ALPHA SAMSON

The driver drives further up the road, where a wolf waves us down. The driver stopped and opened the window.

The wolf looks at my driver and then sees me. "Alpha Samson," he said with a bow. "Keep driving ahead till you get to the pack house. Alpha Karl has got a packing space already for you."

I huffed and looked back out the window. My driver nodded and placed the window back up.

"Kiss ass," Jenson mumbled beside me. A slow smirk inched the corners of my lips up. Savage was close by but said nothing.

The driver drives past the wolf and heads further up the road until he stops in the designated space for me. I glance out of the windscreen to see a sign with my name and our pack.

"Stupid," Savage grunted in my head, retreating back further. Lucky bastard. He could retreat while I had to mingle. I could hear him chuckle, feeling my discomfort in all this.

"You ready," Jenson asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked back at him and grunted.

Jenson looked at me with a smirk. "Come on," he said. "It wouldn't be that bad. You never know. You may find your mate."

I stilled. As much as I wanted to, I prayed that she wasn't from this pack.

"Don't open the doors for a moment. Stick to the plan," I said, looking between the driver and Jenson. "I want to know if something is going on here and what. I want to know if I should trust this man or threaten his title if he comes to me again."

Both men nodded and opened the doors.

I sighed and opened my door. Stepping out, I unbuttoned my suit jacket. "Alpha Samson," Alpha Karl called out. I looked up to see the old alpha coming toward me.

I said nothing, but a mind link came through from Jenson.

"That wolf must have told him we were here," he muttered. "He won't leave you alone, I bet." That was a point.

"We will go to the party and take part," I said, not liking the idea, but it was hard to do. "Ask the driver to look around, see what he can find around here. I bet the locals will want to know about us/ Tell him to keep you informed of whatever he finds out."

"Okay," he said. "How do you want me to rescue you if you get invaded by the alphas or she-wolves?"

My eyes darted to him, feeling his amusement sweep through the mind link. "How about I yell at you through mind link to come and get me, or Savage will be playing."

The atmosphere through the mind link changed as worry flooded through. Jenson knew what Savage was like when he wanted out and if someone decided to take the piss. Savage would come forward.

"Just keep an eye on what is going on," I muttered. "No women tonight. This isn't the place to find any."

I shut the mind link and looked toward Alpha Karl, who looked concerned. "Is everything okay?" he asked, sounding slightly worried. "Do you have to go back to your pack?"

I stared at him and said nothing while Jenson spoke. "Our Gamma is looking after the pack," he said. "He was just mind-linking us that everything is alright. Alpha Samson wanted to have regular updates as we have a new training scheme come in for all pack members."

I watched Alpha Karl's face change, looking slightly intrigued. "Oh," he said. "You will have to tell me what you are changing. I might have to follow the same training as you. I want to make sure my son has the best warriors known to man, who will stand to protect him."

I gave him a nod but felt irritated.

Why would he want to do that?

"He is acting strange," Jenson's voice echoed in my head. "We need to keep an eye on him." I couldn't agree more.

Savage moved slightly and grunted. "Alpha is up to something," he grumbled. "I don't like him." That I could also agree with too.

"Shall we?" Alpha Karl said, motioning toward the pack house. "You are the first to arrive. I can show you around, and maybe we could go to the office to discuss some things."

The way he asked about discussing some things sent a shiver up my spine. He was lying. Something about the way Alpha Karl was acting was making me feel on edge, and I wanted to know why.

"Actually," I asked, looking at the old man. "I was wondering if we could have a room for the night. I am planning on drinking, and so is the driver. I am letting my men have the night off. Maybe we could have a meeting to talk things over."

"What the hell are you doing?" Jenson mumbled in my head, but I ignored him.

Alpha Karl's eyes light up. "Sure," he said. "I will have an omega set two rooms up for you all. Your beta and driver will have to share, though."

"That will be no problem," I muttered. "We will be in for in a moment. I have to contact my gamma about us staying, so he knows."

Alpha Karl nodded and stepped away. "I will see you in the pack house shortly," he said, walking away. I gave him a nod and watched as he walked away.

