Alpha Ch. 06

"I believe that you believe that," Drago's voice was monotone.

Lothair looked down with a sigh, "That's all I can ask for I suppose."

"How long?" Drago asked. "How long does she have?"

"A week at most," Lothair's voice cracked. "They say this last part is very peaceful, she won't even know what is happening."

"I'm glad. So how long does that give me?"

"A year maybe? It differs from case to case. No longer than a year."

"Lothair, you have always been good to my family. For your sake, I will not tell anyone about what she did. Make her comfortable, there was a time we were all friends."

Lothair stood too and Lucius joined them. Holding out his hand Lothair waited until Drago finally took it.

"Childhood days were simpler."

"France was simpler."

"Back when all the decisions were our parents and all we had to worry about was what wine to drink," Lothair managed a sad smile. His amber eyes were filled with tears and he placed his free hand over Drago's. "What happened to those children?"

"We grew up. Anything you need, you come to me."

Drago still felt numb but a slight tug in his stomach showed that he still cared for the man in front of him.

"My door is always open Drago."

Drago and Lucius left the office and joining the rest of the Council they left the house. They were silent as they rode back to the house and when they entered Drago moved through to his study and shut the door.

Moving slowly, he walked to his desk and with shaking hands pulled a cigarette from the pack inside his jacket and lit it. He poured a drink and gulped it down before refilling the glass. For a moment he did nothing. Something was welling up inside him and he couldn't help but laugh.

"I was close," he drank. His hand was shaking so much that the liquid spilled out of the glass as he tried to fill it again. "I nearly had it."

He looked up at the oil painting of him and his parents on the wall of the study. Staring into his parents eyes he felt the madness clawing its way up his throat.

"You would have been proud." He stripped his jacket off, unbuttoned his waistcoat and yanked his tie loose. "I had a life. I was building your business and there was a girl, this perfect girl."

Once again, he drained his glass.

"I was so close!" This time it was a roar and he threw the glass at the wall. It shattered and with one hand he grabbed the edge of the desk and sent it flying. "I did everything right!"

"Alpha?"

The door opened and his Council came in. Drago turned to them with a crazed smile twisting his face.

"It's almost fucking funny isn't it boys?" He took a deep drag on his cigarette. "After everything I've ever done in my life this is the time I get punished. I did everything right with her. I finally found the one girl that would make me forget everything that's happened, every last shitty thing I've done. I did everything right!"

"Alpha." Anton started but Drago seemed not to hear him.

"She loves me. She loves me more than fucking anything. I could have spent eternity with her but I have a year. A fucking year!"

"We'll find a way. We can stop this." Rueben looked around as though hoping for back up.

"I promised I would never leave her." Drago dropped the cigarette on the floor and crushed it under his heel. "It's not fair is it boys? After everything she's been through, everyone she's lost and now I'm leaving her too. It's not fucking fair!"

He threw the chair. It followed the direction of his glass and shattered against the wall. He felt his nails growing into claws and his teeth cut his lower lip as they sharpened into fangs. He spun round and drove his fist into the wall. His Council watched on in horror. All except Lucius, his face was blank and he stared through his Alpha as though he wasn't there.

"Fuck!" Drago dropped his head back and roared at the ceiling. "I was so fucking close!"

Lucius finally broke ranks and walked to Drago. Without a word he pulled his oldest friend to him and together the two men sank to their knees. Drago was trembling but his hands clutched at Lucius's jacket and a guttural cry wrenched from his chest.

The Council looked on as their leader realised the enormity of what was happening. In that moment they all made a silent pact that they would stop the Sickness.

*

Ealasaid, Nix and Elena sat around a table in Elena's new apartment. Ealasaid had her feet resting on Nix's lap and each woman held a glass of wine. The table was littered with food containers and empty bottles.

"So what do you think?" Nix asked and Ealasaid looked over her shoulder. Her back was once again covered but there was a pleasant heat coming from her left shoulder blade.

"I love it. Thank you so much. Do you think Drago will be pleased?"

"Of course, he will!" Nix turned to Elena. "And, Jaylon will love yours. I can't believe it finally happened."

Elena blushed and looked into her glass. Her cheeks were already warm, she had never drank alcohol before.

