The Alpha’s Heir
Chapter 18

*** Amber ***

Aiden summons me, telling me I better have a good f*****g reason for bringing Nikki to our hospital. I quickly mindlink Preston to back me up that I had to bring her here. Aiden might not see it that way, but I had to!

Preston laughs at me through our mindlink. You are not scared of your brother. I’ve watched you two fight and you’ve pinned him plenty of times but if you need me, I’m all yours. A few months ago, I would have told Preston I wasn’t scared of Aiden and that I would fight him if he shouted at me, but I’m okay with admitting now that I want my mate’s support.

Unless you want me sporting black eyes for our Mating Ceremony tomorrow, get your s3xy as*s over here now! Now I know I’m pushing my luck because Aiden would never physically hurt me, and even if he did my eyes would be healed within an hour, but I want my mate.

Preston, as always, comes to my rescue. “Why is he pissed with you?” I realise just in time that Preston is likely to be pissed with me too for bringing Nikki here.

“Actually, you can go on home. I can handle Aiden, don’t worry about it. I’ll be home later,” I bluster at him as I push him away.

Preston grabs my arms to stop me, “What’s going on, Red? That was a quick 180 turn.”

Before I can gently explain about Nikki, I hear Gamma Max behind me. “Beta Preston, can I have a word, please? I am not happy about your mate bringing that monstrosity into the hospital while my mate is still recovering.”

Preston glares at me. You didn’t! Tell me you didn’t bring Nikki the nut job back here, Amber. I avoid his eyes, knowing I will see hurt and disappointment there.

“Please try to understand. I felt bad for killing her mate, worse than bad. She’s going crazy with grief because of me, Preston. I can only guess how much pain she is in. I nearly lost you and I thought the pain was going to kill me.” I chance a look at him and the passion burning in his eyes. “I know you all think I’m this hard-nosed ice queen, but she was heartbroken, Preston. I couldn’t leave her like that.”

Preston’s weight crushes me against the wall, he pins my hands above my head and k!sses me hard, and his hot breath sends shivers down my spine. In the background, I hear Gamma Max swearing under his breath as he walks away. “I don’t think you are a hard-nosed ice queen. I know you are a fiery, bad-as*s warrior with a heart of pure gold, no matter how much you tried to hide it. You are mine.”

His pride warms my heart. “All yours, Preston.” As we k!ss again, I forget where we are and don’t resist when Preston palms my bre*asts and pushes his hard er3ction into my tummy.

“Will you two get a room!” My brother’s voice echoes throughout the hospital corridor. “Amber, why the f**k have you brought Nikki here?” He demands answers off me as he pushes Preston away from my embrace.

I explain everything to my brother and mate and even Gamma Max comes for a listen.

“So, she’s pregnant and has lost a second mate and they’re not sure she will survive it. When I heard she was pregnant, I knew I couldn’t hurt her, and she wouldn’t be able to break the curse while she is carrying. After she accepted my apology, I brought her here. She’s just messed up like me.” The three men stand staring at me, Preston winks at me and Max gives me a small nod and pats me on the shoulder.

“You did the right thing, Amber, I’m proud of you. I think we can all agree that we all would do irrational things if someone harmed our mates. I think you handled the whole situation perfectly.” My heart swells at the pride in Aiden’s voice. I did the right thing. I have always been a bit of a rebel, pushing the boundaries and flouting the stereotypes. Now, I am being me, just me and I am incredibly proud of how far I have come.

“Max, move Melanie to your apartment. You are right it’s not fair for her to see Nikki here after what happened.” Aiden and Max smile at each other.

“Maybe this will make persuading her to stay easier!” Max comments with a smirk, and for a moment, we all join his merriment.

“We have to get ready for our ceremony run-through. Do you need us here while you talk to Alpha Xavier, or will Eva be coming with you, Aiden?”

“Eva will want to discuss all this with her father, I’m sure, and I have a small matter of accepting his pack to sort out too. but you two go on. You’ve waited a long time for this.” I bow to my Alpha but give my big brother a hug.

I need to go and prepare for tomorrow; I cannot wait to officially be joined with Preston now.

“Come on, Red, my parents are waiting for us.” I take Preston’s hand and happily walk away to plan our special day.

