Secrets of his Mate

Eight

Alessandro

"We caught them, Alpha," Eric assured me through the mind link. "We're taking them to the dungeon now."

"Good," I replied. "Who are they?"

"They're the same rogues from yesterday. They said they weren't going to stop going after what they are after," he said.

Elana's face came into my mind. They wanted her dead for some reason. My blood began to boil. I was going to get answers one way or another, but not until after the pack party if I could help it. Everyone was looking forward to it and I was not going to ruin their time over trash. "Keep them all in separate cells. I don't want them able to see or talk to each other. Make sure a guard is watching them at all times. I'll deal with them myself later."

"Yes, Alpha."

I forced a shot of whiskey down my throat then swung the glass hard across the room causing it to shatter into a million pieces hitting the wall. I needed to calm down. I swore I would behave today for Elana, but of course something like this would happen for me to lose myself. I was not going to let them win. Tonight was going to be a good night no matter what happened for Elana's sake.

After some time, Roman and Eric entered my office. The broken glass caught their attention, but they didn't mention it. I assumed they knew what was going through my head and how angry I was.

"The rogues are all secured separately," Eric said. "That seemed to upset them," he added with a smirk.

"Why today of all days?" I almost shouted. "I had everything planned out perfectly for Elana. She hasn't even argued with me all morning."

"We can still have the pack party and anything else you have planned," Roman chimed in. "Those rogues aren't important. They can be dealt with tomorrow in the morning."

I shook my head. "I can try, but I don't know if I can wait that long. These assholes want my mate dead and I need to know why!"

"We'll get to the bottom of this," Roman said. "For now, though, just concentrate on tonight and Elana. No reason to work yourself up over some worthless rogues. They're well secured."

I took a few deep breaths. He was right. As long as they were chained in the cells of the dungeon, they were not going anywhere. That gave me time to have the perfect night with Elana, as long as nothing else was screwed up. "Okay, so we'll have the pack party tonight, but no word of this to anyone. I don't want the pack to be worried, much less know that there are rogues here after Elana."

They both nodded in agreement.

Eric cleared his throat. "Well, we should go start prepping for tonight. I'm sure some of the Omegas have already started setting up."

"Yeah," I agreed. "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up with you later."

"Are you sure, Alpha? It might be best to get some fresh air."

I shook my head. "I'm going to take lunch to Elana."

"Okay," was all he said before they exited the office.

Honestly, I needed some time with my thoughts. I had agreed to focus on Elana and the pack party, but I desperately wanted to pay those rogues a personal visit. I had to weigh my options. I knew seeing Elana would put my mind in the right perspective.

Making my way towards the kitchen there were many different aromas attacking my nostrils. Besides lunch, I assumed the cooks began to prep for tonight's pack party. The smells grew stronger as I walked in. The kitchen was packed with cooks busy and chatting, all eager for tonight.

"Hello, Alpha!" I was greeted by them with cheers and admiration.

"Hey," I smiled at them. "I just came to get Elana's lunch."

"I thought you wanted me to take it to her," a small voice spoke up from the one of the stoves at the far end of the wall. Stephanie was in her maid uniform getting Elana's meal ready.

I gave her an assuring smile. "I changed my mind. I'll take it to her." I walked in her direction watching as she poured red liquid into a bowl. "What's on the menu?"

"Chunky tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches." She smiled up at me hoping for approval of the meal.

"She should like that," I nodded slightly thinking out loud, causing a sigh of relief out of Stephanie.

She finished arranging the food before handing me the tightly covered serving dish. I thanked her then made my way up the stairs carefully making sure I didn't spill a drop. I knocked on the door and waited for Elana to greet me. There was no answer and I sighed in defeat reaching for the doorknob, swinging the door wide open.

Elana was nowhere in sight. I set the food down on the nightstand and turned to see her still deep in the closet. "Are you ever going to answer the door when I knock?"

