Alpha Prime: Her Retribution

Chapter Nineteen

“And this?” Delilah raised a picture of a blonde haired, hazel eyed middle aged man.

“That's Alpha Benjamin.” I answered, she nodded. “His Luna is Elizabeth Gonzales. He has two daughters, Isabella and Camila.” I continued.

“Great.” She lifted another picture. We were in my bedroom, she was currently quizzing me on the Alphas that were attending the banquet.

“That's Alpha Helena Banks.” I replied. “Her partner is Sebastian Micheals. They don't have any children.”

“Anything else?” She asked, I furrowed my brows, frowning.

“No.”

“She's expecting.” She replied. I let out a groan, flopping down on the bed.

“Ugh, why can't they just all wear name tags?” I asked, staring up at the ceiling. She giggled, placing the pictures aside.

“That's a really great idea.”

My phone rang, I rolled over and grabbed it.

It was Liam

“Hello”

“Hey, how are you? I didn't hear from you last night.” He inquired.

“I'm fine, I'm sorry I totally forgot.” I replied.

“Oh, no worries then. I just wanted to let you know we got an invite for a banquet being held in your honour.”

I shot up so fast Delilah looked up, a worried expression on her face.

“What? What did you just say?”

“An invite to a banquet from Mont Blanc.”

“Hang on Liam.” I whispered, turning to Delilah.

“Have the invites for the banquets been sent out?”

“Yeah? Prime had them sent out this morning.” She replied.

Oh that asshole.

“Can I see a copy of the invite?”

She pulled out her phone and handed it to me. It was an elegant black card with a gold design.

It is with great honour that the Alpha Prime cordially invites you to the banquet in honour of his Luna Prime.

“Has Magnus seen it?” I asked, nerves churning in my stomach. I got to my feet, running my fingers through my hair.

“Yeah, he called me to his office and asked me about it. He asked me if it had anything to do with you being here.” He explained.

Oh God, this can't be happening.

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him it wasn't my story to tell.”

I closed my eyes. Somehow the gravity of the banquet hadn't resonated with me until now. I had been dead to the world for years and tomorrow, everyone would know that my death had been faked and that I was mated to the man who had killed my family. The thought left me feeling sick to my stomach.

“Adelaide? Are you there?” He asked.

“Y-yeah… I… uh, I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow right?”

“Yes, definitely.” He replied.

“Okay, thank you.”

The call ended and I sat back down.

“Are you okay?” She inquired.

“No, not really.” I mumbled. “What's next for the banquet?”

“Well I've covered everything, so you've got nothing to worry about.” She replied.

“Oh Eda, Delilah, you're a lifesaver.”

She smiled.

“Do you want to continue?” She raised the photos, making me scowl.

“I don't have a choice do I?”

“No, not really.”

*******

I was struggling through the swamp, grunting as I waded through the murky water when I felt something grab onto my leg. I tried to move but found it impossible to. Gritting my teeth, reaching my hand into the disgusting smelly water, feeling around until I grabbed what was preventing me from moving.

A strangled gasp escaped my lips and I threw the decomposing hand away.

“Oh Eda!!!” I cried out, looking down at the sea of rotten flesh around me. I froze, hearing a hoarse groan behind me. Swallowing hard and pushing down the sliver of fear that coursed through me. I turned around but was met with nothing.

“This isn't real Adelaide… this isn't real” I whispered over and over.

“Traitor…” the voice hissed into my ear making me spin to my left.

“What happened to avenging Silverstone?!” It hissed again, I whirled to my right, completely overtaken my fear. I needed to get out of the swamp but something grabbed at my clothes, dragging me back. I looked back to see a rotting arm attached to an equally rotting body.

A scream escaped my lips and I looked around wildly for a weapon.

“Oh Eda” the swamp had turned into a sea of dismembered decomposing body parts.

“You abandoned us Adelaide.”

The rotting human being rose from the sea, eyes glaring at me. I knew that distinct black hair.

“P-papa…. No… I….”

“We sacrificed our lives to save you and this is how you repay us?” I spun to see my mother, devoid of an eye, a large insect crawling out of the socket and going through a part of her skull where a chunk of flesh and fallen off.

“No… please just listen…” I choked out.

“You agree to be the Luna of the man who killed me, your mate.” Harry rose on my left, a gaping hole where his heart and guts were meant to be.

“Betrayer!!!” Several more pack members rose from the sea of dead bodies, crowding me. The stench of death and rotten flesh was unbearable, it was stifling and overwhelming.

“No!!!” I cried.

“Traitor!!!”

“Hypocrite!!!”

“Deceiver!!!”

Their voices drowned out mine as they grabbed my arms, pulling and tugging.

“Someone help!!! Please help!!!” I cried out as my head was pushed into the swamp, I thrashed against the hands, watching in horror as bodies swam up to my face, screaming and screeching in my ears.