Once he was out of sight, I opened a mind link to Jenson, the driver, and Oliver, my gamma. "What the hell-" Jenson blurts out.

"Alpha Samson, what's going on?" Oliver asked.

"We are staying here," I said before they spoke again. "Alpha Karl is up to something. The way he mentioned discussing something with me, I felt weird. I want to know what the old fool is up to. That was the plan. I want to know what the hell he is doing."

I looked at the driver and Jenson, who nodded.

"So, you want me to look after the pack till you return like we originally planned," Oliver asked.

"Yeah," I said. "But be on standby. Whatever he is up to, I might need you and some warriors to come here without delay and make sure you place Lloyd in charge before you leave. He knows what we are planning."

"Okay," Oliver said. "I will rope him in what we are doing."

"Okay," I said. Oliver left the mind linking, leaving the driver and Jenson.

"What's your name?" I asked the driver. "Paul."

"Well, Paul, you can drink, but not too much. I need you to circle the locals and see what you can find. See if anyone has any information about this pack that is willing to talk about what happens here. I want to hear anything and everything."

"Sure, alpha," he said.

I looked at my best friend and sighed. "Me and you are going to be together," I muttered. "I'm going to need you as my bodyguard and keep people away from me."

"I was going to do that anyway," he said. "Especially after you told me about Savage coming out to play."

Savage grunted in amusement but said nothing.

"Enough when I asked you to look around," I said.

"I would have," he said. "And still will when you are getting ready. I take it we are staying in the room till the party starts."

I gave him a nod.

"Make sure we are not disturbed," I muttered, looking at him. "Paul, you will stay with us till then. I don't want you being coerced or anything by that alpha."

"Sure," he said, sounding a little defended. "I wouldn't do anything that will harm our pack." I nodded.

"We keep all communication through mind link when the party starts," I said. "Unless we are on our own and no one is around."

Both men agreed as I closed the mind link and looked toward the pack house. "Let's go," I said, moving away.

Savage came close. "I don't want to stay," he grumbled. "But I think we need to." There was something in his voice that made me stop and look at him.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

Savage's dark eyes bore back for a moment but sighed. "I don't know," he said. "I have a feeling that we need to be here. Staying might not be an option, but we can cover our basis."

That didn't sound good.

"What aren't you telling me?" I asked, but Savage didn't say anything. His eyes stared back as he slumped down.

There was no way he would tell. The look alone was enough to make me know he would tell me.

I looked back and walked with the guys. "You know we have no toothbrushes or change of clothes," Jenson mumbled as we walked up the pack steps.

"You care because-" I said, glancing at him as we approached the door.

"I don't," he said, smiling. "But it would be nice too-"

"Why are they staying?" a woman's voice growled inside the pack house, making us stop. I looked toward Paul and Jenson, who stared at the door. I placed my finger to my lips, letting them know to be quiet as we listened.

"You promised me we would-" she said, but the aura from Alpha Karl came flooding through, even making me men shudder in responses. "Control yourself," he growled. "And keep your voice down. We don't need them to know what is going on."

My eyes dart to Jenson, whose eyes widened.

I felt Savage move in my head and growl, not liking what was being said.

"Fine," the woman said. "I'm going to vent my anger, but I will state if they haven't gone tomorrow, we have to tell them to leave. We can't let it drag on anymore."

I heard enough and opened the door, stepping inside to find Alpha Karl and his Luna standing at the bottom of the stairs.

Both turn to look at us in surprise and recover quickly as fake smiles are placed on their lips. "Alpha Samson," Alpha Karl said, stepping closer. "Your room is on the ground floor to the left. Darla here," he said, motioning to a young girl to come over. "She will show you."

I gave him a nod and looked toward his Luna.

"Luna," I murmured. "I hope we are not putting you out."

Luna looked at me and smiled. "No, Alpha Samson," she said. "I will let you settle in and will see you later. I need to get ready."

I gave her a nod and looked at the young girl, who was looking up at me with wide eyes. "Darla," I said with a smile. "Show us the way."

The young girl's cheeks turned pink as she turned around and walked away, leaving us to follow her. A mind link opened up from Jenson.

