Selling Myself To The Alpha
Chapter 159

Liana POV

"How is she doing?" I ask softly and take a seat next to Neal in the waiting room.

"She's alive," he sniffs and wipes his tears. "That's all I know."

"Neal," I reach over and take his hand. "I'm so sorry you're going through this. But don't give up hope, okay?"

"Are you Neal?" Michelle walks over and we both jump up and look eagerly at her.

"Is she okay?" He asks hopefully.

"She will be fine," Michelle smiles. "Her wolf is already helping her to heal, but she'll have some scars. When they patched her up, her wolf was still dormant and whoever did the stitching, didn't spare time for neatness and precision. Other than that, she's physically fine and I don't even have to keep her overnight."

"Thank goddess," Neal sighs relieved and sits down again as if his legs are too weak to carry his weight a moment longer.

"How is Cecilia?" I ask.

"They sedated her with coughing syrup," Michelle says stiffly. "I suspect they did that to keep her calm and quiet and not to harm her. She'll be her old self within an hour or so. I'm a bit concerned about Peter. He's old enough to understand, and he's a little traumatized. Don't be surprised if he starts getting clinging or acting out if you leave the house. My advice is to get him counselling immediately."

"Anything he needs," Neal nods. "As soon as we get home, I'll..."

"You're not going home," I interrupt him firmly. "It's not safe for any of you there right now."

"We're not safe here either," he protests. "The Millers were from this pack. Clear Moon will be a logical place to look for us."

"I never said you're staying here," I smile. "You're going to your parents in Canada."

"I can't," he shakes his head. "I have an obligation to Alpha Adele, and I need to be here."

"Liana's right," Adele chimes in. "Your family needs you."

"What are you doing here?" I ask surprised when I see her and Axel. "Aren't you supposed to be at the meeting?"

"They can't start without us" Axel shrugs. "And we can spare a couple of minutes."

"I couldn't go without knowing that you're all okay," Adele smiles at Neal.

"I'm fine," Neal pulls his shoulders back. "I can work."

"I know you can," Adele smiles gently. "But you shouldn't Gwen and the kids need you more than I do. Take them to your parents and keep them safe. Your position will be waiting for you on your return." "Your plane leaves tonight," Axel hands him the tickets." Rena and Cathy are already packing for you. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," he mumbles flabbergasted and accepts the tickets. "Gwen always does the packing; I would just forget things. Thank you."

"Here's a number of a friend of mine in Toronto," Michelle hands him a card. "He'll refer you to the best child psychologist near you. He's expecting your call."

"Thank you," Neal says emotionally. "All of you."

"We're just relieved that everyone is okay," I hug him tightly.

"I'll see you when you get back," Adele hugs him. "Good luck."

Axel POV

"That went better than expected," Adele whispers once the meeting is over. Everybody is gathering their notes and getting ready to enjoy drinks and dinner to celebrate. "Not a single objection. Not even from Philip." "I wouldn't say that," I mumble as I watch Philip storms over to us.

"You son of a b!tch," he hisses when he is in front of me."

You'll regret this."

"Are you threatening me?" I raise my eyebrows.

"You think you're so clever," he continues as if I have not said a word. "But you're not. My lawyers will fight this, and I will get the money owed to me."

"They can try," I smirk. "But nobody will get past the fact that Moonstone went belly up. You can't take what they don't have. And let's be honest, you helped Moonstone go bankrupt with your so-called claim." "The claim is legal," he insists through a clenched jaw.

"Then why can't I replace the paper trail?" I raise my eyebrows.

"Bring the proof and we can revisit this. Until then, enjoy the snacks."

"Darling," a woman in a bright pink suit joins us. "I brought you a drink."

"Thank you," he smiles at her, and I frown.

There is something familiar about this woman, but I cannot place my finger on it. Her back is partially towards me, and I cannot see her face properly, but her voice. It sounds eerily familiar.

"Axel," Philip has a smug look on his face. "Let me introduce you to my future Luna, Mandy."

"You found your mate?" Adele asks surprised

"I don't believe in fated mates," Philip snorts. "Our goddess has a sick sense of humour, and I don't want to end up with a human or a weak Omega."

I am about to defend Liana when the woman turns to face me, and it is like a bucket of ice is being poured over me when I recognise her.

"You mean Mia," I say stiffly.

"I was born Madeline Phia," she smiles and nestles closer to Philip. "I go by Mandy now. Mia is a name for innocent little girls and doesn't suit my personality any longer."

I do not miss the sting in her words. The message is clear. I stole her innocence.

"You two know each other?" Philip looks agitated.

"We've met once," Mandy smiles sweetly and looks at me.

What's it been, Axel? Twelve years?"

"Not long enough," I grunt and look at Philip. He does not seem happy that I am acquainted with his future Luna. And I bet he is going to hate it when he learns that I deflowered her. But something tells me that I should not worry about that. Mandy has not told him, and I doubt that she will. She is a devious gold-digger and will not jeopardize her change with Philip. "I would love to stay and chat, but we have guests. Best of luck to you."

I take Adele by the elbow and steer her towards the dining room where the guests are waiting.

Adele POV

"What the hell was that all about?" I ask curiously. Axel looks like he is about to spontaneously combust.

"I slept with her," he grunts. "And then she swindled a million out of me. She's bad news and now she teamed up with Philip. It's like paring the devil with a demon. One word-trouble."

Alpha, Rena mind-links me before I can reply to Axel. We're under attack.

What?! I grab Axel's arm and he looks at me questioningly.

By whom?

Instinctively, I look at Philip. He is my first, and only suspect. But he is so intoxicated with Mandy that I cannot tell if he is behind the attack.

I don't know, she replies hastily. But they're coming from all sides. We're trying to push back but they re armed with wolfsbane and silver.

Have they breached our borders? I ask urgently and fear clamps my heart when I think of Luther.

Almost, she admits. It's a matter of time.

Do what you can, we're coming, I respond.

"Moonstone's under attack," I whisper to Axel.

"What the fvck," he growls. "Let's go."

"Axel," I stop him. "We are gathered with all the alphas from all the surrounding packs and were right in the centre. This is not just about the safety and survival of Moonstone, it's about all the alphas. Can you imagine the chaos and devastation if all the alphas are killed?" "All the more reason for us to act fast," he grunts. "Go and lead your pack. I'll inform our guests about the situation.

They need to be aware, and hopefully, they'll get reinforcements to help us. I'll join you the moment I'm done here."

It takes all my self-control to walk and not run as I make my exit. I might be a new alpha, but I have been a fighter all my life and I am dying to rip heads off.

Luther, where are you? I mind-link.

At the school, he replies. Were evacuating the children.

Take them to the factory, I reply as relief washes over me that he is okay. The building is equipped with bomb shelters. I'll send guards to protect them. Please stay with them.

I'll get them to safety, but then I'm going to join the fight, he responds.

No, I reply quickly and realize too late that I might sound condescending.

Please, I need you there, Luther, I explain. I need you to keep them safe and make decisions if necessary.

Okay, he replies. I'll take care of them.

I love you; I sigh relieved when I am outside.

Rena, take the children and elderly to the factory and surround the perimeter with our strongest recruits. I order her and shift. I'm on my way.