Alpha's Mate (Completed)

Chapter 43

~Ryker POV~

''I have just received an anonymous phone call disclosing the location of my mate, Kimbriella. I'd like to attack tonight.'' A buzz spreads throughout the crowd.  ''I know, it seems hasty, but-'' I clear my throat. ''-she means a lot to me.''

There are  a few aawhs and catcalls at this. ''And this pack needs a Luna, and we need that alliance with the Canterbury pack. Also, I've starting experiencing the pain of withdrawal, and it sets in quickly. I'd like to fight before I'm further weakened.'' 

Elison nods, bowing his head and backing away. We spend the next few hours organizing, talking battle strategy, and planning. I'm so relieved to be doing something besides sitting around and waiting for news, or hopelessly searching. We plan until it's almost time to leave.

''Ready?'' I call in my Alpha voice, commanding everyone to be ready, to stand with me.The pack howls in response, and I shift as well, my dark grey wolf fur bristling. I begin to run, and they all follow. We're ready to rescue my beloved mate. 

~Kimbriella POV~

When we get back to the pack house, and Ryan, Decker and Kaden all shift back, I have some serious questions for them all. ''Sit down.'' I command, using a strict voice. To my surprise, they all listen. I give them a weird look, cocking my head. ''Okay, why did that actually work?''

''Stupid Alpha voice.'' Decker mutters. 

''Okay, so why do you keep lying to all the packs? Like, what the heck is your grudge? And why are you leader instead of Decker and Kaden? And what is this secret plan you keep hinting at?'' At his moment, a female wolf runs through the door. She shifts back, and I wince, turning away and shielding my eyes while throwing a blanket at her that was laying on the nearby couch. ''Grrr.'' I glare at the ground.

''Sir, the Aldaine pack has somehow located your whereabouts and are currently leading an attack against you. I estimate you have about an hour before their arrival.''

''You were a part of my pack?'' I question her menacingly. She flinches at me tone. ''Yes ma'am..''

I stop for a moment, seemingly calm, before springing at her and punching her straight in the nose. ''You traitor!''I snarl, holding nothing back as I whale on her face. After three punches she crumples to the ground, and Ryan grabs my by the waist, throwing me against the back of the couch.

My head hits the corner which is weakly padded, sending a flurry of dark spots through my vision. Terribly, at this moment, the pains start up again coming from deep inside my chest. ''Aaghh.'' I moan, curling into a ball and hugging myself, as if that would take the pain away.

''Thank you.'' I hear Ryan say calmly. ''Now, Kaden and Decker take her while she's vulnerable.''

''Noo.'' I hiss, flailing out wildly. My foot connects with something that kind of feels like a jaw, and my wrist connects with an elbow, which probably hurts me more that it hurts whoever's elbow I just hit.  More pain shoots up my arm. I try to summon the strength to shift, but I can't focus through the pain, and I have no energy left. One blurry figure stumbles back, cursing, face bleeding. Kaden. Oops. 

''Just give up already! Why do you keep fighting?'' Decker growls, digging his nails into the back of my calf to get a better grip, his other hand encircling my ankle.

''Because I have a mate, something you wouldn't understand, and I have a mind and will of my own, something you also wouldn't understand!'' I choke out, I feel slightly accomplished with this little speech.

''Shut up.'' He says. Ryan comes over. ''Can you not subdue a half unconscious weakling?'' Ryan yells. I hear a loud smacking noise, feeling detached from reality, floating on a river of pain. I faintly feel myself being lifted. 

However, reality comes rushing back when my arm slams against some hard surface. I can literally feel the bone separating and shattering. I let out a desperate, wailing high-pitched scream, a sound so awful I can't believe it comes from me. I want nothing more than to pass out, to succumb to the pain, but I know as soon as I'm unconscious, I'm gone to somewhere Ryker won't be. 

Mercifully, the pain from deep inside caused by lack of Ryker subsides, and I can actually think again. I sweep my gaze around the room. The girl I attacked is puddled in a heap on the floor, Kaden is in the corner trying to get his face to stop bleeding. Decker is slumped against the wall with a bleeding head. And Ryan..

Well Ryan is staring at me, murderously.

''If you give up. I'll spare him. Not one inch of him will be harmed, nor anyone in your pack.'' He promises seductively. 

We don't even clarify who ''him'' is. Of course it's Ryker. Who else would it be? I have to admit, it's tempting. But I realize how selfish I was to leave Ryker without consulting him, how stupid and naïve. And I won't make that mistake ever again.

''Never.'' I whisper, my voice coming out low and harsh. ''What do you really want?''

''Be my bride.'' 

''Why?'' Out of the many, many scenarios I had imagined, this was-is-not one of them.

''Not for you.'' He smirks. ''Oh, no. I don't care about you. I want the power you bring.''

''Huh?''

He huffs at my confusion. ''I would become Alpha.'' He explains, annoyed expression on his face. ''And I could always arrange to get rid of you later.''

I gape at him. ''You evil, awful-''

''Yes.'' He cackles. ''I know, and if you won't cooperate, than I'll have to make you cooperate.''

''What's that supposed to mean?''

''Decker, Kaden. I'll help you carry her to-''

Something clicks in my brain. ''Hold up!'' I gasp, everything is falling into place. ''You did it!''

''Did what?'' Ryan looks confused, but nervous.

''You killed them. You killed my parents, and theirs too.''

The expression on his face gives him away.

''You monster.'' I whisper, not even able to look him in the eye. The man who killed four wolves in power above him so that he could be Alpha.. It was disgusting.