"That was weird," he said. "Wonder what the hell is going on that they don't want us around." "I know," I muttered. "Makes me wonder if they stopped alphas from staying here." "I can ask around when I am out later getting to know a few people," Paul blurts out. "Sounds like a plan," Jenson said, looking at me. I gave him a nod but said nothing.

We stopped when Darla opened the door for us and stepped aside. "Let me know if you want anything else," she said with a small smile. "The rooms have joining doors, so you don't have to come out to enter this one."

Jenson thanked her while I entered the room and looked around. It was big enough for, and it would do for now, it was only for one night.

Jenson closed the door and sighed. "Now, what?" he asked.

I looked at him and grinned.

"We wait until the party," I said. "Not until others arrive."

They nodded, and we all sat around the room.

This would be a long wait, but we need to know what the hell is going on here. My gut was having a field day, but something was niggling at me and also Savage, but what?

ALORA

My mind swirled over everything that Madaline had said. This was to be my last night.

After Beck and Madaline left, I moved toward the bed and fell back. I lean against the wall as a lone tear escapes.

I closed my eyes as an image of my mother filled my head. I needed her. I didn't know what to do.

Something jumped onto my lap, making my eyes open as I looked at the small ball of fur that looked up at me. "Nala," I whispered, smoothing her soft fur. "You will have to leave tonight," I murmured, smoothing her again. Nala moved up and placed her front paws on my shoulders. I tinkled behind her ear.

"I'm supposed to be killed tomorrow," I whispered.

Another tear escaped.

Nala nudged her head into my face.

"The people who killed my mum," I whispered. "They want to kill me too."

Nala moved back and sat on her hind legs. She cocked her head to the side but hissed. I stroked under her chin, making her move her head and purred.

My eyes stayed on her.

There was movement coming from out of the cell. People were talking, and I leaned back against the wall. I closed my eyes and listened to what was being said.

"I can't believe that all alphas are coming here," a female voice said. "I'm going to try and get with one of the alpha's."

Another girl giggled.

"There are going to be loads of others trying to do the same," the other said once she calmed down. "But it should be the best party ever for this pack. I can't believe the alpha will announce the young alpha as the next heir. I mean, he is too young."

My heart hurt as I didn't dare to listen anymore.

My father would announce his heir to the alpha position-his son. That explains a lot and why they wanted to kill me. They didn't want to have any reminder of my mother around, and that was me. With me gone, they had the perfect family and the rightful heir for the position.

The party was for him to be announced as the next alpha, which, if I remember rightly, all alphas had to attend the pack for the ceremony. There will be loads of people here, so no one will come to see me, not even Beck.

My stomach ached due to the lack of food. I have gone days before without food. I bet I wouldn't be given a last meal before my death.

I let my eyes fall on Nala, who was now snuggled into me. Her warmth helped me keep slightly warm.

Time passed, making it harder to know what time it was. Normally, if Beck was here, I knew it was eight in the evening when he would leave to swap shifts with another. The other one doesn't come in here, only makes snide remarks to me. Calling me a filthy human or murderer.

The door flew open, and noise from outside flooded in-music. The party was underway.

I move from the bed and move Nala onto the floor, placing the sheet over her. She stuck her head up, but I moved her down when I heard footsteps. "Don't," I mouthed.

I stumbled back as two people came into view, which made my stomach drop. Beta Logan and another guard.

Sinister grins appeared on their lips as they stared at me.

"Well, we are going to have some fun," Beta Logan said, leaning on the gate with his eyes on me. I watched his eyes trailing all the way down my body, sending a shiver right through me.

My stomach dropped. I knew that look. He was going to do something, and it would hurt.

The guard moved back slightly and left, but my eyes stayed on Beta Logan. "I bet you're wondering what we got planned," he said, placing the key into the lock and turning it. I heard the dreaded click that indicated that the door was now open.

"Please..." I whispered, which made him chuckle. He opened the door and stood in the doorway. "I love when you beg," he said with a sadistic smile. "Luna wants you to be comfortable as she's coming down in a few moments."

What? My mind raced. She was going to do it now. What about my father?

