Secrets of his Mate

Sixteen

Elana

    Walking to the bed, I grabbed ahold of my teddy bear. As I sat down, I unzipped it pulling out the photo of Brian and I. I looked at it carefully reminiscing the day it was taken and seeing how happy we both were in it. I truly believed he was the one for me. No other man in existence could possibly replace what we had. My heart ached every time I thought about his death and how he'd never come back.

    The rustling of keys on the other side of the door alerted my ears. Quickly, I shoved the photo back into the bear and set it above the pillow unable to zip it back up before Alessandro unlocked the door and entered the room. His face contained an exhausted expression enhanced with dark, baggy eyes to complete the look.

    "You look super tired," I informed him.

    "Yeah," he said with a groan as he loosened his collar and untucked his shirt. "It's been a very long day. Have you eaten anything?"

    I nodded. "One of the guards brought me dinner."

    "Good." He unbuttoned his shirt as he spoke. He then sat next to me on the bed kicking off his shoes. "I'm sorry I couldn't come back to check on you sooner. I had a lot of things to handle."

    I watched as he undid his belt and took off his pants. "What are you doing?" I asked curiously unsure if this was his not so very clever way of initiating s*x.

    He sprawled out on the bed and tapped it for me to join him. "The whole pack is staying in the house for now so we're all sharing rooms," he yawned. "Lucky for you, you get to share with just me."

    I smiled and complied with his request lying beside him facing the same direction as he wrapped his arms around me. "Why is everyone staying here?"

    He sighed heavily. "As a precaution. Three of our members died today."

    I wanted to smirk remembering my actions from earlier. Instead, I let out a shocked gasp. "How did that happen?"

    "The doctor said they died of asphyxiation."

    "All three? How could that be?"

    "I don't know," he answered honestly. "The doctor is running some tests to see if they were poisoned."

    "Do you think someone would really do that?"

    "I think they were murdered, but I don't have enough evidence to prove it yet. Until I have answers, everyone will stay here where it's safe. It's my job to protect them and you." He caressed my hand adding the last part.

    "That's insane," I said under my breath. "Who would do something like that? Don't you have cameras all over this place?"

    "Just a few around the perimeter. Werewolves are very traditional and old school. Too much technology can be dangerous."

    "I don't know about that, but maybe you should think about getting some more," I said casually.

    Alessandro kept quiet for a moment. I felt each breath he took as his body seemed to tense up. "I have to ask you something and I need you to be completely honest with me," he said after some time.

    "Okay. Sure," I replied confused at his request.

    "Have you ever been down to the dungeon?"

    "The dungeon?" I pretended to have no knowledge of the place. "Why are you asking me that?"

    "Just answer the question and please don't lie to me."

    I sighed. He definitely knew something. I just wasn't sure how much so I didn't know what to say without giving too much away. I decided to roll the dice and be as honest as I needed to be. "I did go down there once the other day. You forgot to lock the door and I needed to stretch my legs so walked out of here and tried to follow you. I saw you go into the library, but once I went in you were no where in sight. I looked around until you finally came out from some secret door. You didn't notice me at the other end of the room, so when you left I found the door and decided to check out what was on the other side."

    I could feel him shake his head over the pillow. "Why didn't you tell me?"

    "I thought you would be mad at me. Isn't that why you locked me in here in the first place?"

    "I'm not mad at you, but I need to know these things, Love. What did you see down the there?"

    "There were two men in cells way in the back. He said he was an Alpha too and the other man was his Beta. He looked really sick."

    Again, there was silence for a moment as Alessandro took in the information. "Did he say anything to you?"

    "He tried to get me to let them out. He said his friend was dying and needed my help. Then he started saying he could mess with your head and make you go crazy for locking him up. I wanted to help his friend, but I couldn't even if I wanted to. I didn't know how. Plus, I didn't trust him."

    "I really wish you would have told me this before. It would've helped us catch him before anything happened."

    "What do you mean?"

    "He was able to escape earlier. Roman and I saw him wandering the halls. Now I really think he's the one who killed the she wolves."

    "Oh no," I said sadly. "This is my fault."

