The Alpha's Mistake

Chapter 5

The door squeaked open, alerting Heidi from the bed. If one could call that a bed. She rose carefully, prompting him to ask. "Where are you injured?"

She pointed to her wrist, ribs, and ankle. "Have you seen a doctor?" No. "Well, that will have to be remedied. Once Alaric returns, I'm sure he'll want you examined. In the meantime, I brought you food. Come sit and eat." He stayed a few steps up, and she sat on the bottom.

"How old are you?" She shrugged while stuffing a sandwich in her mouth. He held up both his hands, fingers spread wide, closed his fists, opened them, then held up four fingers. "I'm twenty-four. Can you count how old you are?" No.

Todd continued to ask her questions about her life until she was full. He had hoped she would eat more but was pleased with the amount she consumed. Checking his watch, he knew his time was up. "I have to go now. Will you be alright?" Yes. "You're not alone anymore. You can trust me. I'll keep Alpha and Beta busy tonight, and I'll be back in the morning. Ok?" She nodded her head. "Get some rest." He picked up the tray and reluctantly returned upstairs. Looking down, he watched her move slowly to the mattress. He hated leaving her in this disgusting pit, but he had no choice.

This whole situation reeked. There was no doubt in his mind that the girl in the basement was Heidi Jones. The daughter of George and Shelly Jones, the previous Betas of Phantom Pack. The girl who was accused of killing her parents then murdering Luna Opal. The girl who Alpha Archer claimed was executed for her crimes years ago. The girl who can't talk and has no memory of her past. Too many questions swirled with no answers. What he did doubt was Alaric's state of mind when it came to her and his willingness to get to the bottom of this mystery.

We need help. But from whom? Certainly not from leadership. Asking another Alpha to come is too risky, Archer might not allow them entrance. Someone who's low-key enough to avoid suspicion, yet smart enough to unravel what's going on.

Patrick Masters.

Who?

Dumb ass, the son of Edward Masters. You have his number on your phone. From Howler Pack?

Oh, I forgot.

"Thank you for calling Masters Security. Donna speaking, how can I help you?"

"Patrick Masters, please. Todd Winchester calling."

"Todd! What a surprise. I hope Alaric didn't get arrested." The booming tenor of Patrick's voice came on the line a few minutes later.

"No, but we've run into a strange situation at Phantom, and I was hoping you could come help sort it out."

"What did he do this time?"

"It's nothing like that. The she-wolf who was accused of murdering Luna Opal is alive. With no memory of who she is or her past. She also can't talk."

"What does Alpha Archer have to say?"

"Since he's the one who told Alaric that she was dead, I'm pretty sure he's involved with this. Plus, this is the first time we've seen her all these years. I think she's been locked in the basement when we came back."

"I see. I'm guessing you discovered her by accident."

"Alaric was supposed to be at Midnight Pack for another month or so, then go to Starlight. He decided to come here instead. Surprise."

"You don't need me. You need Grace."

"How can praying help me?" The confusion in his voice came over loud and clear.

"Grace is my sister." Patrick chuckled. "Besides, I've got my hands full with a client."

"You have a sister?"

"Yes. She wasn't here when you guys visited us. She's the investigator around here. If anyone can figure out what's going on, she can. Too smart for her own good." He mumbled the last part. "Hang on, I'll contact her." The connection went silent as he mind-linked Grace. "I can have her there in two days. I'll ask my dad to contact Alpha Archer for her clearance."

"No one says no to your dad." Todd laughed.

"Only those with nothing to lose. Considering Archer's holdings, he can't afford to piss off Edward. I'll let you know the specifics when her itinerary is set. I've got to go. Hope it works out. Bye."

"Bye, Patrick. Thank you."

Now, we need to figure out how to keep her safe until then.

Spike their drinks?

Um, no. I don't want to die.

Good point. Tell them Alaric is here to decide if he's going to take Crystal as his chosen mate. That should explain his need to run and take their thoughts away from our Luna.

You are brilliantly evil.

I know.

The ploy worked, Alpha Archer and Beta Larry were overjoyed about Alaric taking Crystal as his mate. It would solidify the bond between the packs and potentially bring money into Phantom. Todd didn't need to drug them. They drank enough to pass out by themselves around midnight.

****

Em laid on the makeshift bed, caressing the smooth material brought by Todd. Everything he gave her smelled like HIM. Alaric. Her mate. The mate who didn't want her and ran off. She didn't blame him, nor could she ever hate him. She wondered who he really was, why he knew others in this pack, and where he's been.

She nuzzled further into his shirt, breathing in the calming scent of Alaric. For one night, she wants to be surrounded by him. It won't last. When he comes back, he will reject her. Todd seems to think differently, but she witnessed the vile in his eyes. Only one other has looked at her with pure hatred. Alpha.

In the beginning, she wondered why Alpha hated her. It wasn't her fault that she was born a rogue. Or that her parents deserted her. She knew all that but accepted her place a long time ago. Alpha let her live to serve them. Breakfast for those who reside in the packhouse and a prisoner when he's angry.

Perhaps it's best not to wrap herself in his scent. Her mind said to remove everything, but her limbs refused. Instead, she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a world where her mate wanted her. It was a beautiful fantasy.

A sharp pain woke her up from the best sleep she's had in years. A quick scan of the room confirmed she was alone. What disturbed her? A burning sensation rippled through her, causing her to curl into a ball. She tried to slow her heart until it went away. Before she caught her breath, a fire blazed inside her.

She tried using the same technique she employed when Alpha tortured her. She imagined herself in a clearing filled with flowers. She ran around in circles, her arms outstretched, making figures in the tall grass. Two figures stood nearby, but she could never see them clearly. She created the illusion that these were her parents, and they loved her.

The woods on the edge of her meadow burst into flames, the pain radiating from inside her. Usually, her agony comes from being physically injured. This was different from every past experience. She was burning, the heat unbearable, and she crawled to the sink to splash cold water on her face.

The droplets she managed to sprinkle on her did nothing to cool the fire. Removing his clothes, she stumbled back to the mattress naked. Clutching the sheet in her fist, she hoped that this would pass soon. Panting, sweat covered her whole body while writhing on the bed.

Tears leaked from her eyes, and she silently screamed. She never cried. Not when Alpha broke her arm, not when he punched and cracked her ribs, not when he fractured her foot. But she cried when the fire started again, and she thought she would burn to death.

The pain consumed her for hours while she wondered what she did to have this happen to her. Reasons for this excruciating ordeal raced through her mind. When it subsided, her last idea before passing out was that Alaric was why. He was with someone else. He didn't reject her with words. He rejected her with actions by having sex and she paid the price.