Her Forbidden Alpha

Chapter 41

　Over A Cup Of Tea

She felt as if someone had just shot her through the heart, a ringing screech filled her ears, the suffocating avalanche of pain and hurt filled her tightening her chest. Elijah looked up suddenly, his eyes widening when he saw her. He shook his head.

“Red this isn’t what it looks like.” He said but Scarlett turned and ran as fast as she could. “Scarlett!”

But she didn’t stop, she ran faster. The moment she was out of the club she shifted, turning into her huge silver wolf. She didn’t care who saw her, tears blurred her vision and she felt the agony of her wolf mixed with her own. She had to get away from him, he hadn’t changed – he never would… She ran not knowing where she was headed, needing comfort that she so desperately craved. Her heart had been broken, how could he do this? Did he still have a soft spot for Fiona? Clearly, he did…

She let out an anguished howl as she rushed into the woods. She heard a distance howl and knew it was Elijah but she didn’t care, he had played her. She didn’t want to know what or why, he had his arms around her whilst she was naked, she didn’t care for anything but to put distance between them. Not wanting his guilt-filled blue eyes to try to win her over. Her silver fur was a blur as she kept running, not knowing where she was going until she stopped at a door to a familiar cottage.

The door opened before she even got there, the welcoming glow of Amelia cottage calling to her, the woman herself gave her a gentle smile.

“Come on in dear, I had a feeling you would step by…”

—–

(25 minutes earlier…)

Elijah had just stepped out of the girls’ toilets, satisfied that someone else knew and was positive about it. If Scarlett had some people on her side, she would find it easier when they told everyone. The smile never left his lips, his kitten was so fucking perfect.

“Elijah!” He heard a cry, he turned sharply, his instincts making him break into a run. He knew that voice, Fiona’s. Rounding the corner he followed the scent to one of the private rooms, finding the door locked and the yelps from inside. A normal human wouldn’t even be able to hear them over the music. He rammed into the door, breaking it off its hinges and rushed inside. The stench of a rogue hit his nose and he frowned seeing a half undressed burly man on top of Fiona who was struggling beneath him as he tried to kiss her. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

A low growl tore from his throat, his Alpha aura rolling off him. The rogue tensed turning his gaze towards the Alpha. He growled lunging at Elijah. Rogues didn’t obey Alphas nor were they bound to them and it was clear this one was no different, but Elijah was stronger. The only problem was he couldn’t rip his throat out without causing a mess.

He slammed him to the ground his head making a sickening crunch, the man dug his nails into his shoulders and Elijah pulled away roughly. The man grabbed his jacket, tearing it off him as Elijah delivered a roundhouse kick to the man’s shins. He staggered back and Elijah snapped his head letting his body fall to the ground. The man wasn’t dead but he’d be out for a while, and he wanted him taken in for questioning.

Rogue attacks were becoming more and more common, it seemed they were all solo. He wondered when lone wolves got that brave to trespass on to a pack territories.

‘Hank get the fuck to the private rooms, Fiona’s been attacked.’ He mind-linked him before he walked over to the woman who was sat on the bed sobbing, she was left in nothing but her underwear. She was unharmed although she was clearly upset. Her clothes were torn to shreds on the floor.

“He tried to rape me, I came looking for you.” She sobbed, getting up from the bed and stumbling to the door as if wanting to put distance between herself and the rogue. Tears spilt down her cheeks as she ran into the hall, Elijah sighed as he followed her out of the room.

“Fiona. He can’t hurt you, stop.” He said, letting his Alpha command lay it down heavy making her stop in her tracks. She turned towards him, her hazel eyes full of tears as she covered her face and broke into sobs. He sighed walking over to her, about to pull his top off for her, when she fell into his arms, clinging to his shirt as she cried into his chest.

“You saved me, I knew you would.” She whimpered. Elijah could sense her fear, sighing, he wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair.

“Look Fiona, you’re a werewolf. You should have fought back or mind linked someone…” He said quietly.

