My Fated Mate

14. ANNABELL'S WISH

POV (ANNABELL)

He was gone, my brother, my protector, my reason for living.  I sobbed in my hands.  I wanted to blame someone, scream and howl for other wolves to come to my aid.  I would have started a war for him, but no one would ever follow him again.  He had done the unthinkable, he had severed his bond with our family, our pack.  And worst of all he had left me alone with only one thought. "Was he their killer?"  

"I'll kill him!"  Arthur barked, as he began to tear his office to pieces.  Papers, pens, books, even his computer lay in shattered ruins on the floor.  Andrew was sitting in a big black leather chair with his head in his hands as he muttered to himself.  I had never seen him so forlorned.

"I was too hard on him today."  He said, pained.  "I had no idea he had been rejected by his mate." Andrew declared, as he looked to me for answers, but all I could do was stand there and try and asses the damage Alec has caused. 

"She was a f*****g witch Andrew, how the hell is that even possible?"  Arthur barked, as he paced up and down fuming.  It was hard to tell what was upsetting him more.  The fact that Alec had abandoned us, or that he done so after being rejected by the one thing Arthur hated most. The witches.

"I don't know."  Andrew groaned.  "I truly I don't know.  Why did he not say anything?  To any of us!"   

He shouted, as he rubbed his hands over his face.

"I'm going to kill him." 

"No you're not.  Here, come sit down.  All your pacing is giving me a damn headache."  Andrew sighed, as grabbed Arthur by the arm and sternly led him to a chair, yet the moment Arthur was settled he quickly rose again, making Andrew throw his hands up exasperated.

"I should have know."  Arthur said, as he wagged a finger at Andrew.  "We should have all know, that he was too weak to handle things on his own.  But what I can't wrap my head around, is not only has he left the pack but he took it upon himself to take our top warrior, hunter, and my future Gamma with him."  Arthur said, in a voice that was a cross between devastation and pure furry.

It was the big question that hung heavy in the air, like a thick fog, and it was chocking Arthur's patience.  If Alec had just left, we would have been upset, and most likely Arthur would have sent a search party to find him.  We would have believed he just needed time to lick his wounds in isolation and then when he was ready he would return to us.  Yet, by taking important members of the pack it was a clear sign of a rebellion, a dissension, that could break everything around us into little pieces.  He had to of known that.  There was no way he could be this selfish?  Not my Alec. 

"There has to be a reason."   Andrew implored, as he looked to me.  "Annabell, you were there at school today.  Did you see something?  Hear anything?"  Andrew begged.  I heard the mind link before it even started. 

"Please Annabell, I don't know how long I can hold him off."

I flinched at his words and the look Andrew was giving me.  For years I had seen Andrew be cold and distant with Alec.  He never hit him, that was more Arthur's forte.  Yet, when I asked Alec why his brother's treated him this way, he would just shrug his shoulders and say, "They believe I am weak and so I must be."  

What had he meant back then?  Was there an answer there, that I had been too young, and too naive to see?  I could feel my heart being squeezed as I looked at Andrew, whose heart broken eyes were pleading with me for answers and aid.  Yet, try as I might, I could not come up with a reason that would espionage Alec of his wrong doings.  I could blame another member of the group, Richard, perhaps.  Yet, if anything happened to him,  Alec would return and pay his brothers back in blood and all would truly be lost. 

"I...I... I don't know."  I whimpered out, knowing I was failing Alec and I all I could do now was give him more time to run.  The question of him being responsible for my parents death, would have to wait until I knew he was safe and very very far away from the warriors Arthur might send after him.  And even me.

"You see.  She doesn't even know and she follows Alec around like his damn shadow.  Why are we waisting our time here?  We should be out looking for him!  For all of them!" Arthur said, as he pounded his fist on his desk.

"Arthur, you need to calm down."  Andrew said, as he put a hand on Arthur's shoulder, which was quickly pushed away. 

"No, no!  I will not calm down, Andrew!  This is a betrayal that has weakened the very core of everything we have built.  If the neighboring packs hear about this, or even the rogues, do you have any idea what could happen?"  Arthur growled, as he ran his hands through his hair.  

