The Alphas helping hand - If I ever catch you

Chapter five

His scent hits me at full force and has me lean back and swallow hard. I feel dizzy, and my stomach flips. Pine trees? Or is it... How is this possible? Why can I smell his scent?

‚Maybe the potion stopped working? We will find out.’

I choke on my water.

‚Celia?! Oh my god, you are back! I didn’t imagine that.’, I almost shout.

‚No, you didn’t.‘, she chuckles.

‚Took me a while, but I am here with you again. And I am never leaving again, ever. I am so sorry for what happened. Our mate, Violet, I don’t know why, but I just couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t reach out to you. You didn’t seem to hear me when I tried. It was not like the usual third-person perspective, more like I was floating under the ceiling and couldn’t help. I only came ba —

‚I am so happy you are back, but let’s talk about that later. We have to get through this dinner first. Don’t know how safe it is here.’

‚You are right‘. Celia muses and focuses all her attention on the Alpha.

“Where is everyone? I'd like to get this going, so Dane and I can leave.“, I croak.

“Mmh, in such a hurry, isn’t she? “

The gamma looks at me weirdly.

“She is."

“Well, if you just came over yesterday, as I asked you to, all this could have been avoided.“

Alpha Elliot takes a sip from his glass.

“I think we will never know.“

I check the windows the doors and give the cutlery a short glance. All too small to stab someone with.

“You seem nervous. The compound is crawling with warriors and patrols. Relax.“

The Alpha leans over, smiling smugly, and pats my hand. I flinch and pull it away so fast I almost spill the huge decanter of wine. If it wasn’t for Alpha Elliot’s reflexes.

“Whoa.“ He looks at me quizzingly but doesn’t say anything. Strange, why doesn’t he mock me or at least say something?

I almost audibly pass a sigh of relief when the door opens and a very unhappy-looking Dane and the Beta enter, followed by the Gamma that left the car jumping his seat.

“Ah, the cavalry is here. Well, then I guess it’s time to eat.“, the Alpha waves impatiently for everyone to sit down. Dane pulls out the chair on my left and sits down with a rigid back. One seat is still left empty. I look around as one of the wolves, an Omega working in the kitchen, enters with a massive bowl of a pasta dish.

“Are we still waiting for someone?", I turn to the table.

“My mate is on her way. She is getting the kids to bed.“, the Beta growls as he fills his plate.

I get pasta and the salad and put some on Danes’ plate. Thanking the omega, I turn to my food. We eat in total silence for quite a while, and I can hear a high-pitched humming noise in my ear. This is so uncomfortable… and a waste of time. The “klonk “of the cutlery hitting the plates is interrupted by the door opening.

“I am so sorry, I am late. Charlotte and Ryan had plans for how tonight was supposed to go, and apparently, they involved finger-paint and a lot of 'play dough'. Damn, how am I ever going to get that stuff out of their hair?“, a familiar voice chirps. When I turn towards the woman that just entered and see the Beta giving her a loving smile, I have to stifle a shriek.

Oh no. Her heart-shaped face is all too familiar as well. So are her flaming red curls. I'm not ready for a walk down memory lane. Why couldn’t I just get in and out? Instead, the woman goes over to the Beta to hug him and pulls out the chair next to him. Once she sits down, her eyes wander around the table.

“So, where is the guest of ho… Olivia? “

Heather is staring at me in complete shock.

Sh**.

_________________________

Elliots POV

If the air in the room was unbearably tense before, it is now so thick one could cut it with a knife. Dane dropped his fork. Heather stares at our guest incredulously, and the she-wolf is looking at her just as surprised. Gideon’s ears are perked up, and he clings to every said word. He can’t wait to learn more about our guest.

“Heather.“

She is a lot paler than before and swallows hard before turning to Heather fully.

“Oh my god! Olivia, what are you doing here?“ Heather shrieks and runs around the table to hug our guest.

“Well, the Alpha invited me.“, that one says, patting Heather’s back uncomfortably.

“No. I mean, how are you… I heard about your parents and… How are you here?“

Heather interrupts herself, pushing the other woman away a little, looking at her apologetically.

“Sorry, that was a stupid question.“

“It’s ok. I left. Moved here some time ago.“ Our guest fiddles with her hands.

“Sorry, but I can’t follow. Your name is not Ivy?“

I look at both of them sternly. Heather seems confused, but the she-wolf just stares straight ahead.

