A Secret Alpha Mate

(Benjamin) Every time I come here there is a feeling of unsettlement that weighs around me like a thick blanket I can't shake. Once I do the drop-off, I usually go to Val's hut. The largest one in the village, that she put her own twist on. The inside w. full of books and plants, mismatched rugs strewn about the floor. it really wasn't my taste, far too cluttered, but she seemed to know exactly where everything was, and I was never here to long for it to really bother me. “Help me get him inside before he wakes up.’ She grabs his arms and starts to pull him. 1 take his legs and follow her lea to hut I haven't been in in a while. Usually she will keep them alive for at least a few days or weeks before she has to switch them over; I guess we really we down to the line here if she needs me to do it right now. “Dispose of her body, there's a pit out back.” I look down at the table and see the old lead omega, Ruth? Janice? I really didn't remember her name. She was in her sixties when she “left” but she looked like she was one hundred and fifty. Her skin was gray and looked paper thin, black lines ran up her arms, wouldn't ever get used to dark magic. I wonder if ever did or if it's in her nature to not be affected by it. I move her away and help her strap the warrior in her place. Shes hooking him up to something and muttering spells. I don't look back as I head out to dispose of the body. The old omega lets out a gasp in my arms. I almost drop her. Her eyes open, murky white. I didn’t know if she could even see anything through the film over her eyes. She raises one old, claw-like hand out and immediately goes limp in my arms. Gross. I shudder and shake it off, trying to find the pit. I haven't had to do this part before, but I remember I helped her dig this the beginning. I find the pit that is now shallow, filled up with the deceased. Whatever she did to them made them decompose before dying. All of the bodies were now turned to bones. I throw her into the pile, her skin already starting to sag. If what Val told me was right she would be bones in the morning No remnants of who she was in life. Giving up her life so that others would be forgotten. It was poetic maybe. Well, not for her. I wonder if Val was done yet. How long could this take? I hesitate to walk back in and she brushes her hands on her dress and turns around to me. “All done,” She smiles, “Hungry?” Honestly, after what I just saw, no. “I could use some wine.” “Oh, darling. You do look pale.” She runs her hand across my cheek, “It's almost cute how innocent you are." I raise my eyebrow at her, “Innocent? Who came up with this entire thing?” I motion behind her to the man lying motionless on the table, “He is liv right?” I question. “Oh, yes my love." He takes my hands in hers and pulls me to the table, I reluctantly let her. “See? Already his life is being drained, when he wakes up he will panic a bit, they all do.’ She muses. “But, the more he struggles the more it hurts, they learn quickly.’ A wicked glint enters her eye, “Then it's just annoying groans!” She waves her hands looking annoyed. “Does it hurt?” She turns to me and smiles, “Very much yes.” I take one last look at the table, and finally bring myself to look at the thing I have been avoiding since I came. Two bodies in clear tanks against the wall, motionless besides the water or whatever that shimmering blue substance wa moving through their hair, encapsulating them. Frozen in time on the day that they died. Never aging, never changing, just like Val said. “The company here is pretty dull” She circles her arms around my waist from behind and laughs, “No one to talk to, well, no one that responds anyways. You do need to visit me more.” She kisses my neck and I'm turned on despite myself, despite the scene in front of me, damn mate bond. Mates made people weak and I couldn't have that. I was safe with her out here, knowing where she was when I needed h not having to worry about her safety. I hated worrying about anyone besides myself. “Let's go to my place, death makes me so horny.” I roll my eyes still facing away so she couldn't see me. The Moon Godde: must have been playing some sick joke on me mating me to Valoria. Nothing about her personality was my type, but the things she could do with that body of hers. “Lead the way” I say following her out without a backwards glance. “Ahhhh I hear the warrior fighting against his restraints, “What, wh-what, where am 1? val rolls her eyes, “I'l deal with him later, will give me something to look forward to." She shuts the door behind us and I hear one more loud groan. “Come, my love, we have time to make up for." (1sta) I was awake since before dawn, fruitlessly trying to stop my racing mind and get the rest I knew that I would need today. Even snuggling up next to Jackson helped a bit but it didn't do enough to quiet my racing mind. I wasn't too nervous about the trial or speaking in front of everyone, 1 was more nervous about the outcome. I knew what went through and would have no problem reliving it in front of a room full of strangers if it meant I could help the other omegas at Silver Moon. I