There it was.  The reason no one would ever wish to protect Alec.  Even if I cried and begged and pleaded, for other wolves in the pack to help me, they would refuse to lift a finger to save one that selfishly put their families lives in danger.  I was not even sure if Richard's, Bryan's and Thomas' families would even care to see their sons alive again.  Most likely, the moment they had found out what their son's had done, they probably began to silently morn them like they were dead, but deep down they would be disgusted that their own flesh and blood had humiliated the the pack in such a pervasive way.  As I kept looking from one brother to the next their faces were saying the same thing, "why did he do it?"  And as we grasped for reasons it became harder and harder to settle Arthur's temper, until it exploded.

"Fine, if his wishes to leave the pack then so be it.  He can leave it in a body bag!"

The moment the group of warriors entered the room my heart stopped beating and Andrew gave his brother an alarmed confused look.  The battle was lost and all I could do was postpone it.

"No, you can't!"  I screamed, as I fell to my knees at Arthur's feet, causing the warriors to stiffen.

"Annabell?"  Andrew cried, as he turned a heated gaze to his brother.  "Arthur, stop this foolishness right now and help her up!"  Andrew barked.  "Did you hear me?  Our sister is groveling at your damn feet!"  Yet, Andrew's words could not reach him, for I had done the one thing that I knew would bring him pause.  Arthur was stone still with shock, as he looked down at me, his eyes were a mix of hurt and confusion.  They would never know how much Alec meant to me and if they wished to kill him I would do everything in my power to stop them.  I would sacrifice anyone and anything to keep him safe.  Even, my dignity.

"Please.  Please Arthur, don't kill him!  There has to be a reason.  Alec would never betray you!"  I cried, as I crawled to him on my knees and grabbed at both his legs.  He looked down at me in horror.  

Since before I could remember, the moment I came to live with the Holloway brothers, I was treated as a princess.  Nothing was too good for me.  The finest clothes, food, toys, all was provided before I could even ask for it.  I was taught never to lower myself for anyone, and here I was face down with my nose planted to Arthur's boot.  I could smell his shoe polish and it stung my nose. 

"Arthur!"  Andrew shouted, finally waking him up. 

"Bell!  Stop!  Don't do that.  Don't ever get on your knees.  Even for me."  He said, as he quickly grabbed my shoulders and forced me to stand. 

"Then you wont kill him?" 

"I didn't say that."  Arthur, said as he looked away.  I pulled from him the moment the words left his mouth. 

"Then I will hate you.  I will hate you for the rest of my life!"  I screamed. 

"Annabell, you have to understand."  But I just shook my head at him.  At both of them. 

"No!  If you do this I will... I will run away to!"  It was lie, but I knew it would caused them to freeze, or so I thought.  Suddenly, Arthur reached out and grabbed me so fast I did not even a chance to move.  I felt his big strong arms wrap around me as he growled possessively.  Andrew eyed the warriors and motioned for them to quickly exit.  I heard their shuffled foot steps, and the creak of the door as they left, and breathed a sigh of relief.  It had worked.

"I think we all need to just... take... a...minute."  Andrew said, as he breathed a haggard sigh.  "You especially."  He gritted out, as he looked at Arthur, who still had me in his arms.  I tried to wriggle free from his grip but with every twitch of my body he compressed me more.  He had become my own person straight jacket and my head was so firmly planted to his chest I could now smell his after shave, and hear the erratic pounding of his heart. 

"Now, Annabell."  Andrew began, clearly trying to be the voice of reason in the room.  Being Arthur's Beta that had always been his role, but now it was imperative, for Alec's sake, he do a good job.  "I have lost one brother today, I refuse to loose a sister.  Is that clear Arthur?"  He commanded, making Arthur slowly nod his head.  "Good.  Now, please release her so that the three of us can handled this problem together.  We are all that remains of the Holloway line and I don't want it to fall apart tonight." 

Slowly, I felt Arthur's grip loosen as he carefully removed himself from me.  The moment I was free I took a few steps away from him and began again.  

"I won't let you kill him."  I demanded, causing Arthur to look away.  "I mean it.  I wont."

