Her Forbidden Alpha novel Chapter 71

　　Night had fallen but the Alpha mansion of The Desert Storm Pack was ablaze with lights. They had moved everyone out of the appalling packhouse, most of who were omegas. Placing the severely injured into the pack hospital and those who had any health care knowledge were taking care of them. A few doctors from Rafael’s pack and another neighbouring pack had come to assist. The neighbouring pack was indeed happy to hear Zidane was gone, they only came to assist after hearing what had happened and to see who the new Alpha was.

　　They had gathered their dead and Rafael had bid them farewell, taking his men and the bodies of his lost pack members with him, knowing their mates and families were waiting for them. Scarlett had apologised once more for the loss he had suffered, knowing she would never be able to face their mates who had to go through so much.

　　She now wrapped her arms around herself, even in the soft fleecy top she wore it was chilly. She walked over to the table where Aaron and Elijah were discussing something in the garden of the mansion.

　　“….11 from The Silver Fang Pack and 29 from The Crimson Moon Pack.” Elijah was saying, a deep frown on his face. “Rafael lost 15…”

　　“And we lost 45.” Aaron said sighing deeply. Both men looked up as Scarlett approached, the cold wind blowing around them but all the rooms were occupied, resorting to discussing this outside was best. Elijah pulled her close, kissing her lips softly before hugging her tightly.

　　“In total how many dead combined?” She asked.

　　“143.” Aaron said, his eyes shadowed.

　　“Zidane also killed 93 of his own pack before he left, about 40 might not make it and another few hundred are on the mend.” Elijah added.

　　“And those who sided him - 70 are in the cells, about 380 are dead but we’re not a hundred percent sure on that number. Those are the ones that the lead warrior here said are accountable for. Alejandro went wild, one of our wolves said the way he killed those women was as if he was enjoying every minute of it and in that mess, there was definitely near 130 bodies.” Aaron said, making Scarlett shiver remembering that sight.

　　“If he hadn’t, we would have probably lost more…” Elijah said frowning deeply. “Try not mentioning Alejandro to anyone. I don’t know what Rafael’s hiding but we owe him that much.”

　　Aaron and Scarlett nodded.

　　“How's Monica?” She asked Aaron as he began folding up the lists he had made, it was clear they had listed everyone who had died.

　　“Relieved that it’s over and you’re safe.” He said.

　　“Alpha Scarlett…” Someone said, being called Alpha was something Scarlett still found weird to hear. She turned to see Michael, the lead warrior, he was the highest in rank who had sided them and in a way was now the spokesperson for the rest of the pack, a lot of whom were cautious of Scarlett.

　　Candice was in critical condition. Apparently, the wolfsbane was so strong it had affected her internal organs; however, she had told them it was Cade who she had made the mistake of talking to. It had been a dire mistake and he had told Zidane. Scarlett had considered putting the pack members who knew of the attack under Alpha command to ask if anyone else had betrayed them but had decided to let it go. They also didn’t know how he knew about what car Scarlett had been in.

　　“Michael.” Scarlett said stepping away from Elijah. “Is everything ok?”

　　“We were wondering what you wanted to do. There are rumours you’re Alpha Elijah’s mate and he has a pack too.” Michael said lowering his head to them. Elijah tensed, it was something he too had wondered. Although he had said they could combine packs or come up with something he wasn’t sure what Scarlett would decide on, and they also needed to return, although the bodies had been sent back. He did want to be there for their funerals.

　　“First off Michael look me in the eye when you talk, stop bowing.” Scarlett said frowning. “As for that… I will be holding a meeting tomorrow morning at 9 am, those who can make it, gather them. As for the rest I will keep the mind link open and make sure everyone can hear me.”

　　“Thank you Alpha.” He replied, about to bow but stopped remembering her words and walked off.

　　“Well, it's best we turn in too.” Aaron said tiredly. Scarlett nodded as she and Elijah headed inside, the house still made shivers run down her spine and she remembered all the horrible things Zidane had done here. She stopped in her tracks, something coming to mind and looked at Elijah.