was just worried that somehow Alpha Benjamin would find a way out of this. I couldn't imagine facing him after testifyir against him so publicly. I knew Jackson would keep me safe and I logically shouldn't be worried, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he would come for me, somehow. I knew 1 wouldn't be safe unless he was locked up somewhere. He would need someone to blame and I was an easier tars than Jackson. I felt my hair being brushed from my face. “What are you thinking about, Love? You look worried.” He traced his fingers down my face. “Just the trial. Well, actually, I'm worried about the outcome.” He sits up to face me and takes my chin into his large hand: “I understand, I've been thinking about that too. You don't have to worry about it. I promise you won't be alone until it's taken care of” Taken care of? “What do you mean?” “I wasn't going to mention this until I knew if it was a real possibility,” He sighs and drops his hands, “But I intend to challenge Alpha Benjamin for Silver Moon if he somehow retains his position.” No. My stomach instantly dropped. I shake my head back and forth, no, he couldn't. I couldn't risk losing him. “Isla, baby. There might not even be a need for it, I am stronger than him and I know I could, we could, find a way to run that pack too. There wouldn't even be a question about my safety.” I can't look at his eyes. Why would he go do this? I jus got him, I just got him back. “Promise me you won't do anything without telling me first?” 1 look at his hands. “Yes, of course. I doubt it will come to that, the Elders have enough evidence against him. I just wanted you to know that you're safe, no matter the outcome of the trial.” I nod and he pulls me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me. I try to calm myself, breathing in his scent, but it was no use. Not for the first time I wished that Jackson could have been an omega. We could have lived in a little cottage here and spent our days under the radar. I knew that was selfish and most people would want it the other way. I was blessed by m, mate the Moon Goddess chose for me, but it did seem like we hardly had a second to catch our breath before something else happened. “Let me run you a bath, I have some things to talk to my dad and Lucas and Cam about before we leave, so I'll come back for you in an hour and we can grab something to eat” He looks at me, “Do you want me to have Abigail come up?” I nod. He walks to the bathroom and starts running a bath, “She will be here in twenty to help you get ready.” “Thank you!" I whisper, he comes and gives me a long kiss, temporarily distracting me from my worries. “Ill see you in an hour. I love you so much, Isla.’ “I love you. I responded, looking in to his worried face, “I'll be okay, just a bit stressed I promise.” He doesn't look convinced but finally leaves to get ready for the day. Islip into the bath and let the calming lavender bubbles try to soott me, if only for a few moments. After I washed my hair and rinsed off I grabbed a fluffy robe and put my hair in a towel. Maybe once I got dressed I would feel more official, more ready. Abigail was sitting on our sofa flipping through channels. She turns around with a broad smile. “Isn't it crazy how many shows are out there?” She muses, I nod, “I can't believe they didn't let us watch anything at Silver Moon, Dawn keeps recommending movies to me, 1 can hardly keep up with the list. I briefly look at the tv behind her, trying to make out what show it was. “Can you help me choose an outfit?” I ask, she stands up and I notice she’s wearing a dark green jacket and a matching skirt that goes down past her knees, black heels pull it together. She was wearing light makeup that highlighted her natu beauty and dark features. Her raven hair hair was pulled back into a traditional Gianna-styled bun. “You look incredible, did Gianna get to you this morning?” She laughs, “Yes, she helped me with my hair and makeup, I feel very professional” “You look at it” She follows me into my closet. “Can you believe it?” “What?” “A few months ago we were sharing a room that is smaller than your closet with five other people. Five other people.’ She repeats, walking through looking at the gowns I was scared to touch, “And now, all of this." I looked around, it was impressive. I was in constant awe of how my life turned around completely pretty much overnight thought 1 was happy enough at Silver Moon having Abigail and a good book to read, but I didn’t realize what happiness truly was. I didn't know what 1 was lacking. I hadn't seen a movie before I came here and now I had my own theater built just for me. 1 got a book a year from Abigail and now I had my own library. If I could help the omegas live a dignified life, with pay, their own houses, and time off, would do my best. “Give me the black blazer and pants, please. I'm ready to end Alpha Benjamin's reign.” Abigail smiles, “Let's do it" We take two cars, William, Gianna, Abigail, Jim, Cameron, and Lucas were all coming with us. Abigail and I were the only ones to give statements, but Elder john said some others might be called on to give their