Wolf-less Omega Luna

CHAPTER 27: THREAT

Axel’s POV

A single streak of light slid through the opening between two curtains and fell on Alana’s face, sun- kissing her and highlighting her thick, dark brows, long glistening eyelashes, petite nose, and lips.

I traced a finger through her jawline, thinking about how captivating she looked in her sleep.

I found myself being more attracted to her within the last few weeks and wanting more alone time with her. An image of how her hair bounced whenever she walked or laughed flashed before my mind and a warm breeze blew the hairs on my exposed legs up to my crotch.

As much as I would have wanted to be by her side when she woke up, I couldn’t keep the Alphas waiting any longer, and I couldn’t wake her up either.

Not when she was this perfect and peaceful in her sleep.

I gently moved her head from my chest, lifted her arms sprawled over me, and slid off the bed. I cushioned my spot with a soft pillow before tossing on a loose shirt and pants and heading out.

Tyler’s lanky frame greeted me just as I shut the door to the room.

“You look cheery for someone who accommodated the near annihilation of an entire pack just last night.”

I was ready to smash his empty skull into the nearest wall save for the small grin that played on his face.

“Shut up, Tyler.”

“I see the Luna has been treating you well. You’re less broody and all that.”

“Don’t make me say it again, Ty.” I quickly changed the subject, having enough of Tyler’s antics. “And where the hell were you all through the party? Huh? You’re supposed to be my eyes and ears but goddess knows where you went. You’re lucky there weren’t any casualties.”

“I mean…” Was he freaking blushing right now?

“Where were you, Tyler?” I repeated, halting.

“I was just around, you know… with some girl… some lady I’ve been talking to, so there’s that.”

“You’re kidding me.”

“Should I? I mean, I can give you the details, but remember you asked.” He cocked an eyebrow.

“Goddess. Don’t get me started.” I massaged my temples to release the incoming pressure. A minute away from Alana I was already having a headache.

“Yes sir,” he chuckled.

“Who stayed back?” Switching to more pressing issues.

“Alpha Egan, Fluorite pack, Alpha Clayton, Beryl pack, Alpha Dan, Winter pack, and Alpha Ada of Emerald pack.” He counted. “They’re the only ones who have been attacked as frequently as us.”

“These are surrounding packs. They form a circle around us. That should mean something, yes?” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Yeah, I noticed. But I don't know what that might mean. ”

“Fuck! Let’s get this over with.”

“Yes sir.”

“Wait,” I remembered. “I need you to send some fresh flowers to my room, with some fresh fruits.” A puzzled look crossed Tyler’s face. “For Alana. Now.” I rolled my hands for emphasis. “And she’ll need breakfast. Pancakes. She likes pancakes. And some juice. That’ll be all.”

The stern look on my face told Tyler I wasn’t ready for banters or chit-chat.

“Right away.”

“Good.” We headed to my office where the four Alphas were already seated and waiting for us.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Alphas. Please accept my sincere apologies for the hiccups from last night, and my thanks for staying over for this meeting.”

“Alpha Axel,” Ada greeted with a smile that reached the depth of her green orbs, highlighting her smooth chestnut skin.

“Alpha Ada, you look lovely as always. Thank you for waiting.”

“My pleasure. But forgive me for asking,” she glanced around at the other Alphas as though they shared the same thought before she continued. “But why would you think the attacks in our packs are in any way related to yours?”

Good thing we got right down to the matter.

“It seems you don’t think so.”

Alpha Egan spoke next. “The rogues that attacked my pack did so once, and once only. They bore marks of the marauders but for one, their leader, Alistair wasn’t with them,” his patchy but firm voice was now low and cautious as he spoke and stroked his silver-white mustache. “And secondly, they took nothing but gold, herbs, and weapons.”

The other Alpha’s present hummed in agreement.

“The same thing happened in my pack, but they attacked for three days straight, and they only hurt some of the guards on duty.” Alpha Clayton voiced, his eyes darting left and right indicating his nervousness.

I rolled my eyes inwardly, sensing the fruitlessness of the meeting.

Clayton was an okay Alpha, and a great warrior with a good heart but he always seemed nervous. The logic behind that, I couldn’t explain.

“They’re scheming something nasty. Trying to throw us off balance.” I said through gritted teeth, masking my frustration.

I felt a mind link open behind me. Someone was trying to reach through to us. I snapped my head to Tyler whose eyes were glazing over and impatiently tapped my fingers on the table waiting for him to finish.

“What is it?” I asked as his face turned pale.

He gave the room a once over, considering if he should be talking in the presence of the other Alphas.

“Go on,” I commanded.

“A marauder was caught trying to sneak into the pack.”

“And?” My brows pinched together.

“He threatened her.”

I felt a tight contraction in my lungs. “Threatened. Who?” I asked, growling the words.”

“Alana.” He said quietly. “He’s being held in the dungeon.”

“Alphas,” I shot up to my feet. “I’m sorry to cut this meeting off, but something of importance just came up.” My voice was quiet, yet laced with anger.

A fucking marauder threatened Alana?

This was his end.

“Do what you need to, Alpha Axel. And remember, if you need more enforcement, my pack is ready to provide that for you. We owe it to you.” Alpha Ada said softly, her eyes warm and apologetic.

I didn’t have the time to think or respond as I burst out of the office with Tyler running behind.

“The dungeon is this way, Axel.”

“Yes. And Alana is this way.”

With that, I sped off to the room, hurled the door open, and looked hysterically in search of Alana. She wasn’t sprawled on the bed like I left her moments ago.

My heartbeat kicked in rapid successions.

“Alana!” I kicked the door to the bathroom open, startling a naked Alana.

The sight of her in the shower made my cock twitch even in my panicked state.

“Oh my goodness, Axel. You freak.” She shot her eyes wide open. She stared at me for a brief moment and somehow sensed that I was tense. “What happened?” She asked with concern in her voice.

“You’re okay.” Warmth spread through me. Relief.

“Yes, I am. Shouldn’t I be?”

“Get dressed and come with me. Please.”

We made it out front to a waiting Axel and made our way together to the dungeon. My hands were protectively wrapped firmly on Alana and my wolf was on high alert.

Only one intruder was caught. Even if it was highly unlikely, there could be more.

“What’s going on, Axel,” Alana panicked.

Walking through the iron doors that barricaded the dungeon, Alana tensed in my hands.

“It’s okay, baby, you’re with me.”

It just dawned on me that it might have been a bad idea to bring Alana to a place that dragged bad memories to the surface, but I couldn’t have her anywhere but beside me. And this marauder called for a freaking trip to the dungeon.

“Is that…” Alana's voice hitched.

My head cracked behind me to Britney and for a flash second, her heartbeat picked up and she looked like a rabbit caught in headlights. It vanished as fast as it came and she winked a smile at me and flicked her hair over her shoulder.

“Alpha,” she said.

“Britney. What are you doing here?”