My lungs burned with the urgent need to breath but they didn't let up, their voices a defeaning madness. I closed my eyes, trying hard to stay alive.

A gasp escaped my lips as I sat up, my heart beating wildly. I looked around the room, expecting to see myself surrounded by the bodies of the Silverstone but I was met with an empty room.

It was just a nightmare… yet I could still smell the rot in the air, the taste of the swamp on my tongue. My stomach rolled and I scrambled out of bed, rushing to the bathroom, I barely reached the toilet seat before my body forced me to expel the contents of my stomach into the toilet bowl.

The sound of me retching filled the toilet, my stomach muscles clenching and unclenching. I threw up until there was nothing left in my stomach. My throat burning, raw and sore. I sat on the floor, eyes closed, breathing hard.

I lifted myself from the floor, switching on the tap and splashing water on my face before rinsing my mouth. I tried to regulate my heart beat and breathing. Once it was under control, I made my way back into my room.

I pulled on the robe over my sleeping gown and headed out of my room, down the stairs to the ground floor where the kitchen was located. I flicked on the switch, light flooding the kitchen.

I opened the fridge, grabbing the carton of milk. Placing it on the counter, I looked through several cabinets until I found a small frying pan, sugar and vanilla extract. Turning on the stove, I placed the frying pan on it, my actions mechanical, having made warm milk more times than I could count.

Once the milk was ready, I got a mug and poured the milk in. I sat on a stool, letting the heat of the mug warm my cold palms. I stared at the contents of the mug, taking small sips. My mind still traumatised by the nightmare I had.

I finished up the warm milk and did the dishes before heading back to my room. I glanced at the bed knowing I was definitely not going to get any sleep tonight. Even with the warm milk, my body was too tense to sleep, so I curled up on the couch, staring through the open window at the moon.

********* ********** **********

“Good morning Ms Adelaide” Delilah said, walking into my room, stopping when she saw me curled up on the sofa.

“Oh Eda! Are you okay? You look like you didn't get any wink of sleep!!” She cried out, coming over to me.

“I'm fine.” I whispered, moving away as she tried to place the back of her hand on my forehead.

“Are you sure? You look like you're about to drop dead.”

“It's nothing, I'm just a bit nervous.” I replied, getting to my feet.

“Well do you want me to run you a bath?”

I blanched at the thought of been surrounded by water.

“No, I'll just take a shower.” I replied, walking into the bathroom and closing the door behind me. I didn't need to look at the mirror to know that I looked like s**t. I undressed and stepped into the shower, turning on the water and letting it wash away all the stress.

30 minutes later, I walked back into my room. Delilah had made my bed and was waiting.

“Would you like to have your breakfast here?” She inquired.

“Yes please.” I replied, not ready to face him. She nodded and left the room while I got dressed. Tonight was going to be the banquet and I dreaded it. It was only going to bring up so many questions that I didn't have answers to.

Deciding to distract myself, I checked on the email from Magnus. It was about six pages long and if there was anything I hated, it was reading on my phone. Dialling Liam's number, I waited for him to answer.

“Adelaide, good morning.”

“Good morning Liam, I need a favour.” I replied.

“Sure, what do you need?”

“Can you get me a laptop? I'm trying to read the email Magnus sent me and you know how much I hate reading on my phone.” I explained making him chuckle.

“Yeah I know, don't worry. I'll bring it over when Magnus and I come for the banquet. Speaking of which… How are you feeling about it?”

Like a bloody traitor.

“Nervous, everything's going to change after the banquet.” I replied.

“Don't worry Adelaide, whatever happens, I'll always be by your side.” He replied, assuring me.

“Thank you Liam.”

“Stop thanking me Adelaide, we're family, we stick up for eachother. I've got to go, Magnus’ taking me suit shopping.”

“Alright then, have fun. See you tonight.”

I ended the call just as Delilah walked in followed by a maid who bowed and placed the tray on the table. The maid left and I made myself a cup of tea, taking a sip and letting out a sigh.

“So, all the preparations for the banquet is ready. I took a few pictures and videos of the hall.” She handed me her phone and I swiped through the pictures and videos.

“This is amazing Delilah.” I praised. She smiled sweetly.

“I can't take all the credit, mum did most of the heavy lifting.” She replied.

Hmmm… I guess Ivanka isn't so bad.

“That's kind of her.”

“Oh, she also insists on sending a professional hair and makeup team to do your makeup.”

My smile soured at that.

Goddess damn it Ivanka!!!

********* ********* **********

I watched as the makeup artist applied the finishing touches to my face. She took a step back, a satisfied smile on her lips. The day had unfortunately flown by and the time for the banquet neared.

