Alpha Prime: Her Retribution

Chapter Forty Three

What are you?" I asked, my voice full of suspicion.

Her smile faltered, and she tilted her head to the side.

"Excuse me?" she said, laughing. Jacob came over, stopping beside her.

"Adelaide" I could hear the hint of warning in his voice but I didn't care. There was something strange about her, and I didn't like it one bit. "This is my guest Kamilla, she'll be staying with us..."

"Can I talk to you?" I asked, cutting him off. "Alone," I added, staring at her.

He sighed.

"You can say whatever you want to in front of Kamilla. There are no secrets between her and me." he replied making me raise a brow

Oh, hell no. This man did not just say that to me.

Kamilla elbowed him, shaking her head.

"I'll wait outside." she said to me, smiling, I didn't bother to return the courtesy, watching as she left and closed the door behind her.

"What the hell was that, Adelaide?" He demanded. I glared at him, scoffing.

"I should ask you that. You can say whatever you want in front of Kamilla, there's no secrets between her and I? I am your f*****g mate, you will not talk to me like that." I snapped. "Speaking of which, I don't trust her, there's something about her that is all wrong."

"Oh, really? And you made this discovery within how many seconds of knowing her?"

"She smells wrong. She doesn't even smell like a wolf in any way." I exclaimed.

"Can you hear yourself, Adelaide?” He folded his arms, staring at me. I glared at him.

“I don't trust her and I don't want her here.” I stated. He stepped forward.

“Kamilla has been a guest of this pack for a long time. That will not change because of you.” He replied, his voice quiet with a tone of finality.

The door creaked open and we both turned as Kamilla slipped back inside.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but if Adelaide doesn't want me here, I’ll be more than happy to stay in town.” She offered.

“Absolutely not, you will stay here, just as you always have when you come to Yellowstone.” He cut her off, his tone firm.

I shook my head, glaring at them. It was clear that her scent was all wrong-nothing like a wolf’s. It was unnatural. Turning on my heel, I headed for the door.

“Will you be joining us for dinner?” She asked.

“Unfortunately, I have lost my appetite.” I muttered, not bothering to turn as I walked out of the office.

I stomped up the stairs, slamming my bedroom door shut.

“Eda you scared me!” Delilah exclaimed, wide-eyed, She watched, confused, as I threw my bag onto the chair before sinking into the chair opposite me.

“What do you know about Jacob's guest?” I asked, skipping the pleasantries.

“Kamilla? Oh she's wonderful and really nice, everyone loves her.” She replied, gushing. I rolled my eyes, scoffing at her words.

“Haven't you noticed something strange about her?” I inquired.

“Strange?” she echoed, tilting her head.

“Yes, she smells… off, not like a wolf.” I replied.

Delilah frowned, fiddling with her jacket.

“Maybe there’s something wrong with your sense of smell.”

I raised a brow, her eyes widened as she raised her hands in defence.

“I didn’t mean it like that, I meant… Prime would have noticed if something was off.” she clarified.

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.

“It’s fine, you can go back to what you are doing.” I dismissed her, pulling out my phone to reply to messages, though my mind kept drifting back to Kamilla and her weird scent. Delilah left quietly as I sat there stewing. Something fishy was going on, and I was determined to get to the bottom of it.

With that in mind, I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. Once I was done, I changed into comfortable loungewear, before taking the report from the Registry. I stared at the sealed envelope, debating whether to go to Jacob with it.

Oh, sod off, he is probably looking at Kamilla as if she hung the stars in the sky.

I ripped the seal off and opened the envelope, pulling out the report.

There is no exact origin for the older werewolves listed, we were unable to find any migratory pattern or any birth or death record neither were we able to link them to any found werewolves posters.

Fuck…

I reread the report again, hoping to find something I had missed, anything but it was the same.

“This makes no sense.” I muttered, pacing the length of my room. “They couldn't have just appeared and disappeared into thin air.”

I ran my fingers through my hair, thinking of what other option I had left when knocking on my door made me look up. I walked over and opened it, my sour mood souring further.

“Can I come in?” Kamilla asked, smiling softly. Her scent filled the air-Wrong, unnatural.

I forced a smile, pushing down my Lycan's urge to growl and snap at her.

“Sure.” I stepped aside as she entered, glancing around my room. I took the opportunity to really look at her. Petite, dark skin, large braids framing a heart-shaped face.

“You have lovely taste.” her words brought me back to the present, her eyes were on me.

“I didn't design it.” I replied, bluntly.

“Oh…” She whispered, fidgeting with her hands. I folded my arms, waiting.

“Did you want something? I’m a very busy woman.”

“Actually, I wanted to give you this.” she whispered, stepping forward and producing a small weathered box from her pocket.

“I think we got off on the wrong foot, and I just want you to know that I mean no harm and I would love to be friends.” She said softly, offering the box as a gesture of friendship.

The box looked ancient, and a part of me wanted nothing more than to toss her out of my room with the box. Instead I smiled, taking the box from her.

“Thank you.” The words tasted bitter in my mouth.

Her face lit up with excitement.

“Open it.”

