Alpha Loren novel Chapter 58

November 11th

"Good evening Alpha Xander Kuznetsov," Leo said as he opened the door to two tall men. The tallest one, who I presumed to be the Alpha had dark brown hair- almost black, and icy blue eyes. His features were sharp and many and had a light stubble only enhancing the already perfect jawline and as an Alpha normally is, he was overall pretty good looking. 

The other looked remarkably similar except for a few inches height difference. They were like brothers.

"Good evening Alpha Leonardo Loren," The tallest man said in a thick Russian accent as they shook hands. "This is Josef, both my Beta and my brother."

"Good to meet you, Josef," Leo said shaking his hand too. "This is my Beta Blair, my Gamma Luca and my Luna Ella."

Xander then shook Blair's hand then Luca's before his eyes floated to me and he smiled. On the surface, he seemed friendly enough but there was a patronising undertone in his expression as his eyes shifted across my face with the smile frozen to his lips.

I tried not to look at him in the eye as he stared at me for a few moments. Leo placed his hand on the small of my back, offering me an air of comfort but it didn't block Xander's peer.

"Very pretty," Xander said his eyes still on me. He held his hand out for me to shake. I took it and he held mine tightly just like Haden had done. I immediately nodded respectfully and smiled. "Congratulations Alpha, she's very obedient and beautiful too."

"Thank you," Leo replied with a nod as he smiled at me in satisfaction. "Do come in," he continued stepping aside so that the Alpha and Beta could come in the house.

As they came through the door I noticed just how tall everyone was. Leo was stood directly next to me, Luca on the other side of me and Blair opposite so as Alpha Xander and Beta Josef past I suddenly felt incredibly small surrounded by men all over at least 6 ft 4. Slightly intimidating too. They each had a strong authoritative scent, Leo's was the most powerful, then Xander, then Blair and then Josef then Luca. I guess knowing Leo was still the most powerful man in the house brought some kind of comfort.

As Leo led the guests into the kitchen still talking to them I found my self at the back with Blair and Luca.

"Obedient? Yeah sure," Luca whispered sarcastically as Blair let out a slight snigger.

"Shut up," I said smacking him where it hurts the most as we walked side by side. "I can be obedient if I want to be."

He winced slightly and bent over, but got over it quite quickly, or had to pretend to for the benefit of the guests- I didn't do it thaaat hard.

"Luca please could you get the wine out the fridge and some water for Ella," Leo said.

"Of course," he squeaked and I had to hide a smile.

When we reached the dining table, Leo pulled a chair out and gestured for me to sit. He then sat beside me and then Xander slowly positioned himself opposite Leo and adjusted his tie and jacket before giving me a brief, slight glance with his bright eyes and a stern expression.

"So how long have you known your mate?" Xander asked shifting his eyes back to Leo.

"Just over a month," Leo replied as we walked down the hallway to the kitchen and the table.

"And you already have your heir on the way?" Alpha Xander said. "Good going Alpha."

"Well it is my Luna you should be congratulating. She's doing all the hard work," Leo said.

Xander turned to me and nodded, "Congratulations, Ella. How many weeks along are you?"

"Oh-um- two we think," I replied.

"Any luck finding your mate?" Leo asked.

"Not yet, but soon enough," Xander replied.

For the next half an hour the talk was pretty boring, something about a war agreement within the alliance pack. 'An attack on one is an attack on us all' seemed to be the only thing I really retained. 

Luca brought round the starter about 15 minutes in. Which I sat and ate quietly without saying a word. Luca wasn't saying much either. We were sat opposite and he kept making goofy faces at me to which I had to try and contain my smile.

"Stop trying to make me do something wrong," I mouthed at him to which he responded by pointing to himself and put an offended look on his face as if I had just accused him of murder.

Another 15 minutes later Luca brought round the main cause which was the pasta thing. As he sat back down his long leg kicked me. I sat there for a few seconds trying to work if it was intentional. I eventually concluded that there was no way his leg would have naturally been going that far under the table whilst sitting down.

I swung my leg out to get him back but the end of my shoe only just grazed the end of his knee. I saw him smirk as he took a sip of his wine.

"Nice try shorty," he mouthed before plucking up a piece of pasta which promptly slid off his fork and onto his lap like a slimy little slug going down a water slide.

And that was the end of me.

