The Alpha's Slave Mate
Book 2 Chapter 20

Caleb's Point of View

Well, this is turning into such a lovely day, I think to myself sarcastically. I had already been anxiousto see how Daphne was going to react to seeing Alpha Noah today. I had never considered thepossibility that there was any potential for anyone to replace a mate at this meeting. This was not ahuge social gathering, nor a ball.

Now I have a visiting Alpha that thinks Hannah is his mate. I have a ticked off Beta and his mate isacting like an overly ferocious momma bear. My mate is commanding people in a tone that ismaking Alpha’s bend to her will, and I have no idea how she is doing that. I have Hannah that seemsboth terrified and intrigued that Axle has declared she is his mate. Oh, and the really kicker to thewonderful assortment of problems I have a jealous guard, that is also another peculiar wolf. I feel amigraine coming on as I watch Brandon lead an Alpha into the warrior's quarters. This meeting isfalling apart before everyone has even arrived.

"Special meeting now, before anyone else shows up or any more damage is done.” I swiftlycommand my family that is on the front porch. I send Brandon a mind [**k commanding hispresence as soon as he has the Alpha in a room. I lead them quickly into the house and up to myoffice. Wolves have very sensitive hearing, but my office is soundproof. A literal bomb could go offin there and no one would hear it.

The fear and worry in me is turning to rage, and as I stomp into my office, I pick up the mug on mydesk and hurl it at the wall. Watching the ceramic burst into a few shards and dust eased some of it,but also made me want to break more. I noticed everyone was inside except Brandon and the doorwas closed.

"Well, this is a perfect start to this visit.” I know that my voice is loud, and I am growling. “Theo howin the hell could Axle think that Hannah is his mate?” I do not give him time to answer as I continueranting. “She is not even eighteen yet, mates cannot detect each other until they are of age. This ispreposterous and unheard of.” I have been pacing behind my desk and as I turn, I catch sight ofDaphne. “You, and how could you bend the will of an Alpha huh? I am one of the strongest andeven I was compelled to follow your commands. Did you know that you could do that? Is thissomething else you have been keeping from me like your counselor?” Crap I knew I went too farwhen Daphne burst into tears. In fact, looking around the room I could see that my anger hadgotten way out of control.

I allowed my fear for my family and my pack to cloud the way I spoke to the ones I love the most.Daphne is now in tears; Hannah looks ready to burst into tears. Theo is shaking his head at me, andScarlett is glaring at me as if I am the lowest of traitors. Seeing the hurt I have caused them makesme instantly disgusted with myself.

I stop pacing and place both hands on my desk, taking a few deep breaths as I bow my head tothem. “Guys I am sorry. I did not mean to allow my anger to get the best of me.” I look up at each ofthem sincerely apologizing for the way I handled the situation. “The truth is I am scared out of mymind at the moment. No one else knows about our peculiar wolves, and unfortunately there wasenough weird crap that just happened that Alpha Axle or his Beta may start to question things.”Silence hung in the room as my words sank in. I watched Daphne's eyes go wide, Theo took a moredefensive stance in front of Hannah, and Hannah burrowed into Scarlett's side more.

“We have never been in a position like this before. For years Theo and I have concealed theparticular wolves that we have discovered. I never wanted anyone to try to get to them, to use themas weapons, or kill them for sport.” I take a ragged breath knowing that I am being completely openand vulnerable right now. “Theo, do you know of any stories of anyone being able to scent theirmate before that mate was of age?” I am hoping that there can be at least one solution to mycurrent problems.

Before he can speak Brandon quickly enters the room. I signal Daphne to mind I**k him and explainwhat is going on while I concentrate on Theo's answer. “I personally have never heard of ithappening, but that does not mean that it has not. I will get a messenger to the elder council andsee what, or any information I can get dug up.” Par usual Theo already had a plan in place.

"What if I am actually eighteen?” Hannah asks quietly. We all stare at her with questions in our eyes“I was about ten years old when you bought me, but I do not know my real birthday. I have no realmemories of my parents anymore. We celebrate my birthday on the day you guys bought me, butwe do not know the real day.” For a moment I am excited that we may have found at least onesolution.

"Did you feel, or smell anything differently when Axle was lunging for you?” This time it was Daphneasking the question.

“Well, no but that may have been because he caught me off guard and scared me.” Hannah answerstruthfully.

“He acted like an animal, and he does not deserve you.” Brandon piped in.

“Now is not the time for jealousy Brandon we have a serious situation on our hands.” Theo does notmince his words when addressing the soldier.

“Alright so solution one to the issue for now. Everyone is aware that this pack regularly buys slaves.Hannah was a bought slave, so none of our visitors know that she may not be of age since we onlyhave an estimated age. That is how we explain that away. Brandon, you need to keep your attitudein check when addressing the visiting Alphas. It is our duty to care for them while they are here.” Iwatched as once again Daphne started handing out orders and making plans. Everyone wasnodding in agreeance with her words. “Scarlett, Hannah, and I have a spa day tomorrow with theladies if there is one thing that they love it is gossip. We will ensure that everyone knows thatHannah's true age is a mystery even to us.” Hannah and Scarlett nod in unison at her demands.“Theo, I want that messenger sent to the elders tonight, we do not have time to delay. In themeantime, Hannah you are not to be alone with Axle at any given moment, always have one of uswith you.” Daphne turns and flashes a smile at me very pleased with herself, but all it does is remindme of the next issue we have.

"Great we have the Hannah thing covered for now. The next thing we need to discuss is you.” I pointat Daphne, and she looks baffled.

“Daphne out front you managed to command two Alphas, two Betas, and a handful of strongerwarriors. Only Alphas should be able to command their people, and only the strongest of Alphascan use their voice to command other Alphas.” She is looking at me with her big doe eyes and I cansee the wheels turning in her head.

“I got the story for this one. So, Daphne is the daughter of an Alpha, and recently was pregnant. Noone has to know that we have no idea what the sex of the baby was. Therefore, if anyone gets theballs to ask it is simple. She already has Alpha blood in her, mix that with the left-over hormonesfrom losing the pup, and voila Alpha voice command.” Scarlett looks over at Daphne and I knew theapology that was coming. “Daphne I am so sorry that I am suggesting that we use your tragedy toget out of this mess, but Alpha Caleb is right. You should not have been able to command everyonedown there like you did. I think you may have unlocked another peculiar gift.” Scarlett's voice is soft,and I know that she is uncomfortable with using the pup’s death like this.

Daphne shakes her head in agreeance although I can tell that the idea bothers her as well. “Ok weneed to go back out front and put on a face that nothing is wrong. Daphne I am sorry for this love.”She smiles at me and nods. “We also need to be on high alert, and careful. Not everyone cominghere is what I would consider a friend. I do not want to give anyone any ammunition that they canuse against us.” My voice is clear, and my demands have been heard. I look at pride in my littlefamily and I know that together we can make it through anything.

With a sigh I turn and head for the door. Time for the acting to really begin