The Alpha's Guardian

"Wade..." I whisper, feeling awful

"Why?" he asks, removing my hand from his knee and standing.

"To protect you," I answer honestly.

"From Alpha Liam?" he turns back, looking at me confused.

"What does Liam have to do with this?" I ask, confused, following his movement.

"Everything!" He screams. "I am so angry and jealous every time I think about him touching you, you meeting with him, especially after everything that happened last night."

I get that laughing right now is a poor choice, but I can't help it as laughter bubbles up in and breaks through. I laugh at how cute Wade looks when he is jealous and the absurdity of where we are right now.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Here he is thinking I am lying to him about meeting Liam and here I am worried he is going to find out that I was talking to the rogues. It hits me like a cool glass of water. Shit, I am going to have to tell him about my meeting with Simon and the meeting Corbin wants. My laughter dies down quickly as I look at a very handsome and confused Wade.

"I was not meeting Alpha Liam." I offer him an encouraging smile.

He scoffs and shuffles his foot along the floor. Crossing over, I take his face in my hands so he will look at me and know the truth in my eyes.

"Wade. I was not meeting with Alpha Liam."

"Then who were you meeting?" He asks, his eyes stern as he reaches up and removes my hands from his face.

"Simon." I breathe. "I was meeting Simon."

"The Rogue kings Beta? That Simon?" his eyes wide.

"Yes," I answer back, standing my ground.

I know lying to him about it, or more like, keeping it from him might have been wrong, but I did what I thought was necessary and I won't be sorry for doing everything I can to keep him safe.

"Why?" he asks, exasperated.

"They said they had information for me."

I can tell he is mad again as he crosses his arms across his chest.

"And?"

"And Corbin wants a meeting with you and the committee members."

"No! That's a terrible idea. He asked me to help him take down the committee and now he wants a meeting? It's a trap."

"Wade, Alphas, and their guardians are going missing."

"I know! Kane just informed me. I'm the only one that is still around. And you want me to meet with the only likely source who openly admitted to me wanting to take down the committee? The last Alpha on the list AND the committee in one place? And you don't think that screams set up?" "I see your point, yes..." But I know more than he does.

I trust Corbin, I don't know why and I can't explain it but even as a child the whole situation surrounding him and the loss of my family never felt right. Like the pieces of the puzzles were shoved together and never actually matched.

"But you still think it's a good idea?"

"Sometimes when you don't know where the predator is you have to draw them out."

"So I'm bait, along with the committee, then?" he asks.

"That's the gist of it, yes."

"And what if something happens?"

"I won't let anything happen to you," I assure him.

"Not me, Ali! The committee," he says, flabbergasted.

"Right, well, I misunderstood that question." I have to admit, he is really the only person I am concerned with. "Each committee member has their own guardian for these types of things. Not in the same magnitude as we are bonded, but they have protection." "And you trust the rogues?" he asks, trying to read my face.

"No, but I trust they aren't stupid enough to hurt you." "And why is that?"

I can't tell him that Corbin is my uncle. That hurting Wade hurts me, and I don't think Corbin would let anything terrible happen to me. That will call into question my loyalty. If the Committee questions me, I must tell the truth. And the committee won't like my answer. My loyalty lies with Wade over the committee. And that's not because of the bond.

The slamming of the front door draws our attention. Liam's booming voice carries all the way up and through my closed bedroom door. Wade is on his feet in seconds and already descending the stairs when I make it to the landing. The sound of breaking glass crashes while we listen to Francis trying to diffuse the situation. I halt right behind Wade as he observes. I must not have told Wade about my experience watching Liam do a partial shift because he looks surprised by Liam's appearance.

Liams once smooth olive skin tone has elongated into a small snarly snout with tufts of brown fur. His eyes are black and his muscles are protruding from his t-shirt. He swings his eyes to Wade and releases a menacing growl as he grounds his feet, looking to take charge. No matter what happens, Wade is getting injured here. I can tell his leg is acting up, I could feel it knocking on his barrier. He was trying too hard to keep intact.

I step in front of Wade, my hands up in a nonthreatening manner. I have already defeated him in the shape once today, but I am not sure I want a second go around. Not when we already have so much other shit that needs tending to.

"Liam," I say calmly. "You need to be reasonable. You are a guest here. If you attack the alpha, you will be charged and put to death." I say. He huffs angrily, clawing at his head.

"He keeps taking what is mine!" He howls, his voice is deep and gruff.

"Let's talk about it. Ok?"

He nods slightly and tosses a menacing scowl to Wade and Francis, who both are still in shock.

"Let's go to Alpha Wade's office and the four of us can have a chat," I say, reaching out.

Wade reaches out to grab me in a warning and Liam growls angrily charging for Wade. Tossing me to the side. His hand goes around Wade's throat, pushing him up off the ground as he brings his snout to Wade's ear. My throat aches and my air supply dwindles. I look at Francis, who helps me up.

Wade glances in my direction, and then the next moment he punches the side of Liam's elbow, causing a sickening sound as the bone snaps. Liam drops Wade and howls in pain. And Wade leans close and whispers something back. I try to use my excellent hearing skills, but they fall short as the room rings and spins as air rushes back into my body.

"Ali," Francis says, giving my cheek a little slap.

"Slap me again, Francis. I dare you." I scowl at him, regaining my bearings. Francis smirks at me.

"I think you are ok, just a little brain damage." He winks.

"A*****e." I chuckle and make my way to the two alphas, who are now staring each other down.

"Alpha Liam. I am assuming it upset you to lose a pack member?" Wade says calmly.

"You stole her!" he accuses.

"You were going to take her wolf! I didn't have to steal her, she came running." Wade says, enjoying the reaction from Liam.

"And what about my mate?" Liam asks, clutching his arms tight. "If you were man enough, she wouldn't need to be here, and she would be mine."

"Nah, I think she would come running too." Wade retorts. Liam growls angrily, partially shifting again, and I sigh, annoyed. Alphas and their damn egos.

"Oh, nice, very helpful Alpha Wade," I say sarcastically.

I turn to Liam and sigh.

"Alpha Liam, she left your pack of her own accord. She is officially under Alpha Wade's protection and, therefore, mine. I suggest you don't hassle pack members. Now go get your elbow sorted."

Liam nods, going back to his human form, and stalks to the door.

"Enjoy her while she is forced to be by your side. The moment she is free, she will come running for me." He says, and he slams the door.