Chapter17　Lunch with A Monster

Scarlett looked up in shock, never had she felt such power rolling off Elijah as she did just now.

It was like a tidal wave had just hit her with full force, emanating from him in waves. Although her

mind was screaming at her to put some distance between them, her instincts were telling her

differently, she knew from the calmness within her that her wolf felt safe with him too.

She turned her attention back to the monster before her. Zidane Malone — Alpha of the Desert

Storm Pack... the cold-hearted beast who was meant to be her father...

He was the first to look away from Elijah, neither males reigned in their power and it was clear

from the other wolves around Zidane that they were being affected by it.

“Scarlett... it's been years, won't you greet your father?” He said, despite the ever so casual

remark, there was nothing normal about it. His eyes looked murderous and the chilling tone to his

voice screamed danger.

“I don't see anyone around worthy of being called my father... let's cut to the chase, why did

you send your men to track me down?” Scarlett asked, her voice cold but compared to her fathers it

sounded like a welcoming melody.

“You're the future heir of this pack... of course I would come to search for you.” He stepped

closer and Elijah growled warningly.

“You wanted me dead, don't give me this bullshit, cut to it Zidane.” Scarlett spat, not caring for

respect. The other wolves visibly paled seeing her blatant disrespect and Elijah secretly smirked. He

liked her confidence.

Zidane said nothing, eyeing the young woman before him. He did not care for her, he hated

the fact she was not born a male, however he needed to know if the prophecy was correct... Was

there really something special about her? If it was then he would keep her by his side...

“Let's talk over lunch.” He said coldly.

“I wouldn't eat anything served by you.” Scarlett replied, “If we're talking it's here.”

Zidane frowned, his eyes turning a dark forest green and a threatening growl came from his

throat. “Do not push me you little wench, I'm the alpha here. This is my land and if I wanted you

dead you would be dead already.” He hissed.

“We came here, so don't fucking mess around and tell us what you want with her. You're clearly

healthy and young enough to run your pack. What do you really want?" Elijah spoke, his power clear

in his tone. Zidane's dark eyes flashed glaring at him.

“This is between me and her, stay out of it.”

“He's my alpha, he has every right to speak.” Scarlett shot back.

Zidane growled “I'm your Alpha!” He thundered stepping towards her, his claws and canines

elongated. Scarlett smirked bitterly. He was still the psychotic maniac he had always been, simply

hidden behind a mask.

One of the men stepped forward, he seemed familiar but Scarlett couldn't place him.

“Scarlett... I understand you do not wish to be here, however, please listen to the alpha, he only

wishes to talk.” He said, his voice was calm but neither she nor Elijah missed the plea in his eyes.

Zidane's eyes flashed as he turned.

“Never. Interrupt. Me!” He hissed, advancing on the man who had spoken. The man bowed his

head as if he knew what was to come.

“Fine! We'll come.” Scarlett said stopping Zidane in his tracks. A cold smirk crossed his face as

he looked her over then at Elijah.

Without another word he began walking off the way he came. The six wolves waited for Scarlett

and Elijah to begin walking before enclosing them in a semi-circle. Elijah's power making them feel

uncomfortable.

“The man's fucking crazy.’ Elijah’s voice came in her head.

“You haven't seen anything..." Scarlett mind linked back, heaving a sigh. This was going to be a

long day..

Half an hour later Scarlett and Elijah were sat around a large dining table with Zidane and his

Beta Cade in a place that had once been her home. The mansion had not changed too much. She

could see the renovations, the upgrades, but it was still the same hellhole she had grown up in. The

luxurious modern interior was a beautiful mask covering the brutality and horrors that were

committed in these halls.

And it seemed continued to be committed, the Omegas that served lunch were underfed, clear

marks covered their bodies from frequent beatings. It disgusted Scarlett. In their pack Omegas, who

were naturally the weakest of wolves, were still treated with respect. Yes, they worked for the higher

ranked wolves doing the chores and tending to their own fields of crops and produce but they were

paid for their services, involved in all pack events and treated with respect. It was clear things had

gotten worse here. Where her mother used to treat them with kindness despite her father's manic

ways, they were now seemingly treated worse than slaves.

