Chapter 31: Ada's Mate

Ada

I pull my ponytail tight and take a step back from the mirror to get the full picture. Perfect, I smile. The only thing that spoils my warrior training outfit, is the boot. But I am so determined to execute my plan, that it does not even matter.

I quickly send a text to Zoe warning her not to say a word to my father about my conversation with Gregory and ask her to carry the message over to Blake, Cooper and Reese. I pick up my cane and go downstairs for breakfast.

“Good morning,” I say friendly as I take my seat but Dad does not even look my way and I sigh internally. He is obviously still upset about last night. Well then, time to rattle his cage and make him talk to me.

“So, Dad, when is Tyler taking over as alpha?” I ask as I reach for a piece of toast. A deafening silence fills the room and everybody stops eating. Except for Father.

Dad starts choking on his food and Margo the maggot is instantly on her feet and starts slapping him on the back. Dad shoves her away and reaches for his juice which he finishes with one gulp.

“What the hell has gotten into you?” Dad bellows. “Was last night’s display of disrespect not enough for you?”

“I was merely asking a question, Father,” I shrug. “I wasn’t being disrespectful. You’re fifty and Tyler is twenty-three. It’s the usual age when the alpha starts training his successor, is it not?”

“Well … uhm, yes,” Dad replies as he looks down at his plate. “But that is a conversation between me and Tyler. Not the entire household.”

“My apologies,” I smile sweetly. “I wasn’t aware that it’s a private matter.”

“Are you going to train?” Father frowns.

“Yes,” I confirm. “But don’t worry, I won’t overdo it. I cannot neglect my duties any longer. Oh, and before I forget. We’re leaving for the funeral tomorrow at nine if that’s in order with you?”

“Yes,” he nods. “The plan is still in motion.”

“Thanks,” I smile before taking a bite of scrambled eggs.

“What happened with the rogues last night?” Father asks brusquely. “You didn’t report back last night.”

“Sorry, Father,” I look at him. “I was so tired that I went straight to bed. The dinner went smoothly. They didn’t accept our offer of clothing, but they did enjoy the meal. Gregory is a pleasant man when he doesn’t kill people.”

“Gregory?” Dad frowns and I look at him with renewed interest. Why do I get the feeling that Father knows him?

“The leader,” I answer. “Have you heard of him?”

“No,” Dad shakes his head. “It’s just strange to finally add a name to the menace.”

“Understandable,” I shrug, but I do not believe him. “Anyway, it’s going to take more than one meal to gain his trust and get information from him.”

“Just be careful, okay?” Father smiles at me and places his hand on mine.

“Always,” I return his smile as I get up and kiss him on the cheek. “Please excuse me, I’m going to check on Clyde.”

“What?” Margo explodes and gives me a death glare. “You stay away from him, you hear me? You’ve done enough.”

“Father,” I cross my arms as I stare at Margo. “Would you please be so kind as to inform aunt Margo that it is my duty as the lead warrior to check on everyone residing in the dungeon? And since I am no longer on sick leave, I’m only doing my job.”

“She’s right, Margo,” Father sighs. “Please don’t make things more unpleasant.”

“This isn’t right, Theo,” Margo starts crying. “It’s because of her that he’s in there. Now you’re humiliating him further by making her his keeper.”

“No, Margo,” Father says patiently. “It’s because of his big mouth that he’s in there. He endangered the pack when he blabbed his mouth and needs to learn from his mistake.”

“This is not fair,” Margo sobs as she jumps up and rushes out of the room.

“Well, then,” I shrug and turn around to leave.

“Ada,” Dad calls me back. “Take someone with you.”

My first instinct is to protest, but I bite my tongue. I have just salvaged my relationship with him, I do not want to ruin it again. I quickly scan the people at the table and then an idea hits me.

“Come on, Zayne,” I wave him over.

“What about me?” Zoe asks surprised.

“Enjoy your time with your mate,” I wink at her. “This is only a mindless errand.”

Zayne quickly gets up and scurries after me.

“Why did you pick me?” He looks at me flabbergasted. “I’m not a warrior.”

“You’re nineteen, Zayne,” I hook my arm around his. “It’s time you man up and learn. Father is taking his sweet time with Tyler, can you imagine how much longer he’s going to take with you?”

“But I’m not going to be the alpha,” he protests. “I don’t need …”

“No,” I stand still and turn to him. “Listen to me, you might not be next in line for Alpha, but you are in the line. We have survived an explosion and numerous rogue attacks. What do you think is going to happen if something happens to Dad and Tyler?”