"I'm afraid," she couldn't help the words tumbling from her mouth and looked up at Ealasaid and Nix. "I've never felt anything like this. What if it doesn't work. What if he's not what I think he is?"

"Sweetheart," Nix was smiling as she spoke and Ealasaid couldn't help her own smile. She had heard that tone before when Nix had reassured her about Drago. "I have known that boy since he was a pup. I have never seen him give a shit about anyone besides his family. He feels the pull with you, there is nothing more to it."

"I just..." Elena started but Nix cut her off.

"Can you see yourself with him? A future?"

"Yes."

"The mating pull is never one way. Either you both feel it or it isn't real. That man will lay his life down for you without you ever having to ask. He will put you before himself without thinking. You are lucky to have a man like him."

"I am."

Nix kissed the woman's cheek, "Welcome to the family kid. I'm happy to have you."

"You seem to pick up a lot of strays," Ealasaid couldn't help but laugh as she refilled her glass.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Nix held her own glass out. "The strays always turn out to be the best."

"I'll drink to that." Ealasaid raised her glass.

From outside the three women heard footsteps climbing the stairs then a gentle knock on the door. Elena felt a heat radiate through her stomach and her cheeks burned hotter as the other two women giggled.

"Go answer the door." Nix said between laughs.

"Can't keep your man waiting." Ealasaid tapped Elena's ass as she stood.

Elena stuck her tongue out at them but couldn't help the smile as she walked to the door. She struggled slightly with the lock, her vision was slightly blurred from the alcohol and when she finally managed to open the door she froze.

The feeling hit her and she felt a clench low in her stomach. Her breath stuck in her throat and she couldn't find any words.

"Will it always be like this?"

The thought ran through her head and her stomach lurched again. Jaylon smiled and hooked his finger under her chin. Leaning down he kissed her before speaking softly against her lips.

"Hi baby." His voice was a deep growl and she shivered.

"Hi."

From behind her she heard Ealasaid and Nix stand and come towards them.

"We're going to leave you two alone," Nix was giggling. She kissed Jaylon and then Elena on the cheek.

"Behave." Ealasaid hugged Elena. "Don't do anything I wouldn't."

"That give us a lot of choice." Jaylon said with a smirk.

Ealasaid swatted at him but he caught her wrist and pulled her to his chest. Kissing her forehead, he hugged her tightly.

"Good to have you back Little One."

She smiled and followed Nix down the stairs. Outside two cars were waiting. Corban waved from one and Nix hugged her tightly.

"If you need anything, anything, you come to me okay? I have seen what that place can do to a person. I can't watch it again."

"Thank you." Ealasaid pulled back with a smile. "But I'm really alright. I promise."

"If you're sure." Nix grinned. "Still weird hearing you with that accent."

"It's weird for me too. I hid it for so long."

"I like it. It suits you." Nix blew a kiss and headed for the car. "We'll see you soon."

Ealasaid waved before climbing into the second car. Drago reached out and took her hand bringing it to his lips to kiss her knuckles.

"I missed you."

She rolled her eyes. "I wasn't even gone a day."

She leant over to him. Kissing him she ran her fingers through his loose hair.

"I don't care." He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. "I miss you whenever you're not with me."

Ealasaid rolled her eyes. "Soppy bastard."

Drago allowed his hands to wander over her back. She shifted, her hips pressing closer and she leant down to kiss him. Her fingers threaded through his hair and she stroked his cheek with a thumb.

Ealasaid stared intently into his eyes and she saw a flash of mischief there. She sighed and pushed herself away from him.

"What have you done?"

He laughed and shrugged a shoulder, "Nothing."

"You have, I can see it."

He tipped her off his lap and started the car, "You'll see."

She rolled her eyes and fastened her seatbelt as Drago pulled out of the car park. She stared out of the window. Drago glanced over at her; her face was serious and her eyes darted back and forth as the scenery passed by.

Worry started to creep into his gut. He started to doubt his plan and forced himself to stare back at the road. Ealasaid wasn't like other girls he had known through his life. She was independent, fiery and completely unimpressed with his money. What if she didn't like what he was planning to do?