    "No!" Alessandro reassured me. "It's not your fault at all. It just might've helped, but we don't know that for sure either. Don't you dare blame yourself." He turned me to face him and brushed my lips with his.

    "But if I had just-"

    "Don't worry about him, okay? He was just a young, cocky, inexperienced eighteen year old coward who was by far not deserving of an Alpha title."

    "Did you catch him?"

    "Yes. He even tried to blame you saying you're the one who came up with the idea to let him out." He let out a small chuckle at the thought. "He was so stupid to think I'd believe any of that."

    "What do you mean he was?" I raised an eyebrow.

    "I took care of him," was all he said.

    I was speechless. He took out a man who told him the truth because he was in denial of the fact I was capable of selling him lies. That piece of the plan with Ethan was cut short, but it didn't matter. He wasn't important anyways.   

    "Just so you know," Alessandro began. "I had to tell my sister about what happened. She'll be back here tomorrow morning." My eyes darted at him causing him to chuckle. "Don't freak out. She's coming with her friend, Alpha Jarrod's younger sister, so she won't bother you as much."

    I was far from concerned about her bothering me. It was my opportunity to strike. No more winging things for me. It was about time I began plotting how to finalize this whole ordeal rather than find ways to entertain myself as I figured out my next move. She wasn't a good person and she didn't deserve any more chances. Her time was up. She was finally going to pay.

    "Well that's a relief," I said sarcastically.

    He laughed. "I'll try to save you if I can, but it might be a busy day again so no promises. Now get some sleep, Love." He wrapped his arms around me again and pulled me closer.

    I woke up in the morning alone in bed. I adjusted my eyes and looked around the room to find Alessandro sitting on a chair against the wall staring at me emotionless. He had some form of paper in his hand, twirling it between his fingers. There was an eerie silence engulfing the room as he failed to speak.

    "What's going on?" I tried to break the tension as I sat up on the bed.

    He continued staring at me searching for words to begin. He finally cleared his throat. "You know, the darnedest thing happened while you were asleep."

    I looked at him curiously waiting for him to continue. "Okay?"

    "You knocked over your teddy bear while you moved around in your sleep. When I went to pick it up for you, there was this tiny white piece coming out from under it. So I pull it out and find this!" He stops twirling the paper and flips it to show me the photo I had been hiding from him.

    I could feel my body fully awakened at that moment. "Give that to me," I told him cautiously.

    He seemed perplexed. "Is that all you have to say?" His eyes were becoming watery. I could feel the hurt in his heart. "This is him isn't it?"

    "He is dead! You're being jealous of a dead man."

    "Don't turn this on me! What the hell are you doing with this?" he shouted.

    "It's none of your business. That's mine and I want it back!"

    He glared at me and pulled a lighter out of his pocket. "You have me now. You don't need this anymore."

    "No!" I gasped. "If you destroy that picture I swear will never forgive you!" I allowed him to make the correct choice on his own.

    He rolled his eyes and scoffed. "I can't believe you," he said with pain in his voice. He shoved both the lighter and photo into his pocket and stormed out of the room locking the door behind him. He didn't return it to me, but at least he didn't burn it.

    A guard brought me breakfast and lunch. Not much was said as he handed me the dishes, but I could see there were at least four other guards standing in front of my door. When I looked outside of the window, there were at least ten more standing outside. If I wanted to be let out, they'd have to get authorization from Alessandro and I highly doubted he was in the mood to be bothered by me.

    After some time, there was a rapid knock on the door. I could hear Bianca's loud, obnoxious voice giggling from the other side. I did not have the patience for her. I should have killed her as soon as her face appeared in my view the first time.

    "Go away!" I hollered trying to avoid the migraine she was.

    "You gotta come out some time!" After no response, she pouted. "We wanna do your hair and makeup for tonight's supper."

    That got my attention. "What supper?"

    "The Remembrance Supper, silly. It's a formal dinner for all the leaders of the pack and their mates to get together and remember our fallen pack members." I didn't say a word. This was news to me. "I know Alessandro didn't forget to tell you." She huffed at my silence. "It's tonight at seven o'clock.  I'll come get you before then."