“Thank you.” Scarlett said to the young woman who placed her plate down. Her eyes met

Scarlett’s, the dull grey full of pain and hope. She seemed familiar too... but once again Scarlett

could not put a name to the face. She had buried every memory she had of this place and she felt a

bit guilty for forgetting even those who were innocent.

“Get out!” Zidane hissed throwing his steak knife at her, Scarlett caught it between two fingers,

her eyes flashing. The young she-wolf scurried from the room in fear.

“If you want me to listen you will not abuse anyone in my presence.” She hissed placing the

knife down. Elijah watched her a feeling of dread filling him, he knew Scarlett enough to know she

would not be able to turn a blind eye on this...

“This is my pack wench.” Zidane said his murderous eyes set on Scarlett. Cade watched the

exchange; curiosity clear in his eyes.

“I didn't say it wasn't.” She shot back. Elijah placed a hand on her thigh, stroking it gently trying

to calm her. So far, she had not displayed her alpha aura, something he wanted to keep up. He was

sure if Zidane knew there was something special about Scarlett, he would not let her leave so

quickly.

“What did you want to see her for? We're here... so tell us.” Elijah said as Zidane began helping

himself to some steak and potatoes. The rest followed suit; the food came from the same platter, so

they trusted it enough. Although Elijah sniffed it before eating.

“You are my heir like I said, I think you should at least get to know your pack. One day this will

be yours, it is all I want. I send this useless piece of trash to get you but clearly he wasn't able to

bring you back.” Zidane spat glaring at Cade.

“I apologise for my uselessness Alpha.” Cade said bowing his head.

“There's a lot more going on here than I was expecting...” Elijah mind linked Scarlett.

“I know..." She replied, this was her birth right... A pack that was being abused... Was it not her

duty to protect them? With the growing guilt consuming her, she ate little. It was tense at the table,

with only Zidane seeming to enjoy his meal.

When they had finished Scarlett looked up at him. “If you want me to get to know your pack,

then I will stay for a short time but I have no interest in being your heir.” She said, making Elijah look

at her sharply. Zidane smirked coldly.

“We'll discuss that later, Cade show them to their rooms. You will stay as my guests.” He said,

his eyes glinting coldly. He stood and left the room suddenly. Elijah looked at Scarlett wondering

what she wanted to do.

“We'll talk later..." Scarlett mind linked. Elijah gave a curt nod. Cade stood up glancing around.

“I'll show you to your rooms... I appreciate you coming here, but you shouldn't have...” He

murmured, Scarlett frowned.

“You're the one who showed up and told me he was looking for me.” She said as she and Elijah

fell in step with Cade.

“Yeah... I didn't know the reason then...” He muttered.

“Did you not pass my message on?" Elijah asked, Cade, frowned.

“No... or your pack would have been dead by now.” He said, Elijah glared at him.

“Don’t underestimate us.” He said coldly. Cade sighed.

“Care to share the reason he wants me here?” Scarlett asked. Cade looked down at her thinking

how she grew up into a gorgeous woman...

Elijah frowned, not missing the way Cade’s eyes did a quick trail over her body.

“I can't... you can stay in this room Scarlett and the alpha can have the room next-"

“We'll share.” Elijah said making Scarlett blush, his hand snaking around her waist possessively.

Cade raised an eyebrow.

“You two... together?”

“Isn't that obvious.” Elijah growled, making Scarlett's heart skip a beat. Her core throbbing

when he pulled her against him. “She's mine.”

“Right...” Cade said, thinking he was an alpha, once his mate came along he would not look at

her twice...

“Thank you for showing us to a room... care to show us around later? I did say I'll stay around

to get to know the pack...” Scarlett said, not missing the tension between the males.

“Sure, it's good to see you again Scarlett...” Cade said looking into her green eyes, wondering if

she remembered anything from their childhood together.

“Hm...” Scarlett said, she could not say the same. Being back here threw her brain into turmoil

and she did not feel at ease. “How come you're the Beta already?”