*** Max ***

Alpha Aiden and I stand and watch as Beta Preston takes his mate by the hand, and they walk away in their own little love bubble. “I can’t believe he finally cracked her; she was a stubborn one, Alpha. I’m not sure I could have waited all that time.”

My Alpha smiles at me. “I don’t think we appreciated how hard it was for Preston until we found our own mates.” I nod in agreement. It is killing me waiting for Melanie to catch up to the same place that I am at and it has not been that long for us. Preston waited years. I appreciate him in a whole new light now and I am happy that my friend is finally going to get his happy-ever-after.

“Are you two waiting for me? Sorry, Summer wanted to finish her drawing for Melanie to bring to her.” My Luna walks down the corridor towards us with her little girl who is clasping onto her hand while waving a drawing in the other.

“No, you are just in time, a quick visit with Melanie, peek in on Alejandro who is insisting on going home today and then we have a meeting with your father.” She gives a small nod and looks at Summer.

“I can watch her. I’ve missed my little charge.” I wink at Summer, and she giggles as she runs towards the side room where Melanie is.

“No, she’s going to be spending the day with Mrs Moore. They are helping with the catering. Isn’t that right, Summer?” The little girl nods to her mum. “But don’t worry, Gamma Max, you’ll be getting lots of duties as soon as you are ready to return to my service.”

That means a lot to me. After the accident, I couldn’t help but analyse my own conduct. Had I been distracted or preoccupied by finding my mate? Should I have noticed faster that something was wrong? Could I have protected them both better? Everyone assured me afterwards that I did everything I could, but to have my Luna confirm she wants me back protecting her and her daughter gives me the peace of mind that nothing else could.

When we enter the room, my mate is sitting up in bed. She is starting to get a bit of colour back in her face. As soon as I see her, I want her. I want her so badly that my body aches, especially my heart.

I watch from the doorway as Melanie interacts with little Summer and a warm contentment fires up inside me. This could be a glimpse at my future. Me, my mate, and a little pup. I didn’t realise how much I desired that, how primal that need was. Maybe it wasn’t until now, until Melanie.

Eva hugs her friend and shows that she has a bag full of essentials for her. As they settle and talk, the Alpha and I take the little one for a walk to get some drinks.

“How is your mate now, Max?” I look at my Alpha, and I know I could talk to him about anything, and it would be kept between us.

“She’s doing a lot better. She talked to her children and her body is slowly healing. We’re getting to know each other. She’s pretty incredible, to be honest.” Aiden smiles at me knowingly. “She let me k!ss her, I think she’s starting to like me back.”

“Yeah I saw you k!ssing her, Gamma, remember.” I laugh as my face turns crimson. I had been so caught up in the moment that everything else around us ceased to exist.

“I want more, I want everything with her, but she’s been through hell and back, so I know I have to bide my time and be patient. I stopped looking for my mate years ago. I cannot believe she’s finally here.”

“Before I met Eva, I used to think of my potential mate as someone who worked for me. They would have my pups and raise them. But as for anything else, I could never picture it. Maybe that was because I never saw my father with my mother. When Eva came into my life, my whole world changed, she became the centre of it. She wasn’t just an addition to my life: she is the be all, end all and absolutely everything to me. I guess you know what I mean now?”

His words ring true to me now as my mate is also the centre of my world. I’m finding it hard to remember a time before her. “Yes, I know exactly what you mean. How do I win her over? I don’t just mean how do I get her into bed… I want that too of course. But how do I get her to be mine?”

Aiden thinks over my question before he answers. “You know what Eva went through with her ex-husband? And you know that he was also Melanie’s lover and if she suffered anything like Eva did at his hands then she is going to need to see that you will treat her better.” He pauses before carrying on. “I tried to show Eva what life with me could be like. I agreed to dating, didn’t rush her to bed and basically spent the time listening to her and getting to know her.”

I nod and thank him for his counsel.

“There is no rush, Max, make sure your mate knows that. After all, you aren’t going anywhere.”

After my talk with Aiden, I know exactly what to do to win Melanie’s heart, and how to secure our future together. There are no shortcuts; this is too important for there to be a quick fix. But as he rightly pointed out, I have all the time in the world. No matter how long it takes, I’ll be right here trying to win her heart.