Beta Logan entered the cell, making me stumble back and walk right into the wall behind me till he stood before me. I felt the coldness and dampness of the wall, which went through my loose clothing.

Beta Logan leaned toward me and sniffed in my scent, a growl escaping his lips. "Pathetic human," he muttered under his breath. He took a step back and grinned. "You are going to die tomorrow, as Luna said, but she wanted to have some fun before they kill you."

I said nothing as footsteps came back, and Beta Logan stepped to the side as the guard came into view. He was holding chains. I knew what that meant. I was going to be chained to the wall. But my eyes went to what else the guard held, which only made my stomach tighten-a whip.

My eyes darted back to Beta Logan, who grinned. "You know what to do," he said. "Turn around."

Another tear escaped as I did as he asked. There was no point in fighting back, and I wasn't strong enough to take them on. I was a human to them and a weak one at that. I was a human where they werewolves, wolves who would rip me in two if they had a choice. Sometimes, I wish they would. It has to be a better way to go than all this torture.

Beta Logan stood behind me. He barked orders to the guard when to place the chains onto the wall. Once one was connected to the wall, Beta Logan would put the chain on my wrist tightly and ankle.

I closed my eyes as they chained me to the other side. I felt helpless. I move my head back and look up at the window. I gave up on any prayers.

I heard footsteps clicking more like. "Leave us, Beta Logan," Madaline said, coming closer and stopping. "The alpha is wondering where you are."

Beta Logan moved back away from me. "But Luna..." he said, but Madaline growled. "Leave."

Beta Logan said nothing but moved away. When he got closer, I heard Madaline speak again. "Don't tell the alpha what I am doing here," she whispered. "This my fun before tomorrow."

"Yes, Luna," Beta Logan said, walking away.

"Luna, should I-" the guard said, but Madaline growled. "You will not leave. I need you to whip her while I watch. I am in my dress. I want my fun tomorrow, but she deserves this."

"Go and make sure the door to the cell is locked," she said, stepping closer to me. "I don't want anyone to hear her scream. We have guests here. Some of them may not like what they see."

The guard moved away.

"Look at me bitch," Madaline growled.

Moving my head to look ahead, I turned to face her. I took her in. She was dressed in a fancy dress and looked like someone placed clown makeup on her. She looked horrendous, nothing like a Luna should look.

"I'm doing this," she growled, placing her hand in my hair and gripping it tightly. "I'm blaming you for everything that is happening to me."

"What did he-" I whispered, but as soon as I opened my mouth and the words came out, I knew I did wrong. Madaline slammed my head into the wall ahead.

My head pounded hard when it hit the brick wall. I groaned when I felt something trickle down my face and knew right away what it was-blood. Dizziness hits me hard, and I start to see two of Madaline.

"Don't speak to me," she growled, pulling my head back and making me look at her. "You're father thinks I will stand by when he fucks another younger model, causing me pain. I will make him suffer

more and take his precious son away from him. But at the moment, I will take it out on you, and when you die tomorrow, I will make him suffer more."

My father was back to his old ways, sleeping with other women. Madaline wasn't fulfilling his needs, it seems.

"I'm ready, Luna," the guard blurts out. "I can deal with this if you want to go to the party."

"No," she said, letting go of my hair with a smile. "I want to see her bleed more. Rip her shirt open; I want you to hit her bearskin."

I groaned again, which was ignored by them, when I heard the guard come up to me and rip my shirt from the top, making my back exposed to the coldness. I knew I had scars on my back as this was her favorite torture to do on me.

The guard moved back as a lone tear escaped again.

With one movement, I heard the whip crack and slap against my skin, causing me to scream out as the pain radiated hard all over the area he hit.

Another crack of the whip came and another. I felt wetness on my back and knew it was my blood. It ran down my back as he kept going. After the sixth, I was numb to the pain, but my head hurt, making me slump more.

"Okay," Madaline shouted. "One more for good measure."

Another whip echoed as it hit my back. I move up with the touch and slouch. I rest my head on the wall ahead. I heard footsteps come closer. "Leave," Madaline called out to the guard. Whether he left or not was another thing; I felt weak and dizzy.