She shrugged without glancing my way. "Probably not." It was honest and I decided to hold my tongue in order to avoid an argument. She was sorting some drawers. The whole closet clean and organized. There were only a few packages left outside of the closet doors.

"You forgot those," I said pointing to the boxes.

"Those are things going in the bathroom," she said as she stood straight and walked to them with her eyes to the ground.

I grabbed her arm to stop her as she went to grab the packages. "Please look at me."

Her eyes remained focused on the floor, but after a moment she lifted her head up at me and met my eyes. Her eyes were a bit red and puffy.

"You look tired, love. You should get some rest before the party."

She rolled her eyes. "Maybe later."

"I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I just want to make sure you're ok."

"I'm fine," she sighed. "Were you able to get your work done?" She asked pulling herself out of my grip.

A small smile appeared on my face. It was almost as if she was asking me how my day was after a long day at work. She actually cared. It was cute. "Some. I'll have to finish up in the morning," I said thinking about the rogues. They would be dealt with at a later time. Today was about Elana.

"So, what kind of work do you do exactly?" She asked casually opening the remaining packages in the bathroom.

I thought for a moment. "I keep this pack safe mostly." She gave me a knowing look that made me chuckle. "Honestly, that's really it. To put it lightly, I have massive wealth and valuables passed down from generation to generation with enough for many generations to come. I make sure this pack is safe and strong. I make sure every pack member can defend themselves and each other. We even start training children at an early age. Most packs don't begin training until the age of sixteen when a pup first shifts into their wolf."

Elana focused on the items in front of her while deep in thought. "That's smart," she nodded her head. "Training children to not be defenseless is smart."

Happiness grew inside of me after hearing her approval. Most people, werewolves included, would believe training children early was wrong, but I believed the sooner they knew who they were, the sooner they could see their potential. "I'm glad you think so. It's another reason how I know you're the perfect Luna for this pack."

She remained quiet after that comment and began sorting makeup, hair, and shower products. I heard a deep breath escape her before asking, "What exactly should I be wearing to this party tonight?"

"Anything you want, love. It's just a simple meet and greet party, nothing elegant. Just remember all eyes will be on you."

"Great," she laughed. "No pressure."

"I can call my sister and ask her to come over early so you guys can play dress up and do each other's makeup or whatever."

Elana rolled her eyes. "I'm not a f*****g doll. I know how to dress myself."

"I just mean I know she's going to want to spend time with you and get to know you."

"I didn't know you had a sister," she said after a moment of silence.

"She lives a few towns over." Elana gave me a confused look. "She married Alpha Jarred of the Blood Rose Pack after failing to find a mate in time."

"There's a time limit on finding your mate?"

I nodded. "Wolves typically find their mate as early as sixteen when they first shift. The older they get, the harder it is to find their mate. We believe once you turn thirty, your time is up. She's twenty-nine and decided to throw in the towel after our parents died last year to marry him after he turned thirty."

"How did your parents die?"

"They were just leaving for a vacation when they were attacked by rogues. By the time the pack and I got to them, it was too late. My sister couldn't bear their loss and refused to live here any longer."

"Sad," she said almost as if she wasn't listening. "But I still don't care to spend time with her so don't bother calling."

The words were a bit painful, but I didn't mind. I wanted Elana to spend more time with me than anyone else anyways. "Fine," I threw my hands in defeat. "You should really eat and get some rest. I'll be back to pick you up for the party later."

"Okay," was all she said before I left the room.

I waited anxiously all afternoon for the pack party to begin and avoided confronting the rogues locked in the dungeon. I swore tonight would be perfect for Elana and no rogue was going to mess that up for me or her.

As the time came near, I could hear and feel the pack's excitement as they all prepared for the night. The sound of the children running and playing outside was clear even from my spare bedroom. It gave me a wave of happiness in me knowing they were all here eagerly for me and my mate.

