Haunted by the Sins of the Mother

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Adira

I knocked on the door to Alpha Davis’ office. 

“Come in.” a tired voice came from behind the door. 

I pushed the door open.  Alpha Davis sat behind a big oak desk. He looked frustrated, running his hands down his face before looking up at me. His face was so much older looking than his 30 years. The stress of the last 2 were obviously taking its toll on him. 

“Adira, what can I do for you?” he forced a smile on his face. But it didn’t meet his eyes.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “It’s Avan.” 

Alpha sighed, then gave a small chuckle as he rose and sat on the front of his desk. “What did he do now?”

“He crossed over into Dark Moon territory looking for food. Alpha Williams has him.”

“HE WHAT?!!!” Alpha roared.  He stood, eyes flashing red. 

I jumped back a bit, wincing. Alpha Davis was my cousin. He was used to Avan’s antics. But this was too much.

“Do you have any idea what he’s done?! What this looks like?  It’s going to look like I can’t take care of my own pack, or it’s going to be seen as an act of war! What the HELL WAS HE THINKING?!” Alpha slammed his fist down onto his desk.

He threw his hands onto his hips. His chest was heaving up and down. “I can’t help him now. He’s made his own bed.” He turned his back to me.

I stared at him. “But you have to help him. He’s your family!”

Alpha dropped his head and clenched his forehead with his hands. “Dammit.” He mumbled.  He turned around and stared at me. I bit my lip and glared back. “Please? I-“

He sighed, then cut me off. “Ok. But only because I love you. Him, not so much. You know, Avan is more trouble than he’s worth.”

“Thank you!” I ran over and hugged him. He accepted my hug for a minute, before gathering himself, then shoved me away. “Oh sorry. I forgot. Big bad Alpha hates hugs.”  

He smirked and tousled my hair. “You’ll owe me for this, kid.”

***

We drove toward the territory line. My knee bounced up and down. Beta Andrew was driving. A guard was in the front seat. Alpha was in the back with me. He was quiet, his face somber. His finger swiped across his phone, as he continued to attend to pack work.  

Guilt rose within me. I was irritated at my brother for putting us in this position.  He could never keep out of trouble. Yes, he was young, but he knew better. Being 5 years older than him, he was my responsibility. I’d promised my parents as much before they had died. I couldn’t just leave him to Alpha Williams. I would get him back at any cost. 

I bit at my lip again and stared out he car window. There was a clear difference between our lands. As we left our Pack lands that looked like it had been scorched, the Dark Moon land appeared to be green, lush, and thriving. 

There was a presence of Dark Moon guards at the border.  They stopped our car, their guns drawn. Alpha reached over and held my knee. “Don’t be nervous. I’ve got this.” He said “You say NOTHING. Understand me? We don’t need you getting us in trouble with your mouth.  Got it?” 

I side eyed him. He wasn’t wrong. I had a smart mouth…but he didn’t have to say it like that. I nodded. 

“We’re here to see Alpha Williams” Beta Andrew told he guards. “Alpha Davis is in this car.”   

The Dark Moon guard peered inside the vehicle and nodded toward Alpha Davis. “Who’s she?” The Guard’s voice was gravelly. 

“She’s with me.” Alpha Davis said.  “My cousin, she’s a part of my team.”  The guard took a moment to assess me.  He seemed to accept my presence.  Perceiving me as non-threatening.  He then stepped back.  “Head straight to the pack house. No detours. We’ve been expecting you.” 

Beta Andrew drove forward down the road. I turned back and saw 3 cars filled with Dark Moon guards following us.  I took a deep breath, turning back around and fidgeting with my seat belt. If there was any time we could be ambushed, it would be now. We were outnumbered and wouldn’t stand a chance. 

But there was something else putting me on edge. From the moment we crossed the pack line, I felt off. Not necessarily in a bad way. There was a scent. Like pine, and musk, and vanilla. It was calling to me. I felt like something big was about to happen. My senses were heightened. My hair stood on end. A voice was growing inside me. ‘Our mate is near.’  Ayla, my wolf murmured.  

I shook my head. ‘We can’t be distracted now. We have to save Avan.’

‘We can’t stop nature.’ Ayla chided. 

‘First Avan. Then we’ll see about our mate. I’m not sure I’m ready for that.’

Ayla whined but kept quiet.  She knew I was on a mission first. 

Alpha looked at me.  “What’s wrong?”

I forced a smile. “Nothing. I’ve got this.  No big scenes. No mouthing off. Just get Avan and get out.” I gulped hard. I hope it would be that easy. 

A giant house came into view as we turned the corner. The scent hit me harder. Ayla howled inside my head. I tried to shake her off, but she was persistent. We pulled into the driveway. Guards were everywhere. A large handsome man stepped from the doorway of the house. He stood at least 6 and a half feet tall, shoulder’s wide.  An imposing figure for sure. He confidently ran his fingers through his black hair, and his dark eyes bore into our SUV, like he could see us despite the tinted windows. His full lips were taught, framed by several days’ growth of facial hair.  His eyebrows drew together as he scowled…and I knew.

‘MATE!’ Ayla yelled.  ‘That’s our mate!’