“No.“she simply says.

“Aha.“, I spit.

“Olivia and I knew each other growing up. Our parents were friends, and we became best friends too.“

Heather hurries out, while 'Olivia' is still just sitting there quietly.

“But I haven’t seen her in a while. When was the last time? Your wedding, right? 7 years ago?! Oh, you were such a gorgeous bride and Roman: simply mouthwatering. “, I almost spit out my wine. Olivia tenses next to me. "Oh sh**t, what is wrong with me? Sorry.", Heather looks at Olivia horrified. "Ugh, it's alright.", the she-wolf replies.

‚She is married?‘

For the first time ever, Gideon sounds surprised and hurt. And I am as well. I can’t shake the uneasy feeling that it bothers me. A lot. I don’t want her to belong to someone else. What is wrong with me? I don’t know this woman. Why should I care?

But seeing her tonight has not made things clearer at all. Sitting next to her was also a stupid idea. Still, I couldn’t help it. I was pissed at her for not showing up. Defying my order, if you will. But once I saw her, all that went out the window. And Gideon just started purring in the back of my head. I was drawn to that seat next to her; I had to be close to her.

Her scent seems to have gotten more potent, and she is even prettier than I remembered. Goddess, I sound like a love-sick puppy. Get it together, man.

“Yes, I guess that was the last time. When did you find your mate?“, Olivia pulls down the sleeves of her burgundy sweater, ob and tries to change the subject.

“Oh, this guy?", Heather laughs, still a little uncomfortable and punches Kyles’s shoulder. He just grunts, not even once looking up from his plate.

“I met him about 6 years ago, at one of those awful mating balls. You’re lucky you never had to go to one. Guess it paid off, though.“

She winks at her husband.

“So are we just going to ignore that she gave the Alpha a fake name? Yes?… OK, just asking.“

Julius glares at our guest. She just stares back at him, unfazed. I surprisingly really couldn’t care less about that. There are other questions on my mind. So I just brush over it.

“Never been to a mating ball? How did you meet then?“, I ask as casually as I can. Olivia turns to me, her stare icy.

“I don’t see how that is any of your business.“, she hisses. Everyone looks up. I can see her hands shaking and feel a little bad for upsetting her. But why? It’s not like I care.

“I didn’t mean to-

“Would you excuse me? I need to use the bathroom. “

Olivia stands up hurriedly.

“Sure, I will show you to it. “

I get up and usher her to the door.

“You don’t have to—

“I insist. “

Olivia huffs and stomps out in front of me. Out in the corridor, she turns to me. If looks could kill, I would already be 6 feet under. I don’t even know why I am doing this. It just feels like I have to.

“You don’t have to take me all the way. Please. It’s rather creepy. If you just point me in the general direction, that’s fine. “She seems angry. And I can feel an aura radiating from her. Just for a moment, I can feel it clash with my ‚Alpha ‘. Then it’s gone. What the hell was that?

“It’s OK, I don’t mind.“

Oliva scoffs and waves for me to continue.

“Prick.“

I hear her mumble. A smirk spreads on my face, but I smooth it out right away. Feisty. I take her upstairs and open the door to the bathroom on the right.

“Thank you.“, now she just sounds so sad and tired.

“I will wait.“

She turns and quirks an eyebrow.

“What?“, I push my hands into my jeans pockets. I don’t know why I said it. There is this urge to protect her, and seeing her so exhausted, I just want to make her feel better. Goddess, so strange. So I keep my face blank and just carry on.

“Do you do that for all your guests? Because it is rather weird.“

I can’t help but laugh. Wow, haven’t done that in a while. At least not out of joy or because something was funny. She looks at me, surprised, and her face softens slightly.

“No, I don’t. I just don’t want to give you the chance to run, and you looked rather unhappy with the turn the conversation took at dinner. I just wanted to make sure you were OK.“

She chuckles dryly.

“My knight in shining armor. But I will still go to the toilet by myself. If you want to wait, knock yourself out.“

And with that, she closes the door in my face.

I wait for about 15 min. When Olivia comes out, her shoulders are squared, and her face is not as pale anymore. She smoothes out her mom jeans, which are at least 3 sizes too big, and I find myself thinking:

‚Why is she hiding in baggy clothes?‘

Angry at my train of thought, I push it away.