    A sigh of relief left my lips as soon as she gave up and retreated from the door. If I was going to complete this mission, I was going to do it the right way. This mansion was filled with werewolves who would retaliate without hesitation if I were to get sloppy. The best way to go about it was to attack in front everyone for shock value and control. It'd be easier to kill them en masse if needed than fight off one by one.

    As the day dragged on, I thought about the dinner Bianca mentioned. Alessandro didn't say a word about it. I assumed he didn't want me to attend with him. He must've been embarrassed and deeply hurt by me. Truthfully, he had every right to be. I knew the way I treated him was unfair. Toying with and using his best friend against him was flat out wrong. Besides the kidnapping, he did everything in his power to make me happy and want to be his mate. Maybe I was just a truly awful person. My father would have been so proud if he could witness the evil rising within and taking over me if I hadn't disowned him.

    I sighed and decided to shower. The hot water felt nice against my skin. The pressure massaged my sore areas. I wanted to stay in the calming water forever, but ultimately gave up. I wrapped a towel around my body and stepped out of the bathroom to find Alessandro waiting for me on the bed with sad, tired eyes.

    "Bianca told me you ignored her a while ago. She wanted to spend time with you." He spoke softly.

    I rolled my eyes. I didn't want to talk about her or even think of her. "I just wanted to be alone."

    He nodded in understanding. "That's fine," he said looking at the floor. "She also reminded me that I forgot to tell you about the Remembrance Supper."

    "She did mention that."

    "I'm sorry," he said almost in a whisper. He took a deep breath and locked eyes with me. "I did forget to tell you about it, but I need you to be with me. It's been really rough around here with everything going on. I really need my Luna by my side."

    "Oh." He was so genuine. "Yeah. I'll go with you."

    A small smile formed on his face. "Great. We should get ready then. It's almost seven already."

    He entered his walk in closet where he began getting dressed. I walked back into the bathroom to blow dry my hair and shaped it into a loose, elegant bun. I then applied a neutral tone eyeshadow to my eyelids before using liquid eyeliner to draw perfect wings. I topped the look with plum colored lipstick.

    When I walked out again, Alessandro was still in his closet getting ready. I went into mine and zipped up a black mermaid dress with sheer, floral sleeves. Once finished, I stepped out to see Alessandro standing by the desk setting something down. I thought it was my photo of Brian, but I didn't question him. He looked mouthwatering wearing a black suit and tie. One glance at me and his jaw was ready to hit the ground.

    "You are absolutely stunning, Love." He looked me up and down then strode to me taking my hand and kissed the back of it.

    "Thank you. You look good yourself," I replied honestly.

    He smiled at me and caressed my cheek. "We should get going. Everyone's probably waiting for us by now." He extended his arm so I hooked mine onto his before we walked off together radiating power and confidence.

    Two guards bowed to us in front of large, heavy wooden double doors before opening them for us. Alessandro and I walked in arm in arm with heads held high. The room was decorated in white and gold. An enormous chandelier hung above the long dining table which seated the high ranking members of this pack and their mates.

    Instantly their attention fell on us. The room became silent as they stood and respectfully bowed their head. Alessandro stood at the head of the table then motioned for me to take my place next to his. Roman stood across from my seat with a chipper Bianca next to him. His eyes were glued to me with a small smile tugging at his lips since we entered the room. I hoped Alessandro didn't notice for his sake, but he wasn't being quite stealthy about it.

    "Sit," Alessandro commanded. He looked everyone in the eyes and smiled as we took our seats. Waiters surrounded us and filled our glasses with champagne. They swiftly parted allowing Alessandro to start his speech.

    "Silver Moon family," he began as he took ahold of his glass. "I would give anything to change the reason for our gathering this evening. It is with a pain filled heart I brought us together to remember our fellow pack members Amy, Natasha, and Olivia. They may be gone, but never forgotten. Even as my blood boils to find the animal who did this, tonight will be a night of joy and celebration filled with cherished memories. So let's enjoy ourselves one last time before we lead the pack into mourning."

    Everyone gathered at the table raised their glass. "Cheers," they said in unison. Before long, waiters arrived with delicately cooked dishes and set them in front of each person. Chattering in the room was kicking off. Everyone was drinking and smiling as they spoke. They reminisced the three dead wolves as if they lost a close best friend or family member.