“I was too scared.” She whispered. “But you came.”

“Don’t think more of it than it was, I’m your Alpha and I will always be there for my pack, but there’s nothing more to it.” He said quietly, stepping back and pulling his shirt off when an intoxicating floral scent hit his nose. He looked up sharply, his eyes widening as he saw Scarlett standing at the far end of the hall…

—–

Scarlett let out a whimper, trotting inside. Amelia shut the door locking it and drew the curtains over the small window at the front. Scarlett went over to the rug near the hearth that was dimly lit, curling up she hid her face behind her paws whimpering softly. Amelia sighed.

“I’ll put on some tea shall I?” She said walking off to the kitchen area, putting on the milk in a saucepan. She took her sweet time, adding the cinnamon and cardamoms to the tea.

“Hmm, where is my sugar…?” She said, walking around the kitchen. Scarlett appreciated her giving her time, she loved Amelia for this reason. She always understood her, what she needed, and gave her space. Once the welcoming smell of tea brewing filled the small cottage Scarlett lifted her head.

“Why don’t you go and get yourself something to wear from my closet, as much as I respect nudists, I am not having your naked behind on my chair.” Amelia said, making Scarlett smile slightly in her head despite the pain in her heart.

She got up and headed to the bedroom, nudging the door open with her nose and stepping inside. She shifted, her bones breaking and readjusting in seconds before she was stood stark naked in Amelia’s bedroom. The smell of tea tree and lavender oil mixed with Amelia’s own scent filled the room, it was comforting.

She walked over to her wardrobe, opening it she pulled out a white shirt and some jeans. Putting them on she looked in the mirror, tucking the oversized shirt into the pants. Her eyes were puffy and red, her make up was smudged, but the pain clear in those soft green orbs was what was most noticeable. Taking a deep breath she tried to school her emotions into passiveness, but it was futile, she couldn’t. The image of Elijah and Fiona in each other’s arms… She closed her eyes as fresh tears streamed down her cheeks.

“I hate you.” She whispered. She hated how she had fallen so deep for him, although the strong conflicting emotions from her wolf told her to believe in him and trust him. She had waited but instead he had just started stripping. She had never hated Fiona but now she was beginning to dislike her. Why would Elijah like her when he had someone sweet, pretty and fragile like Fiona to choose instead? The perfect princess for any Alpha male to protect and be possessive over, who would love his protection. She herself, wasn’t the type to need a hero… Nor the type to cling to a man’s arm and act all pretty… She felt upset and broken, leaning against the wall next to the mirror.

Elijah… a fresh wave of tears filled her eyes and she wiped them angrily.

“You are not pathetic Scarlett.” She told herself. Even if her heart was breaking into pieces, she had to stay strong. “You are an Alpha… You don’t need anyone.” Although she said the words, she didn’t really believe them. Knowing Elijah had her back had made her feel safe, he had become her haven. She shook her head, would he really betray her? She closed her eyes, about to replay the scene of him and Fiona but the bedroom door opened.

Amelia stood there, she crossed her arms and looked at the girl leaning against the wall.

“Oh, don’t drown in self-pity. Come, the tea will get cold!” She said. Scarlett sighed, pushing herself away from the wall and followed the elderly woman into the sitting area.

They both walked over to the table and Amelia sat down, two mugs of steaming full-fat milk tea sat on the table with a plate of homemade jam biscuits. Scarlett didn’t know what it was but just the sight of the welcoming table made her drop into her seat and break into another storm of tears.

Amelia picked up her mug, taking a small sip of the hot tea. She let Scarlett cry as much as she wanted, as she finished her tea off. Taking Scarlett’s to reheat, when she bought it back to the table along with some facial wipes. She placed the tea and wipes down, sighing.

“Don’t you think it was rather reckless to fall in love so close to the Blood Moon?” She said, now giving Scarlett a sharp look. Scarlett looked up her eyes wide and puffy, the tip of her nose red from all the crying. She took a tissue from the box on the table and blew her nose.