“I … I will become Alpha,” his eyes go wide when the realisation sets in.

“Exactly,” I nod and start walking again, pulling him with me. “You know I love Father, but I feel that he’s taking too long to train Tyler. So, I’m going to train you secretly. Are you up for it?”

“Yes, but what do you know about being alpha?” He frowns.

“Dear goddess,” I roll my eyes. “Zayne, who has been accompanying Father to his meetings?”

“You,” he replies.

“Precisely,” I smile. “There is nothing I don’t know about this pack. What Dad didn’t teach me, I figured out in my free time. I might not be eligible as Alpha, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about the pack and you.”

“Ada,” Zayne stops and I turn to face him. “Thank you. You’re the first person that sees me as more than the baby of the household.”

“Hey,” I place my hands on his shoulders. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. Father is still pretty comfortable in the Alpha’s seat and I don’t think he’s willing to step down soon. He’s not treating you like a boy because he doesn’t see potential in you. He does the same thing with Tyler. Father isn’t ready to let go of his title. Without his title, he will just be a retired widower and that scares him.”

“Did he tell you so?” Zayne asks softly.

“Yes,” I lie smoothly. Zayne needs this boost of confidence more than the truth. Besides, I am not really lying. I honestly believe what I told him. Remaining alpha, makes Father feel needed and important. “But please, promise me you won’t tell anybody that I’m training you. Not even Tyler. You know Father would put a stop to it once he realizes what I’m doing.”

“I promise,” he smiles brightly at me.

“Good,” I take his hand. “Now, let me show you how to deal with an obnoxious cousin.”

**

“Are you bored yet?” I ask as we stand in front of Clyde’s cell.

“F*ck off, Ada,” Clyde hisses as he lies on his bed with a book.

“In a minute,” I smirk. “Can I get you anything? An extra blanket? Some poison?”

“I’m ignoring you,” he shouts without taking his eyes off the book.

“Okay,” I shrug. “Any messages for Killian?”

Clyde only turns the page and keeps reading.

“Maybe for Gregory?” I ask and satisfaction fills me when he suddenly drops the book at looks at me.

“Thought so,” I laugh heartedly. “He’s really a nice guy once you get to know him.”

“You’re bluffing,” Clyde snorts. “You only heard his name; you haven’t met him. Because if you have, you would’ve been dead.”

“Oh, he’s still going to kill me,” I smile. “But only after I hand him the Omega that impersonated me.”

Clyde’s blood drains from his face and I know I hit the mark once again. This f*cker got an Omega to run around with my clothes.

“You need some sun, cousin,” I taunt him as I turn away. “You look a little pale.”

“Ada!” He calls after me, but I keep on walking.

“Ada, come back here,” he shouts.

“How do you know all these things?” Zayne whispers as we leave the dungeon.

“Lesson one, brother, know how to bluff,” I smile. “Especially when you deal with idi*ts.”

“We should tell Tyler,” Zayne says excitedly. “This is a breakthrough.”

“No,” I say urgently. “You’re not to tell anybody what you just heard; you understand? Not a soul.”

“But …”

“Zayne,” I say firmly. “If there’s one thing that’s vital to your training, it would be to keep information to yourself. I took a wild guess about the Omega, and it paid off. But we don’t know who she is. This happened a year ago. For all we know, she’s not even working for us anymore. We have no proof and no leads. What if it’s the chef’s daughter? Or Tara’s cousin? It could literally be anyone. If word gets out that we know, they might warn the Omega and then we’ll never find her. I can trust you with this information. Nobody will expect you to know anything.”

“So, you’re using me and not training me?” His voice is filled with hurt.

“I am training you,” I insist. “And I will never use you. I will ask for your help when I need it. You’re not a pawn in a game of chess. You’re my brother. Dad isn’t objective when it comes to Clyde because he’s blood. Dad will start training Tyler and I don’t want to put more stress on him. You need training, and that’s what I’m going to do. Today’s lesson is about trust and learning when to disclose information. I’m not asking you to keep a dark and dirty secret. We will tell Tyler about this, but only when the time is right.”

“Okay,” he nods. “I get it. Don’t approach the alpha with half-truths or incomplete information.”

“You’re a fast study, brother,” I compliment him as I throw my arm around his neck. “Now, as a reward, I will show you how to p*ss off aunt Margo.”