I began to start getting ready myself. I shaved, showered, combed my hair, and wore cologne. I wore black pants, a dark red button-down shirt, and black shoes. It was already six o'clock and I knew the pack was already swarming outside mingling. It was time to meet my mate and really get the party started.

I knocked on her door. Not to my surprise, there was no answer. I let myself in and found Elana standing in front of the bathroom mirror applying red lipstick.

"W-wow," I stuttered causing her to look up at me. "You look very nice." She was wearing a fitted, long, black, sleeveless, turtleneck dress. Her hair was straightened and shiny. Her eyelids were covered in neutral toned eyeshadow and outlined with heavy black eyeliner. She was just stunning.

Elana looked me up and down. "You too," she said sincerely making me smile.

"Thanks. Are you ready?"

"Not really," she answered honestly.

"Just remember I'll be by your side the whole time. We don't have to stay long and if you feel uncomfortable just say so. We can leave whenever you want."

She took a deep breath. "It just feels like a lot to deal with. I barely know you as it is, but I'm supposed to rely on you and stick by you."

I smiled at her. "I haven't lied to you about a single thing and never will. You should trust me a little bit more."

"If you say so."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing," she said flatly. "I guess we can go now."

I stared at her in wonder but didn't dare question her further. I had done so well not starting an argument. I would not ruin that now. I turned facing the door and held my arm out for her. She was hesitant but placed her arm in mine after a moment.

We walked down the stairs arm in arm. Every guard, maid, cook, and waiter we passed smiled and nodded in respect at Elana. They were all overjoyed at their Luna's arrival. It was a refreshing feeling seeing the proud looks on their faces.

I opened the large doors leading us to the rest of the pack outside. Everyone fell silent at the sight of us. There were some gasps and even awes of admiration. Then the whispers quickly began. I didn't let it bother me as it was expected. I just hoped it wasn't making Elana nervous.

I cleared my throat quieting down the pack. "Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Elana." Cheers erupted from everyone. I looked at her hoping she was smiling or waving at everyone, but she just stared out blankly. I took ahold of her hand and intertwined our fingers. It felt perfect, but I needed to regain her attention. I rubbed the back of her hand with my thumb. She looked down at it then all around at the pack emotionless. I quickly smiled at the crowd and kept walking towards the closest table where Roman, Eric, and Tony awaited.

"Elana, you already met Roman." She nodded. "This is Eric and Tony." They grinned at her while she returned it with an unamused smile. If it wasn't clear she didn't care to be here before, it sure was now. I felt extremely guilty, but I wasn't ready to give up.

"Do you want to eat?" I asked her to hope it would help cheer her up somewhat.

"Sure," she answered almost uninterested.

We made our way to the buffet table. She smiled to the pack members we passed. It looked sincere, but I knew it was forced. I was just happy she was pretending, even if it was for my sake.

Unintentionally my ears began picking up some of the conversations from the pack. Some were about her looks, some about the fact that she was human. I should have known there would be issues convincing everyone a human was their new Luna, but it was too bad if they didn't want to accept it. They were just going to have to deal with it.

A voice at a table behind us spoke out loud almost to herself. "She's so pretty." It was Courtney, one of Amy's friends. I assumed she was talking about Elana. The next voice confirmed my theory.

"She's not that pretty," Amy said bitterly.

"God, she looks like a super model," Courtney argued with jealousy and admiration in her voice.

"She looks fat," Amy retorted coldly.

I didn't bother turning around. They could bicker amongst themselves all the wanted. I was glad Elana didn't have sensitive hearing like us so she wouldn't have to acknowledge the petty conversation behind us. Then to my surprise, she turned around, made eye contact with them both, and looked them up and down subtly without saying a word. It was a look that both shocked and silenced them. Maybe they were speaking louder than I thought. It didn't matter though. That small action sent sparks flying. It was as if she was marking her territory and putting them in their place in complete silence. It really turned me on. She was without a doubt Luna material.