As the thoughts raced through his head, he felt her hand slide into his and she linked their fingers together. Her thumb traced patterns absentmindedly over his skin as she continued to stare out of the window. Slowly he moved their hands into her lap, feeling the warmth of her thigh through her clothes.

Ealasaid held onto his arm with her other hand and crossed her legs on the seat. Her bright eyes watched the scenery flash past the window and noticed the trees growing denser on the side of the road. She was tired; she had been tired since she had left the Order. The new side of herself constantly scratched at the surface wanting to be set free once again.

"Try and get some sleep Ma Petite. This is going to be a long night."

"Really?" Ealasaid's voice was already soft as her eyes began to close. "What do you have planned Mr LaBelle?"

A deep laugh rumbled through his chest, "You'll see soon enough."

She didn't say anything else; she was already asleep. Her hands still held him tightly and her head fell to rest on his bicep. He stroked her thigh softly as she slept. He wondered if she knew that she called out for him in her sleep, her voice still husky from the damage to her vocal chords. He wondered if she knew the only time she didn't scream was when he was holding her. Did she know that she reached out in her sleep, desperately looking for the warmth of his body? Did she know that she begged with her captors not to hurt her as they plagued her dreams? Did she remember any of it when she awoke?

Drago squeezed her thigh tighter and prayed that she didn't.

*

The first thing Ealasaid was aware of was strong arms wrapped protectively around her. A large hand cradled her head and stroked her hair tenderly. Another held her thigh, just below the curve of her ass.

She was curled against a broad chest. She could hear the steady beating of their hearts as they held her tightly and she could smell their aftershave.

"You're awake?" Drago's voice rumbled through his chest and into her ear. She nodded.

"Just barely." She forced her eyes open and looked up into his face. "How long did I sleep for?"

"Couple of hours. I think you needed it."

Ealasaid slid her hand around his strong neck. Pulling his head down she kissed him. His beard was rough against her skin but she didn't care. His touch grew rough; he held her hair tightly and while his other hand curled around her hip pressing her down in his lap. She moaned against his mouth and he savoured the sound as she struggled to get closer. He felt her hands clutch at him and then a sharp pain.

Hissing in a breath he pulled back and touched the tip of his tongue to his lower lip. He could taste blood.

"Did you just bite me?"

The corner of her mouth curved upwards in a smirk, "Guess I got a little carried away."

His growl was feral and he turned her until she straddled him. He held her hips tightly and thrust against her. For a second a nearly unnoticeable flinch flashed across her face before she calmed and moaned. Sliding his hand under her vest he covered her breast groaning when his hand felt her soft skin.

"You're not wearing a bra." Her nipple was hard against his palm and he pulled her closer. "Fuck Eala, what are you doing to me?"

Her hand moved down his chest and between his legs. Her fingers worked on the button of his suit trousers before a soft male voice made them stop.

"Sorry to disturb you, but dinner is ready. Would you like me to tell them to wait?"

In the quiet after the question Ealasaid's stomach growled loudly. Drago laughed and addressed the unseen man over her shoulder.

"Thank you, Carter. We'll be right out."

Ealasaid heard the door close and buried her face into Drago's strong neck.

"Why is it I'm always caught in a compromising situation when I meet someone new?"

"Because I'm irresistible and you can't keep your hands off me," Drago smirked.

"Well who could?" Ealasaid lowered her voice to a soft, breathy whisper into his ear. "You drive me crazy, I want every last part of you."

Drago's eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak but could only produce a low groan as she stroked his hard cock through his trousers. He could feel her soft lips on his ear as she spoke.

"I think about you all the time. I think about your hands; I crave your hands on me. On my waist, around my throat, pinning me down." She licked his earlobe. "I love it when you pin me down. I never liked feeling helpless until I met you, but it turns me on so much when you hold me still."

His hands were curled in fists, so tightly that his nails cut into his palms. She slipped her hand into his trousers as she continued to whisper.

"I love it when you hold my hands behind my back, when you pull my hair." She bit the soft skin behind his ear and smiled at the guttural sound that came from his chest. "Hearing you call me a good girl is enough to make me cum, you make me want to do as I'm told."

"Eala,' his voice was a rough growl almost unrecognisable from his normal speech. His accent dripped from his words and she smirked. "If you're not..." he never got to finish.

