Chapter 41: Ada's Mate

Ada

“Did you know my Leon?” The woman asks when we finally let go of each other.

“No,” I look at her apologetically. “But I know pain.”

“He was a good boy,” she sniffs. “He didn’t deserve to die like that.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I take her hands. “If there’s anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Who … who are you?” The woman looks at me as if she notices me for the first time.

“Ada from Moon Shadow,” I reply softly.

“Ah, the alpha’s daughter,” the woman nods. “I’m Mary, Leon’s mother. It’s kind of you to come, Ada. Thank you.”

“It’s the least I can do,” I swallow. I do not care if it is true or not, but it is Moon Shadow’s fault that her son died. If Father did not pi$$ off Gregory, none of this would have happened. “My offer stands if you need help. The rogues are a mutual problem.”

“Alpha,” Zoe stands closer. “Your presence is requested in the office.”

“You’re the alpha?” Mary gapes at me.

“Recently appointed,” I smile stiffly. “Please excuse me.”

“Wait,” Mary takes my hand and I look at her. “I will be killed for saying this, but I don’t care anymore. Leon died trying to warn you about the bomb. It wasn’t the rogues, it was Killian.”

“Mary, do you need a safe place to stay?” I ask softly. “I can provide sanctuary.”

“No, thank you, sweetheart,” she smiles. “I’m not leaving my daughter and grandchildren.”

“They can come too,” I say eagerly. I already feel responsible for Leon’s death. I do not want to turn a blind eye to his family’s suffering.

“It’s okay,” she pats my hand. “I promise I will come to you if I ever need to.”

“Okay,” I smile before I turn around and leave.

“Killian has not been taking his eyes off you since you set foot here,” Zoe whispers as we walk to his office. “And I don’t mean lustily.”

“Guess I should be grateful for that,” I grunt. “The last thing I want from that man is desire.”

“I know,” Zoe grins. “But you could’ve used that to your advantage.”

“I’m done playing games, Zoe,” I say firmly. “The way I feel right now, I want to kill him and ask questions later. I’m taking Blake and Reese with me into the office. Please stay on standby if we might need you.”

“Sure thing, Alpha,” she nods.

I concentrate on my breathing to control my anger. I know now that Killian is responsible for the bomb but I still need the evidence. No way am I betraying Mary. She has lost enough. The only thing I cannot figure out is why Killian wants to marry me and at the same time bomb my party. Key elements are missing and I have no idea what it is and where I should start looking.

“Ada,” Killian drools as we enter his office. “Lovely to see you again.”

He walks to me, and I allow him to kiss me on the cheek.

“Hello, Killian,” I smile stiffly. “I would like to introduce alpha Reese and alpha Blake.”

“Please, have a seat,” Killian invites us. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“No, thank you,” I decline. “We’re not staying long.”

“Two alphas,” Killian smiles. “If I knew you were bringing such important guests, I would’ve prepared better.”

“They were so kind to take time off their busy schedules to help us figure out who is responsible for bombing Moon Shadow,” I say as I sit down.

“Bomb?” Killian frowns but I do not miss the stiffening in his shoulders. “I didn’t know …”

“Just stop,” I hold up my hand and interrupt him. “I’m no longer in the mood for this cat-and-mouse game. I know Clyde told you everything. You can stop pretending.”

“Very well,” his face turns hard as he takes a seat opposite from me. “Then I take it’s safe to assume that you haven’t gotten your wolf back and don’t know who your mate is if you still parade around with both of the alphas.”

“I found my mate,” I lie smoothly as I instinctively reach to my right. I turn and look at Reese as he takes my hand. He winks at me before he brings my hand to his lips and gently kisses the back of my hand.

“My apologies,” Killian shifts in his chair. “Clyde failed to mention that part.”

“Oh, he would’ve told you if he weren’t locked up in the dungeon,” I smile modestly.

“Seems I missed a lot lately,” Killian grunts as he drops his pretentious friendly act.

“Indeed,” I nod. “So, I’m here to inform you that I will no longer marry you.”

“It’s not that easy,” Killian smiles slyly. “There was an agreement between alphas. Your father and I came to an understanding, and you have no choice but to oblige.”

“Oh, silly me,” I playfully slap myself on the forehead. “I completely forgot to tell you. My father resigned, he’s no longer alpha and the agreement is off.”

“Your brother is a reasonable man,” Killian sighs as he gets up and pours himself a drink. “I’m sure he’ll agree it’s in the pack’s best interest to continue with the agreement. And I’m certain your mate will understand. And if they don’t, well, then I’ll just sit back and watch the rogues destroy you.”

He lifts his glass in a toast before he takes a sip.

“Let us worry about Gregory,” I smile as I stand up.

“Clyde does have a big mouth,” Killian grunts.

“Goodbye, Killian,” I turn around and Blake and Reese follow.

Killian

I must fight my wolf not to jump up and tear Ada to shreds as they leave. I will make her regret this. She will come crawling back to me and I will have my heir. Ada is beautiful, strong, smart and with alpha blood. She is the perfect surrogate.

That little weasel Clyde has ruined everything with his big mouth. I knew he was not to be trusted, but he was a valuable source of information. Now I am out of information and Ada knows more than she should.

“Alpha,” Milo mind-links me. “You need to make an appearance. We’re waiting at the bar.”

“Fine,” I reply and get up.

The very last thing I want to do is sympathize with Leon’s family. He caused his own death. But I must keep up my caring act. Especially since Ada went all snot and tears with Mary. It would not look so good for me when the neighbouring pack cares more than the alpha.

Mark my words, Clyde will suffer for this, I decide as I walk to the bar. As soon as he does his part, I will have my revenge. He is such a weakling.

And I am not too concerned about Theo stepping down. In fact, that might count in my favour. Tyler is young and wet behind the ears. I will easily convince him to hand Ada over to me. And if he does not, well, then I will simply take her.

It will take a bit more planning now that Clyde cannot plant the bombs anymore. But I am positive I will find a way around it. Maybe I should reach out to Clyde’s mother. She hates Ada even more than Clyde does.

“Has the family arrived yet?” I ask Milo where he is patiently waiting.

“They’re on their way,” he points out to a group.

“Let’s get this over with,” I grunt as I walk into the bar and take a seat close to the counter. It is still relatively quiet as most people are coming and besides a woman at the bar, there is nobody near us.

I wink at Eric to bring us drinks before I turn to Milo.

“Clyde f*cked up,” I grunt. “He got himself locked up but not before he ran his mouth. Ada knows about Gregory.”

“So, she knows,” Milo shrugs. “It doesn’t change our plans. You and Theo still have the agreement.”

“Not anymore,” I ball my fists in anger. “Theo stepped down and Ada just informed me that she found her mate and will no longer marry me.”

“She could be lying about her mate,” Milo frowns. “She’s still limping and is obviously without her wolf.”

“Doubtful,” I keep quiet as Eric serves our drinks and I wait till he is back behind the counter before I continue. “That alpha looked completely besotted over her. If he’s not her mate, I bet he’s f*cking her. No man looks at a woman like that if he’s not getting any.”

“Gregory can rectify that,” Milo smiles mischievously. “Accidents do happen. Even to alphas.”

“That’s an idea,” I say excitedly. “If Gregory doesn’t want to kill him, we can kidn*p him for ransom and blame the rogues.”

“And when Ada brings the ransom, things will go terribly wrong,” Milo chuckles.

“Not just for her and the alpha,” I smirk. “But also, for Gregory.”