accounts. Even though they were only there for a weekend, they saw enough first hand, and as ranked members of an alliance pack their words would mean a lot. 1 hoped 1 got to go in the beginning so that I could watch the rest as a spectator. Jackson never let go of my hand after breakfast. “What are you in the mood for? There's an amazing Italian place that almost puts my mother’s lasagna to shame.” Gianna hits the back of Jackson's head, “I heard that" I laugh. “I don't believe anything could put your mother’s lasagna to shame.” “Let's not even try then. Sushi? Mexican?” “Honestly, 'm not hungry right now.” 1 had to force myself to eat breakfast under Jackson's watchful eye this morning. “Okay, we can decide later. The suites are booked for this evening, and I have it on good authority there is a private hot t and Jim bought some new puzzles” He whispers seductively, obviously joking. I laugh, I was looking forward to tonight. Going to the city with my favorite people for the night. Lunch and dinner out, an Gianna said we could sneak away to the spa for a few hours tomorrow. She hadn't mentioned that to Jackson yet though. (Benjamin) f**k. 1 wake up with dull light filtering through her dusty window. Val’s legs tangled with mine and her perky pale bum wa sticking up out of the sheets. “s**t, Val wake up.’ I push her “What? Go back to bed, my love" “I have my trial today," I get up looking for my clothes, I find my phone and see it's past six. I was supposed to be there at eight. “Skip it, stay with me.” She spreads her legs wide. “As tempting as that is, I have to do this the right way." “That's no fun, can we just curse them all?" “There will be far too many people there.” I smile, I did like where her head was on this one. I kiss her forehead, “You know what to do right?” She nods, “Everything is under control, my love. You don't worry about anything” I wish it was easy enough, I didn't think that I would need a backup plan but better to be safe than sorry later. I wasn't going to lose my position because some old men thought they knew how to run my pack better than I did. I scoffed at the thought. Just in case they thought that they could get away with it, I would show them otherwise. I ran back in wolf form carrying my clothes in my mouth. I quickly got dressed and headed in the back of the packhouse, hoping no one would see me. When I get to the front, Julianna is downstairs with the lead warrior crying. I pretend not to see them and try to sneak up to the elevator without seeing them. They were far enough away and hadn't noticed me yet “My love, Benjy!” st. She runs up to me and buries her face in my chest, “I thought you left or something happened to you. Where were you?” She pulls back and looks at my disheveled appearance. Anger replaced any grief she felt before. “Long story.” “Where is Leo?” The head warrior comes up to me. Who is Leo? “The warrior that went with you last night.” Julianna looks between us confused. “I only needed him for a few minutes, then I dismissed him," I say, turning to the elevator and pressing the button. “He never returned home, his mate is looking for him everywhere. She can't link him.” He explains. “That is strange. Send a search party, the last place I saw him was about a mile north of here. See if there are any traces c rogues.’ “Yes, Alpha.’ He turns to leave and I sigh, I can't believe I fell asleep there. “Where were you?” Julianna asks again. “Taking care of some things for the trial, don't worry, love” I get in the elevator and she follows me. “Make sure Seth and Hailey are ready, we have to leave in an hour” I check my watch, “Less than an hour actually. Is that what you're wearing?” 1 look down at her leggings. “Of course not, you i***t. When I woke up and you weren't there I panicked. No one knew where you were, I even asked th vile we, Meghan.” She spits her name, “I slept in this." I nod, not taking the bait. “Just put yourself together please, we don't have time for this." “For this? For this?!” She screams it was going to be one of those days, “I'm sorry I was worried about my mate.” She spits. “Oh give it up, Julianna. No one is around.” I say and shut the door to our room on her face. She better pull it together before we leave, I was not going to have her emotions make us seem unstable, me unstable. This courtroom was old and stuffy. Nothing like you'd see on TV. It was made out of dark wood and was lit only by large windows on one side. How old was this place? What would they do if it was dark outside, probably candles or something else ancient. “Alpha Benjamin.” The elder presiding over this “case” says, “You understand the charges being laid against you, abusive treatment by you and other members regarding your pack members.” He goes on and yammers for a few minutes about some bullshit allegations. “Do you plead guilty or not guilty to the charges laid before you?” I didn't realize he was talking to me for a minute. “Not guilty.” “Not guilty?” He repeats, “On all accounts.” “On all accounts!” 1 lean back in my seat. “Very well, let's proceed with the trial’ Let's get it over with. I already knew this was going to be a long day.