I must have been in a funny mood because in hindsight, it wasn't even that funny.

A giggle escaped my lips before I slapped my hand over my lips. I caught the attention of both betas and both Alphas.

Luca was also trying to hold in a laugh by squeezing his nostrils. What is that even meant to do?

"Is everything okay Luna?" Xander asked me.

"Yes, thank you," I said quickly trying to keep a straight face. 

He stared at me for a few moments as I continued to contain my laughter and simultaneously get more and more uncomfortable. I had to turn away and cover my mouth with my napkin as another fit of giggles came through.

"She's brave?" Xander said looking at Leo. 

"I think just a little maturity failure from our youngest two diners," Leo said smiling taking my hand off my lap to hold on his lap under the table as I tried to compose myself.

I nodded before looking back at Luca which brought the picture back up again and made me have to slap my hand over my mouth again and holding in the laughter.

Leo rolled his eyes and sighed, "Ella, do you need to be excused for a moment?"

"No, I'm sorry, Leonardo," I said composing myself as best I could again. 

"Care to share what's so awfully funny?" Xander asked.

"What is this, school?" I asked. "I'm alright, thanks."

It took a few moments and hard stares from people at the table for me to realise what I just said and in what tone. 

I slowly covered my mouth with my fingers and lowered my head, looking at Luca as I went with wide eyes and gritted teeth.

"She is brave," Josef said in an even thicker accent as he exchanged a grin with Xander.

It was as if this was high-class entertainment for them.

"How old are you, Luna?" Xander asked me.

"17," I replied.

"And do you fear anyone in this room?" Xander asked. 

What kind of question is that?

"Umm..." I said looking at Leo who only gave me a stern look.

"Ella," he urged with a nod. "Answer the question."

 "It depends," I said as I watched Luca desperately trying to stab another piece of pasta on his plate.

"Right in this very second. Are you afraid?" Xander asked watching me intently. I know I couldn't lie, because he would know, but I was also concerned that the honest answer was the wrong answer.

"Why are you asking this?" I said avoiding having to answer altogether. Leo squeezed my hand as some kind of warning.

"Because everyone in this room could crush you like an ant and I'm fascinated as to why that doesn't scare you," Xander replied his voice deepening.

Luca looked up at me and smirked before shifting his eyes to the side in Xander's direction and letting out an almost inaudible snort before continuing with his pasta unphased by the situation. 

"Luna," Xander urged.

"It seems to me that you already know the answer then," I said as Leo quite forcefully squeezed my wrist.

"Tell me why," Xander ordered his voice deepening even more.

"I don't know," I answered finally after daring to look him in the eye. I was going to be tolerant but he was pissing me off now.

"She's not afraid because it's who she is. As you rightly said, she's brave and strong-willed and so unafraid to be herself. People criticise me and say I should train it out of her but personally I think she's quite incredible just the way she is," Leo said. "However, I appreciate others aren't quite so entertained so we try to keep it at bay when in the company of others. I apologise for any offence. Ella, you are excused," he added wiping his mouth with his napkin and standing up.

"But I haven't finished eat-"

"Ella," he repeated in a deeper tone as he pulled my chair back for me.

I stood up kissed Leo on the cheek.

"I'll be up later," he said, guiding me away from the table with a gentle hand on my waist.

I then left without another word.

"You've got a fiery one here Alpha Loren," Xander said as I left the room. "Does she ever challenge you?"

"Of course," Leo replied as if he was trying to remain calm.

"Do you beat her?" Xander asked.

"No," he said bluntly. 

"And here lies your problem," Xander. "How are people supposed to know their place if you don't show it to them?"

"She is not just any person. She is my mate and I refuse to harm my own mate Xander," Leo said. "And I disagree with using my strength against her unless necessary."

"She'll survive and be less likely to challenge or disrespect again," Xander argued.

"I can control her without the use of violence," Leo replied.

"She doesn't fear you," Xander pointed out.

"Why would I want my mate to fear me?" Leo asked. "Like I said, I like her the way she is."

"So that she shows you respect," Xander said slamming his fist into the table. I glanced over at Blair giving him a nervous look.

"Yes, perhaps she'd be more respectful but she'd also be miserable and I wouldn't wish that upon the girl I care about most," he replied. "And maybe respect is overrated and perhaps her honest opinion is more valuable."

That was kinda sweet, I'll give him that.