    "It's so great you're able to deal with all of this having the Luna by your side, Sandro," Bianca spoke to her brother adoringly. Turning to me she added, "You must be so proud to have an Alpha as a mate."

    I tried to avoid any conversation, mainly with her. The clock was ticking on her. I wanted to reach across the table and rip her throat out. I chugged the champagne and took a deep, calming breath. The last thing I wanted was to cause a scene ruining Alessandro's night. "I suppose," I stated blankly to her.

    Alessandro cleared his throat. "Well let's be honest. I'm the lucky one," he smiled at me. He took ahold of my hand and kissed the back.

    As if on cue, everyone awed at their Alpha's remark. A few men at the further end of the table began teasing him for daring to be mushy while their mates laughed and shushed them. Roman sat quietly across from me. He seemed bothered by Alessandro's action, but did not say a word. His eyes remained on me the whole night. Alessandro must have been holding himself back from reacting to him. There was no way he hadn't noticed.

    "Remember when Amy rejected Eric just because she had the biggest crush on Sandro?" Bianca chuckled.

    Her friend next to her shot her eyes up to Eric. "Seriously?" she asked shocked. "I'm so sorry!" She let out a small laugh. "But you were rejected by Amy Whitaker?" she burst out in uncontrollable laughter. Eric looked down sadly. She quickly jumped out of her seat and approached him giving him a long hug. "I'm just teasing," she reassured him as he returned the hug.

    Suddenly the doors swung open as Tony ran in with a laptop in his hands. "Alpha I-" he cut short when he sniffed the air, eyes landed on Bianca's friend, and growled, "Mine!" Before I knew what happened, he shifted to his wolf form and flung himself over the table attacking Eric. Eric's body hit the wall before he shifted as well and defended himself.

    Alessandro wrapped me in his arms and pulled me away from them. "Control him!" he shouted at Roman and the other pack members in the room. Roman got up hesitantly and bitterly yanked Tony off of Eric escorting him to another room. Bianca's friend followed him like a love struck puppy. Someone took Eric to get cleaned up while everyone else began to leave the dining room..

    "What was that all about?" I asked playing dumb in Alessandro's ear.

    He shook his head in shame. "Tony just found his mate, that's what. Werewolves are extremely jealous and possessive. Seeing Eric touching her must've set him off." He looked me in the eyes. "Are you okay, Love?"

    I nodded in response. "Yeah. I'm fine."

    He stroked my face just as Roman walked in. I felt Alessandro's body turn stiff maintaining his embrace on ne. Roman glared at us and his expression turned cold before masking it with a blank look. "Tony is cooling off and talking with Justine."

    "Good," Alessandro stated. "He can take the rest of the night to cool off. Just let him know I want a damn good reason as to why he interrupted our Remembrance Supper first thing in the morning."

    "Yes, Alpha," he said flatly and left the room.

    With a sigh, Alessandro released me from his hold and walked over to the doors to pick up the laptop Tony had dropped. He brought it to the table and opened it. The screen showed a website with a picture. There was a column next to it displaying personal information.

    Alessandro and I realized who it was at the same time. My eyes widened as my mouth unintentionally whispered, "Brian."

    I noticed his hands balled into fists. He tried to contain his anger, but his temperature was rising. He slammed the laptop shut. "Don't you ever say his name again!" He rubbed his temples trying to calm down while taking deep breaths.

    Not knowing what to say, I sat in his chair thinking. Tony had discovered Brian's history and was eager to show Alessandro. I wondered if he uncovered anything about me too. I was going to have to come out with the truth sooner or later. Knowing some of the things I'd done could possibly turn him against me, but I didn't want him to hate me.

    He looked at me carefully as if trying to read my mind. My eyes fell to the floor. He lifted my chin and stared intently. "I don't care who you are or what you are, Elana. I just want you to love me!" he pleaded with an assertive and dominating voice.

    Unknowingly, tears built in my eyes. "I can't! Even if I wanted to-" I quickly held my tongue. What was I doing? Was I hurting for him? This couldn't be real. Was I growing feelings for him?