The Shadow Alpha

I sat at my desk going through a stack of paperwork that had been awaiting my attention for a while now, with everything that went on, I didn’t have much time to deal with internal pack issues and they have been piling up.

Red was nowhere in sight, last I saw him was when he was flying around the pack house earlier, scoping out the area, but he hasn't made an appearance since. The packs seemed to have taken to the little creature just as I have and many didn’t even bother to question his sudden presence. My thoughts were cut short by a knock on my door and Ronaldo, the head prison guard walked in. “Good evening Alpha Allison.” He greeted with a curt nod and grim look on his face.

“Good evening Ronaldo, can I help you with anything?” I questioned him directly, the look on his face told me that he was not here for a friendly chat.

He sighed heavily and removed the beret from his head, “Alpha I have come to tell you that Mrs Summers has passed away.” The news came so suddenly that I was shocked by it. I stood from my chair and went to stand in front of him.

"How?" I narrowed my eyes at him, the wolfsbane was to immobilise her wolf, it was not enough to kill her.

“Silver poisoning.” He stated emotionlessly and I gestured for him to follow me as I made my way to the prison cells

“How in the world did she get hold of silver!” This wasn't making any sense, who could have given her silver or perhaps poisoned her on purpose?

“I am not sure; we found a vial in her hand. We also found letters in her cell, one addressed to you and one to Alpha Devin. Alpha Devin was the last person to visit Mrs Summers before leaving a few days ago.” He notified me.

Devin... I sighed

How is he going to take this?

"Have her body taken to the Infirmary and get a post mortem done. I want statements from all the guards and prisoners around her, perhaps they saw something.” I ordered and with a curt nod he walked off to do as he was told.

“Where is Austin Summers?” I asked one of the guards inside the prison.

“Good evening Alpha, Mr Summers is being detained in the interrogation room.” I didn't bother asking why; instead I walked to the door and nodded at the guard to open the door.

"Austin Summers. Not so high and mighty are you now?” the man didn’t look up to meet my eye, I could see how the months between four walls had changed him physically and emotionally. He was no longer the smug, overly confident narcissist that he usually was, his muscular form was now replaced by sagging skin and a bony frame.

"What do you want?” he asked hoarsely.

“I want to know how April managed to get a vial of Silver to kill herself with.” I sat down on the chair and watched his reaction, but he had none.

“How should I know? I haven't seen her since we were thrown in this God forsaken place.” He glared at me, finally looking me in the eye.

"Austin, you had everything, but still you were greedy for more. You ruined thousands of lives and killed countless more. You deserve to rot in this “God forsaken” place.” I put him in the picture and all he did was scoff.

"Why did you let me live?” I wondered aloud, the question I had asked myself this question hundreds of times and not one answer I came up with made any sense.

He smirked evilly and dare I say it looked even sicker with his current appearance. “Wouldn't you like to know?” I scoffed and shook my head.

"Of course, you're still the same slimy spineless jerk that you always were. Old habits die hard I guess. What did I expect? Why would you tell me why you never killed me or why you did any of this.” I stood up to leave, just as I was about to buzz myself out his voice sounded behind me.

“You were weak.” I spun on my heels, but made no move to get closer to him. “All of you were weak!" his fists were clenched on the steel table and his glare was focussed on the metal that held his wrists together. “My mate, your parents... You.” he looked up to meet my eye with a heated look in his own,

“She was a liability, I needed her to give me an heir and she did her job; I thought that he would grow up to be a leader, but all he is, is a good for nothing coward. I should have expected that, that good for nothing rogue would double cross me.” He snarled at the realisation that he wasn't quite as close to the top as he thought.

“We could have been the best; it was my mistake for thinking Asher would be smart enough to join forces with me. He was going to expose me so I had to get rid of him and what better way to cover it up by blaming you? I still get chills when I think about how well my plan worked.” My jaw was shut tight as I held myself from attacking him.

"Your brother was more of a decent fit than my good for nothing son or your father ever was.” he stated with a shake of his head, “I guess it was my fault, I could have had you on my side, we could have ruled together, had I thought of a different plan to kill your parents.”