She is not that appealing, not to me anyway. Sure, she is pretty, but I could have better.

‚Sure. Keep telling yourself that.’ Gideon huffs.

Yes, that’s what I have to focus on.

“So, do you want to go continue your meal?“

She once again quirks an eyebrow at me and scrunches her nose.

“I thought that dinner was already over. Is there a point in going back? They should have finished their food by now.“

I can’t help but feel annoyed by her hopeful tone of voice.

“Am I that bad company? You didn’t even give me a chance to prove that I can be fun.“, feigning hurt, I clutch my chest.

She rolls her eyes at me.

‚Oh no, she didn’t‘, Gideon is flabbergasted.

I don’t tolerate that behavior and have to push down a little bit of anger. Right now, all I want is for Olivia to keep talking to me a little longer. Pathetic, right?

“I am sorry, Alpha. But for that to happen, we would have to make small talk, which is impossible if one doesn’t talk about themselves. And that’s just not something I do. Neither do you. Also, your reputation proceeds you, and I don’t know what there is that I could talk to you about.”

A smile is tugging at the corners of her mouth. Is she mocking me? I know that there is barely any information about me out there. Sure, a lot of people have heard of me. What I do, my packs size, the skills of my warriors or mine as a leader. But actual information about me as a person. Nope.

‚She would look even more beautiful if she smiled more often.’ I shake my head to get rid of that thought. F**k that weakness.

‚That’s the last thing you should say to her', Gideon snaps.

‚Shut it as if you are any better at this ‘, I growled back.

“Alpha? Are you OK? “, she taps my forearm but retracts right away when I snap my head towards her. Did she feel that too? The sparks? What the actual f**k.

“Sorry, must have zoned out. Mind-link and all. Happens sometimes. Shall we?“

Giving me a short nod, she heads towards the stairs. But, before she goes to take the first step down, she looks at me incredulously. I give her a smirk. Mmh, maybe I got through to her after all.

Yeah, I am all that. I almost gag at the thought. Why am I so f**king weird around her? Shaking my head, I follow her downstairs. She was right: They are done eating.

Except for Heather, all dinner guests are standing in the entrance hall, waiting for us. Dane steps forward.

“Ready to go, Olivia? We have to think of where to sleep tonight before we leave tomorrow.“, he says, stepping towards the wardrobe to get their coats.

“You don’t have a place to stay for tonight? How?“, I ask.

“Well, I lost the keycard to the motel when these gentlemen hit me over the head with their… I want to say tire iron, but I'm not sure. And I'm not in the mood to search a dark back alley for them right now. Not when it’s not safe for Olivia to be out there.“

She shoots him a glance that says, “Shut the f**k up. “

“Why aren’t you safe out there?“

Oh, I saw, but I don’t care. Empathy and dancing around difficult topics are not really what I do best. I like things straightforward, and it pisses me off that this situation with her is not that. Dan’s few words have Gideon all riled up.

“Dane is just overprotective. He doesn’t mean it all too literally.“

The bear scoffs.

“Really? Because if you need a place to stay, you could have one of the countless guest rooms in this place and just leave tomorrow.“, I say, shrugging my shoulders.

“Thank you, but we couldn’t impose.“

Dane growls in disagreement.

“You know I don’t like these guys one bit. But there is a lot of them, it’s late, and it would make a lot more sense to just stay and leave early tomorrow. Just be reasonable.“

“They knocked you unconscious!“

I have to suppress a growl at her hissed comment. Don’t take it personally.

“Well, I didn’t forget that. I am just saying you would be safe here, and my banged-up head could use some rest, knowing I’m not the only one watching out for you tonight. Plus, I am sure there is a lock on your door. So no worries. Tomorrow we will leave as early as you want, but you got to admit it just makes sense.“

He takes a step back, crossing his arms over his chest. Olivia stares at him, her lips pressed together.

“If I may cut in.“, I hear Heather’s voice from somewhere off to the right.

“It’s late, and we would love to have you. I am sure the Alpha doesn’t mind. Right Elliot?“

She looks at me impatiently.

“I don’t. That’s why I invited you to stay. Heather can show you the rooms, and you settle in. Maybe have a drink with us later, both of you.“

I look at Heather angrily. I am not that big of a moron. Didn’t I already say they could stay? Also, I don’t like her dropping my title in front of visitors.