"But, before we get into any of that, I think I would like something to eat." For the first time since she had woken, she looked around the room. "Where are we?"

They were in a bedroom. The walls were a warm cream and it was lit by lights that ran along the ceiling which was curved. She raised an eyebrow.

"Why is the ceiling like that?"

"Is that really what you want to talk about?"

His hands kneaded her ass desperately and she rolled off him with a husky giggle. Climbing off the bed she straightened her clothes and looked at him expectantly.

"Come on baby, I'm hungry."

She held out her hand and he couldn't stop another groan rumbling through his chest.

Dragging himself from the bed he winced as his hard cock pressed against the zip of his trousers. She smirked and pulled him towards her. She loosened his tie before undoing it and throwing it into the corner of the room. She undid the first two buttons of his white shirt before stroking his forearms which were exposed below his rolled-up sleeves.

"I like it when you're all dishevelled." She ran her fingers through his tangled hair. "Just like the big bad wolf."

She pressed close and raised on tiptoes to bring her lips close to his. Her hands rested on his chest and he held the small of her back with one hand.

"It's like you could eat me up."

"Eala."

Drago's grip tightened but immediately he felt her tense. Forcing himself to relax he loosened his grip on her, allowing her to slip away from him. She backed away with a mischievous smile dancing on her lips.

"But first I need to eat."

Drago huffed bad temperedly, "Fine."

He took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers and lead her out of the door. They entered into a large, spacious lounge and she took a second to look around. To her left was a large table, six chairs were positioned around it and two places were set.

To her right was a large cream sofa and three soft armchairs. On the wall behind her, facing the chairs, was a huge TV screen. Behind the lounge area was a curved bar. A man dressed in a crisp white shirt stood behind the bar and smiled at them as they entered.

"Miss Fairbairn," he addressed her with a smile, "I hope you are feeling well rested."

Ealasaid nodded. Though she was confused she couldn't help but return the man's smile.

"I'm feeling much better, thank you."

"I'm glad." The man reached below the bar. "Please take a seat and I will bring you both a drink."

Drago nudged her into one of the seats at the table and she looked out of the small window beside her. Her heart instantly leapt to her throat.

"Are we flying?"

Below the lights of a city were laid out like a blanket. A winding maze of streets with cars smaller than insects moving through confidently. On the horizon the sun was descending, staining the sky a warm pink before it darkened to an inky black. Ealasaid turned back to Drago.

"What is going on?"

Drago took the seat beside her. "I'm taking you away." She opened her mouth but he held up his hand. "Wait, first let me apologise."

Ealasaid faltered. Drago was quiet as he waited and she nodded for him to continue.

"I know you hate it when I do stuff like this but I've seen what happens to people after the Order. Everything in our house would remind of what happened. Those people you saved? Every time you looked at their faces you would be reminded of what you went through. You would drive yourself insane trying to block out the memories and those people you helped wouldn't let you." He touched her cheek gently. "I watched what happened to Lucius and it tore me apart. I couldn't save him, I tried everything I could but I had to watch as he realised that the person who went in was nothing like the creature that came out. I can't watch it happen again, especially not to you. I wouldn't survive it again."

She didn't say anything, waiting for him to finish.

"I don't want you to think that I don't care what you say and that I think I know what is best. This is as much for me as it is for you."

Ealasaid didn't know what to say. She could hear the desperation in his voice as he plead with her to understand his reasoning.

Finally, she spoke, "OK."

Before either of them could say anything else the bartender was standing beside them.

"Mr LaBelle, Miss Fairbairn, welcome aboard the 'Elaina'. My name is Nash and I will be providing you with ample libations during your journey. I would like to start you off with some champagne before we get started on your meal."

He placed two glasses on the table before expertly popping the cork on a large bottle. He poured the each a glass then placed the bottle in a silver bucket filled with ice.

"Miss Fairbairn, I do hope you enjoy your time with us this evening. It is so lovely to finally meet you."

"Call me Saidy." She couldn't help the smile.

He emanated warmth and he bobbed a small bow before leaving them.

Drago sipped his champagne, "I knew you would like Nash, he gets on with everyone."