Gone, Found and Freed

Chapter 11 - Poor Ace

POV Ace

                I still don’t know what to do. It’s almost eight in the morning now and Max hasn’t said a word to me in regards to trying to reach out to Lily or not. I feel so in the dark that I don’t know what to do. I feel so bad that Alina had to find out about Layla in the way that she did. How could I be so stupid to forget about all of this? I guess that I was so caught up in figuring things out with Alina that it completely slipped my mind. I’m not sure what to do. I could go talk to Layla and just clear the air once in for all, but I know that she’s going to be bitter about it and I don’t want Alina’s entrance into the pack to be hostile in any way. I know Layla has probably already started talking to her friends about what an ass I’ve been for ignoring her for the last two days. I honestly don’t care about her feelings, all I care about in this moment is how I’m going to make all of this up to Alina once I find her. Hopefully Max is making some progress with Lily. I just wish that Max would talk to me and tell me what’s going on at least. He could tell me if he got in contact with her or not. I throw my head back and sigh closing my eyes at the thought of never seeing Alina again. As an Alpha, I got my wolf when I was twenty-one. Normal wolves get their wolfs and can shift for the first time when they turn eighteen, but since I’m an Alpha, I had to wait. I remember the morning of my twenty-first birthday like it was yesterday. Max was stirring around in my head forcing me to wake up. The second I heard his voice, I was in awe already. He immediately became my best friend and most trusted ally. I hate that he is so mad at me right now. I just feel like everyone is. Max, Alina, eventually Layla, I don’t even want to know what mom and dad are going to think about all of this. My poor mother has been waiting for a new Luna just as long as I and everyone else in the pack has. At least she can finally retire now that I’ve found Alina. I should’ve told her and dad about Layla, but I didn’t. I know they’re going to be pissed at me. Mom told me my entire life to wait for my mate but I didn’t listen.

                I mean, I’m twenty-seven years old now. I waited six years for my mate to come and she never did. I went to Alpha meetings looking for her, I went to elaborate parties at different packs hoping I would find her and I never did. To think that Alina has basically been sitting in my backyard for Goddess knows how long makes me feel even more stupid. How have I never picked up on her scent? I’ve gone into town several times and never sensed her.

                I sigh again. I think about Alina and how amazing last night was. Her every move is plastered into my head. He scent, the way she tasted, the sounds she made, her perfect little voice saying my name. Goddess I’m loosing it. I need her here now. I can’t go another second without her here. Where is she? A pain begins to form in my chest and I reach my hand up holding it. This void is eating me from the inside out. Just then I hear Jason cut through my thoughts.

                “Alph man, just checking in and giving you an update. All good here. How are things going with operation Luna?” he said. Jason and I have known each other since we were in diapers. Our moms are sisters making us cousins. But in reality, we are basically brothers. We’ve never called each other cousins before, it’s always been ‘bro’ or ‘brother’. After I became Alpha, out of respect he started calling me by my title. When it came to picking my beta, I never had to rethink my decision. Once the pack doubled in size after I took over, I knew I needed a second beta because Jason would get extremely overwhelmed. Lucas’s dad was my dad’s best warrior. When dad suggested him for my second beta, I didn’t even question it. He was a perfect addition to our leadership. I grew up training with him and Jason anyways. I couldn’t have ask for two better right hands. Even though Lucas is a few years younger than Jason and I, his wolf is naturally strong. It’s unfortunate that he hasn’t found his mate yet. He’s been looking for her just like I was. I had been taking him with me to all of the pack meetings and parties in the hopes that one of us would find our mate, but unfortunately neither of us did. Well, at least not until now. I finally found Alina and what’s the first thing I do as soon as I do? I screw it all up.

                “I messed up Jason.” I respond after trying to sort through all of my thoughts.

                “What do you mean?” He responded. I could hear the slight panic in his voice.

                “She found out about Layla.”

                “You didn’t already tell her!?! What is wrong with you!?!” he was almost screaming at me.

                “Look man, I know. I messed up, but I’m working on it.” I answer as calmly as I can. Honestly, if this was anyone else in the world, I would be pining to rip his head off, but since it’s Jason I can keep my cool because I know he means nothing but love by his attitude.

                “And what exactly are you doing? How are you working on it? This pack needs its Luna Alexander. We’ve waited for so long for her, we can’t lose her brother.” I could sense the concern in his voice. Not just for himself but for the entire pack in general.

                “I’ve been waiting for her too Jason. It hasn’t been just you or everyone else. She’s MY mate and I’m going to do whatever I have to in order to get her back home. I made a mistake and I’m trying to fix it.” I explain all of this trying to comfort him. I now that holding him to secrecy along with the handful of other wolves has been hard on them. They are all excited to finally have their new Luna and I’ve stripped them from being able to celebrate. I haven’t even told my mom or dad that I’ve found her. I just know that they would be thrilled to meet her. I’ve been selfish. Not just towards Alina, but towards my entire pack. The people that I love the most in this entire world. I have to fix this. I just have to.

                “Are you okay man?” Jason comes back through.

