Her Forbidden Alpha novel Chapter 72

　　The following day came before Scarlett was even prepared for it. Breakfast was over and everyone was going to gather at the training grounds. Scarlett and Elijah were the first ones there. Just being here left a bitter taste in her mouth, the memories were hard to swallow, and she couldn't wait to get out of here.

　　“Relax kitten.” Elijah said rubbing her arms, sensing her emotions. She closed her eyes and sighed.

　　“They will be here soon, and I don’t know if they’ll be willing…”

　　“Willing for what? Care to share your plan?” He asked quietly. Scarlett opened her eyes realising he hadn't once asked her what she wanted to do or pressurised her into combining packs. In her emotional state last night, she had forgotten to even discuss it with him.

　　“Sorry, things have been crazy. I forgot to even ask you.” She said leaning into his chest. “I want to ask the pack to combine with yours… If that’s ok of course. Zidane had businesses that are mine and Indigos now. If we sell this land, the mansion, the cars and other assets we can construct more houses down that side. There's a lot of empty lands that we can buy near our pack grounds. I am sure many would love to move to a new location. For a fresh start. And those who don’t, we can give them a choice to settle in another pack and we can help them settle there.”

　　She now looked up at him wondering what he thought, her breath hitched in her throat when she saw the strong emotions clouding in his eyes.

　　“Hell yeah, that’s fucking perfect.”He said softly hugging her tighter, she closed her eyes relieved. She could hear his thumping heart and knew he had been scared she’d want to stay here. But also, didn’t want to tell her what to do. As an Alpha she knew how he loved control but for her, he kept himself in check. Allowing her to make her own decisions – it was one of the things she loved about him.

　　“I love you handsome.” She said reaching up, he bent down their lips meeting in a kiss sending rivets of pleasure rush through them both, the sizzling sparks of pleasure every time they touched. The sound of footsteps made them part and Elijah gripped her hips, pulling her against his front.

　　“Stay close.” He said smirking, she bit her lip thinking he was so distracting!

　　“Then you better behave.” She said giving him a glare.

　　“I’ll try.” He said as the first pack members began to approach. They could smell the fear, anxiety and uncertainty radiating off them. Scarlett felt her gut twist with guilt at the way they looked at her in fear. These people needed help long ago, she only wished she had been able to do something sooner.

　　She smiled at a few children who simply kept their heads lowered, the only ones who dared to look up at her were the omega children she had ran into on her last visit. Their eyes were wide as they looked at her curiously, despite their mothers holding on to them tightly.

　　Scarlett waved at them and motioned them over. Not missing the fear in their mothers’ eyes although they instantly let the kids go. The boy and girl came over as the boy looked at Elijah.

　　“Hi mister!” He said.

　　“Hey kid, I didn’t get your name last time.”

　　“Jayce.” He said. “And Phoebe.”

　　“Nice name.” Elijah said as Phoebe looked at Scarlett.

　　“Are you our new Alpha?” She asked curiously.

　　“Yes I am and I will make sure no one can hurt you anymore, ok?” She said, the two exchanged looks.

　　“I told mom she’s cool.” Jayce whispered to the girl. He didn’t seem to know those around could hear him.

　　“Well, I’ll let you two go back to your mothers and I’ll get this meeting started.” Scarlett said standing up straight from where she had been crouching. She saw a few members of Elijah’s pack around the side.

　　“Thank you for showing up. I know things haven't been the best around here but they won’t be continuing this way. This pack has lost near enough a third of its number over the last few days. Yes, we fought some of this pack’s members but it was to protect ourselves and this pack. I know some of you lost mates, brothers, fathers - but it was unavoidable.” Scarlett said slipping her hands into the back pockets of her pants. Elijah’s gaze fell to her bubble butt but forced himself to look away, she was in front of her pack and deserved respect. But fuck was it hard to keep his eyes off her, he thought.

　　“This place is nothing but dark memories for me, I cannot take care of my pack when simply being here makes me sick to my stomach. Also, you may know that my mate is an Alpha, so I have decided with his complete go-ahead to combine our packs which means moving down south.” Scarlett said, hearing the ripple spread through the crowd. Those who had not made it could hear her through her open mind link.

　　Reaching out to all her members, those below 18 and were injured were the only ones who didn’t know what was happening and she hoped someone around them would be filling them in.