"That is understandable," Xander replied eventually. "Perhaps when I meet my own mate, I will feel the same."

"Well, I would hope that you find the same happiness with yours as I do with mine."

I sensed the tension in the room diffuse shortly before the doorbell rang. I was quick to get down and open it. 

"I'll get it," I said heading towards the door.

I opened it to see Bella.

"Hey Bella," I said.

"Hi, I was just coming round to drop off this. My Dad found it on one of the Northern roads," she said.

"My phone!" I exclaimed, "Max threw it out the car window, how on earth does it still work?"

The screen was cracked but lit up when I pressed the on the button all the same.

"I don't kn-" she began before her attention was stolen by something behind me.

Xander had come out of the kitchen and Leo was directly behind him with Blair, Luca and Josef.

He looked down at Bella, examined her and smiled.

"Hello," he said stepping forward.

Bella smiled back and blushed.

"Who is this girl?" Xander asked Leo.

"My sister," Leo replied shortly.

"Hmm," Xander said. "Come closer."

He beckoned her closer with his finger. She did without a question and he put his hand on the back of her neck massaging his fingers into his neck.

"Fuck," Leo muttered.

I gave him a confused look before they looked directly into each other's eyes and a satisfied smile swept across Xander's face whilst Bella just kind of stood there completely awestruck.

"Mate," he said deeply. 

"Oh," I whispered.

"What is your name?"

"Bella," she stuttered.

"I am Alpha Xander. It's lovely to finally meet you, Bella," he replied pulling her gently into his chest and wrapping his arms around her breathing in her scent. 

He then turned to Leo.

"Alpha Loren, when I leave in the morning for my pack, I'd like to take your sister with me," he said running his fingers along her hair.

At that point, Bella suddenly lifted her head off his chest with wide eyes.

"Aren't you gonna take her out for a dinner first?" Luca asked. "You can't just-"

"I can and I will," Xander said deeply and Luca backed down.

"Um-" Bella began. "I'd prefer to wait to get to know you first."

"You have this evening," Xander replied. "I shall take you back to where I am staying. The flight is at 9 in the morning."

"Leo, per favore digli che non può farlo" Bella said to her brother so that Xander couldn't understand. I'm nowhere near fluent in Italian or Latin yet, but I think it meant something like 'Leo, please tell him he can't do that'.

Leo stood silently thinking his jaw tensed along with the rest of his body.

"Alpha non possiamo avere una ripetizione di Lia e Haden," Blair said meaning 'We can't afford to have a repeat of Lia and Haden' or something similar in English.

"Lei è tua sorella. Non lasciarlo," Luca protested meaning 'she's your sister. Don't let him'

"Leo," Bella begged. "Say something please."

Leo suddenly snapped out of his thought and looked at Bella and then Xander (who didn't seem too impressed by the sudden shift in language)

"Xander, you will not be taking Bella anywhere until she is comfortable," Leo said authoritatively. "So please, everybody come and sit down and enjoy the pannacotta my Luna and I prepared for dessert."

A flush of frustration swept across Xander's face. 

"If you wish to challenge me, very well," Leo continued. "I am willing to fight for my sister, but I am more in favour of going back to our meal and discussing this whilst we enjoy the fresh, homemade pannacotta."

Xander spent a few seconds compromising before nodding his head and everybody in the room breathed a sigh of relief.

Crisis averted...for now.

"I understand where your distrust for me comes from Alpha," Xander said as we took our seats again this time with Bella next to Xander. "The circumstances are very similar to those that resulted in a war, however, you must not confuse me with Alpha Haden."

"It is not me you need to convince. The decision is in Bella's hands," Leo said as Luca served the pannacotta. 

Luca looked up to Leo and then quickly back down again and put some pannacotta on Bella's plate. She gave a meek smile as Xander put an arm around her.

Half an hour later, the pannacotta was gone and so was the wine. I noticed how slowly Bella was eating here's. Maybe she felt sick from nerves or maybe she was prolonging the decision.

"So Bella what do you want to do?" Leo asked. She looked at him, worry in her eyes, and then to Xander, fear in her eyes.

"Tell me in Italian," Leo said noticing that Bella was reluctant to say in front of Xander.

"I don't see a problem with English," Xander said his voice deepening.

"Bella tell me in Italian," Leo ordered ignoring Xander.