“Who said I’m in love?” She said, her voice breaking. Amelia sighed.

“Only a woman in love with a man would behave so foolishly, what does he have that you need? I mean apart from the dangly sausage between his legs?” She said making Scarlett laugh and cry at the same time. Amelia reached for the wipes, taking a few out and passed them to Scarlett “Now how about you wipe that gunk off your face and tell me what has the young Alpha done?”

“He…” Scarlett trailed off her eyes widening like saucers, the colour draining from her face when she realised what Amelia had just said.

“Kyle Sanders, Andrew Black, Callum Jones, Derek Adams and Logan Hanston.” She said, each name that came from her mouth made Elijah angrier… Apart from Derek the rest were some of the strongest of his men… Men who were meant to lead and protect their pack…

Liam clenched his jaw in anger from across the room. Scarlett had been through so much and hadn’t even said anything… A few of the men who had been mentioned, their fathers were present and although two looked shocked the others looked rather uneasy. Elijah mind linked the five in question, instantly summoning them to the meeting room.

“Can I also get a knife drenched in wolfsbane?” Scarlett asked suddenly.

“What for?” Elijah asked.

“To show them why I have no mark on me.” She said looking up into his eyes. He shook his head, she didn’t have anything to prove… Why should she hurt herself to prove something to ignorant fools? “Please…” She added giving him a glare.

“Oh, I’ll get that.” Harry Black said. Scarlett didn’t miss the venom in his eyes and knew he would make sure it was coated in wolfsbane, it was what she wanted anyway.

“Liam you go, bring me a vial of wolfsbane and a dagger. I will add the wolfsbane in front of everyone myself ” Elijah said, his eyes flashing dangerously at Harry. Liam nodded before he left the room quickly as the rest waited for the 5 men to enter…

—–

The next 5 minutes felt like a hundred to Scarlett, she looked around glaring back at anyone who looked at her with contempt. She knew the men were warned by their family present from the pale looks on their faces. Logan was sweating and Kyle looked even paler than usual.

Jackson stepped forward, looking at his son.

“Let me handle this… This happened under my care.” He said, his eyes full of pain and anger. Elijah nodded although he wanted to tear them to pieces, he knew his father needed to do this. He stepped back placing his hands on Scarlett’s shoulders, making her heart race spike.

“Scarlett, can you please share when this took place? With as much detail as your comfortable with?” Jackson asked her gently, not missing how Elijah was rubbing comforting circles along her collarbones.

She nodded, briefing them about the party, the drinks, the run and how they had lured her away from the others. When she was done Derek looked ashamed.

“So now I will ask you five, is this the truth or not?” Jackson said, his voice menacing but he hadn’t commanded them with his Alpha aura.

Derek was the first to bow his head. “It was… I’m sorry-”

“What the fuck?! You can speak for your fucking self!” Callum spat, grabbing Derek by the collar.

“Enough!” Jackson snapped as Nick pulled them apart. “Derek, continue.”

“I was really drunk. It’s not an excuse but Hank said if I helped, he’d help me rise up from my lower rank… So I went with them. I thought we were just going to check if she was a she-wolf and I know that’s wrong… but then it got out of hand…” He whispered looking guiltily at Scarlett. She looked back at him, remembering how he had held her but when she had struggled, he hadn’t fought back. It didn’t make it right nor did it excuse him but at least he knew it was wrong…

“So, in turn starting from you Derek, how far were you willing to go?” Jackson growled, his Alpha aura swirling around him. Derek bowed his head.

“I didn’t want to rape her… I liked someone already.” He whispered his face pale, his eyes on the ground under his Alpha’s wrath. Elijah clenched his jaw, Scarlett could feel his anger and placed her hand over his. She didn’t need him losing control here. He looked down at her, her touch calmed him and knowing she wasn’t totally shutting him out helped but he had to admit she was giving him hot and cold signals.