"Yes. Yes, and I can promise you Bell, I don't want that to happen either."  Andrew said, as he reached out and patted my arm.  "Isn't that right Arthur?  You were kidding when you said you wished to "kill"

 our little brother." 

Yet, Arthur continued to remain silent.  This was not was working.  Arthur was thinking too much and being too quiet, and Andrew did not have to power to stop him.  I could feel it, even Andrew was starting to wonder if his words were reaching Arthur, and making even the slightest of dents. 

"Let me ask you a question Annabell."  Arthur said, as he started to walk towards me.  I felt my mouth go dry.  His voice was too calm.  Alec was running out of time.  "What is the number one rule we have in the BloodMoon Pack?"  I could feel my heart racing, as I swallowed hard and looked to Andrew who just nodded his head. 

"Never show weakness."  Damnit, it was over.

"Thats right, never show weakness."  He said, as he emphasized each word, while he took measured steps past me.  "And when a wolf shows weakness they are seen as what?" 

My lip quivered as my eyes closed, causing a tear to roll down my cheek.  It really was over, all I could do now was hope and wish Alec was far enough away.  

"A traitor."  I painfully sighed out. 

"A traitor, and what do we do with traitors?"  The sudden click of the door locking caused my head to jolt to his direction, and what I saw made the blood in my veins freeze.  Never in my 9 years with him, had I seen Arthur look so imposing.

"Arthur.  You can't be serious."  Andrew said, softly but it was starting to all make sense.  Arthur's silence was not because he was thinking, it was because he was mind linking with someone. 

"I will be ordering the warriors to begin the hunt for Richard, Thomas, Bryan, and Alec.  Effective immediately"  The moment the words left his mouth, I lost control.  The scream that poured from me was something primal as I charged into him.  I slashed, cut, and tore at anything I could get my hands on.  And to my shock, he allowed it.

"I will kill you!  I kill you, before I let you hurt him!"  I screamed, as he continued to accept the onslaught my tiny fists were dishing out.  With each hit I could recall the poundings he gave Alec.  With each s***h of torn fabric, I remembered the times Arthur had held Alec by the scruff of his shirt and shook him like a rag doll, until Alec's shirt was torn, causing him to fall to the ground in a bloody heap.  My sweet, loving, innocent brother who never said anything, but allowed them to deface him verbally and physically, did not deserve this.  I would stop him.  I would hold off the warriors until the very last minute or I would die trying.

"Annabell!"  Andrew shouted, as he raced to pull me off Arthur, but I would not let him.  Suddenly, my fist landed a solid hit to Arthur's right cheek causing me to stop.  I watched Arthur turn his head away and move his tongue around inside his mouth and spit out blood.  My eyes widened in fear, as he roughly took hold of my arm and swung me around so that my back and head slammed into the door behind him.  

"ARTHUR!"  Andrew screamed.  My head began to wobble and I was sure something warm and wet was running down my neck.  I bit my lip to stop my tears and I quickly snarled and glared at him, as Arthur got right in my face. 

"You will accept my decision."  

"I will never accept it!"  I hissed, causing him to slam his hands on either side of me. 

"That was not a request! I am Alpha!" 

"You are not my Alpha!"  I cried, as tears poured from my eyes, yet before I could say anything more I felt my legs give out and I slid down the doorframe all the way to floor, leaving a blood trail behind. 

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"  Andrew yelled, as he pushed Arthur out of the way.  I felt him cradle me in his arms. 

"It was a..."  

"SHUT UP!  I don't want to hear it!"  Andrew yelled, as he quickly picked me up. "Never, touch her again."  Andrew growled, as his eyes glowed.  But before he could leave Arthur grabbed his arm. 

"Where are you taking her?"  Arthur demanded, but Andrew just pulled away from him. 

"Away from you.  Before your temper kills her!"  Arthur took a step back, but Andrew was not done.  "I know you are angry with Alec.  Trust me, I am too.  I can't believe he abandoned us, but before you decided to kill our brother I want you to think on why Bell fought you, an Alpha, with everything she had.  And I want you to remember why Alec deserves to be spared."  

"He deserves nothing."

