Blood Legacy (Wolf Moon Academy Book 2) Page 16

  “Mr. Hale.” Mr. Keith appeared from the house and smiled at us. “Will all of you be ready to go soon? My people are putting their finishing touches on everything now.”

  Liam turned toward him. “Sure, I can’t wait to meet the others.”

  We’d been at the gathering for over an hour, and nothing much had happened. It was all pleasantries and talking about the weather.

  “So, how long have you and Mr. Hale been bonded?” Gretchen asked as a woman with light blonde hair and blue eyes appeared next to me.

  “Not quite two months.” Even though it had only been a short amount of time, it felt like we’d known each other longer. We’d been through so much together.

  “Well, he is a catch.” The woman held out her hand and smiled. “I’m Beth. The mate to Mr. Keith’s beta, Tommy.”

  So, this is the woman Gretchen had gotten drunk with the other night. “Nice to meet you. I’m Mia.”

  “Are you having a good time?” Gretchen glanced around the place at all the people who were mingling together.

  A familiar hand touched my lower back. “Thought you might like a glass of wine.” Liam grinned as he handed it to me.

  “Thank you.” I smiled at him and took a small sip.

  “That wine is the finest that you can get.” Mr. Keith appeared next to Liam and nodded. “We only serve the best here.”

  “It’s quite delicious.” It was, but it hurt to admit it. I glanced around, noting that I was the only woman in jeans. All of the women either wore designer dresses or dress pants that were of the latest fashion. Even the young girls were dressed immaculately, and I noticed not one of them ate any of the food. They were quiet and had only spoken when they absolutely must. There was a dull lifelessness in their eyes.

  “There are a lot of calories in that glass. Maybe you shouldn’t drink the whole thing.” Mr. Keith arched an eyebrow at me.

  “She can drink the whole damn thing if she wants to,” Liam growled at the city alpha.

  “I’m surprised that you allow her to wear jeans.” Tommy appeared beside Mr. Keith and shook his head in disapproval.

  “Oh, they’ve only been mated for two months,” Beth said as if that explained everything.

  “It doesn’t matter if it’d been fifty years; my mate can drink, eat, or wear whatever the hell she wants to.” Liam’s jaw clenched, and his fingers dug slightly into my side. “If you say one more word about it, we’ll be leaving here immediately. Do I make myself clear?”

  Simon rolled his eyes as he watched the whole thing from the sidelines.

  “Well, your fathers…” Mr. Keith’s shoulders stiffened.

  “We don’t give a damn what our fathers say or think.” Evan flanked me on the other side. “When it’s our turn, we’ll do things our way.” His huge body was coiled, ready for a fight.

  “You’re both standing up for this girl?” Mr. Keith’s brows furrowed. “But she’s an extension of you. Don’t you care about how she reflects on you?”

  “She’s her own person.” Liam shook his head. “And I’m damn proud of that. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” His eyes locked on mine, and there was so much damn love in them.

  “Well, that’s not how we work here.” Mr. Keith shook his head. “You’ll see how things should be when you take over the council. There is a certain order to things. That’s exactly what Mr. Thorn has been learning here recently.”

  What the hell did that mean? I had a feeling it wasn’t good.

  “Maybe he had it right all along. Either way, you should remember your place.” Liam said as his eyes took on the alpha glow, making Mr. Keith avert his eyes.

  The room was silent as the city alpha submitted to him.

  “I think it’s time for us to leave.” Liam took my hand and led me to the door.

  “I agree with that.” Micah frowned as if it pained him to agree.

  “Of course you would.” Simon spat the words.

  Liam didn’t pause, but I glanced over my shoulder, watching the expressions on all the women’s faces. Beth appeared hopeful, but Gretchen looked petrified. And that somehow broke my heart even more.

  Chapter Eighteen

  As we headed out the door of the hotel we wound up staying in, we found Mr. Thorn waiting outside. His face was lined with worry, and his eyes appeared weary.

  "I'm sorry that I was unavailable yesterday, so I figured it was best if I personally took you back to the airport," he said as the driver opened the back door of the limo.