Suppressing a sigh, I lifted the lid.

What the…

I glanced at her before looking back at the golden locket, it was a simple jewellery yet something about it felt… strange, it drew me in.

“Do you like it?” She asked, her eyes bright.

Tears pricked the corners of my eyes and I didn’t know.

It's just a stupid locket Adelaide.

“Y-yes… thank you.” I whispered, turning away to hide my sudden wave of emotion. I cleared my throat. I closed the box and turned to her.

“If that's all, I would like to get back to work.”

“Of course.” She said, leaving. As soon as the door closed, I slumped into my chair,staring at the box/. I opened it again, tracing the floral details of the locket. The tears rushed back and I wiped them away, frustrated.

This isn't normal. Why in Eda's name am I crying?!

I closed the box, opening the drawer and stuffing it inside.

This must be some sort of distraction…

I shook my head, settling down with the report once more.

I had more important things to deal with.

****

THE NEXT DAY

I made my way downstairs to the dining room. the guards opened the doors, and I stiffened at the sight in front of me.

Kamilla was seated next to Jacob, her hand on his as she laughed at something he said. I wrinkled my nose, not liking how her scent seemed to permeate everywhere. She glanced up at me, smiling.

“Oh, Adelaide, good morning. I'm so happy you're here. How did you sleep?” She asked, her full attention on me as I sat down. I ignored Jacob's gaze on me.

“I slept well.” I answered, making myself a cup of coffee.

“We missed you at dinner, I know you said you had lost your appetite but I was hoping you would have regained it” She said, I forced a smile, sipping my coffee before taking a bite of my toast, observing them as they interacted.

“Would you like some more bræw?” She asked him, already pouring more into his goblet.

“If I have anymore, my stomach will probably explode.” He said, making her laugh.

“Nonsense, you can never have too much braew.” she replied. He smiled and took a sip, indulging her. She turned to me, holding up the jug.

“What about you Adelaide, I’m sure the braew has become your new favourite drink since getting here.”

“It tastes like old stinky boots, so no.”

I watched something flicker in her eyes, the light dimming considerably before she smiled once more.

“I guess it is not for everyone, um… Jacob tells me you work at the Consulate, that must be exciting.”

“It is.” I answered, glancing at Jacob who was staring intently at me, I ignored him, turning back to her, deciding to ask her some questions instead.

“So Kamilla, where are you from?" I inquired, she shifted, smiling at me.

"Africa."

I raised my brow at that.

"Where in Africa? I mean it's a large continent, with many countries."

I watched as she swallowed hard, I bit back the smirk threatening to creep onto my lips.

"I'm from West Africa-Nigeria to be precise." she replied, I tilted my head, pursing my lips, letting her stew for a bit before speaking.

"Sarki Lamido is the Nigerian Alpha, is he not?”

She nodded

"Yes"

"He must be a very accommodating Alpha and the African Alpha Prime too. Not every Alpha or Alpha Prime would let a member of their pack fraternise with another Alpha Prime without their knowledge or permission."

I examined my nails before glancing at her. Unease flickered in her eyes.

“Adelaide.” Jacob uttered, the warning clear in his voice. I turned to him.

“What? I’m just trying to get to know our guest.” I said innocently. He glared at me and I smiled before turning back to her, raising a brow as I waited for her to answer.

"W-well I haven't been home in years, I am basically a nomad." she clarified, I made a noise at the back of my throat.

"Of course you are. Anyway, I have to go. This was... nice, we should do this again." I finished my coffee and got to my feet, making my way out of the dining room, not waiting for a reply.

I was almost at the garage door when Jacob caught up with me.

“What was that?!” He demanded.

“What was what?” I asked, turning to him.

“That little stunt you pulled back in the dining room.” He growled. “Kamilla has been nothing but polite and friendly since she got here and all you have done is rebuff her efforts.”

“I didn’t ask her to be polite and friendly, she doesn’t smell like a wolf and that’s enough reason for me not to trust her.” I snapped, he let out a low growl.

“You’re f*****g unbelieveable.”

I ripped my arm out of his grip, not replying to him as I stormed into the garage, getting into my car and slamming the door harder than necessary. I glared at the steering wheel before letting out an angry growl.

Why the f**k do I even care?! It’s not my f*****g continent!!!

I took a deep breath, starting the car and backing out of the garage. As I headed out of Yellowstone, I noticed a group of men with Tony. I had never seen them before. I slowed my car as Tony approached me, the men following him.

“Good morning, Luna Prime.” he greeted me as I rolled the windows down. I was immediately hit by the scent of the men, the same unnatural smell that Kamilla possessed. My eyes caught one who looked odd, even among them.

“Good morning Tony.” I replied, forcing a smile.

“This is our Luna Prime, Luna, these are Kamilla’s men, I’m sure you’ve already met her. She asked about you the moment she got here.” He said, chuckling. One of the men stepped forward, fisting his hand across his chest before bowing.

“It’s an honour to meet you.”

The rest followed suit except the one that odd-looking man, who continued staring at me as if I was a puzzle he was trying to figure out. My lycan growled, not liking how unnerving his stare was. I cleared my throat, tightening my grip on the steering wheel.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you all but I have to go.”

