The Ebony Alpha Ch. 20

"I am proud of you little Bro. I knew that you were a genius but this is beyond what I'd thought you could do. If you are successful criminals will be running for their lives."

"That's the plan Sully; I want to make the world a safer place for all species."

"Well hold that thought it's time for dinner. Maddie is at the main house sitting with Louisa. She is so big; we think she will pop any minute now."

"One day that will be you and Maddie. I'm really anxious to be an Uncle, and you know Mom and Dad will freak. I hope the Chambers have room for them."

"Believe me they do, but we may not be here. Remember Joe wants to settle in New Orleans. I think he likes it here, so who knows we may be staying put."

At that moment Stephan's stomach growled loudly projected its hunger and the brothers laughed out loud.

"Let's go eat Stephan. We can catch up over food."

******

Alisha Dupac pulled her ear buds form her ears and stripped her traveling clothes from her body. She needed a shower to wash the staleness form her limbs. Then she would find Persia and see if she wanted to hang out with Becky and Hazel.

She was trying to be a better sister to Persia. In a few years they would be separated by work or even life. If she found her mate (as her parents repeatedly reminded her could happen), she may not see Persia much at all.

Persia had sprung up over the summer and she was only two inches shorter. She had let her hair grow so long that if she wasn't careful she would sit on it.

Persia's long thick hair was unruly and was the color of a rusty nail. But it suited her demeanor and made her stand out in a crowd. Alisha had tried to straighten it several times, but it never worked.

She finally submitted to having it braided into very thin strands and it was beautiful. Alisha laughed when she discovered Persia swinging her head, letting her braids whip around in the air.

Sighing Alisha looked at her body in the full length mirror and cupped her breasts. They were perky but a nice handful and the nipples were dark and her areolas were just a bit lighter framing them distinctly.

Her long legs were muscular and anchored her body underneath her rounded hips. Persia teased her about having a J-Lo butt and she smiled at the thought.

She happened to think that J-Lo had a great ass and she could do worse in that department.

She turned on the water and pulled her dark curls into a ponytail high on her head. This made her look like she was ten years old again. Alisha made a mental note not to wear her hair like that in public.

"It's time I started attracting a bit more attention to myself." she thought.

"Wearing my hair like a little girl just won't do. I am nineteen years old now and I can at least have a fling."

Alisha smiled mischievously as she stepped into the shower relaxing into the warm water.

When she stepped out of the shower she wrapped herself in a large fluffy towel. She wasn't surprised to see Persia reclining on her bed and smiled at her little sister.

"Do Mom and Dad know where you are?" Alisha asked.

"Yes. They were making googling eyes at each other and I told them I would be spending the rest of the evening with you."

Alisha laughed loudly and jumped in the bed next to Persia.

"What are we going to do with them Lil' Sis? They act just like teenagers instead of the old farts they really are."

"I hope I am just like them when I get to be that old." Persia stated wisely.

"So do I Lil' sis, so do I."

"What are we going to do Alisha? It's almost dinner time and I'm starving."

"Well I guess that answers your question. We can order room service and stay in my room, or we can go to the dining hall in the main house."

"I vote for the dining hall. All of our friends will be there."

"Thanks for being so smart Persia Dupac. I'll hurry and get dressed."

"You should wear those skinny jeans that hug your booty Alisha. Maybe you will find your future mate tonight."

"I tell you what Persia I'll wear those jeans, but whether I find my future mate or not, I am not going back to France a virgin."

"Oh Alisha no! You must wait for your mate. How will he feel if you're not a virgin when you mate?"

"Persia, life is not all happily ever after and walking in the rain holding hands. Weres are sexual beings and I am sure my mate will understand. Life goes on and he can't expect me to be celibate while I'm waiting. I'm positive he won't be.'"

Persia looked at her sister with concern written on her face. She was scared and her mind was working overtime. She had to let Stephan know what Alisha had in mind. He was her mate and he had to stop her.

She had promised not to tell Alisha about Stephan, but she was feeling overwhelmed. This was too much responsibility for an eleven year old. If Alisha just knew about him maybe she would change her plans.

Persia had never broken a promise, but she loved Alisha enough to tell her the truth. If Stephan didn't do something she would tell her.

"Girls let's go to dinner. The Alpha has invited us to his private dining room." Aphasia stuck her head in the door and smiled at her daughters.

"I'm glad you're already dressed we can leave now."

Persia sighed and jumped from the bed. Her revelation to Alisha would just have to wait.

******

Stephan felt very comfortable in the presence of his brother and sister-in-law Maddie. The dining hall felt just like the one at the Clarion ranch.

"So good to see you Stephan!" Maddie exclaimed. "I have so much to show you and many questions to ask you about the ASI."

"If I tell you too much I might have to kill you, so watch out what you ask."

"Sullivan where are you and Maddie? Have you forgotten my Father's invitation? He has invited my pack to eat with him in the private dining room."