  "It didn't help that I pretty much demanded it." Liam carried both of our bags to the driver and set them down at his feet.

  "Well, there is that." Mr. Thorn gave a tight smile. “I must say I was shocked that you didn’t stay at Mr. Keith’s house.”

  "Well, there is a damn good reason for it." Liam arched an eyebrow as if daring him to challenge him. "Mr. Keith isn’t exactly the man I remembered. Staying with him was quite an eye-opener."

  “Oh, Mr. Thorn, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Mr. Keith frowned as he took in the five of us with the regional alpha. “I’d hoped to take you to the airport and talk after what happened last night.”

  “We’re not interested.” Liam narrowed his eyes at the man. “I’ve asked Mr. Thorn to accompany us.”

  Mr. Keith's face dropped at Liam’s response.

  "But thank you for giving us a tour yesterday." I didn't want Liam to completely burn a bridge. He was still an alpha, at least until we could do something about it.

  Don't be nice to him. Liam growled as he crawled into the limo. "Unlike my mate, I don't share those sentiments."

  Soon, the others and I followed suit and climbed into the car. As always, both Evan and Liam sat on either side of me while Mr. Thorn sat between Micah and Simon.

  "Is everything okay?" Liam took my hand and glanced at the regional alpha.

  "It is." Mr. Thorn sighed as he glanced out the window. "I think it should be me asking you that question, though. I'm a little surprised that you don't approve of Mr. Keith. Your father sure does."

  "'I'm not my father." Liam's voice was low and raspy.

  "Well, I'm kind of surprised because the last time I saw you, it sure seemed like you were on the same page as him." Mr. Thorn's eyes landed on me before flickering to the other three heirs. "As I'm sure the others still would agree with."

  "Not all of us," Evan growled beside me.

  Mr. Thorn's eyes widened. "And the other two?"

  "If those bitches like being treated that way, I don't see the problem." Simon shrugged and glanced out the window as he crossed his arms.

  "You’re being too much." Micah leaned over Mr. Thorn, directing his words at his friend. "You’ve gotta stop, man."

  "You guys are turning into pussies." Simon shook his head as he wrinkled his nose.

  "One more word and I'll throw you out of the damn car." Liam leaned forward, ready to carry out this threat.

  "You wouldn’t do it." Simon snickered.

  "Hell yeah, he would." Evan narrowed his eyes on Simon. "And I'll help him."

  "Can't we just get along?" Micah shook his head.

  "Well, if you guys weren't getting weak, there wouldn’t be an issue." Simon spat the words like they tasted bitter.

  Mr. Thorn sat there, watching it all with an amused expression.

  "Whether the four of you like it or not, we have another stop." That was the one common goal they all still had; to inherit The Blood Council seats. "And you can't go in there acting like this." I waved my finger around to the four of them. "It's bad enough that you're doing it now."

  The four of them remained silent.

  "Did you get your issue resolved yesterday?" I needed to divert attention from the four heirs’ relationship and back to the matters at hand.

  "Yes, I was able to handle it." The corner of Mr. Thorn's lips tipped upward.

  "What was the issue? Does my father know about it?" Liam took a deep breath and focused back on the regional alpha. Thank you
for getting us back on track.

  We're a team. I scooted in closer to him. I'll always do what I can by your side.

  I love you. His words were simple but held so much meaning.

  "There was a rebellion group gathering that I had to take care of." Mr. Thorn shrugged. "I figured it was better for you to hear about overall pack life in Chicago and not deal with a small rebellion that probably won't amount to anything."

  Considering how things are going, it might gain momentum unless we can alter our fathers’ vision. Liam took in a deep breath and breathed out. "I would've actually liked to have gone. Mr. Keith was a waste of breath."

  Mr. Thorn burst out laughing. "That is something we both can agree on." His face smoothed out, and his shoulders weren't quite as tense. "Well, maybe if you're in town next time one of them happens, you can join me."

  "If you were an effective alpha, there wouldn't be another meeting," Simon mumbled as he stared out the window.