"Non voglio andarmene la mattina" She said meaning 'I don't want to go to with him in the morning.'

"Bella won't be leaving with you in the morning," Leo stated. "You are welcome to stay on the territory or leave for your pack alone."

"With all due respect Alpha, I'd rather be back with my pack by tomorrow evening."

"No," Leo replied.

"And why not?" Xander asked.

"Because we are on my territory and she is my mate and my sister," Leo replied and Blair and I exchanged nervous glances for about the fourth time that evening.

"You are denying me of my mate," Xander growled.

"I am giving you the option to stay on my territory with her until she is happy to leave with you," Leo replied his voice also deepening and getting more and more growly with every word.

"Since when did we involve women in decisions?" Xander said Leo shot me a glare warning me not to say anything back.

"Do you think I want you to take my sister against her will? I know exactly what you will do and how you will treat her from what you said earlier and what happened last time one of my sister's got mated to an Alpha," Leo growled his voice filling the room.

At that point, Xander stood up pulling Bella with him.

"I am taking my mate back to my pack tonight," Xander replied shortly before Leo too got out of his seat.

"Let. Go. Of. My. Sister." Leo snarled slowly and authoritatively whilst leaning closer to Xander.

Xander didn't let go of Bella's arm. Instead, he stood silently glaring into Leo's eyes.

"Are you challenging me, Xander?" Leo asked and Xander continued to stare.

Seconds later Leo had him pinned on the wall.

"Blair and Luca take Bella and Ella to my parents' house now," Leo ordered.

"No, Leo," I said. "If you're going to fight-"

"Ella, now is not the time to argue," Leo growled back before I felt Luca seize me around the waist and carry me out the door following Blair and Bella.

"Luca, let go!" I screamed as I saw Leo get a fist in the jaw.

Something deep inside me churned and lurched. An unbearable sickness burdened my stomach and I begged and begged Luca to release me. When I realised I couldn't break out of Luca's hold and he wasn't going to let me go, all I could think to do was close my eyes not wanting to see it anymore.

Shortly, afterwards I found myself in the back of Blair's car with Luca whilst Bella and Blair sat in the front.

"He'll be fine," Blair reassured as he started the car. "If he's stronger than Haden, he's stronger than Xander."

"That's why I'm more worried about Xander," Bella replied putting her hands on her face for the rest of the journey.

Ten minutes later we were at the door of the Loren household. Bella opened the door and we all followed her in.

"Bella, what took you so long? I was getting worried-" Rosa said before coming out of the kitchen to see her teary daughter and Blair, Luca and I behind her.

"What's going on?" she asked getting concerned whilst looking at Blair and Luca's suits and my dress.

"I found my mate Mom," Bella sobbed. "And he's an Alpha from Russia and Leo is fighting him at this current moment."

"Oh dear Lord," Rosa exclaimed. "Come through into the kitchen," she said putting one arm around Bella and beckoning us with her other. "Antonio!" she called. "Antonio!"

Antonio came down the stairs followed by Mateo.

"Your son is fighting another Alpha as we speak," Rosa explained. "Mateo could you please make some hot drinks."

"Alpha Xander, I presume?" Antonio asked and Bella nodded.

"He's my mate," Bella said.

"Your mate?" Antonio said shocked. 

"This isn't going to be a repeat of Lia and Haden is it?" Rosa asked.

"I've met Alpha Xander. He's strong but he's not a match for Leonardo," Antonio replied.

"Sit down boys you're making me even more anxious," Rosa said to Blair and Luca who were both nervously pacing around the room. They sat down either side of me on one of the long sofa's whilst Antonio and Rosa sat either side of their daughter on another.

Maria and Elena were out together whilst Lia and Lisa had gone to the mall together so none of Bella's sisters were there.

Marco, Carlos and Lenny had come down a few minutes later and began helping Mateo with the coffee.

Another ten minutes and we still hadn't heard anything from Leo.

"We should go and check," I said breaking the silence.

"No," Blair said.

"He could be dying in a pool of his own blood. We should go and check," I said standing up. A few seconds before the doorbell rang. I didn't even hesitate before spinning around to go to the door.

"Stay here...just in case," Blair ordered me as he and Antonio went to answer the door. I sat back down on the sofa shaking my legs up and down.

The entire room was tense.

From this point, the situation could go one of two ways and it all depended on who was at the door.