The Reluctant Alpha

Chapter 9 - So Many Questions

Luca

"Do know you could have started a war back there with your irrational behavior?" I hear my father seethe.

"I'd fight a thousand wars if it meant she was safe." I say, not taking my eyes off her as she drifts off to sleep. And I mean it with everything in me.

She looks at peace for the moment and Titus starts to settle down. I will need to speak with him about taking over. As much as I hate to admit it, he did the right thing. I don't trust that Alpha and I may have gone mad wondering if she was alright. I may never be able to let her know who I am to her, but I will feel better knowing that I can see that she is always safe and happy.

"Luca, you have to explain a little more to me. It seems that there is more to it just than you seeing her being mistreated by her Alpha. I know you have a soft spot in your heart like your mother..." he trails off and clears his throat before continuing. "But I have never known you to act so rash. And over someone you don't even know."

When I mind-linked him earlier, I told him on how I saw the so-called Alpha treat her unprovoked. He accepted my words now, but I know he will keep digging if he feels I am keeping anything from him. He must decide not to push it any further for now since the car falls silent.

I use the time to take in my mate fully. Even in her sleep, she is breathtaking. Her head gently lolling to the side as we drive. Her long black hair is fanned down her back with a few stands falling over her face. Her perfect cupid bow lips just slightly parted. The dress she had on showed off her body nicely but is still conservative enough to not show more than I would be comfortable with anyone seeing of what is mine. I shake my head and try to decide what my next move will be. Obviously, we will have her join our pack, but I'm sure we haven't heard the last of Morris and his cronies.

She rustles gently to reposition herself, turning her back to me. It is at that moment that I see the discolored skin along the top of her back and shoulders. The hair must have been covering them earlier. A violent, heated rage takes over me and I slam my fist into the seat next to me, drawing my father's attention once again.

"What has gotten into you tonight?!" His eyes bore into me and look at me as if I am a stranger.

I don't trust my words, so I just point to the fading marks that mare her skin. Anger flashes across his face and is gone just as quick. "It looks like you may have done the right thing tonight. But I still stand by the fact that you did it the wrong way." He keeps his voice low and for that I am thankful. I can tell she is out cold, almost like she hasn't slept in months, but I don't want her to overhear us right now. There are too many questions, and she has had a rough night, if not life.

I try to quell the anger inside me as well. I know she is safe now. I will never let any harm come to her. Hell, that is why I went to see the wretched witch to begin with. My only thoughts have been to protect her. My father may have lost his way a bit with our pack after he lost my mother, but he still would never intentionally inflict pain on any member of his pack. An Alpha's job is to protect his people and make sure no harm comes to them. In some cases, you must be a bit of a hard ass, but never to the point of abuse.

I look out the window to clear my head. There are preparations to make once we get home. I will need to make sure she has a place to stay along with letting our patrol know to keep an eye out for any unexpected visitors coming to see her. From the way Clarence talked, you would think that he would be glad to rid himself of her, but a strong feeling in the pit of my stomach tells me that it is far from the truth.

I mind-link Alex. He has 3 sisters and ample room at his parent's home. He is the only one I would trust around my mate and the only one that knows my secret. "You up?"

"Yes, Alpha." he responds a few moments later. I roll my eyes at his teasing tone. He knows damn well how much I hate the title and hasn't stopped with it since I let him know he would be needed to step in as Beta earlier than expected.

"Drop the Alpha nonsense already. I have a favor to ask of you," I sigh before adding, "A rather important one."

"Sounds pretty serious. What's up? Party worse than you thought? Do I need to fake an emergency for you to be summoned home post haste?"

I'm starting to regret this i***t will soon be my Beta, but I can help the smile that starts from his comment. "Nothing like that. We are on our way back and we have one of their pack members that will be joining our pack. I will fill you in on all the details later, but she will need a place to stay. Your sisters are around her age, and I was hoping she could stay with you and your family."

He goes silent for a little while, presumably talking to his parents. "That is fine. Mom said she will make up the spare room. Your dad already told mine that you kidnapped some girl from the other pack. Knight in shining armor complex much?"

I huff in frustration. "I will tell you everything when I get back. And one more thing, do as much digging on the Lock Heart Pack as you can. Something isn't sitting right with them. But whatever you do, don't let anyone know. Not even your father." The last thing I need is for Vincent to find out. He'd run straight back to my father with it and I would be questioned relentlessly.

"On it boss." he quips just as my father nudges my knee.

I cut the link and look over at him with questioning stare.

We are nearing their pack border. The moment we pass, she will be in discomfort. I slide closer to her. I promised her I will help her with the pain, and I plan to do that in any way I can. I gently take her hand as I watch the border getting closer. The driver slows the car down and look over to see my father with is eyes glazed over. He must be telling him to take it slow. I know this is an excruciating process and hate the fact that she will have to go through it. I wouldn't be surprised if we must pull over until she is comfortable again. However, once it is done, I will make sure she is never in pain again in her life.

I keep my focus trained on her. Waiting. Seconds seem like minutes. I appreciate the driver slowing down, but this is torture. My father grips my shoulder, pulling my attention away from my sleeping angel. I look at the shocked etched onto his face.

"What's wrong?' I ask, never taking my hand off Mia's.

"We went over the border a few minutes ago."

I look back to Mia and she hasn't even moved a muscle. This isn't right. I have seen it with my own eyes. The agony a pack member goes through when stepping over the border after breaking their tie with our pack.

The rest of the way home is silent. Only two questions play over and over in my head. Why was she with a pack that isn't hers and who really is she?