"This is what you deserve," she said, gripping my hair and pulling me back to look at her.

Madaline huffed. "What a pathetic little human you are," she muttered. I slammed my head back into the wall, making me black out.

All I could hear was her cackling before I was sent into complete darkness.

Please, whoever can hear me, let me die.

ALPHA SAMSON

After two hours, Darla came to get us from the room we were staying in. Jenson and Paul played on their phones while we waited. I stared out of the window and watched everyone turn up to attend the party.

Darla took us to where the party was being held. As soon as I stepped inside, I made my way over to a corner to stay while everyone started to turn up.

Once everyone turned up, the music began and blared, and the party was in full swing. I stood with a group of alphas near the stage. They talked about their packs and tried to one-up each other on everything. Telling me what their packs had to offer me. I couldn't help rolling my eyes to a few.

I looked around, ignoring everyone, and saw Alpha Karl mingling with others. He seemed to be in his oils talking about his son or what was happening. I scanned around, looking for his luna and son, but neither seemed to be around.

Savage grunted, which made me look back at him. He rolled his eyes at me. I sighed and looked back at everyone, but didn't want to be there either. Savage hated this party. He moved back further into my head when we entered the party, and that's where he has been.

"Alpha Samson," Alpha Lawrence said, stepping closer to my group. "Alpha Karl just told me that you asked for a room. Are you here to help Alpha Karl train his pack?" I still while all the alphas looked at me with wide eyes.

Savage growled while I frowned. "Stupid alpha."

Alpha Karl had a big mouth. But why lie and tell him I was helping him train his men? I never agreed to such a thing.

Alpha Lawrance stared at me, waiting for my response. Clearing my throat, I looked at Jenson, who was staring at me. "I only wanted a room to let my driver, beta, and I rest after travelling. They can even have a drink, too. But I said no such thing about helping him train his pack. I will be leaving first thing."

All alphas looked around, some looking confused, while Alpha Lawrence frowned. "You should help him," he grunted. "He needs the help more than the others. He has had more attacks the last few months."

I kept my eyes on him but felt Savage move closer, but not to show himself. "Stupid alphas," he grumbled. "They all want us to help them. Why don't they just learn how to fight themselves?"

I said nothing. Alpha Karl has had rogues attacking him, but he never mentioned that. "He's had attacks," I asked, making Lawrence tense and look at me. "He never mentioned anything when we saw him earlier."

Alpha Lawrence looked around and then back at me. "Oh," he said. "He told me earlier." I watched his head move to the side and move away. "Sorry, I must go," he called out.

Weird.

I looked at the other alphas, who seemed just as confused as me. "I take it you all didn't know about the rogues," I asked, making them shake their heads.

"He only talked to me about the ceremony," Alpha Zander muttered. "Nothing about rogues." "Same here," the others muttered.

My eyes looked over to Alpha Karl, who Alpha Lawrence pulled away. I watched them for a moment until they stepped out the door. What the hell was that all about?

A mind link opened up from Jenson. "Do you want me to follow them?" he asked, making me look at him. He was standing with some of the betas. I gave him a nod and closed the link.

"So, are you-" Alpha Carter said, but I looked at him and held my hand up. "Sorry, I have to contact my gamma," I muttered, walking away. "I need to check in with him."

The alphas nodded and stepped aside for me to leave. I needed to get out of the room. I was starting to get claustrophobic from being stuck with them.

I walked toward the door, only to bump into Jenson coming back in with a frown. "I lost them," he muttered, motioning to the side. I glanced over and read the sign on the door-alpha's office. I sighed and looked back at him. "Don't worry."

Jenson nodded but glanced to the side and groaned. "Looks like she-wolves are out in force," he muttered, making me look to where he was looking and a few women lined up against the wall.

All the women were batting their eyelids and wearing the shortest outfits known to men. All trying to catch someone's attention. Savage moved closer and grunted. "Hell no," he murmured. "You go anywhere near those, and I will cut you open myself. They smell bad."

I looked back at him, amused. "I would like to see you try," I said, which only made the big lump of fur growl. "You dare," he growled. "Or you will be sitting back here instead of me. I will take be in charge instead."