Cade frowned. “My father's dead.” He said curtly, his clipped tone emphasising he did not want

to talk anymore. Scarlett nodded and stepped into the room. Elijah shut it in Cade’s face, turning the

key in the lock. Although he knew it would not really hold anyone out if they wanted to enter.

He turned running a hand through his hair. “We really didn't think this-"

He was cut off when Scarlett pulled him down into a passionate kiss. Her heart was pounding,

her mind a mess but one thing was clear - she was relieved to have him by her side. He lifted her by

the ass pushing her up against the wall, his body moulded against hers deepening the kiss. Their

tongues fought for control as her moans continued driving him crazy, she tugged at his hair kissing

him roughly. She could feel the cut in his lip still there, his hot breath making her core throb at the

way his lips dominated hers. His hands slipped under her top grabbing her breasts, making her

pussy throb. He twisted her hardened nipples, the scent of her arousal filled the air. His own hard-

on straining against his pants.

He felt her hands fumbling with his shirt and he stopped, letting go of her breasts. He took

hold of her wrists gently yet firmly, concern clear in his eyes as he searched hers.

“Hey...” He said pressing his forehead to hers, he knew she was trying to get her mind off

everything but as hard as it was refusing her, he did not want their first time together to be marred

by this location and the turmoil that rested upon her shoulders.

“What, no longer want me?” She said frowning, he sighed.

“You know that's not the case... but I dont want to take advantage of the situation.” He

grunted, hating to admit that. Her eyes widened in shock, her lips curling into a smirk.

“Aww, I never knew Alpha Lijah Wijah could be soooo cute.” She said now tugging at his

cheeks, he glared at her.

“Don't call me that shit, come on I'm serious.” He said, thinking he was already trampling on his

own pride here. She smiled and locked her arms around his shoulders, burying her head in his neck

whilst inhaling his intoxicating scent.

“I love how you're so considerate... even when I don't say anything.” She whispered so softly he

just about heard. He wrapped his arms around her tighter, holding her close. He kissed the top of

her head, inhaling her hair and feeling it calm him.

There was a knock on the door and Scarlett sighed dropping her legs and letting go of Elijah,

he did not let her go though

“Red...”

“Mm.” She said.

“We'll figure this shit out.” He said. She smiled and nodded feeling a little calmer. Right now,

she had no idea what she was going to do but with him by her side, they would surely figure

something out...

He let go of her reluctantly, adjusting his pants, although it did little to hide his hardened dick

as he walked to the door, pulling it open he saw it was the man who had spoken in the clearing

earlier. He lowered his head, showing respect to an Alpha as one would.

“Can I help you...?" Elijah asked.

“Alaric sir, one of the betas.” Alaric said. Elijah frowned, it wasn't common to have more than

one beta but then again, this pack was huge.

“What do you want?"

“The Alpha requests your presence alone, Alpha Elijah.” He said politely. Elijah frowned, was it a

ploy to get him away from Scarlett?

“Why?” He asked sharply.

“Go... I'll be fine.” Scarlett said then mind linked him “I'll keep the mind link open.’

“Fine...lead the way.” Elijah said. Turning to Scarlett he took her chin, placing a rough hot kiss

on her lips before stepping away. Alaric watched them curiously, it was clear they were not mated...

He bowed his head to both before motioning for Elijah to follow him.

“This better be important.” He said.

“The Alpha simply wanted to give you a welcoming gift, as he would provide to all visiting

alphas..."

Elijah raised an eyebrow as Alaric led them up a flight of stairs, before opening a door.

The room was dimly lit, the curtains were drawn but one could see it was a glamorously

decorated room. His eyes fell to the large circular bed in the centre of the room, three women in

risqué lingerie lay upon it.

Tangled together sensually, their hands all over each other's bodies. Their eyes fixed on Elijah,

the scent of their arousal mixed with expensive perfume and a drug that was strong enough to

intoxicate a werewolf hung strongly in the air. The perfect mix of smells that would tempt any wolf -

mated or not...

The door slammed shut behind him, the haze of the drug getting to him.

“Welcome Alpha.” One of them said with her tone seductive, her alluring eyes meeting Elijah's

startled blue ones..00000000