  "You have much to learn, Mr. Green, but you'll soon understand when you take your place on the council." Mr. Thorn frowned as he shook his head. "There will always be people trying to undermine you, no matter how much you're feared."

  The cabin descended into silence for the rest of the ride to the airport.

  When we climbed out of the limo at the airport, Mr. Thorn gently touched my arm.

  I turned to face him as the other heirs headed to the door. I linked with Liam. Give me a second.

  I'll stand by the door. Liam waited for me only a few yards away.

  "I underestimated you." Mr. Thorn gave me a sad smile. "You're exactly what and where you need to be."

  "What are you talking about?" The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. This was the man who made me question my necklace, which led me to learn that I was the Overseer. He hadn't been thrilled with Kai's interest in me until he saw the pendant when I wore it to class, and he’d recognized the design. He approved of our relationship then, but I had completed the bond with Liam that same weekend. He knows who I am.

  "I wasn't quite sure, but after what I've just seen, it fits even though I don't know how it's possible." His eyes seemed to lighten.

  What? Liam headed over to me and glared at the alpha. "You don't know what you're talking about." Liam's voice was deep and somewhat threatening.

  "Your secret is safe with me." Mr. Thorn bowed his head ever so slightly at me. "On that, you have my word. Please, if you are ever back in town, let me know. I'd love the opportunity to show you things."

  "Thank you." I wasn't quite sure what else to say. We had just learned that someone knows my secret, which meant there was little time before more people learned it as well.

  As we stepped off the plane in Los Angeles, Simon had an extra bounce in his step. When we walked out of the huge, vibrant airport, once again we found two towering male alphas. They both had a sun-kissed complexion and appeared to be more lean and athletic than muscular.

  The older one had a car salesman vibe as he nodded his head at us. He had slicked-back, brown hair and wore a strong floral cologne smell that had me close to gagging.

  "Mr. Rhodes." Simon shook his hand and grinned. "So good to see you again."

  "And I feel the same way, Mr. Green." He shook his hand eagerly. "And this is our city alpha, Mr. Voss." He nodded at the man right beside him.

  The other man, who had red hair and green eyes, appeared to be in his late twenties. There seemed to be a hunger in them that made me uncomfortable. He scanned me from top to bottom. “It's nice to meet you, Mr. Green, and it appears you brought me a delectable present, I see."

  A low growl emanated from Liam's chest. "She is my mate, so back the fuck off."

  "Whoa, whoa!" He lifted both hands in the air. "I'm so sorry, but she is definitely something to marvel at. You're one lucky alpha. I’d always thought I’d never tie myself down, but I recently found someone worth doing that for."

  "If you keep looking at her that way, then that will be the last thing you see." Liam stepped in front of me, blocking me from his leering eyes.

  "He's awfully protective of her." Simon rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry about that."

  "No problem at all." Mr. Voss held his hand out to Liam. "And you are Mr. Hale, yes?"

  "Yes." Liam's answer was so rough it was almost indistinguishable, but he didn't move to shake the alpha's hand.

  Mr. Voss took a step back but tried to recover by turning to Evan. "Mr. Rafferty, right?"

  "Yes." Only then, a second heir refused to shake his hand.

  "Wow, we must have gotten off on the wrong foot." Mr. Voss held his hand out to Micah. "How about you, Mr. Croft?"

  "Yeah, hi." Micah shook the alpha’s hand even though he seemed hesitant.

  "All right, well, let's go. Mr. Rhodes and I thought we should take you to my home on the ocean. We have a neighborhood there that my pack lives in, and we live the life of luxury." He pointed to the limo right behind them.

  We all climbed in, and within the next thirty minutes, we were pulling up to a gated community. When we passed through the gate, we drove by a few nice houses until we parked in the driveway of a house built high on a cliff that overlooked the ocean with woods directly behind the subdivision so they could shift and run.

  As soon as we stepped out, the warm sun and saltwater assaulted my senses. I'd never been on the west coast before, but the water was as gorgeous as every picture I'd seen.

  The house was mainly windows, and Mr. Voss headed straight to the door. "I thought you might enjoy overlooking the ocean as we talked."

