I woke up with a start. I keep having the same nightmare or vision as it was put, about Thomas killing me. I have to some how change course of action to change this vision but I don't even know of his plans.
I slowly got up and head to do my business before going to training. I brush out my hair and french braid it. It's cardio day so nothing has to be tight or form fitting, so I head to my closet and put on a lime green sports bra, loose royal tank top and a loose pair of black workout shorts.
I emerge and put on my running shoes and head out to the track to start stretching when I see Thomas and Stephan in a very serious conversation. They hadn't seen me walking through so with my supernatural hearing I caught some of what they were saying.
"I hear you Thomas but you know some packs show up early. There's no way to attack her then."
"I have to or this won't work and the child will die from---"
"Minerva, good morning dear." came Thomas’s voice as I kept walking past them.
"Thomas." I said sharply and kept walking. I know I need to find out his plans but I felt Alectrona put her hackles up at the idea with what we just heard.
"How about we postpone the Mating Ball with the kidnapping and all so you can focus on it?"
So that's part of his plan, well I'm about to ruin it for it him. "No I don't think I will. This ball could quite possibly get me closer to the kidnapper and I need all the leads I can get."
I watched his smile falter just a tad and I knew I had him in a bind. "Is that all Thomas? I need to stretch before our run."
He half smiled and walked off and I knew I would need to make the one phone call I've been waiting on making for these circumstances.
---
We finished our 8 mile run and I made my way to my room for a quick shower so I could make my finishing touches for tomorrow night when I felt a presence behind me.
"Thomas what are you doing?"
"Coming to see if you need help dear," he said with a smirk.
"No I don't think I do. Don't you need to get your pack ready for the ball tomorrow?" I questioned him.
"Are you trying to get rid of me my dear Minerva?"
"Why are you avoiding my question Thomas? And just because we had a mutual agreement on sharing a bed, doesn't mean I'm ever being with you. We've discussed this countless times."
I watched the vein in his neck tick for a split second then he plastered a smile on his face and said, "I know dear, a man can wish, I will be going back today to check on things and I'll be back tomorrow evening with my sister and Beta and his sister."
"Okay Thomas I'll see you then."
I watched as he turned away and left me alone. I ran up to my room and closed and locked the door.
"Minerva what are we going to do?" Alectrona asked.
"I'm calling Xavier. He might not be Alpha now but he still owes father a favor. I have put it off and I need his help more than ever."
"Great idea. I bet he can help in more ways than just helping with Thomas."
"I think you're right Alec."
I felt her go to the back of my mind as I went to shower. I bathed quickly and went to get dresses in a simple pair of blue jeans and a loose fitting black v neck shirt topping it off with my slip on vans.
I made my way to my office when I seen the door open so I walked in and seen Henry sitting on my couch waiting on me.
I shut the door and turned towards him when he suddenly spoke, "Minerva we have to steer on the cautious side tomorrow, Thomas left not to long ago."
"I know Henry. I suggested he should so I can call Xavier."
"Xavier? Do you think he will help us?"
"Yes because he owes my father a favor. Now let me call and see if he and Slate will come today."
"That's a short notice. You sure?"
I growled at his questions and he shifted uncomfortably and got quiet. I picked up my phone and took a deep breath. It rang 3 times when Slate answered.
"Minerva what a surprise to hear from you."
"Well not to be blunt, but I need to speak with you and Xavier."
"We were just talking about you and how long it would be before you called. Since the mating ball is tomorrow, we will come today with my brother and Delta since my Beta has a mate and runs the pack just as well or if not better than me," he said with a light laugh.
"Thank you, I appreciate you both coming. I'll have rooms prepared and waiting. I'll see you in a few hours," I said.
"Hey Minerva, do I need my stealth team to be on standby?"
"That is up to you but it may not hurt."
"I'll see you in a few hours Minerva."
I sat there for a minute with my head in my hands when I felt Henry come squat beside me.
"Minerva I've known you for a long time and know how tight you run everything but all of this is getting to you. Why don't you rest and I'll handle everything that isn't an emergency."
"Henry I have to go help Kelly and Katrina with preparations for tomorrow."
"I got this Minerva. Please you can't focus if you're tired and upset. I let you do this long enough."
"Thank you Henry. I'll see you in a couple hours."
I headed to my room, closed the door and took off my shoes. I walked to my bed and laid down, looking at the clock it was 9 am. I could feel the stress coming to the surface and it wasn't helping me any.
"Mini you need to rest sweetie. With your window open I'll recharge and I'll keep everything at bay so you can sleep."
"Alec it's been forever since I heard you use that nickname."
"I know Mini, but you needed happy thoughts and I know that it brings back memories."
"You're exactly right," I responded with a yawn. I felt everything simmer down and my mind got heavy.
---
I woke up feeling better than I have in several days. I checked my clock and it was almost noon. Groaning I got up did my business and while putting my shoes on that I remembered Xavier was supposed to be here by now. I linked Henry, "Has Xavier and Slate arrived yet?"
"No, they will be another hour."
I cut the link and headed down to the ballroom. I walked in and seen Kelly lecturing Henry on where to hang decorations.
"No no child like this."
I stifled a laugh as I watched Henry struggle to do exactly what she showed him.
"Come on guys lets get some lunch. I have visitors arriving in an hour," I told them.
"Oh Minerva sweetheart you're awake. Yes yes lets get lunch."
We made our way to the dining room where my kitchen omegas were setting out a buffet of food. I almost forgot what lunch smelled like since it's been so long since I've really had lunch. I devoured an amazing pulled pork sandwich and fries in a matter of minutes. Henry was staring at me grinning knowingly.
"I don't want to hear it Henry. But thank you for pushing me to rest. I needed to recharge."
"You're welcome. I have a feeling you'll need it for when Alpha Slate comes."
I gave him a bewildered look when we got the mind link that Slate and Xavier were here.
I rushed out of the room and into the foyer where they were being led into the packhouse.
"Alpha Slate, Alpha Xavier it's great to see you again."
"Ahhh Alpha Minerva, as Slate has the Alpha title now just call me Xavier," he said pulling me into a hug.
"Thank you for coming Xavier. William it's nice to see you again."
William smiled at me and suddenly looked off with a startled look. I looked behind me and Henry and his sister was standing there.
"Mate" was the next word out of both William and Scarlett's mouth.
"Well go on boy, let your mate show you around and you two get acquainted," said Xavier with a smile.
William walked past straight to Scarlett and grabbed the hand she offered. I looked at Henry and he look genuinely happy for Scarlett so I left it alone.
Pulling from my thoughts I looked at Xavier, "Would you mind following me up to my office?"
"Of course not Alpha lead the way," was Slate's reply.
I noticed Slate was quiet unlike normal and seemed focused on something but I couldn't pin point what it was. As we reached the landing, I felt someone shift directly behind me and as I turned Slate grabbed my wrist.
"Slate what are you doing son!" Xavier exclaimed.
"Testing my theory father, lets get into the office so we can tell her."
I kept my mouth shut and walked in my office locking the door behind the Alpha's and Henry.
I offered the guest seats to Xavier and Slate and Henry took the couch. I walked beside Slate to go to my desk when he grabbed me suddenly, forcing me in his lap.
"What the f**k Slate!" I growled as I tried to push him away.
Taking a big sniff against my neck his eyes flashed grey with a white ring. "It's her for sure father."