"Fine, you keep telling yourself that.  All I know, is after today, I am starting to see you have really grown nicely into HIS shoes."  Arthur's eyes flashed red, causing Andrew to let out an angry laugh.  "Yep, he use to look just like that.  Well done, Arthur, you really are now the BloodMoon Packs true Alpha."  Andrew hissed, as he petted my head. "Don't worry Bell, I've got you." 

I heard the door knob click and creak as Andrew opened it.  No, I could not let it end like this.  Athur was going to call the warriors back.  I had to stop him.  I began to squirm in Andrew's arms and  try to turned my head to face Arthur.  The moment our eyes met he looked at me was such shame.  It could work, it had to. 

"Andrew, wait."  I gasped out.  The pain in my head was causing me to feel ill, but I would not give up.

"Bell, we need to get you to the pack hospital.  You hit your head on the metal molding on the door."  Ahh, that was why it had hurt so bad.  I sighed, as I shook my head. 

"No, please.  I have to say something."  Andrew turned back around and let Arthur get a good look at me, and then I reached out a hand to him.  Arthur rushed my side and took my hand. 

"Bell, I am so sorry.  I did not mean to."  But I just shook my head. 

"Please Arthur.  I beg you, grant me this one wish.  Don't go searching for Alec.  I know he will come back to us.  Just wait.  Please, just wait."  

"Bell?  Bell!"  Arthur shouted, as my eyes closed. "I swear....I won't do it.  I will wait until he comes back.  But please, dont do this.  Open your eyes." I felt Arthur squeezing my hand for dear life as Andrew roughly pushed him away.

"You promised.  I expect you to keep it."  Andrew snapped, as he quickly rushed me to the pack hospital.  I smiled to myself, knowing at least for a little while I had gotten my wish and kept him safe.  Yet, there was bound to be another fight another, another heated moment were Arthur, Andrew and I would yell, get hurt and maybe blood would be shed.  It was the Holloway way, I just had never been allowed to be a part of it, until now.

As I lay in that pack hospital bed, with a massive bandage around my head my mind began to wonder what had I missed.  What signs had Alec shown that proved he was capable of being a traitor.  After what had occurred in Arthur's study, it was pretty obvious that all three of us had ignored something big.  A moment, a passing comment, a glance, that proved he was angry and willing to abandon us. 

While I pretended to be unconscious, Arthur and Andrew began to discuss just that.  And, what I was hearing was a chilling first hand look into the lives of the Holloway Brother's.

"You should not have hit him so.  I knew Father did a number on you, which is why I could not bring myself to stop you from taking it out on him.  If only I had stopped you both, none of this would have happened."  Andrew groaned.  It was obvious they were trying to understand what Alec's motivations had been and after much debate they had fallen on blaming each other. 

"You were a child, how were you going to go up against an Alpha?"  Arthur said, in a tone that showed neither remorse or concern, just fact.

"And Alec was not?"  Andrew said, causing Arthur to become tense.  "The way you pounded on him, was no different than the way Father beat on you.  Do you know that?" 

"He was weak, he needed to be strong." 

"Oh please, do you hear yourself?  Are you saying you never wanted to kill the Alpha when he beat you black and blue?" 

"I don't want to talk about it Andrew." 

"I am not going to let you get out of this Arthur.  Alec is gone, do you understand the gravity of that?  Our youngest brother, decided to leave instead of asking either one of us for help.  Not only that, he chose to intentionally weaken the pack.  I don't believe for a second that his actions are just selfish, they are retaliatory."  Arthur, ran his hands through his hair and sighed. 

"Are you saying its my fault?" 

"I am saying we failed him Arthur.  We allowed the abuse we got as kids to dictate the way we raised Alec.  You became Alpha at 16, Alec was only 11 when Father died.  The one thing the Old Man did was not attack Alec like he did us because he was too young.  And I know you resented that."

Arthur rested his back and against the wall of my hospital room and eyed Andrew. 

"And you did not, little brother?" 

"Oh course I did.  Why do you think I verbally attacked him any chance I got.  But you know, the day Annabell came into our lives something changed."  I stiffed on hearing this, and could feel Arthur let out a low growl.

"Are you crazy, she is right there." 

"Blood shall pay in blood."  Andrew said, as he looked over at me.  "Do you know what that means Arthur?"

"Are we seriously doing this right now?" 