Sullivan put his plate back on the rack and turned to Maddie and Stephan. "Joe has just contacted me. I forgot we are supposed to eat with the Alpha and his family tonight."

"You guys go ahead. I can make my way back to the cottage on my own." Stephan volunteered.

"Oh no you don't, little brother. You are invited as well. Plus the food is better at the Alpha's table don't you know that."

Maddie gave Stephan a sympathetic smile as she turned from the buffet.

"Let's make it an early evening you two. I'm sure Joe and Louisa will understand that we want time alone with Stephan."

"Let's hope so Maddie. I want to go for a run tonight. It will be just like old times again."

Sullivan elbowed Stephan in the ribs and led them to the Alpha's quarters. He could smell the enticing smell of roasted lamb before he even opened the door to the dining room.

The room was filled with people waiting for the last guests to join them.

"Alpha Dupac and his family are on their way." Announced Hanna. She then helped Louisa take a seat at the large table.

"

Everyone find your seats. I hear them approaching as we speak." Silas Chambers opened the door and smiled widely as Aphasia Dupac entered the room. She was followed by Charles and their two daughters.

Stephan waited for his animal to jump at its mate. But his wolf only stared with longing at Alisha. There was no sense of urgency or even lust. It was as if the bracelet he wore put his wolf to sleep.

But he didn't need his wolf to tell him that Alisha had matured over the last eight months. She was beautiful before, but now she had lost some of the teenaged angst that she had carried around on her shoulders.

Her eyes were wide with excitement and she gave a small shriek when she saw Hazel and Becky standing in the corner of the room.

The three women ran to each other and hugged. Then they jumped up and down and screamed even louder. Everyone in the room couldn't help but smile at the reunion.

Ambrose and Abraham looked at the sight with apprehension, not knowing if Alisha's arrival would put a damper on their love lives.

Stephan recognized their annoyance and smiled. They were still boys and they had a lot to learn as far as women were concerned.

The three friends would spend time together this night. The boys would just have to go for a run with him and Sully.

His gaze traveled back to his mate and he sighed. He longed to run his fingers through her long dark curls.

He wanted her to look at him with happiness, or even anger. He just wanted her to look at him.

All of a sudden Alisha did just that. Their eyes met and he nodded at her smiling slightly. She gave no sign of the pull, and he felt his heart break a little.

Then slowly as if just realizing something she smiled back at him. Then as quick as she smiled and turned her back on him. What was that all about? Was she flirting with him?

Had he been wrong to let her think she was without a mate? Would she be angry with him for not telling her as soon as he felt the pull? He needed some air. Having to watch her from afar was torturous.

Even though he didn't feel compelled to grab her and throw her over his shoulder, that didn't mean he didn't want to.

What would the agency say? Would he lose his position? Stephan closed his eyes and gave himself a mental shake.

He could do this. Only Charles Dupac and his mate knew of his dilemma and he hoped they would keep it to themselves for now.

"Hello Stephan." A small voice interrupted his thoughts and Stephan opened his eyes.

"Hello Persia. You look lovely tonight." Stephan said to the preteen standing in front of him.

"I really need to speak to you Stephan. It's about your problem."

Persia said problem and used air quotes to make her point.

Stephan blushed hotly and nodded to his conspirator.

"How about tomorrow? I can invite you to lunch."

"Tomorrow may be too late." Persia said with urgency.

"I will ask your parents if I can play a game of chess with you after dinner. That will give us a little privacy."

"Ok. I think that will work." Persia turned and walked away as if talking to Stephan was an everyday occurrence.

"I wonder what that was all about." Mused Stephan as he watched her take her seat at the table.

Stephan was seated next to Maddie and Sullivan was across the table from him. Next to him were Ambrose and Becky then across form them were Abe and Hazel.

"Hello Stephan, how are you doing in Louisiana?" Hazel asked her longtime friend.

"I love it there. The lab that I am using has all the bells and whistles and I haven't missed North Dakota as much as I thought I would."

"That's great Stephan, but I meant the city. You are in New Orleans and I can't wait to go there. How is the food, and the music and the people?"

Hazel knew her friend and she could just picture himself burying his head in technical websites.

Stephan looked uncomfortable at her line of questioning and cleared his throat.

"I am working on something very important in the lab Hazel. The city has been there for centuries and it will still be there when I'm done."

Abe grabbed Hazel's hand and kissed her palm to get her attention.

"I will take you there myself little one and show you my home town. Then you can appease your curiosity for yourself. You will love living there."

"Yes Hazel." Becky interjected. "Daddy used to take us there to shop and go to Mardi Gras. Next year we will celebrate and take it all in."

"Only if Joe will let us go. You know we are needed here." Becky pouted and Abe kissed her soundly to change her disposition.

"We are going to The Boscoyo Plantation to live Hazel. Remember Ambrose and I are going back to school and you and Becky will be living with her folks. When you stay with our parents you will be in New Orleans." Abe reminded her.