　　“Head to the room we stayed in last time. I just need to do something, I’ll see you there soon.” She said, he frowned watching her but she simply gave him a tender kiss before she walked away. Elijah watched until she was out of sight but didn’t follow and headed upstairs, although he knew he wouldn’t be able to relax until she was in his arms.

　　Scarlett left the mansion, her heart thudding as she looked towards the garage that sat alone away from the mansion. It loomed eerily at her, bringing back haunting memories. Casting a swift glance around she walked towards it, hoping her blocks were up, not wanting Elijah to feel the emotions that were threatening to drown her.

　　‘Deep breaths’ She told herself as she entered the garage, walking past the flashy cars and to the room at the back. She knew the code, she had seen it countless times… Pressing the buttons she wondered if it was still the same… The door clicked and she pushed it open switching on the weak white light, her heart thudding when she saw the state it was in.

　　Dust coated the room, the walls had claw marks dug deep into the metal sheets of the wall and everything was broken, the only thing whole was the bloodstained table that still stood in the centre. Memories of the torture she suffered down here swirled around her and she had to remind herself he was gone.

　　She frowned seeing the papers and photographs that littered the floor. Her blood ran cold realising they were images of herself as a child, blurred pictures taken from the CCTV around this very pack. She would never know why he had been so infatuated with abusing her. Her eyes fell to the wall on the same side as the door and she gasped, there on the wall was a huge map of England. String and red crosses were littered everywhere, there was a picture of her mother to the side and a drawing of how she would look growing up. Her heart thudded at the image, it was similar but still different from her. The fact her father had put effort into finding her was clear and that scared her.

　　She remembered long ago how Jackson had pulled strings to keep Scarlett and Indigo’s identities a secret, so they didn’t come up on the system. Going to a school which he was a strong financial supporter at had helped.

　　She looked around the room of her nightmare for the last time. She opened one of the top drawers remembering where he would usually keep a lighter and looked around for something she could use. She stepped back out into the garage, picking up an oil can she returned to the room and began tossing the oil across the room and wall. It wouldn’t burn it entirely, but she didn’t want to cause a full-on fire either, the metal walls would keep most of the fire in here. Once she had emptied the can of oil, she tossed it down and picked up the lighter she had found and flicking it on, tossed it towards the table that stood in the centre now splattered in oil. Watching as it caught ablaze, the fire spread quickly, and Scarlett smiled gravely.

　　She was done with Zidane in every way…She turned and shut the door, trapping the spreading flames within. She didn’t really care if the entire garage went up in flames, it stood alone anyway. She saw Michael and motioned him over.

　　“I’ve burnt a room at the back, move the cars out. I guess we can sell them off. Don’t put the fire out, but just make sure it stays contained.”

　　“Yes Alpha.” He said, she gave a small nod before heading back inside…

　　Elijah watched from the window upstairs knowing exactly where she had gone, he had felt her raise the block on her emotions but even then, he had felt the anxiety seeping through. The bedroom door opened, and he walked over to her pulling her into his arms, she wrapped her arm around his waist holding him tightly.

　　“He’s gone, all of this shit is over.” He whispered into her ear. Her heart thudded and she let herself go, taking in a shuddering breath as her emotions flooded him. Her pain, fear, sadness, regret, relief and guilt. Elijah led her to the bed sitting down, he lifted her onto his lap.

　　“It’s going to be ok, kitten.” He said quietly. She looked up into his eyes, now wrapping her arm around his shoulders, the other cupping his neck as she pulled him down kissing him passionately. He kissed her back with equal passion, his tongue slipped into her mouth making her moan, pleasure coursing through her as her hands travelling down his chest.

　　“Red…” He murmured.

　　“I want you.” She whispered, turning in his lap to straddle him. He looked into her eyes knowing she wanted a distraction from the pain she felt. He tugged her close by the back of her hair, kissing her harder. If this was the way she would feel better, then he was willing to give it to her.

　　Their kisses became hotter, more desperate. Their hands roaming the other's body, the feeling of the other’s skin and heat helping ease the pain that went through them and above all, the relief that they were there together and safe.