"Those were the first words Alec said to Father, that convinced him to let Annabell became our sister." 

"That's not true.  I was the one that got him to agree."  But Andrew just shook his head. 

"Your wrong.  I never had the heart to tell you, but I saw it.  Alec was ten, when he said that, and Father looked at him with such shock that he actually let out a laugh.  Our blood thirsty abusive Father laughed and then he said this.  "It is a shame I have one worthless son, one passive son, and my youngest son already thinks like an Alpha."

"Your lying."  Arthur growled, as he slightly raised his voice.

"I swear to you, I am not."  Arthur looked away, as Andrew continued.  "After that day, Father never touched Alec again and instead he destroyed you.  I still remember the day Father died and you told, now no one will ever hit us again.  The problem is, you were not including Alec when you said that." 

"Are you telling me, I was jealous of my younger brother?" 

"No, I am telling you we need to start thinking about why Richard, Bryan and Thomas left.  I can understand Alec's motivations but I don't get theres.  Unless, we have been missing something that Father saw all those years ago."  Slowly, Andrew pulled out a book.  It was faded and yellowed but it was clearly a children's book. 

"What is that?"  Arthur snapped.  He was clearly upset and it appeared his temper was only about to get more engaged.

"It is called, "The Alpha's Child."  Alec's Mother use to read it to him, when he was a pup.  I only stumbled upon it because I went into his room today, to see if there was some clue as to why he left." 

"Are you saying that is the clue?"  Arthur growled, as Andrew flipped open book.

"Just listen to this and you tell me if its a clue or not."  Andrew said, as he began to read.

The Alpha's Eldest Son began to cry and beg his Father to help him.  Yet, the Alpha was at a loss, how could he save his Eldest Son, his heir.   His son had caused the death of a werewolf child and the rules were clear.  Blood shall pay with blood.  And thus, he would have to sacrifice him.  Suddenly, the Alpha's Youngest Son walked into the room and asked his Father why was his brother crying. 

"Father, why does my Eldest Brother cry?" 

The Alpha sadly said, "He cries because it is all he can do." 

Confused the Youngest Son said, "That can't be true.  My brother is brave, strong and Alpha born.  He can do much more than cry." 

On hearing his Youngest Son's words the Alpha reached down and ask the child a question.

"My Youngest Son, are you willing to stop your brother from crying?" 

The Youngest Son smiled and responded quickly, "I would do anything to help my brother." 

And so, the Alpha did pay in blood, just not the blood the grieving couple wanted. 

"How dare you Alpha!  You have tricked us!"  The couple cried. 

"I gave you a child that bares my blood and have fulfilled my duty to you."  The Alpha said, but as he began to walk away he looked back to see his Youngest Son standing next to the couple, and could not help but feel shame.  For he had sacrificed an innocent child to save a guilty one. 

Yet, to the Alpha's surprise the grieving couple chose to love his Youngest Son and raise him as their own.  But the Alpha could not help but live in constant fear that couple would change their mind and exact their revenge and have blood pay with blood.  

However, as time went on it became clear the Youngest Son was indeed beloved by his new parents and even the rest of the pack chose to adore the boy.  This only mad the Alpha more angry and every time he looked at his Eldest Son he grew to hate him. 

"Why Father, do you hate me so?"  The Eldest Son asked.  

Annoyed the Alpha said, "I have one worthless one and a youngest son that should have been Alpha."  

On hearing his Father's words the Eldest Son became angry and chose to go after his Youngest Brother.  But the Youngest Son, was no longer small or meek.  He was fully grown and Alpha born.  Yet, the Youngest Son never showed this.  He always allowed himself to be humble, yet when his Eldest Brother came forward demanding his life the Youngest Son finally showed his wit. 

"You will be Alpha, not me.  Why do you wish to harm me so?" 

"You are a threat! "  The Eldest Son yelled, but the Youngest Son shook his head. 

"Then I shall leave.  The moment I find my mate, you will never see me again."  The Youngest Son said.

"Very well.  The day you find her is the day you will leave and never come back."  The Eldest Son said. 