“That is so kind of you, Alpha Elliot, but—

“We will stay. Thanks for the offer.“, Dane growls, grabbing Olivia’s arm and pushing her towards where Heather is standing.

“Would you mind showing us the rooms, Heather?“

Gideon growls at him shoving Olivia.

‚Down boy. Why so dramatic?’ I chuckle.

‚Shut up, prick.‘

“Sure, follow me.“

Heather smiles at the two of them. Then, leading the way upstairs, they disappear out of sight.

‚Put them in the guest rooms on the second floor. Close to my room.’, I tell her through the mind link.

‚As you wish, Alpha. ‘, she sounds back. The tone of her voice is unsure, but she doesn’t question me.

::::::

“Can I speak to you for a moment, Alpha?“

Kyle looks at me with a strange expression on his face. Julius and Ace have already scurried away, leaving just the two of us.

“Sure."

When we enter my study, Kyle turns to me and lets out a sigh before flopping down in one of the armchairs.

“What the hell are you doing, Elliot? What’s the end game here?“

My eyes flicker to the pained look on his face.

“Excuse me?“, I can’t help anger seeping through in my voice.

But he doesn’t seem to care.

“Oh, come on! Is this some case of 'Rescue Romance'? Because she helped save your life after you got stabbed, she must be unique? What’s happening, Elliot? You have been behaving so weirdly the past few days. The way you lost it yesterday when she didn’t show up. YOU ALMOST STRANGLED LAYNE!“

That was true. She had made a snarky comment, and I lost my sh**. I am sorry, but Gideon disagrees, which has me confused.

“That was stupid of me.“, I growl.

“You think? Please, Elliot, tell me what the f**k is up with you. You haven’t slept the past 3 days; you growl at us for not finding a girl you barely know. You are more of a d**k than usual, even to Heather and the kids. You almost strangle your mistress, who you haven’t slept with in 2 days, might I add. Which might seem normal to others, but that’s not you. “

He pants after just ranting for minutes.

“So clue me in. What are we doing with a girl, who gave you a fake name and has no interest in you or being here? Because I can’t think of anything. At least Heather seems excited and fond of her, so she can’t be a horrible person.“

“Yeah, I agree with that.“, I rub my hand over my face.

“So? “, Kyle looks at me impatiently. I take a deep breath.

“Gideon reacts weirdly to her scent. It soothes him whenever she is near, and it also calms me down, okay? “, I grunt.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about her the past few days. Whatever I try, she is always on my mind. It is driving me nuts. Her scent is so muted, though, and it makes me feel anxious. As if something should be there, I am just unable to reach…put together… When we touch, I feel sparks flying, for f**k’s sake. What kind of crap is that? Still can’t help it. I hate the thought of her having a mate. It makes my skin crawl to think of her belonging to anyone but me.“, I admit angrily, my face in my hands.

When I look up at Kyle, his expression changed to a knowing look. He smirks at me. That irritates me even more.

“She does that to you, huh? That sounds exactly what it felt like for me the first few days after I met Heather.“

I chuckle, annoyed.

“But see, she has a mate. Hell, they are married.“

“I didn’t see a ring. So who says they still are? Heather behaved weirdly when I tried to ask her what she was referring to when she talked about Olivia’s parents. She avoided me. Maybe that’s a good starting point.“

He shrugs.

“I don’t know, man. Since Amy f**ked me up, I haven’t let anyone get close. And what are the odds that I by chance meet my mate… that is just ridiculous. However: her being married and running from me sounds just like my luck.“

Another dry chuckle leaves me.

Kyle comes over and pats my shoulder.

“Don’t work yourself up that much. It was nice of you to let Olivia and that stinking bear stay the night. Try to use your chance to talk to her later. Maybe they will have that drink with you. Call Heather and me once they get here. We will be your buffer if the bear misbehaves.“

He winks and leaves the room. Smartass. He is lucky that he is my friend. Leaning back, I swirl the brown liquid in my glass.

‚What are we going to do?‘

‚Make sure she doesn’t leave. We can’t lose her.’

See, that’s what I don’t get: Why do I feel that way about her?

____________________

Olivia POV

The room Heather showed me is beautiful. Nicely spacious with light wood flooring, warm light, and oakwood furniture that ties in perfectly with the blue color scheme. I drop my bag and walk over to sit on the edge of the queen-sized bed. Heather. Wow, I haven’t seen her in ages.

