The Alpha's Mistake

Chapter 13

"You think Alpha Archer killed his mate?" Violet's mouth gaped open.

"We know he did. Alpha Alaric told us that Archer admitted he killed her and the previous Betas during their fight. Why he did it has yet to be discovered. He may have taken his secrets to the grave. It's too early to tell. Do you know if Alpha Alaric has got our rooms ready?" The question was aimed at Violet.

"Um, let me ask." Violet was startled by the revelation but also how quickly Grace changed subjects and slow to answer. She then stayed silent while the mind-link was open. "Beta Todd told me which ones to put you in. You're a few doors down from me."

"Great. I need to get away from the disinfectant smell. Lead the way." Grace stood and held out her arm for Charlotte to take.

****

Alaric sat by Heidi's bed, holding her hand. Grace was right. The chairs in the other room sucked.

Are you happy now? He asked Atlas.

I'll be happy when she wakes up and marks us.

Really? Wow. I didn't know that. You've been fussy for hours. Settle down. Alaric sighed with exhaustion.

Doc Peters knocked then entered. "I updated Grace on Luna's condition. It's improved slightly from this morning. The swelling has decreased. Not completely, but going in the right direction."

"Thanks, Doc."

"I'll have a nurse bring another bed in. You need to rest. Doctors orders." He peered at the younger wolf.

****

"Thank you, Violet." Charlotte said after she showed the visitors their rooms.

"Charlotte can take it from here tonight. I don't want everyone to know about me or why I'm here yet. Could you bring breakfast up to Charlotte's room in the morning? I hope you don't have plans for the next few days because I'm going to need your assistance to mind-link the pack."

"Sure! I'll let the nursery know I won't be there."

"Oh, I don't mean to take you away from your duties."

"It's not a problem. I'm glad for a few days off. The pups are fine one on one, but I don't like working there."

"Then why do you?" Charlotte frowned.

"All the she-wolves are assigned jobs, whether they like them or not. Usually by Beta Larry."

"That's awful!" Charlotte burst. "Although, it's similar to what was going on in Crescent before Athena took over. Females had no choices at all."

"Is Athena the Luna?" Violet hated admitting she knew very little about other packs.

Charlotte's eyes widened. "She's our Alpha! Oh my Goddess! You don't know?" Violet's gently shook her head. "Wow! OK, so her dad was Alpha of Crescent Moon but treated all she-wolves horribly. Athena had enough and started her own pack, Starlight. Then Alpha Ryan challenged her for both packs, and she won. Now, she leads both packs. I stayed at Starlight. Our betas are Emma and Kyle. She has another beta for Crescent, Seth." Her eyes sparkled, echoing her excitement.

"That's amazing! If Athena is your Alpha, who is Luna?" The confusion in her voice amused Grace as she listened to the story. Again.

"Her mate, of course! Luna Roman is awesome! Everyone loves him. Well, most do, anyway. Everyone that was in Starlight adores him. He'd never force anyone to take a job they hated. Except train." She made a face. "He's strict about everyone learning how to fight. I liked being able to defend myself, but a warrior I am not." She laughed while grinning.