When the Alpha and Luna go to visit their other friend, I sit at the side of Melanie’s bed. “I’m taking you home to care for you there. Is that okay, Honey?” She nods to me. Her eyes are like orbs, startled and unbelieving. “I want to show you what a future with me could look like. I want to show you how I will look after you, love you and build a life with you. I want you to know that this is real, and it’s for always and there is nothing I won’t do to make you happy.”

“Max, this is so quick. I want to let you in, you’ve already shown me what a kind and gentle man you are. I want to try. I want you too.” I k!ss her, I let her have the sweet, gentle k!sses this time and after a couple of minutes my hands and face are wet from her tears.

“Don’t cry. I promise, I won’t let anyone hurt you. I am going to cherish you and worship you because you are my Goddess now. You are everything to me.”

“I just need to be sure this is right. I have made such a mess up of my life so far. I don’t want to mess this up too. So, yes I’ll come and stay at your home, but I still need time. Can you live with that, Max?”

I am actually looking forward to the chase.

*** Alejandro ***

My leg burns and itches to the point that amputation starts to seem like the better option. “Ale, stop bloody itching it, you are going to tear the stitches.” I gr0an in frustration as my wife chastises me.

I’m stuck in a tiny hospital bed in a room that smells like cleaning fluids. I want to go home and get in my own bed with my wife. Just the thought of being with Salma in bed is like a tonic. That would help me recover faster.

“Once Eva and Aiden have come to see us, I will arrange for us to go home. I want to go home too. I need to decompress and I want my ice-cream.”

The change in Salma is refreshing to see. Now that her father’s death has been avenged, the anger that had been burning a hole through her has receded. She is the Salma I fell for from afar, the badas*s, acid-tongued princess who wears her heart on her sleeve and she is all mine. The grief is still there but the bitterness and annoyance isn’t as prominent anymore.

“Do you think you’ll be able to come back tomorrow for the Mating Ceremony?” I know Salma is really looking forward to witnessing the ceremony but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.

I hate disappointing Sal, but I don’t want to fabricate anything either. “Chula, I feel like a bag of shite. Let’s head home and if I feel better in the morning, I’ll bring you back for the ceremony.”

“Hello, peg leg!” Eva comes into the room with Aiden and Summer and her teasing greeting makes me laugh.

“Hello, Wolf girl, have you been in any dungeons lately?” She laughs at my quick reply, and I smile when Summer looks at me with concern.

“Ale got sick?” she asks Sal with tears forming in her eyes.

“Oh no, sunshine girl. Silly Ale hurt his leg, but the doctor fixed it and it will be all better soon, won’t it, Ale?” I nod my head to the curious little girl who eyes my sore leg.

“Sally k!ss it better,” Summer commands. She points between Sal and my leg until Sal gets down and k!sses my leg gently. Summer claps her hands gleefully. “All better now.”

Salma’s k!sses could make me better, I am sure of it… she might have to k!ss other parts of my body too, just in case.

“Thank you both for allowing Ale to be treated so fast and for saving his leg and his life. We won’t forget this.”

It’s the first time Salma has spoken about how bad things could have gotten. I now feel awful for making her worry so much. I owe her a massive apology and I have some serious making up to do.

“Our private ambulance will be here soon, and our doctor can take over Ale’s care from here, but we both cannot tell you how grateful we are and will always be. Thank you.”

Our transport arrives and Aiden, Eva and little Summer wave us off from the door of the hospital. I wave back, happy in the knowledge that I am going home.

“Chula, listen, I’m sorry. I didn’t realise how worried you were. I won’t do anything like that ever again, I promise.”

She k!sses me hard, pushing me back. “Shhh. The Donna wants to please her Don… You can make it up to me by lying back and enjoying this.”

Who am I to refuse my Donna? My Salma opens my pants and my c0ck bursts out. Standing proud and loud, ready for her. “Sal, f**k, that feels good!” She strokes me firmly along my hard shaft, and with her free hand, she cups my sensitive balls.

“You were very naughty, Don Alejandro Suarez. You almost left me here with no husband. No child. Nothing. All I could think of is every wasted opportunity I had to do exactly what I wanted but I never did. It taught me that life is too short. I want to ride you right here, right now.” Her hand is moving faster now, up and down over my length that strains for more.