As the years went by the Eldest Son and the Youngest son continued to run into each other, but never fought.  And when the Youngest Son found his mate he was true to his world and left the pack.  Yet, what the Eldest Son did not realize is the Youngest Son never said he would leave alone.  Due to the Eldest Son's anger towards the Youngest Son, the pack became divided and so, on the day the Youngest Son left so did they. 

Without his pack the Eldest Son became furious but the Alpha only said. 

"Blood has paid in blood." 

"I don't understand!"  The Eldest Son cried, but the Alpha only leaned back and sighed. 

"You were never meant to be Alpha.  For if your brother had not sacrificed his life, yours would be no more.  It is your fault you lost everything.  Had you not feared my Youngest Son, he could have been your aid.  Instead he has lead you to your ruin." 

Andrew stopped reading and closed the book, as I tried to hold back a gasp.  Arthur was fuming. 

"His mother read him this?"  Arthur said, through gritted teeth, as he clenched and unclenched his fists. 

"She did.  And Alec used this story to convince our Father that letting Bell live with us was the right thing to do.  I also believe that he had every intention of leaving the pack the moment he found his mate.  This is why he is so upset."  Andrew said, as he looked down at the book.

"Fine, I can accept that, but what about Richard, Thomas and Bryan?  Are you telling me they planned on always going with him?" 

"I believe so." 

"You can't be serious Andrew?  They would leave the pack for him?  Alec, the one who gets beaten black and blue, in the warriors ring.  The one doing the omega's job of tagging this weeks kills, is all of a sudden their fearless Alpha.  How the hell am I suppose to believe this drivel?"  Arthur snarled in disbelief. 

"I'm not so sure Alec has been showing us everything in the correct light."  Andrew said, as he bit his lip. 

"Your kidding me right now."  Arthur snarled, as he walked over to Andrew, but the moment he saw Andrew's face he stopped. "Wait, you're serious.  You believe he has been holding back.  Hiding his abilities, but why?"  

"I have a thought.  I think his mother told him to do it.  Why else would she read this to him."  Andrew said, as he tapped the cover of the book.  "She feared for his life.  It makes sense,  we are the children of the first Luna and we are older than Alec.  If I was a mother, and knew my son was more powerful than the first borns, I would tell him never to show it and to be just like the Youngest Son.  Quiet and humble.  I also think you know, deep down, I'm right.  Nine years ago he proved who he was when he went through that green door, when you could not."

"Don't talk about that."  Arthur said, as he turned away.  "I just can't believe this.  You're telling me my top pack warriors left because they know what he is capable of." 

"Why else would Richard turn down being your Gamma."  Andrew said, as he rubbed his forehead and looked at Arthur with serious concern.  "It all fits Arthur.  Richard saying no, Annabell fighting you to the death to protect him, Alec leaving after finding out who his mate is, even the fact that Thomas and Bryan, our top warriors, were always the first to help him up after he would get beat down in the ring, as if they knew he was worthy of their admiration.  The signs have been there all along, we just never cared to see them.  Alec is stronger than either one of us can imagine, and if we don't get things together it wont be neighboring packs coming after our lands, or rogues, it will be Alec's new pack that will take over."

A chill went through the air, as Arthur gripped onto my hospital bed do steady himself.  

"I have to call them back." He muttered.

"What?"  Andrew said. 

"I have to call them back." 

"Who?" 

"The warriors!" Arthur shouted, as his hands began to shake. 

"What are you talking about?  You said you would not go after Alec.  You promised Annabell."  

Arthur bit his lip and shook his head.  "I lied." 

"What?  She reached out to you in her wounded state and you lied to her!"  Andrew shouted, it was clear neither one of them cared that I was in the room anymore. 

"That doesn't matter." 

"Doesn't matter?  You son of a..."  But suddenly Arthur reached out and grabbed Andrew and shook him. 

"If what you said is true.  They wont be able to stop Alec and to keep himself hidden from us, from me, he will kill them or they will desert and become part of his pack.  I have to call them back!"  

Andrew slowly took a step back and shook his head, as the two of them felt four bonds suddenly snap. Arthur stumbled backwards and slide down the wall. 

"I'm too late." Arthur said, as he put his head in his hands, as a stillness took over the room.  We had gotten our answer and it was clear Alec was safe and never coming back.