As the words come out of his mouth, I can feel my claws wanting to rip through my fingers and my fangs begging to break out. I have to control all of this though, because I can't hurt Amelia more.

"The operative word there is "was"! She was a member of their Packs, but that was a long time ago." I spat the words out of my mouth.

"I know, Son, and we all agree with you. However, Amelia owns property in each of their Packs. Even with her alliance being shifted to a new Pack with each move the poor child had to make, they all kept her parents' properties and belongings in her name. I never thought about this before and am going to be asking your mother to work with our other historians to try to come up with the best answer. Right now though, I tried to just appease them and let them join our discussion. It didn't go well though and Blake must have been informing the Lycan King about everything because he got a call from him and then announced to all of us that he was coming." Dad says, looking both upset and a bit worn out.

"I knew that the Lycan King was interested in Amelia, but I didn't realize that all of our classmates were too." I say while going through several scenarios of how we can deal with all of this in my head.

"I don't know that it is our classmates as much as it is their fathers," Kyle replies and we all look over at him. "Well think about it...we have all been talking about all of the Vampire attacks and different theories. They also all know about your theories surrounding the orphaned children, especially Amelia. The King has shown major interest in her. You don't think that whatever Pack has her might get special attention from the King?!?"

"You have a good point, Kyle." I agree with him. "Mom and I were already talking about looking into Amelia's heritage more, but then all of this happened so we knew we would have to wait. Now I don't think it can wait. We are going to have to make sure that we are ready for anything and a big part of that is going to be understanding her past fully." I tell them as I shake my head to try to clear it, but I keep coming back to the fact that there are too many Alphas interested in my little Luna.

"You are right. We will get this all figured out. Try to get some sleep now and we will start again early before they arrive." Dad says as he stands to leave my room.

"Aiden, I am sorry for everything that happened with Addison. I hope that we can all come up with a punishment together that will appease everyone and still spare my daughter's life." Keagon says as he stands with Dad looking heartbroken.

"Uncle, I know this must be very hard for you and I hate that. I am going to trust that Dad and the other Moon's Edge Leaders will come up with the right punishment. I know that I am not in charge yet and I trust that they will handle this according to the Laws." I tell him, trying to be understanding, but also making sure that he realizes that he can't be a part of the decision anymore than me.

He nods his head sadly, knowing how serious all of this is due to Amelia being my mate and the fact that the Lycan King is on his way. Dad puts his hand on his shoulder as they all turn to walk out of the room. I move over to my bed and attempt to get some sleep, but it is not coming easily. I try to think about Amelia and how wonderful it is to have found her. I finally drift off to sleep thinking of nothing but her.