I drag her forward towards me. “Spread your legs now,” I demand, and with a smile she slowly slides her legs apart, giving me free access to her wet core. I quickly push her panties to the side, find her cl!t and wait for her sweet little m0an that tells me she likes how I am touching her. When I hear it, I release a tiny bit of precvm in excitement.

“I need to ride you, Ale, I need you inside me while I grind on top of you.” She climbs up onto my bed and straddles me. As my hard d!ck probes her wet entrance, she pants with her raw need. We both gr0an loudly as she slides down my c0ck. The friction between us is immense, it takes all my control not to blow as I feel her stroking my length deep inside her as she writhes on top of me.

“F**k! Slow down Sal or I’m going to blow,” I warn her, trying desperately to hold onto whatever remnants of control I have left.

“Yes, Ale. Yes, don’t stop.” I continue to flick her cl!t as she grinds on me and within seconds she falls apart in my arms as she finds fulfilment. I let myself lose control too and thrust up one last time as I explode deep inside my love. “If you ever nearly die again, Alejandro, I will f*****g kill you. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” I gr0an out at her, still pouring myself inside her. “I promise you, Donna, I promise I will never ever do anything without consulting you first. I love you, Chula.”

She rests against my chest, still joined to me. “I love you too, Alejandro, more than I could ever tell you. Now, let’s go home.”

*** Eva ***

After waving off Salma and Alejandro, Mrs Moore comes to collect Summer so we can go and speak to my father and stepmother. They are sitting in the side room with Nikki, who is rigid and pale in the bed between them.

I go directly to my stepmother and hug her and express my sorrow at her loss. I didn’t know or like my half-brother, but I know she will be devastated as his mother and that is all that matters right now. She has supported me so much in the short time I have known her. I want to support her and my dad now.

“Oh, Eva, thank you so much for coming to see us.” Ever the gracious host and faultless Luna, Lydia greets us as I hug her.

“I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do, please tell us.” I know it’s just the obligatory thing people say but I don’t know what to do to help them, so if I offer my services and support, they know I am willing to do anything to aid them through this.

I go to my father and hug him too. “I’m so sorry, Dad.” He k!sses my forehead as he blinks back tears.

“Nikki here is carrying twin pups, they are Junior’s. They mated and marked each other while they were on the run. When he… he… passed, her fragile mind was broken. The healers say she is dying and all we can do is hold on to see if she can get the pups to a viable stage. We want to raise the pups. Whether Nikki survives or not, they are our family.” I smile at the massive, bulky man who is a gentle soul really.

“Of course, Alpha Xavier, you will have our full support with that. We both hope you can get the pups to a viable stage and can raise them in lieu of their biological parents. They are lucky to have you.” Aiden pauses and I know it’s because of the subject matter.

He’s worried about being insensitive, but this needs to be addressed. “What we are concerned about is that Nikki agreed to break the curse she placed on my pack before Junior died. If she is not able to because of her pregnancy, and now because she is dying, I need to request her heart if she doesn’t survive. This affects mine and Eva’s baby too, your grandpup. You know this is needed although I appreciate it is in poor taste. However, I have to secure the future of my pup and pack too.”

My father stands and I wince slightly at the two Alphas standing face-to-face. “Son, I want to transfer the pack today. I don’t want to be Alpha anymore. Whatever you command once you become the Alpha of the Moon Stone too, we will do. I have no objections to your request. I know what needs to be done.”

My father holds his hand out to my mate and they shake hands on not only what happens with Nikki, but about the future of the pack too.

“So, you still want Summer to be named as the Alpha Heir?” I ask my father. I don’t know if having Junior’s pups changes things for them.

“Yes, of course I do. She is your eldest child; you are my eldest child, and she is also my eldest grandchild. The land recognises you and it will recognise Summer too.”

I thank them both and agree to go to the Moon Stone for the Handing Over ceremony and Alpha Anointment.

“We want to move Nikki to our facilities as soon as the healers say it is safe. Until she delivers the pups and breaks the curse, she will be under full guard. Is that okay with you both?” Lydia asks. I nod to my stepmother, and we smile at each other.

We say our goodbyes and tell them we will see them this evening. Hopefully, Nikki will be moved by then too.

