THE ALPHA’S ADDICTION

Aiden felt the weight of his responsibility for Noami’s death. He had been her favorite.

He had known of Jared’s weakness for women. He had objected to the union, but he hadn’t forbidden it, as he should have.

Jared was not Naomi’s true lifemate. Chemistry would never allow a true mate to cheat on his woman. Noami, his beautiful sister, so young and vibrant, lost to them forever. A tear promised to slip away from the confines of his left eye.

She had been headstrong, wanting Jared because he was handsome, not because her soul called to his. They had lied, but he had known they were lying. Ultimately it had been his responsibility that Jared continued to try to find emotion by being with other women, and Naomi had grown into a bitter, dangerous woman. She must have died instantly or He would have felt it, even deep in his sleep. Jared should never have had the care of one of their women.

Aiden had thought that, in time, each would find their true lifemate, but Naomi only grew more dangerous and Jared, worse in his promiscuous behavior. It was impossible for Jared to feel anything with the women he bedded, yet he continued, almost as if it was a punishment for her tight hold on him.

Aiden closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the reality of Noami’s senseless murder to sweep over him. The loss was intolerable, his grief wild and intense, mixed with an ice-cold rage and deadly resolve. He bowed his head. Three blood-red tears made their way unchecked down his face. His sister, the finest of their women. It was his fault.

Then, he felt the stirring in his head, warmth, comfort, as if arms had stolen around him.

“Aiden? Do you need me?”

Freya’s voice was drowsy, husky, worried.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

He soughed. He didn’t want her knowing or feeling his sorrow. He glanced around him, took in the faces of his companions. None of them had picked up the mental contact. It meant that, as groggy as she was, Freya was able to focus, channel, and send directly to him without any spillage. It was a skill few of his people had bothered to accomplish, so complacent were they that humans could not tune into them.

“Aiden?”

This time her voice was stronger, alarmed.

“I’ll come to you.” She said.

“Not at all, Little one. Stay with Yodah. I am well.” He reassured.

“Have you gotten to the Pack yet?” He asked.

“Almost. You should tell your prince.” She said, referring to her mission to the pack.

“I will. Stay well. Be careful.” He commanded, and tuned off.

He gave his attention to those awaiting his orders. He knew his twin wouldn’t be able to do that. He was the scientist, the researcher of his people. A healer. But he was the hunter.

“I will see Jared tomorrow. The child cannot stay with him. Shelly lost another child a couple of decades ago. She still mourns her many losses. The child will be taken to her. Byran will guard them carefully. No one is to use a mental link until we know whether one of our adversaries possesses the same power my woman does.” He stated.

The shock on their faces was complete. None of them considered the mortal capable of that kind of power and discipline.

“Aiden, you are certain this woman is not the one? She could be a threat to us.” Byran ventured the suggestion cautiously, even as Janet’s fingers dug warningly into his arm.

Aiden’s dark eyes narrowed slightly.

“Do you believe I have grown lazy, bloated with my own power? Do you think so little of me that I could be in her mind and not recognize a threat to us? I warn you, I am willing to step down as your Prince’s adviser, but I am not willing to withdraw my protection of her. If any of you wish to harm her, know that you will deal with me. Do you wish me to pass on the mantle? I am even weary of my duties and responsibilities.” He said.

“Aiden!” The Prince’s voice was a sharp protest.

The others voiced quick, alarmed denials, like frightened children. His brothers were the only ones who stood silently, one hip lazily resting against the wall, regarding him with a secret mocking half-smile. Aiden ignored them.

“It is nearly sunrise. All of you go to ground. Use every guard possible. When you awaken, check around your dwelling; feel for intruders. Do not overlook the slightest incident. We must stay in close communication and watch each other.” He said rather.

“And what about the mission?” The Prince asked.

“About that, there is a problem.” He replied, taking his lips in.

***

“Send out the phantom after them. Make sure it brings them back.” Leonarya stated, after Kyran had reported to her that her daughter was not yet back.

“Yes, my Queen.” Kyran replied with a bow, his teeth gleaming. Although he had been scared out of his wits when the vampire had almost choked him to death, he still wasn’t ready to give up on Freya. He had loved her since forever.

***

“Who are you?” Derek asked the boy whom he had seen during the pack training yesterday staring around, and not training. He still felt uneasy about him.

They were in the training grounds again.

He had come out here to speak with Clem and Shane, only to find the boy wandering around again.

“He is Lent’s cousin.” He heard Anthony say from behind him.

“What are you doing here? I thought Father sent you on an errand.” He asked, after running his eyes all over the boy’s build.

“Yes, he did. I’m heading there now. See you soon birthday boy.” Anthony said with a huge smile, ruffling Derek’s hair like he was a kid. The latter cussed and dodged away, unable to prevent the smile that broke out on his lips too.

***

“Emma…”

Emma felt a tap on her knee.

She twerked her nose, as she opened her eyes groggily.

“The Queen asks for our presence.” Prescott said.