This man is certifiably crazy I thought with disbelief.

“I would never join forces with the likes of you, not thirteen years ago, not now, not ever!” I growled and buzzed myself out of the room.

I have my answers now. I shuddered thinking about what he said.

"You're not relieved.’ Shadow observed and I smiled to myself.

'I found my closure a long time ago. His answers were to satisfy my curiosity.’

“Alpha?” a guard called out to me and held out the folded papers to me. I grasped the pages, wondering what she could possibly have needed to say to me in a letter.

“Thank you, Tim. Has everything been settled now?” he nodded with a slight smile.

“Yes Alpha Allison, the body has been taken to the pack infirmary and the cell was cleaned out after the necessary evidence was collected.” He informed and I patted his shoulder commendably. “Good. Have you all had dinner?” the man shook his head and I frowned. “I will see to it that everyone gets their meal, have everyone who is off duty sent home and get Summers back into his cell.” he replied affirmatively and I stepped past him to exit the prison, but froze in my position when I saw Oliver's large frame slumped against the wall outside the last cell

“Oliver.’ I called and he jumped up in fright, under different circumstances I would have laughed, but I could not bring myself to do so at this point. He wasn't asleep, but his attention had been solely focussed on the occupant of the cell. His head snapped up as I walked forward to where he was. He didn't say a word as he watched me come closer to where he now stood tall, his body was tensed and his stance angled protectively blocking my view of the girl inside.

I mean no harm.’ I spoke in mind link, not wanting to wake Yasmin. I needed to speak to him without her distraction. I stepped past him to where I had a view of the tiny body curled up on the floor of the cell, she looked fragile. The tear stains on her cheeks were a tell-tale sign that she didn't belong in that position. Oliver's tension never eased as he turned to face me and stepped slightly in front of me, blocking the girl while still maintaining his respect for me as his Alpha.

“Can I help you, Alpha?" he questioned tensely and I smiled slightly, his tone was a stark contrast to the sweet one he used on me earlier.

“Is she your mate?” I questioned with a curious look in his direction and he nodded.

Yes. Yes, she is my mate.’ He said softly, sadness and guilt dripping from his tone, his eyes dropped from mine and travelled to her.

“How didn't you feel the bond?’ I questioned, bemused and he sighed.

“Her wolf is weak, very weak. I had never spoken to her or come in contact with her before. Today when you tackled her, I felt angry, it was the first time I had felt any connection to her. I didn't realise it till I held onto her arm before Taylor could lock her up. The connection feels weak, because of her wolf's condition. I feel helpless Allison, she won't talk to me and my wolf has been agitated since we found out. She finally fell asleep after silently crying for hours." He sighed miserably, “I just don't know what to do. She hates me, she'll never trust me. I can't help her if she won't let Me." he muttered and my heart hurt for him.

Despite what almost happened between us, he was a friend, he always had my best interests at heart and now it was my turn to return the favour.

“I didn’t want to do this Oliver, she has been through a lot and it's natural to be upset with the world, but she forced my hand. It's a matter of my respect, my integrity as an Alpha was in question. She had to be taught a lesson, she forced my hand; it will make her a better Alpha too." I reasoned and he nodded in agreement.

“I understand why you did it Allison, I don't blame you.” He assured me with a slight smile.

“Be patient with her Oliver and don't give up on her, she needs you more than she will ever let on. Death affects people in different ways; she has been thrust into this unfamiliar position so suddenly after everything that has occurred, she is overwhelmed. I will have her released tomorrow morning and do what I can to help her let you in, but Oliver, it won't be easy. She is insecure and that's a dangerous thing.’ He nodded in agreement and a determined look crossed his face.

“She is my mate; I will fight for her till the day I die. I am ready to do anything Allison." He affirmed and I smiled proudly.

“Good.’ I said and turned to leave, but was stopped by his voice in my head.

“Allison... I'm sorry." I knew why he was apologising, but he didn't realise that he had no reason to apologise.

“No. Thank you Oliver, for making me smile when I thought I couldn't. You will be an incredible mate and I promise one day Yasmin will see that too. I wish you both everything of the best in your love. I sent him one last smile before making my way out.