Tony nodded and I stepped on the gas, my eyes flicked to the rear view mirror and the odd looking man was still staring at me, I shivered, before focusing back on the road.

By the time I arrived at the Consulate, my mind was a mess of questions with no answer. I parked and got out, making my way in. My feet automatically took me to Liam’s quarters. I walked in, he was seated, having breakfast.

“Good morning.” He said, sipping his tea.

“Good morning.” I mumbled, sitting across him, stewing in silence as he ate. He took a few bites of his sandwich before sighing.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’re about to explode.”

I bit my lip before getting to my feet, unable to keep still.

“Jacob has guests over and they smell weird.” I stated, he raised a brow.

“Weird as in they have a body odour or what?”

“Weird as in they don’t smell like wolves, they smell off, like when something smells bad and you spray perfume to mask the smell, but it doesn’t work.”

“So they smell bad?” He asked, I groaned, shaking my head.

“No, they don’t smell bad, they just smell off. Like they are trying to hide their real scent but I can still sense some of it.” I explained, he frowned, folding his arms across his chest.

“So what is their real scent?”

I sat back down.

“They smell cold, like ice cold. I don’t know how to explain it but I have never smelt anything like that before.” I whispered.

“Have you told Jacob?” he inquired, I rolled my eyes, feeling my anger flaring up once more as I got to my feet, pacing the length of the room.

“The man hangs on her every word like some lost puppy, it’s absolutely nauseating.” I snapped. “I really don’t even know why I am so worked up, it’s his f*****g continent she’s on, not mine.”

“Maybe because you do care for him.” Liam pointed out, making me scowl at him.

“What? He’s your mate, it’s only natural that you have his best interest in heart.” He said, I paused, noting the pain and longing in his voice. I sat next to him, wrapping my arm around him.

“You’ll find her Lili, I just know it, it might not be now, but you’ll find her and you’ll be happy and I’ll have nieces and nephews to spoil.”

He chuckled, looking down at his fingers.

“With every passing day, I feel like my chances are getting slimmer and slimmer.” He confessed, I ran my fingers through his hair.

“Don’t say that, have faith.” I whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek before swiping the half eaten sausage from his plate.

“Oi! I was saving that for after my sandwich.”

I laughed, moving away.

“Too bad.”

My phone rang, and I walked over to my bag, fishing it out.

“Uncle Pete’s calling.” I said, answering it.

“Hello Uncle Pete.” I greeted, sitting.

“Hello Adelaide, how are you?” He asked.

“I’m well, how are you? And Ridgeway Valley?”

“Everyone is fine.” He replied. “I went down to the vault.”

My heart leapt into my throat,

“Were you able to find anything?” I inquired.

“I couldn’t find his journal and I could have sworn it was there.” He said, I pressed my lips together, feeling discouraged. Another setback.

“However, I found a book where he scribbled some things which completely makes sense.” He continued. I glanced at Liam who was listening to the conversation, thanks to his werewolf hearing.

“What did he scribble?”

“Ingredients to something called Melconite.”

His words hit me like a freight train,

“M-melconite?” I stuttered.

“Yes, I can remember a few days before the m******e, he was actively looking for the ingredients, insisting he had to have it ready before it was too late.”

“W-were you able to find anything else?”

“No, but I’ll keep looking.” He said,

“Please do, thank you.”

I ended the call, staring at the phone.

“Addy, what’s wrong? You look like you saw a ghost. Is this about the melconite? Do you know what it is?” He asked. I swallowed hard and nodded, trying to form the words. My lips parted, but nothing came out.

“Addy, talk to me.” He said, walking over and kneeling in front of me.

“Melconite is a really dangerous drug.” I whispered, “If someone ingests it, it raises the core temperature which can lead to severe complications.”

“How do you know this?” He asked.

“Someone slipped some into my food during dinner with Jacob.” I said, standing as I tried to piece together the connection between my father, the melconite and Jacob.

“WHAT?” He exp;oded, standing abruptly. “Someone tried to kill you and you’re just telling me?!”

I sighed, turning to face him.

“It’s fine Liam.” I whispered, distracted by my thoughts.

Jacob told me the drug was prevalent here and I have never heard of it back home… and what could my father possibly have needed it for so urgently?

“Like hell it is” He growled, storming over to me. “You could have died!”

“But I didn’t alright?!” I snapped, sinking onto his bed and burying my face in my hands.

“I’m sorry for snapping at you” I murmured “it’s just… Uncle Pete said my father was actively searching for the ingredients to make melconite a few days before the m******e and I just… I don’t know what to think about that. There’s so much on my plate and I have never felt this overwhelmed.”

Liam sat beside me, pulling me into his arms.

“It’s going to be okay, we’ll take this one problem at a time.” he reassured me.

I looked up at him, pulling strength from him.

“So… what problem do you want to start with?”

I pursed my lips. The search for the missing wolves had led to nothing but dead ends, as for the melconite, I would need more information from Uncle Pete. That left just one issue…

“Kamilla.”