                “Honestly man, I’m not. I feel like I just lost everything that I’ve been looking for right when I just barely got it. I don’t know how to feel right now, I just feel lost.”

                “You’ll figure it out. You always do. Do you need anything form me? Do you want me to do anything to help?” he asks.

                “Actually, yes. Can you pick up my mom and bring her to Alina’s cabin? I need to talk to her.” I know that if there’s anyone in this world that will know what to do, it will be my mom. I just need her here with me honestly, I need and want her comfort.

                “Roger that Alph man!” I think he caught on to what I was needing because I could sense the excitement behind his voice. He knows as well as I that my mom can literally do just about anything if she put her mind to it. I need her help. I need to make a plan to make all of this up to Alina. Whatever it takes right?

                About thirty minutes later I heard Jason’s truck pulling up to the cabin outside. I saw him get out of the truck and walk over to the passenger side door and open. I watch him help my mom step down on to the ground. As always, power is radiating off of her due to her Luna title. She’s dressed as she always is, in a classy skirt suit with a matching button down underneath the blazer. Today’s suit is a dark navy blue with a white button down. She has on the matching jewelry set that dad got her a few years ago for her birthday that matches perfectly. Saphire stones fit perfectly in the yellow gold. It has earrings, a necklace and matching bracelet. I walk over to her and she take my hand and we begin to walk inside of the cabin.

                “Alexander Cadwal Ellington, what is going on? Why did you have poor Jason here drag me all the way out here?” She let go of my hand and stopped walking. I don’t think my mother has used my full name since I was a small pup. That’s a little scary honestly.

                “I’ll explain everything inside mom. Please.” I answer her trying to take her hand back. She pushed my hand away and gave me her best ‘mom’ look and put her hands on her hips.

                “This isn’t even out territory Alexander. You better have a good reason for this young man.” Her tone was nothing but serious. I gulped and took a step closer to her.

                “I found her mom. I finally found my mate.” I said looking to the ground.

                “You did! Oh thank Goddess the day is finally here that I can retire with my mate! Is she here, is she inside?” she said walking past me towards the cabin. I quickly looked over at Jason and he gave me a look that held so much pity in it that my entire body just slouched. He knew well enough that I was about to get probably the worst lecture of my life.

                “Mom, she’s not here.” I holler to her as she’s making her way up the steps to the front door of the cabin. She turned around to face me and I started walking over to her.

                “Well where is she?” she said confused. I got to where I was a few feet from her and slouched even more.

                “Mom, I messed up.” She didn’t even hesitate before she reached up and grabbed me by my left ear and began dragging me into the cabin. I start wincing in pain and begging her to let go but she doesn’t. I know you’re probably thinking, ‘you’re an Alpha, just make her let go.’ Well, I can’t. Yes, I’m an Alpha, but this is still my mother and I don’t want to die today.

                POV Jason

                I’m leaning up against my truck waiting for Luna Carol to come back. I mean, I can’t just leave her here. I am her ride after all. Although, I already know that she’s going to ask me the second we get back into this truck if I knew about Layla or not. I can’t lie to her either. I respect her to much to lie to her. Even if I wanted to and went through with the lie, she would know that I’m lying. She has superpowers or something, she has always known when one of us has lied to her.

                Gosh, I can’t help but feel bad for Ace right now. All I hear is Luna Carol yelling at him at the top of her lungs. Thankfully this is a secluded area because if it weren’t, someone would have called the cops by now. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her so mad before. Even that one time when we were sixteen. We had snuck out of the pack house to go to some party on the lake that’s right on the border of the territory. A neighboring pack was hosting the party and we got the invite from one of the hot young she-wolves from school so, of course we wanted to go. What we weren’t planning on was for a small pack of rogues to show up to the party and start killing a bunch of the young teenagers. We were all fifteen to seventeen years old and none of us had our wolves yet. We were basically defenseless. Me and Ace ended up being able to make it to the woods with three others and were able to hide in a small cave that we found when we were kids. Their Ace mindlinked his parents and told them what was going on and they, along with my parents and a bunch of pack warriors came to the rescue along with Alpha Camron, the Alpha to the Silver Bow pack who also brought his Beta and own pack warriors. Between the two packs they were able to kill all the rogues. Me, Ace and the three other young wolves that got away were the only one who survived. That was the first time in my life that I was ever truly terrified.

                My thoughts get cut off when I hear the front door to the cabin bang open and Luna Carol come charging out.

                “I don’t care what you have to do Alexander, you find her and get her back here! If something happens to her because of your stupidity, there will be absolute hell to pay son. Mark my words!” Ouch! The only time I’ve ever heard her say, ‘Mark my words’ is when the pack has been threatened and the threat of war arises. I mean, granted we’ve never actually been in a war with anyone else in my lifetime but that’s probably because Luna Carol and Alpha Richard have always been so terrifying. No other packs have dared to cross them. “Help me get in this thing Jason and take me home. I have to hunt down my mate and share a disturbing story with him.” I gulped and held her hand as he pulled herself up and into the passenger seat of my truck. I closed the door and ran around to the other side. I saw Ace out of the corner of my eye and stopped to try and give him a reassuring look. He just nodded and I hopped in the truck myself. I turned the engine over and of course, like I predicted, Luna Carol was waiting. Before I put the truck in drive I look over at her and sigh. Might as well get this done and over with now right?