We basically grew up together, given our parents were close friends. Lost touch for a little while when I went off to college, and Heather also wasn’t too interested in what I studied. But we always found common ground and had a lot to chat about when we eventually got together. Which was less and less, until I didn’t see her for years until my wedding. And even then, it wasn’t me who invited her. It was my mom.

Don’t get me wrong: I like Heather. I would even say I love her. And even though I was shocked to see her just now, I was also a little excited. But I can’t allow myself to be. I have to leave. She doesn’t need to get hurt. She has a family now, for goddess sake! So I can’t let myself get too attached.

‚Celia? Are you there?'

‚ I told you I am. And like I said, I am not going to leave. ‘, it rings from inside my head. It is calming to know she is there with me again. Forgotten is the year I pushed her away. Like I said: I forgive her.

‚I am so happy you are back.'

‚I know Olivia. I am so sorry I couldn’t be there for you. Especially that night. But also after. I was weak. And I couldn’t find my way back to you. I was drowning in sorrow after our mate passed… and our pup...’ she chokes.

‚I woke up trapped in a dark cage after you got knocked out that night. I could see you, as I said as if I was floating above you. When you tried to bring me out, I couldn’t open it. I couldn’t get free. And when he… I am so sorry.’, she cries.

‚ It’s okay. I know’, I soothe Celia.

‚I fought hard after that night and got the door to open just a little, so I could talk to you. But you pushed me away whenever I tried and cut the mind link entirely at one point. So I gave up.

I curled up and just counted the days until you would want me there again. Knowing that you might not. And then you called me from that motel room. I fought so hard, and I got through to you. After that, the cage door cracked, and I spent the last two years trying to pry it open enough to get out. And when I felt you being so scared tonight, that was the final push I needed.’

‚I can’t tell you how great it feels to have you with me.'

I sigh and fall back on top of the comforter.

‚What I still don’t get, though, is how it happened. How is it that you couldn’t reach out for me?’

‚I wish I knew. But we will find out. I promise.’ For a moment, we just lay there in silence.

A faint knock on the door, and Dane pushes his head in.

“Hey, dearyyy. How are you feeling? Hope you are not still pissed at me for saying we would stay?“

“No, you were right. Although I wish you weren’t because I want to get out of here. “

Dane scoffs.

“Please, I saw the look you were throwing the Alpha before coming back downstairs.“

I tense. When he sees that, he drops the topic.

“Do you want to tell me what happened, that you called and now want to leave town? Not that I mind. It’s just that we have been here for a year, and… it must have been significant for you to get so scared.“

I hesitate. When I figured out that he was a trustworthy person that kept sh** to himself, I had told him the stripped-down version of what happened.

That I was stalked, that something terrible happened to my family due to it, and that my stalker was still out there looking for me since I escaped him. I swallow some bile.

“He got into my room. I don’t know how, but I am sure it was him. And he left me something…. something personal, that he must have gotten when he attacked my family and me three years ago. I just… seeing… I felt violated.“, wiping a lone tear from my face, I turn to him.

His hazel eyes are fixt on mine, and he reaches to take my hand. I let him hold it for a few minutes before pulling it away.

“Well, the upside is: Celia is back. The shock of tonight got her out of where she was stuck. Where ever that was and whoever put her there. “

The last part, I mumble more to myself.

“Wow, that is great! So that means you can finally shift again, right? Let’s go for a run first thing in the morning.“

He sounds so eager, I can’t help but smile.

“Sure, if we have the time, we will do that. Let me just talk to the pack doctor first to find out if he has any idea where I might find some potion to mask my scent. My own blend isn’t fully ready yet, and my stash is empty.“

I rub my hands together impatiently. “You are not coming for that drink with the Alpha, are you?“, he quirks an eyebrow. I shake my head.

“Alright, then I will leave you to it. Let’s say 6:30 am tomorrow?“

I nod again, and Dane turns to leave. But, before he closes the door, he leans in again.

“I know I don’t say it enough, but I am happy I have you. And call me crazy, but I am confident you are safer here than you would have been with just me. Alpha Elliot may be a prick, but he seems to have a soft spot for you.“, he winks at me.

I just groan and roll my eyes in response.

“Sleep well, Olivia.“, chuckling, he closes the door behind him.