The Possessive Alpha
Chapter 34

Jonah POV

I am on New Moon’s territory listening to the Alpha Charles and Luna Olivia prattle about Elle’s birthday plans the following weekend. I nod quietly in agreement but barely pay attention to what they are saying. My mind is too distracted by the mess I find myself in, thankful that Brad is here to get all the necessary information for Elle’s protection. As I watch the Alpha and Luna talk about her, it’s clear they care deeply, making what I have to do more difficult. But I am left with no choice other than do the unthinkable to a friend I have known all my life, leaving my stomach feeling queasy and unsettled like it has been every time I have stepped over the line.

“So tell me, have you scheduled any fun activities while in New York?” Luna Olivia asks me directly, even though Brad has been doing most of the talking so far. Informing them of the security detail. As I listen to him speak, another pang of guilt washes over me, knowing the position I have now placed him in, lying to his new mate, but he made a promise first and understands the stakes.

“Well, I got the group of us box seats to Hamilton,” I say, which isn’t a lie, I do have box seats to Hamilton, but I didn’t have to spend a dime on them; my family owns the theater. “I overheard Elle talking to Taylor, Emma, and Charity when they were making plans for the weekend. She tried to get tickets to the show, but they were already sold out.” I explain to them, an easy smile on my face as if I am dying to see Hamilton, but to be honest, I could care less to see the show. I have more important matters to worry about while visiting.

“Oh,” Luna Olivia squeals, “Elle would love that! She has been dying to see the show for months now, but even for us, it’s been nearly impossible to get a ticket. Not to mention we have been incredibly busy with Damon’s eighteenth birthday ball.” she sighs, and I understand. Planning a large gathering for a bunch of visiting Alpha and Luna’s is time-consuming. From what I gather, Damon has no interest in finding his mate, making skepticism claw at my insides.

“How is that going? Damon excited to meet his mate?” I ask, already knowing the answer, but an Alpha who resists finding their mate is worrisome.

“I think he is,” Alpha Charles says brightly, “I was nervous about meeting my mate, but then I met Olivia; all of those reasons seemed silly.” He says, giving her the same look my father gives my mother, and a pang of jealousy sears through my chest like a sword. Taking a deep breath, I keep the same smile I’ve had on my face since walking in the door, but I can feel the stares of my Gamma; he knows the pain I secretly bear.

“I can understand the nerves,” I say politely, not going into more details than that. “I wish Damon luck in finding his mate at the birthday ball,” I say grudgingly; I am three years his elder and still without my mate.

“We do, too,” Luna Olivia says sadly, a distant look on her face, and I wonder if she senses things about Damon that everyone else in this pack whispers about behind his back. I pretend not to notice the wolves’ glares and odd looks when standing next to her. They’ve determined she is their future, Luna, making me wonder if the Alpha’s are willfully ignorant of the situation. Which doesn’t make sense, like a lot of the bullshit lies they try to spread about Elle. The more time I spend here, the fewer things make sense.

“Enough of Damon,” Alpha Charles intercedes, trying to change to steer the conversation elsewhere. “Do you have anything else fun planned for your weekend?”

“No,” I say, which is another lie, “I figured Elle and her friends would want to plan their activities. My men and I will just accompany them as protection.” I explain, hoping that it’s enough to satisfy their curiosity. Thankfully, they have no more chances to pry further, three small knocks on the door distracting us from the conversation.

“Come in,” Alpha Charles calls out, and the door opens, revealing the red-haired, green-eyed Elle Davidson. I wouldn’t deny that she is beyond beautiful, but I feel no pull or desire for the young woman standing before me. My wolf detests her presence, but he knows it’s a requirement if we are ever going to accomplish what we set out to do.

“Hello dear,” Luna Olivia says in her sickly sweet voice, “Alpha Jonah is here to talk about your security detail for your birthday weekend. Can you fill him in on the plans you have made for New York?”

“Of course,” Elle says, a tightness to her voice that is almost undetectable unless you’re paying attention. I can tell she feels as annoyed being around me as I do about her. “Let’s go to the library and discuss the plans.”

“It’d be my pleasure,” I say, a grin on my face like I want nothing more. I look to my Gamma, who I know is dying to see his mate, Taylor, who lives here. “Brad, go see Taylor. I know you want to.” Without further prompting, he was out the door and on his way to his mate’s house. The lucky bastard is the first to find his mate of my ranked men.

I follow behind Elle silently as my wolf, Thor, growls menacingly, annoyed by everything she does, causing me to have a severe headache by the time I leave the New Moon pack lands.

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Within minutes we are standing outside large oak double doors. I know the doors lead to the library. I wonder why she brought us here until the door opens, and I see Damon sitting across the room, books piled high around him as his Beta and Gamma flank his sides. The transparency of her actions is almost laughable. She brought me here to make him jealous. Seriously, how could his parents not see the obvious attraction these two have for one another unless they don’t want to? It doesn’t make sense. I listen to Elle, only half paying attention to what she says as my mind wanders to other matters.

“Is there anything you, or your men, would like to do while in the city?” she asks me lightly, touching my arm, and it takes every ounce I have not to recoil in disgust.

“No, this weekend is about you,” I say politely, “my men and I are just there to accompany you and your friends as protection.”

“Thank you,” she says, “I appreciate your protection.” But the warmth of her words does not reach her eyes.

“However, I was able to get box seats for everyone to Friday nights showing of Hamilton,” I add slyly, hoping that Damon hears my words. I have no interest in Elle but will not miss the chance to snub the pup. It’s an Alpha thing that’s hard to explain.

“Are you serious?” Elle asks, her voice rising in excitement, but I can tell she is holding back just in case she misheard what I said.

“As a heart attack,” I retort dryly, not expecting her reaction as she launches into my arms. As soon as our skin connects, a low growl emits from the other side of the room. I don’t need to look to see who the sound belongs to. I already know, and Elle does, too, as she hangs onto me longer than necessary or I want to tolerate.

Damon’s jealousy and possessiveness gets the better of him, and he stomps out of the room, slamming the door behind him. As soon as the latch clicks, Elle pulls herself away from me as she would rather be anywhere other than my arms.

“What’s his deal?” I ask, pretending to be clueless like I don’t know his problem is standing right in front of me.

“Who knows,” she mutters, an annoyed look on her face as she stares longingly at the door Damon just walked through. I can tell she wants to chase after him, and I almost feel bad until I remember the reason I am even in this house in the first place.