                “Yes Momma Carol, I knew about Layla. Did I know he didn’t end things with her when he found Alina? No. Did I know Alina would find out and leave? No. Did I try to tell him it was a bad idea? Yes, but of course, like always, he didn’t listen to me. No can you just hit already so we can go home?” I said in an annoyed but yet still respectful tone.

                “How could you let him do that Jason? You are supposed to be the more responsible one out of your little three man band! You most of all should know how sacred it is to wait until you find your mate to be intimate in that way with someone. For f***s sake Jason, you have your mate! Could you imagine finding out that she openly chose not to wait for you and made love to someone else?” Just the thought alone that Tiffany could have done that, made my blood boil.

                “I get it momma Carol. I’ll try to help him.” I answer bowing my head in respect.

                “You better! Because if he messes this up, I will make life hell for the both of you!” I gulped at that. I don’t even know why I’m on the chopping block. I didn’t even do anything. I have my mate and never did anything to hurt her. I sign in frustration. f*****g Ace…

POV Ace

                I told my mom about everything. From everything with Layla and then finding Alina and marking her to her leaving me because of Layla. To say I feel better about the situation after talking with mom, would be a lie. Boy did she let me have it. She was screaming at me left and right basically telling me that I’m the worst person in the world. I mean, I made a mistake. At least I’m trying to fix it, right?

                ‘Well I’m glad that I got to miss that whole conversation. Judging by your emotions I swear that I thought that we were a goner.” Max cuts through all of my thoughts and my whole body tightens up. ‘Relax human, I’ve got some news.’

                ‘What do you mean news? Did you talk to Lily? Are they okay? Are they coming back?’ I can’t stop my mind from going a mile a minute. I’ve literally been waiting what has felt hours for this dude to come through and give me even the slightest bit of hope.

                ‘They are fine human. Perfectly fine. I did speak to Lily but I have some good news and some bad news.’ He said sounding a bit weary.

                ‘What? She’s not coming back is she?’ I say frantically. Goddess I wish this guy would just get to the point already.

                ‘She will come back but only under one circumstance.’ He said and I swear I could feel him grinning.

                ‘What circumstance? I’ll do anything. What?’

                ‘Lily said that if you banish Disgust from the pack, then mate will come back to us.’ Well that’s one way to get to the point.

                ‘What do you mean banish her? Alina just wants me to kick Layla out of the pack? Layla didn’t even do anything wrong to get banished. I can’t just go around banishing people.’ I’m so confused. Why would the future Luna of this pack want to just kick someone out?

                ‘Well human, those are her terms. Lily did however mention that it’s time for you to make a choice between Disgust and mate.’ He informed me.

                ‘Is that what Alina thinks? That I’m choosing Layla over her? I mean, for Goddess sake I marked Alina! Obviously, I chose her already! How can she think that Max, what did you say to her?’

                ‘I told her what you told me to tell her stupid human! She feels and thinks that way because you refrained from telling her about that disgusting wrench of a wolf and refrained from ending things with her when you found mate. Think if the roles were reversed. If Mate had a boyfriend before us and…’ I cut him off. I don’t want to hear it or even think about my Alina in the arms of another. I swear I would kill the guy.

                ‘I get it Max, I get it.’ I’m gritting my teeth at this point trying to hang on to reality that Alina doesn’t have a boyfriend or whatever and that she never did. She’s all mine and only mine. ‘I don’t know what to do Max.’

                ‘Well you best figure it out soon because Lily said that if they cross the border then they aren’t coming back and that’s here pretty soon.’

                ‘What?!? MAX! Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?’

                ‘I just now talked to her human!’

                ‘You know what, fine fine fine. Tell them Layla is gone.’

                ‘You got it i***t human’ he quickly put up a wall between us before I could respond.

                What the hell am I going to do with Layla now? I can’t just kick her out and force her to be a rogue. Yeah, she’s not my mate nor would she ever be anything compared to Alina but I did feel something towards her. I can’t believe Alina is forcing me to make this decision. I’m an Alpha for f***s sake and I feel like I’ve lost all control of my life!

                “Jason.” I reach out through our mindlink.

                “Yes Alex.” He responds. I know he’s mad at me and I know because he only ever calls me Alex when he is. My must’ve gave him an earful too.

                “Please have Layla pack her things and escort her to the East border of the pack.” I say trying to sound confident.

                “So you want me to do your dirty work for you?” he responds slightly disrespectful.

                “Please, man, just help me out. I’d do it myself but I don’t want to be gone when Alina gets back. I want to make sure that I’m here so her and I can talk and I can just come clean about everything. I swear I’ll owe you one man. Please.”

                “Your IOU better be epic bro. Like, two weeks in the Cabo epic.” I laugh at this. Leave it to Jason to find an angle to just about everything.

***** Hello readers, I feel awful about making you wait for so long. Here is the next chapter early. I hope you are all having a great weekend! XOXOXO *****