Elana made herself a small salad while waiting for me as I piled on my plate. We headed back to the table with the guys already stuffing their face. They guys joked as we all sat eating. Elana looked like she wasn't listening or had any intention to join the conversation. She just looked around at everyone taking it all in, barely eating.

I held her hand under the table. "Are you okay?" I whispered. I knew they guys across from us could hear, but I didn't want to draw any more attention to our direction.

She blinked a few times and nodded. "Yeah."

"Hey!" A sharp, whiny voice yelled at me. All of a sudden, a pair of hands were on my shoulders. I looked to see my sister glowing in happiness.

I stood to hug her. "Nice to see you too," I said with a smile on my face. "I want you to meet Elana Ivy Venturi, my mate."

My sister shrieked in excitement, letting her bubbly personality take over. "Oh my god! I thought I'd never meet you!"

When I looked at Elana, there was a look of shock and pure hatred in her eyes. My mind must have been playing tricks on me because in a blink of an eye, there was a bright smile on her face. I shook it off. "This is my sister, Bianca," I told her before she was engulfed in a giant bear hug by Bianca. Elana didn't return the hug, though. She just stood frozen solid.

Bianca released her with a giant smile still on her face. "This is my husband, Jarred." She pointed at him as he walked over after greeting some of the other pack members first.

Elana gave a small smile and waved while mouthing the word, "Hi."

"We have so much to talk about," Bianca rambled taking her arm and began dragging her towards empty seats. "For starters, I love your dress! Also, where have you been all this time?" She laughed.

Without hesitation, Elana pulled her arm away from Bianca before they could sit down. "Maybe another time," she told her flatly.

"The sun is going down and we still have to greet other pack members," I interjected quickly before Bianca could pout. No one ever had the courage to back away from her. She was always used to getting her way. Until now. It looked like she had finally met her match.

I took ahold of Elana's hand and began walking away before Bianca could protest. We mingled for a while. Elana kept things short with everyone and perfectly avoided tough questions from nosy pack members. She even maintained a fake happy smile throughout. Sometime after the sun had set, she pulled me aside to let me know she was ready to go. I wanted her to stay longer, but I wasn't going to push my limits.

We said goodbye to everyone and departed into the pack house. I led her up the stairs to her bedroom. I didn't want to let her go. She was perfect tonight for me although I didn't exactly deserve it. I didn't know how to thank her enough.

I watched as she sat on the bed taking off her shoes. "Thank you," I told her. "I know it wasn't easy meeting everyone and pretending to be happy."

"Well, I did agree to try to be happy here, didn't I?" She stood looking me in the eyes.

I smiled. "I know, but still. You could've told everyone that I'm a psycho who kidnapped you, but you didn't. So, thank you."

She laughed at that. Her smile was so beautiful it melted my heart. "What are the odds of them believing that?" She challenged.

"Good point." I caressed her face. She looked at the floor shyly. "Good night, Elana." I began to walk to the door, but my feet froze. My wolf was not ready to leave her side and I couldn't blame him. The day was too perfect to let it go to waste. I built up all the courage I could and stormed to Elana. She looked confused, but I didn't let that stop me. I cupped her face and crashed my lips on hers with force.

It felt like everything I was missing in life was all being handed to me with this one kiss. She tasted so delicious; I couldn't get enough. I thought she would push me away and slap me, but to my surprise, she didn't. Her hand flung to the back of my head, she grabbed a handful of hair, and kissed me back just as hard.

I pulled her closer and let my hands wander until they lowered to her plump butt cheeks and squeezed. I could feel both of our temperatures rising quickly. I ripped the turtleneck and turned her head slightly kissing down her neck until I reached the spot where I would mark her. I licked it gently and heard a small gasp leave her lips. It was such a sweet sound. I wanted more.