  "That's fine." Simon nodded at him with a huge smirk.

  He was thoroughly enjoying us being on his turf right now. "Please come; we'll eat lunch and talk before we take you to your hotel for the night."

  The door opened before he got to it, and when we stepped into the house, I noticed it was sleek and pristine. The girl cleaning it couldn't have been more than sixteen. When we entered the room, she turned around, and I saw fear in her eyes.

  "Ah, Dee, you're doing such a good job." Mr. Voss's eyes were devoid of any emotion. "Every day you get better. Where is Dylon? Isn’t he supposed to be helping?”

  “He’s cleaning the kitchen as they cook your lunch.” She avoided his eyes and stared at the ground. “We know how you hate a messy house.”

  "Mr. Voss employs his own pack to clean, which helps the kids save money to go to a college of their choice." Mr. Rhodes' proud smile spoke volumes.

  We walked past the girl into a living room that had glass windows for walls. A set of double doors led to a large back porch that was probably just as big as the house itself. A huge swimming pool sat in the center, and it had a glass floor jutting over the cliff’s edge. You could swim to the edge and look over it to the beach below.

  Several tables and chairs were arranged around the pool, all wood with light beige colored cushions laying on each chair.

  "Please sit." Mr. Voss moved over to a section that held a large table with eight chairs. Of course, he took one of the seats at the end.

  "This is amazing." Simon glanced around with a huge smile on his face. "Now, you've only recently become the city alpha, right?"

  "Yes, he came to me several years ago, asking for me to be his mentor." Mr. Rhodes smiled so proudly, much like a father looking at a son. "And here we are, history in the making."

  "What do you mean history?" Liam frowned. "We haven't heard anything about this."

  "You don't need to." Simon lifted his nose in the air. "It's our area, but if you must know, Mr. Voss was a pack alpha’s son, who has worked hard and risen up through the ranks."

  "Yet, you have a problem with a woman doing it?" Why was I not surprised after he was cool with the way Mr. Keith treated females?

  "Yeah, females aren't made to lead." Simon laughed, and the other two alphas joined in.

  "You have to be able to take what you want, and women can't do that." Mr. Rhodes shook his head. "They’re always too caught up in their fe
elings."

  "Maybe they can think of the consequences more thoroughly?" Evan arched an eyebrow.

  "Overthinking is for the weak." Mr. Voss lifted his head as the wind blew through his hair. "We need action-oriented leaders who aren't afraid to make a decision at a moment's notice."

  "Quick action sometimes is a bad decision." Liam shook his head.

  "Please, don't." A girl's screams came from the house. "Just let me go."

  "Ahhh... There she is." A cruel smirk filled the alpha's face.

  "What happened?" Mr. Rhodes arched an eyebrow.

  "One of my girls turned eighteen today and thought she could run away without my permission." Mr. Voss licked his lips as he paused. "She hadn’t worked like the other pack members to request such a thing, so we had to bring her back.”

  "What are you going to do with her?" Micah's golden eyes darkened.

  "Well, I finally found a woman that is almost my equal as far as females go. She has a hunger like me but for her freedom." Mr. Voss chuckled as two large guys dragged out a girl who was digging her feet into the ground. “It’ll be fun to break her and let the other packs watch as it happens. You know fear is the best way to keep them all in line.”

  "No." Her long blonde hair was a tangled mess as one of the men used it to grip her head, both eyes were blackened, making her jade irises somewhat dim. Her arms had deep claw marks from where they must have fought her in wolf form.

  My stomach dropped. He was going to beat her.

  “Why can’t she have any freedom?” Simon’s voice was slow and very controlled. “It’s obvious she doesn’t want to be here.”

  It took a second for me to process what he’d actually said. It had even taken Evan’s head snapping in Simon’s direction to finally allow the words to sink in.

  "If you start letting people have choices, it only encourages others to act out. Your father shares the same sentiment, so I’m surprised you’re questioning this.” Mr. Voss stood and sauntered over to her like she was the prey. “I told you running would do no good, Sherry."

  We can't let this happen. No one deserved to be broken.