“Shortie, there is something I want to show you before we go back home.” Aiden covers my eyes with his big hands, the tingles from our bond work their way throughout my body. He guides me down the path. “It’s not 100% ready yet, it needs your finishing touches but we should be settled in by the time the new baby arrives.

My heart skips as I realise what he is showing me. He lifts his hands and, for the first time in a long time, I see our cottage. The roof is repaired, the windows and doors have been replaced, the garden has been planted and there is a ribbon wrapped around the front door.

“Want to see inside?” he asks me, and it warms my heart that he is nervous of showing me. This must mean a great deal to Aiden.

“Of course, I do. This is our forever home, Aiden. Thank you for doing this, I love you so much, Alpha.” His eyes flash black in desire before he takes my hand again.

“I love you too, my Luna.”

*** Preston ***

The day is finally here. I wear my suit and smartly polished shoes. My hair is slicked back, and I’ve even had a wash. My parents tell me I scrub up well. I hope I make them proud today as I make my commitment to Amber and to our future.

Our pack Shaman and the Elders all take part in the ritual that bonds me and Amber together for all eternity in the light of the Moon Goddess. We’ve already mated and marked each other, but now our wolves get to seal their commitment to each other too.

Amber mindlinked me about an hour ago in a bit of a tizz. Your mama is curling my hair and is clipping little pink flowers in it, Preston. It’s a good job I love you or I would be scarpering right now. I’m a warrior, for f**k’s sake.

Although I laugh, I am also relieved that the two most important women in my life are getting along. Even though Amber is grumbling about the hair situation, I also know that deep down she is happy to have my mum’s help and support today and for the future too.

“Are you nervous?” my Alpha and future brother-in-law asks me and, in all honesty, I’m not. I don’t have a smidge of doubt about my love for Amber. My only regret is not doing this a very long time ago.

“No, not even a tiny bit. I have wanted this for the longest time. I am beyond excited. I cannot wait to make my declaration.” Aiden smiles as he pats me on the back.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better mate for my little sister. I wish you both all the luck and happiness in the world. Look after her, Beta, like you’ve always wanted to.” We embrace as friends. Friends who have been through hell and back together and are both here living to tell the tale and both within reach of our happy-ever-after.

“I will, you know I will.” Aiden’s eyes glaze over, and he tells me Amber is ready. My parents join me on stage and Aiden leaves to collect Amber.

“We are both mighty proud of you, son.” My father, the tough-talking, formidable former-Beta, has tears in his eyes as he finally watches me claim my mate.

“She looks gorgeous, Preston, an absolute stunner.” I’m about to tell my mum that Amber is always gorgeous, but when she steps into the ceremony room linking arms with her brother, my breath catches in my throat.

Amber walks towards me, tall and lithe. Her skin sparkles and her red hair is curled and cascades down her back. Her eyes are bright and clear, her face is flawless. She is wearing a white and gold floor-length gown, she looks otherworldly, like an ethereal goddess sent for me to worship. A lump forms in my throat as she slowly makes her way to the stage. I am in disbelief that this is finally happening.

Aiden whispers to Amber and she nods to him, and he holds her hand as they climb the steps together. As she approaches me, my heartbeat accelerates. This is it; she is going to be mine and I am hers. Aiden places his sister’s hand in mine.

“I wish you both good health and fortune for your lives together. May the Moon Goddess bless you both and this union.”

Amber’s hand trembles in mine. This woman has taken on men twice her size, has battled and brawled with the best of them and yet she is shaking right in front of me.

Nervous, Red? I mindlink while looking into her eyes.

Just a little bit. Don’t let me fall over, will you? The whole audience, my parents, our Alpha all disappear. It’s just me and my mate, and the Shaman who conducts the ceremony.

I will never let you fall. I will always be there to catch you and support you. I love you, I tell her honestly.

She stares, mesmerised, into my eyes. I love you too.

As we finish reciting our vows and make our b***d promise, the pack cheers and applauds us. I am overjoyed when I feel the binds that tie us together strengthening and tightening. I k!ss my mate to the chagrin of our congregation, and I am astonished when I see the tears of joy streaking her face. “I’m sorry I made you wait so long, Preston.”

“You are worth the wait. Thank you for finally making an honest man out of me, Red.”