“You look amazing.” She whispered, her assistant and the hair technician nodding in agreement. They moved aside and I stared at myself in the mirror, lips parted in shock.

For a second, I didn't recognise myself. My splotchy pale complexion and dark circles were gone. The makeup was perfect, the dark red lipstick did wonders for my lips. Smokey eye shadow, wing eyeliner made my eyes pop out, the upswept contour highlighting my cheekbones. She had filled in my brows, all in all, I looked and felt fierce. My hair was in a slicked back bun that complimented my makeup.

I looked at the makeup artist in awe.

“Thank you.” I whispered. She beamed at me, bowing.

“It's the least I could do for our Luna, we should get you into your dress.”

I got to my feet, watching as they brought over the dress I had chosen. It was a beautiful black ruffle off shoulder collar dress with a corset bodice and a thigh high front slit. They helped me into the dress, zipping me up. I slipped into the high heels before putting on the emerald green jewellery set.

The door opened and Delilah rushed in, all dressed.

“I'm sorry I'm l…” She trailed off as I turned to her. Her lips parted, eyes wide.

“Oh Eda… Ms Adelaide, you look amazing.” She whispered, coming to stand in front of me. I smiled at her, she was dressed in one of the dresses she had chosen from our shopping trip.

“You look amazing too Delilah.” I replied.

“Prime is waiting for you downstairs.” She stated. I nodded, turning my attention to the ladies.

“Once again, I would like to thank you for your services.” I said before heading out. I paused, placing a hand on my stomach, closing my eyes.

You are Adelaide Silverstone, daughter of Charles and Rose Silverstone. Alpha Prime of the European continent. You will not be intimidated by anyone.

I repeated the mantra over and over until I felt the wave of nerves disappear. I pulled my shoulders back, straightened my spine and made my way downstairs.

He was standing in the hall, dressed in a black suit, leaning against the wall. His eyes moved to mine as I got to the ground floor. He pushed himself off the wall, approaching me. I stood my ground, looking up at him.

“You truly are a sight, Adelaide.” He uttered, taking his time to look me over. I could see the desire evident in his eyes.

“Too bad I can't say the same for you.” I replied, giving him a saccharine smile. He smirked, offering me his arm.

“Shall we?” He asked.

“Why ask as if I have a choice in this?”

He reached over, his finger tracing my jawline.

“Because pet, it makes this more fun for me.” He whispered.

Asshole.

“Knowing that every decision you make is against what you heart desires and there is nothing you or anyone can do about it. I hold all the cards in this game Adelaide.”

I stamped down the rage, instead smirked back at him.

“You know what they say Jacob, pride comes before a fall.” I replied, placing my hand in the crook of his elbow. We headed out to his car, opening the door, he stood aside.

“Ladies first.”

“If one were to see you they would actually think you were a gentleman, but you and I both know your heart is as tainted as that of a viper's which when you think about is actually so apt concerning the vehicle you drive.” I said, gesturing to the car. His eyes darkened and he stepped closer until I was in-between him and the open door.

“You have a smart mouth pet, it would be a shame if we missed the banquet because I decided to put your mouth to much better and pleasurable use.”

“You wouldn't dare!!!”

“Try me.”

I glared at him before getting into the car, he shut the door before rounding and getting in. The car purred to life and he pulled away from the house. I stared at the passing houses and cottages, my leg bouncing slightly.

“Nervous?”

I glanced at him, one hand was on the steering wheel while the other one was on the arm rest. I let out a scoff, rolling my eyes.

“Hardly.”

He chuckled, driving past the pack square, we came to a stop in front of a building. He got out of the car, without waiting for him, I opened the door and stepped out. He handed the keys to a guard who bowed before offering me his arm. I took it and let him lead me up the steps, through the large open doors down the long elegant pathway that was adorned with tent style drapery and an exquisite crystal chandelier.

I could hear soft classical music coming from the doors in front of us. He brought us to a stop in front of the doors.

“I trust you to behave like a Luna befitting an Alpha Prime of my station.”

“Why don't you give me a dagger and I'll show you just how befitting I am in that role.” I replied, staring at the door.

I could hear the music reducing as someone cleared their throat.

“Presenting the arrival of Alpha Prime Jacob Mont Blanc and his Luna Prime….”

The doors opened and we stepped into the room.

“... Adelaide Silverstone.”

The room and music stopped, it was as if time had stopped at that moment. Everyone stood frozen as Jacob and I stood at the top of the short flight of stairs. I swallowed hard, keeping my eyes on our seats which were all the way at the other side of the hall.

Jacob moved, forcing me to walk. We made our way down the stairs, down the walkway. I could feel several eyes on me. I couldn’t even blame them, I had been dead to the world for nine years and for them to see me here, it was definitely shocking. We got to the raised platform and Jacob helped me up the short flight of steps to the table where Tony, the advisors and their mates were all standing.