This damn wolf had a nerve.

Ignoring him, I looked to Jensen, who seemed highly amused. "Savage telling you, no," he asked. I frowned. "I need air," I muttered, stepping away from him. Jenson chuckled.

I walked past the she-wolves, but Savage was right. They all smelled bad, which was something odd. A few tried to touch me, but Savage let out a loud growl, sending them back against the wall, terrified.

Stepping outside the front door of the pack, I walked down the steps and stepped around to the side, away from the music. It was quieter, and I could actually hear myself think.

A mind link came through; it was from Paul, the driver.

"Alpha," he said and then added Jenson to the link. "Beta Jenson. Not much is happening with the pack members. They all seem to be enjoying the festivities of the ceremony."

"Did they report anything to you?" I asked.

"No, alpha," he said and sighed. "But there is something odd happening around here."

"Like what?" I asked, looking around while he continued. "Well, the ones around the pack house seem full of themselves, like they are coming into something." I scrunched up my nose. "Coming into something," I asked. "Like what? Money?"

"That's it, alpha," he said. "No one doesn't seem to know when I have asked. They all say that the ceremony for the new alpha is one thing that is happening, but there is something else happening too, but it is now postponed till tomorrow when everyone leaves."

"I wonder what," Jenson asked, which made me wonder too.

Savage came closer, listening in to what was being said. "Anything else, Paul?" I asked.

My eyes darted around, only to see a few pack members huddled by a tree. They were all deep in thought. Savage came closer to see. "They mind linking with one another," he muttered. "But there is something off about them."

I frowned.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, staring at them, but one looked at me and tensed. He motioned to the others, who all looked over at me and then moved away. "They seem scared," Savage muttered.

I said nothing when Paul spoke. "Not many people will talk to me," he said. "Some have walked away from me. They know I am with you, but they do it with a few other wolves from various packs. We are not the only ones trying to discover what is happening here. Some alphas have asked their beta's or guard to do what we are doing."

"Well, that explains the conversation I had with one of the beta's before he left," Jenson said. "He asked me if I knew what was happening and why Alpha Karl was holding a ceremony for a five-year-old when there was plenty of time."

We were all wondering the same thing. Alpha Karl was up to something, but what?

I looked around until my eyes landed on a building. "Did anyone of the pack members mention they had rogues attacks happening?" I asked, but they both said no. "Why Alpha?" Paul asked.

"Well, Alpha Lawrence seems to think they have been," I said. "He thought that's why we were staying here for the night."

"We not though," he said. "But Alpha, can I ask something?"

"Yes," I said with a frown.

"Can we leave tonight?" he asked, catching me off guard. "I don't really feel it here, and I haven't exactly drunk anything after the first conversation I had."

"Yeah," I said, not wanting to here anymore.

Savage grunted. "Finally."

"Alpha," Jenson said. "You will need to come in. They have announced that the ceremony will be starting."

"Okay," I said, my eyes still on the building. "I will be there-" I said, but stopped when two people walked out the building door. I watched a guard step out of the building; he wasn't the one who caught my attention it was the woman coming out behind him who was dressed up in a stunning dress-the Luna.

I moved back, keeping out of sight, and watched them.

Luna Madaline turned to face the guard, who was wiping his hands with a cloth. Savage came close but stilled.

A low growl rumbled. "What?" I asked, but he said nothing.

After a short few moments, I heard a loud voice in my head. "Alpha, what's going on?" Jenson asked. "Savage's energy is filling the link. He is pissed."

"I don't know," I muttered, closing the link and keeping my eyes on the Luna and guard.

Something was happening, but the Luna moved away and headed toward the pack house. I couldn't let her see me. I moved away and headed back up the steps and straight inside.

As I stepped inside, Jenson looked at me with a worried look. I shook my head and stepped aside when Luna Madaline walked in with the guard behind me. I keep my eyes on Jenson and not only anyone else. When they walked past, a smell hit me hard-blood.

"Samson, do you smell that?" Jenson hissed in my ear with a low growl. "Blood." I said nothing but one question came flooding to me.

What the hell were they doing in that building?