　　“I won’t force anyone to join if they don’t wish to, instead you can move to a neighbouring pack or to any of our allied packs. We can get you all settled where you are happy. But if you’re interested in joining our pack. The Blood Moon, then let me know. I can tell you exactly what we plan to do. How to settle you all in. As well as how the pack is run. I was hurt along with my mother and sister when we left this pack. It was the Blood Moon Pack who took us in, despite knowing the risks it could bring to them. They are a pack half the size of this one but have a huge heart and are strong.” Scarlett said now looking across the groups.

　　“If anyone wants to ask anything you’re welcome to.” She finished, glancing at Elijah. He gave her a thumbs up and she felt relieved. “Anyone?”

　　“Well while you guys think about it, I’ll tell you a little about our pack. Aaron the projector.” Elijah said, seeing no one spoke. Scarlett was glad he had thought of this idea.

　　Watching as he began telling the group about how the pack was run. Training and how even omegas could learn to if they wanted. Omegas were paid for their work and were treated with respect. The pack was diverse, and everyone was respected for who they are. The slideshow showed the packhouse, the rest of the land, the mansion and the playing area, the small shops and the small restaurant that was on pack grounds.

　　Scarlett could see many wolves seemed to be getting excited about it. She admired Elijah, he was a natural at this, he would indeed make an impressive Alpha. He was explaining about schooling and how all the kids would go. The rules they expect and how everyone worked and lived independent lives to an extent. Not being bound to completely live under the rules and beck and call of the Alpha. Once he was done, he looked at Scarlett who was watching him with a small smile on her face feeling proud of the man he had become.

　　‘I’m impressed Alpha Westwood,’ She said through the mind link.

　　‘After everything I’ve shown you, I’m capable off, you’re impressed by this? Surely there must be something else that impresses you more?’ He replied smirking cockily. Scarlett rolled her eyes.

　　‘You will always be a cocky jerk’ She said back through the link, trying not to melt under that sexy gaze as he licked his lips, his piercing glinting when it caught the light sending a jolt of pleasure to her core.

　　‘One you want to fuck right now.’ Came his reply.

　　She gave him a mock frown and turned to the people. “Does anyone have any questions?”

　　“I think the Alpha explained it well. But…why are you being so good to us Alpha Scarlett?” Someone asked timidly. Scarlett frowned, thinking was anyone in this pack free from abuse.

　　“Because you are part of my pack and from this day on, no one in my pack suffers.” She said confidently, her eyes locked with the man, her Alpha aura surrounding her. Applause broke out and a murmur of whispers crossed the crowd. She could hear a few through the link telling her they wanted to join and would follow all the rules. It seemed they were going to be dealing with a lot of fearful wolves for a while, but she knew The Blood Moon pack and Elijah would be there every step of the way.

　　-----

　　It was much later, and Elijah and Scarlett were leaving Michael and Aaron in charge as they needed to head back. After all, there were a few things to handle back home. They were heading back that very night after one last thing they needed to do here.

　　Most of the pack members were happy to come but there were a few bitter ones who had family who had sided with Zidane. The option to join another pack was open for them. She had made it clear the current land would be sold off, but everyone would be given a lump sum to start afresh.

　　The overall move would take time and Scarlett knew someone would need to come back and handle everything until the pack would be able to shift. There was a lot of work that would need to be done, building homes, making space for all the new pack members - at least 700 people were coming. About 50 would be heading back in the next two days but housing them wouldn’t be easy.

　　Elijah didn’t want Scarlett staying here and handling it, knowing the effect the place had on her, deciding to talk to his father when he got back. They couldn't leave Aaron here long term either, Monica was pregnant. Elijah had an idea and he hoped his father agreed.

　　Jackson had also rung, telling them that Alpha Daniel had been the one to rat them out to Zidane as he was in dire need of some money. Although Scarlett seemed to accept it, something niggled at Elijah’s mind. It couldn't only be Daniel; sure, he knew the date and plan… but to know what car Scarlett had got into… it had to be a pack member.

　　He said nothing thinking he would get to the bottom of it himself when they returned home. They were now at the pack hospital to see Candice before leaving. The nurse let them in instantly knowing exactly who they were. The smell of disinfectant and sterilised rooms filled their noses.