Elana pulled my head up kissing my lips again. I picked her up and she lifted her dress to wrap her legs around me. I knew she could feel my full hard c**k against my pants rubbing on her panties. I laid her on the bed and trailed my lips down her neck again. She kept her hand in my hair and legs around my waist as she moved her hips teasingly. I looked up at her to see her biting her lower lip. She reached her empty hand down to my pants and began caressing over my hard on. A low growl escaped me.

I quickly took ahold of both of her arms and pinned them over her head. She looked at me with curious eyes. I couldn't help but smile. "I don't know if I'll be able to control myself anymore if we keep going," I said honestly breathing heavily as I watched her chest rise up and down.

Elana rolled her eyes and smirked. "Then maybe you should stop." It was my turn to look confused before she elaborated. "If you don't have any self-control then I can't trust you. And I don't really trust you already so maybe it's better if we stop."

"Oh," I said a bit hurt. "But you kind of trust me?" I grinned.

She laughed. "Maybe... It's too bad though. I would've let you go much further if you hadn't said anything. Unlike you, I have full control over myself."

My jaw dropped. I released her arms and pulled her dress back down. "Well, I'll probably regret this later, but I rather you trust me one hundred percent anyways." I gently kissed her lips again. "And I promise you will trust me."

She smiled at me. "Don't you have a party going on?"

"All I care about right now is you."

"Whatever," she laughed. "You can go back out there and start gossiping about me."

"Never!" I acted appalled. "Well, I will see you later, love." I stole one last kiss before taking off to my spare bedroom where I replayed the scene with Elana that just took place repeatedly until I came all over. I would have preferred if it was inside of her, but I was willing to settle to keep her happy.

I strode downstairs where I found Roman talking to one of the pack members. He looked at me and grinned like a maniac walking away from them. "Someone's glowing!" He teased trying to sound like an excited schoolgirl but was a terrible impersonator.

I laughed. "Am I?"

"You got to tell me what happened!"

"I don't kiss and tell," I toyed with him.

"You kissed Elana?" He practically shouted in joy.

I laughed again. "I think I'll pay those rogues a visit now."

"Now?" He questioned. "Why now?"

I shrugged. "I'm in a good mood. Maybe some good vibes will get them talking. Or I'll just end them once and for all."

"Do you want me to go with?"

"No," I shook my head. "You just make sure everyone is having a good time." I gave him a serious look. "I want to know what they all really think of Elana."

"Yes, Alpha."

Down at the dungeons I can hear nonstop screaming from different directions that made me smile. The new rogues were adjusting perfectly. I hoped they had enough time to think over their next step because I sure as hell had.

I went up to each one asking why they came for Elana. None of them spoke. I cracked them with a whip and still nothing. I burned them with cigars and not a word. I was getting tired of these pale freaks real fast.

I had two guards release one of the male rogues and drag him by the hair in front of the other's cell. "Last chance to tell me," I warned with a low, harsh growl.

They were trying to stay strong but knew something was up. "We want to see our sister!" The rogue in the cell demanded.

"Wrong answer." I picked up a machete and swung at the rogue being held by the guards. His head rolled until it hit the cell door. His lifeless body collapsed backwards. "Any more requests?"

The guy looked petrified and turned ghostly white hyperventilating. "I'm going to kill you!" he cried. "You son of a b***h!"

"I don't think so," I said firmly then swung the machete decapitating him without a second thought. I turned to the guards. "Bring the girl. Make sure she's blindfolded."

They left instantly and returned with the sister wearing a black blindfold. She was trembling but trying to remain strong like her brothers.

"Tell me why you're after Elana!" I roared.

"Let me see my brothers!" she screeched.

"Well, you can see them, but they can't see you." I smirked and motioned to the guards to remove the blindfold.

Her eyes adjusted and she froze still at the sight in front of her. "No!" she yelled at the top of her lungs and ran to the lifeless bodies.

"Last chance to tell me," I seethed.

She became furious and glared at me. "You're all going to die! You're all going to die! You're all going to die!" she shouted over and over until I swung the machete across her neck.

"Clean this up and toss them in the crematory," I told the guards.