“Callum.” Jackson hissed. The room was silent now, Hank wasn’t there to defend himself but under the Alpha command, these men were bound to speak only the truth. He clenched his jaw trying to disobey but he couldn’t.

“I was happy to go along with Hank… It was his idea… We all know Scarlett was the one girl who played hard to get… She always acted better, tougher and stronger than us. When she got her wolf… It was a blow to our ego.” He said making his dad’s eyes darken in anger.

“So, you were willing to go through with raping her?” Jackson asked. Jessica felt sick, how much had Scarlett suffered in this pack that Jessica had always thought was safe?

“Yes, to show her who’s fucking stronger.” Callum said through gritted teeth. His dad closed his eyes turning his back with disgust on his son, most of the room were appalled. It went on, each had a similar statement to say. For Scarlett, she had thought it would be easy to hear it, that she would be able to deal with it, but it wasn’t. To know that such predators lived around her made her sick, to hear what they were willing to do to her…

“Throw them all in the cells, I will deal with them later.” Jackson hissed.

“We all know you like to play hard to get Scarlett! You know you would have fucking loved it, 6 fucking dicks!” Kyle shouted as several men were escorting them out. “You’re just a fucking slut!”

Elijah saw red, in a flash he had Kyle on the ground, his head hit the tiled with a resounding crack.

“Elijah!” Scarlett shouted her face pale but it was too late

“No one speaks to her like that!” Elijah hissed before his claws came out and he tore his heart out, making all the women present apart from Scarlett and Amelia gasp.

“I may not be the Alpha yet… but I will never support rapists or any type of abuse in this pack. I don’t care if it’s ruthless but I won’t pardon heinous crimes.” He said, his eyes dark and dangerous, as the other 4 men stood in shock.

“Before you go, apologise to her. Even if you don’t mean it, get on your fucking knee and at least beg for forgiveness. I might make it a little less painful.” He spat. He had made the mistake once of letting a danger to her walk free, never again. Derek was the first to turn and he looked at Scarlett.

“I am sorry… I really am. I know it’s not enough, I promise If I’m ever let free, I will make sure I never make the same mistake again. Sorry won’t make what you experience go away but I’m happy that you got rid of Hank. You’re a badass, your mate will be lucky to have you.” He said smiling sadly. Scarlett gave a small smile. Yes, she couldn’t forget, but she could accept his apology and let it go.

“Thank you, Derek.” She said quietly. The other 3 looked at her but apart from fear and regret for themselves they didn’t really seem to care for their actions.

“Sorry.” They said in unison, Elijah just turned his back on them.

“Get them out of here.” He said. Once the men were gone and the floor was wiped clean two men took Kyle’s body from the floor. His father still looked pale after what had occurred. Jackson turned to Meredith.

“Put her in a cell for attempting to attack an innocent member of this pack and for shooting her future Alpha…” He said looking at Elijah who was wiping his hand on a cloth, he would question him on his mindless attack too. It was clear his one action had ruffled up many of their members but all were too afraid to speak…

Liam placed a tray containing a knife and a vial of wolfsbane on the table, before Elijah could reach for its Scarlett moved it closer.

“Will you be my volunteer Alpha?” She asked. Her voice did things to him that he couldn’t put into words, it felt good to hear her not simply ignoring him.

“Sure…” Elijah said. Everyone watched confused as to what was happening. She dipped the tip into the wolfsbane before taking Elijah’s wrist and making a 6-inch-long cut. It wasn’t deep, just nicking open the surface, but it enough for it not to close instantly. He frowned watching her now taking the wolfsbane and pouring the rest over the blade.

Everyone watched stunned as she pushed up her own sleeve, gritting her teeth she dragged the knife through her skin, hard and deep making Jackson snatch the blade from her hand as Elijah growled at her for cutting herself so deeply.

“Scarlett!” Jackson said panicked as Jessica ran over. She gave them a small smile as she stood up and held her arm out next to Elijah’s. Those who were sat now moved forward to look. To their utter surprise, Scarlett’s deep bloody gash was already beginning to close….