He pulled my chair out and I stood in front of it, he did the same before looking across the stunned standing audience. We sat at the same time and for a second, everyone else except the Advisors and Tony who had also settled, remained standing as if they still couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Jacob raised a brow, staring at everyone, his glare seemed to snap them out of their stupor and they quickly sat, the music resumed.

I looked around for Liam and Magnus, ignoring the eyes on me, until I found them seated at a table with a middle aged woman and two girls who I guessed were Magnus’ daughters due to their resemblance. Liam smiled at me, I smiled back, relieved that they had made it. Magnus on the other avoided my eyes and I knew I owed him an explanation for this.

“Prime, Luna?”

I turned to see a man standing behind us, smiling and bowing to us.

“David, what is the matter?” Jacob inquired.

“Nothing, my Prime. I would just like to introduce myself to our Luna before the festivities get underway.” He explained, turning to me. “I'm David Stanley, one of the Prime's advisors. I would like to formally welcome you to our continent and our pack.”

“Thank you Mr Stanley, that is very kind of you and it's wonderful to meet you too.” I replied, forcing a smile. He gestured for his mate.

“This is my mate Abigail, I'm sure you two would make wonderful friends.”

I highly doubt it

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Luna” She bowed. I smiled at her. I watched as they returned back to their seats. Almost immediately another man and a woman stood, coming over to us.

“My Prime, my Luna.” They greeted, bowing. The man turned to me. “My name is Ben Curtis and this is my mate, Serenity Curtis. Welcome to our pack. I'm the Prime's advisor on Financial and economic matters.”

Once they were done, they went back to their seats. Finally a reedy man stood up, adjusting his suit before approaching us, his lips pulled in a stiff smile.

“So, this is our infamous Luna.” He began, something about his tone didn't sit well with me.

“Oh yes, and who are you meant to be?” I inquired, making sure my voice sounded as bored as possible, inwardly smirking at the way his eyes darkened at the insult.

“I am Christopher Caldwell, Jacob Mont Blanc's advisor on security and defence.” He uttered just as Olivia walked up to him.

“Daddy!!!”

Well that explains where she got the insufferable attitude from.

“I'm sure you've met my daughter, Olivia Caldwell. She and Jacob have been very close friends for ages.”

And how is that my business?!

“Yes I have.” I replied, knowing they were waiting for me to say more but I turned my attention to Jacob, leaning over and placing a hand on his arm just to spite the f*****g brat.

“What about Ivanka and Delilah?”

I really didn't care about Ivanka but I was willing to do anything to show the two annoying fools that they were of no importance to me.

“They are seated over there.” He said, pointing over at a table at the right. Delilah caught my eyes and waved, I waved back at her noticing from the corner of my eyes as Christopher and his daughter walked back to their seats.

Better.

I relaxed into my seat when Jacob stood up. I frowned, wondering what he was about to do. His actions caught the attention of everyone, he turned to me and I narrowed my eyes at the glint in his eyes.

What the f**k are you up to?!

He offered me his hand, I glared at him before taking it and standing up.

“I would like to thank everyone present for attending this banquet in honour of my mate and Luna, Adelaide Silverstone.” He began. I gritted my teeth hating every moment of it. “I'm not one for long speeches so I will make this short by presenting my Luna with a gift.”

Wait… what gift?!

My brows knitted together as he pulled out the same black slim box he had gotten from the jewellery shop. I stared at it, glancing at him. The glint in his eyes was almost feral as he opened it.

That bastard!!!

I felt raw hot anger consume me all the way from the depth of my stomach, spreading through my entire body as I stared at the necklace contained in the box, my eyes on the pendant which had been made out of the bullet I had shot him with. He lifted it up, showing it off to the crowd while keeping his eyes on me.

Keep calm Adelaide, you can't attack him here, he is trying to get a reaction out of you. Don't let the bastard win.

Willing all the self restraint I had no idea I possessed, I smiled though I was sure it looked more like a grimace.

“It's lovely.”

His grin widened.

“Then you wouldn't mind me putting it on you.”

His reply made my blood boil but I forced myself to nod, turning my back to him. He unhooked the necklace, slipping it into his pocket before placing the new one around my neck.

“How does it feel to wear a mark of your failure?” He whispered against the shell of my ear. I closed my eyes, trying to fight the rage that was threatening to explode. “Anytime you look at yourself in the mirror, you'll see the necklace and remember that you failed to kill me and you're stuck with me for the rest of your life.”

He stepped back and I turned to face him, wanting nothing more than to stab him with the wine glass. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

“I think this is the perfect time to meet your subjects.” He suggested, guiding me down the raised platform, several Alphas approached us and I found myself surrounded, everyone eager to meet me.