　　“Scarlett, Alpha Elijah.” Candice said, struggling to sit up. Scarlett looked at her, seeing the woman in another light as she hurried over and helped adjust her bed. Elijah had told her who she was but to believe it, it was not easy. This woman was her grandmother…

　　“Candice…” She said unsure what to say, the elder woman smiled gently. “You would have made your grandfather proud.”

　　Her words made Scarlett’s eyes widen slightly and Elijah decided to give them a moment, about to leave the room Scarlett looked at him.

　　“Stay.” She said softly. He turned back and walked over to her, standing next to where she sat. He placed his hands on her shoulders as Candice looked between them.

　　“You were mates then?” She said smiling.

　　“Obviously.” Elijah said as if he never ever had a doubt. The older woman chuckled weakly.

　　“Why didn’t you tell me who you were?” Scarlett said remembering the emotions that she had seen that day in Candice’s eyes.

　　“Because Zidane didn’t like to be associated with me. Most of the pack members who knew who I am are long dead, others are forced into silence. I couldn’t stay around the pack and do my best without keeping my identity a secret. Ever since your mother left and Zidane dragged me out of that dungeon to hold the pack together I knew I had to keep doing what a Luna does. Even if it was just trying to keep them safe.” She said gravely. Scarlett looked at the woman before her, a woman brave enough to go from Luna to Omega for her people. She felt growing respect for her even more than before. If it was not for her help a lot more people would have died in the battle.

　　“You are the finest Luna I have ever met and I know even my grandfather would think so.” She said quietly. Candice smiled.

　　“Indeed.” She said. Scarlett never remembered him. She only knew Zidane had killed him the moment he got a chance and taken over as Alpha. “How is your mother?”

　　“She’s good, married and in love. She never mentioned you.” Scarlett said, thinking even Candice didn’t seem to know she had been Zidane’s daughter until she had mentioned it.

　　“We never met. I was locked away the moment your grandfather was murdered. I only knew Zidane’s woman and children left and died as they tried to escape.” She said, adjusting herself on her cushions. The pain she was in was not decreasing and she had a feeling if she made it out of this, the pain would remain.

　　Scarlett remained quiet; it was a vicious cycle. Zidane had not even spared the mother who had given birth to him.

　　“Will you come home with us?” Scarlett asked, Candice was one of the members who had said nothing. She smiled sadly and took Scarlett hand in her own.

　　“I would love to but I can’t, this pack… this land meant so much to your grandfather. I understand why you are doing what you are and I think it’s a good idea, after all, you two are mates. But I request you leave me a small square of land. There’s a small cottage your grandfather built years ago before he was alpha, needs a bit of fixing but I would love to remain here.” She said quietly.

　　Scarlett looked at her and nodded although it was sad, she knew that her grandmother needed this. “Pick wherever you want.”

　　“I will join your pack though because I can’t become a rogue, but I will remain a lone wolf.” Candice said, she doubted she had too long to live. There was a limit to what the body could heal from after all.

　　“It could be dangerous.” Elijah said. The woman waved her hand weakly.

　　“It doesn't matter, if I'm meant to die then I will.” She said. Scarlett and Elijah exchanged a look, although her choice wasn’t the most ideal, they couldn't force her and would respect her wishes. “So the first Alpha female we have heard of has now taken her place, how does it feel?”

　　“I don’t really know; they say I'm special or a blessing with my fast healing and the ability to mortally wound others… What’s the point of these powers when I couldn't even save my friend from dying in my arms?” Scarlett said quietly, her voice full of pain and bitterness. Candice looked at her sympathetically.

　　“You are not Selene - you cannot grant life child. Each wolf is given healing beyond a human’s capability but we are not immortal, you survived your father only because of your healing and because of that you have saved so many lives from Zidane.”

　　Her words were true, although her gift may not have been what she would have preferred, it had its uses. She would never forget how Liam had died protecting her.

　　“You are special. The goddess bestowed this gift upon you, accept it, appreciate it and don’t question it.” Candice said, Scarlett simply nodded as Elijah caressed her arms. Candice gave her a final encouraging smile.

　　“Now, let’s leave all this and tell me what you plan to do next?”

　　The young couple began telling her what they had planned, and the elder woman listened, a small smile on her face, her hand never once letting go of Scarlett’s…