Later, we will shift so our wolves can finally mate and mark each other, and our bond will be solidified then. But for now, we go and celebrate with our friends and family. At last, she is mine.

*** Aiden ***

Eva is a blubbering mess by the end of Amber and Preston’s ceremony. I laugh at her as she blames her tears on her hormones. I cannot help but k!ss her on her temple as she wipes away her happy tears. “Oh, Aiden, I can’t wait to have our Mating Ceremony now. That was incredible. It was so touching and beautiful and meaningful.”

It has been my hope that once Eva saw a ceremony, she would be more willing to make that commitment to me, and it looks like my plan is working. “As soon as our pup is born, and you can shift, we’ll have ours too. We could do your Luna Ceremony before then, though.” I have no qualms about naming Eva my Luna before our official mating ceremony. Yesterday, her father named me Alpha of the Moon Stone in her stead. This pack is officially half hers now.

My lovely little mate is bubbling over with excitement. Now that all her manifestations are healing, Eva has been able to move forward. She is able to feel happiness, and plan for a fulfilling future. Her contentment becomes my joy. Her pleasure is mine. I’ve never been as happy as I am right now, and Eva is the catalyst for that. She has become my everything.

We take the short walk to the stage to congratulate the happy couple, but on our way we see Max and Melanie. I am extremely proud of my pack for the way they have welcomed Max’s mate and taken her under their wing. It would have been hard for any other human to infiltrate my pack. I remember bringing Eva home when we still didn’t know she was a werewolf and the reception she got was frosty at best. The news had spread quickly that Melanie was injured protecting Summer, and the pack had instantly become indignant on her and Max’s behalf. Melanie has been adopted by the pack because bravery and loyalty speak volumes to us. We always look after and protect our own, and Melanie is one of us now.

“Don’t they look happy and cute together?” Eva whispers to me, and I agree with her, because they look extremely happy with one another and like a couple that had been together for years, not just a couple of weeks. Summer runs to give her auntie Mel a cuddle before returning to us asking for an “up” from me.

To the side of the room are Salma and Alejandro. Sal has also brought her little brother Ricky, who chats away animatedly to Ale.

Despite having had life-saving surgery on his leg, Ale is walking with just a cane and his gait is hardly affected at all. He is obviously stronger and a faster healer than most other humans, or maybe his nurse has something to do with his fast recovery? Whatever has made the difference, it is good to see them both up and about. They actually look like a proper little family now with little Ricky in the mix too.

Once we have congratulated Amber and Preston, we will go to Sal and Ale so they don’t feel alone in a room full of werewolves.

We reach Amber and Preston and I hug them both. “Congratulations, I am so proud of you both.”

Eva k!sses them both on the cheek. “It was such a beautiful service. I cried all the way through.” They laugh along with my mate, but I know they are touched by her honest affection.

We each take a drink. I take a flute of champagne, but Eva and Summer have to settle on orange juice and we join Sal and Ale as we make a toast to the mated couple.

“Mine!” I hear from a voice that has no business making a claim on anyone. “Mine!”

“She’s been listening to you too much, Aiden!” Eva admonishes me. “She’s going around thinking she can claim anyone and everyone she wants.” I laugh as I scoop up my little girl.

“Hey, who are you claiming, Sunshine Girl?” She giggles as I tickle her, but when I stop, she points right at Ricky, Sal’s younger brother, and repeats her claim.

“Mine!” Her voice is so steady and sure that I don’t know what to say in response. It does make me wonder, though, what will happen in the future? Is this Summer feeling a pull? Could Ricky really be her mate? I make a mental note to ask Preston if he felt anything for Amber before the bond presented itself.

I stand up as Alpha and call for everyone’s attention before making the first toast. “To Beta Preston and Lieutenant Amber, I wish you both a long, happy, healthy, fertile, and wealthy union that stands the test of time. To true love.”

I k!ss Eva, my true love, and thank her for being mine. In a short period of time, she has gone from being an abused married human to a powerful Alpha Heir and now to the future Luna, who is blessing me with my own Alpha Heir too.

When I used to picture the future, I never saw myself as a happily mated man with a family. I had to meet the love of life first. The Moon Goddess above knows my Eva was well worth the wait.