"Yes Hazel lighten up, we have it all planned out." Ambrose smirked.

"Alright already I give up. But Stephan you must promise to visit and come out with us. Maybe you will meet someone to distract you a little bit."

Stephan sighed and looked up at his table companions. He noticed a pair of light brown eyes looking into his with interest. It seems that Alisha was very interested in their conversation as well.

"Alisha. Why haven't you visited us before now?" Becky asked the now blushing girl.

"I wanted to start college. It was quite a disappointment for me though, so I am looking for another way to express myself."

"That is just you being restless, when you find your life mate all of that will disappear."

"Whatever!" Alisha huffed. "You two were very fortunate to find your mates. I have decided not to wait around for him to find me."

"What do you mean by that Alisha?" Hazel said with alarm in her voice.

"I just mean to say that......"

"Ladies and gentlemen dinner is served." Hanna took her seat as several Omegas entered the room carrying trays of food. They sat plates in front of each diner and took drink orders on the way out.

Alisha's unfinished proclamation hung in the air and looks of puzzlement covered the faces that had heard it.

Stephan could feel it in his gut. Alisha was ready to find love. Now! His time was running out. If she wasn't interested in waiting for her mate, he was going to have to change her mind. Pronto!

Damn this golden bracelet! Stephan never regretted a decision more. He needed to talk to Jacques Metairie as soon as possible. The man in question was having a lovely time with his daughter, Joe and his wife Desiree.

Louisa looked as if she could deliver her babies any minute now, she was so large. He smiled as he pictured Alisha heavy with HIS cubs and looked at her again.

She was staring at him and he returned her stare until she looked away. Stephan was well versed in flirting and he knew that she was a novice. Maybe he should just see where this was headed.

Obviously she had decided to make him her first target. Maybe he could use that to his advantage. But he knew deep in his heart that he would have to tell her the truth.

She was his mate, and he would die before he would let another male introduce her to the world of intimacy she sought.

All too soon diner was over and they were moving into the large family room. Remembering Persia's cryptic request he made his way to Charles Dupac and asked if he might borrow Persia for a game of chess.

"Why certainly my boy. But you better watch the little brat she's a cheat." Charles and Aphasia laughed as Stephan led her to the small game table in the alcove.

Alisha was listening to Becky and Hazel talk about mated life and all that they were looking forward to.

"Louisa has insisted that I finish my degree." Hazel said with a little sadness.

"What's wrong with that? If Abe is going to be a doctor shouldn't you have a career as well?"

"I want to be a mother, right away." Hazel sighed wistfully.

"Just look at Louisa she is going to have twins. She will have little ones to look after and love all of their lives."

"Is this about your mother leaving Hazel?" Alisha asked.

"I guess, maybe a little. I just want to give a child more than she gave me."

The three girls hugged for what seemed the millionth time. This time tears stained their cheeks and hushed whispers filled the air instead of giggles of glee.

"Alisha finish what you were going to say before Alpha Hanna announced dinner." Becky prodded.

"I was just going to say that I don't want to be a virgin for a hundred years until my mate shows up. I'm not going back to France a virgin and I think I know just who I want to give that honor to."

Her two companions followed Alisha's gaze to the alcove in the corner of the room. Slowly they began to smile and nodded in one accord.

"He is yummy just like his brother Sullivan. I was going to tell you to wait, but why not indulge yourself."

"I can't believe I am agreeing with Becky, but sex is so good Alisha. If he returns your interest I say go for it."

Alisha continued staring at the man playing a game of chess with her sister. They laughed and whispered and even gave each other a fist bump.

She couldn't help but wonder why he'd asked for her sister and not her? Well there was only one way to find out.

Alisha stood and walked to the alcove. No time like the present she thought and put one foot in front of the other.

"Ow! Oh shit OOOOOOOOOOOOOOh!" Louisa yelled out, her face pinched in pain.

"What is it Louisa?"

Everyone ran to Louisa's side and Alisha turned away from her prey and followed them.

"Someone get Seth and Carline. Joe, why don't you sit behind your mate and make her comfortable." Hanna was barking out orders and no one dared disobey.

The Pack healer Seth ran into the den and went right to Louisa.

"How do you feel Louisa?" Seth asked.

"I feel fine. I think the twins just traded places. I felt a lot of movement and then one bolt of pain. Then all of a sudden it was gone."

"Do you think you can make it to your suite?"

"Of course, I think this is just a false alarm. I didn't mean for everyone to get all excited."

"Well I will check you out upstairs and we can see what is really happening."

"You will do anything to get me all to yourself, won't you babe?" Joe teased.

"You should enjoy it my love. Soon we won't have a moment to ourselves at all."

Joe waited as Seth opened the door to their bedroom and he laid Louisa on the bed. Joe made sure she was comfortable, and stepped aside as Seth came to the bed.

"Louisa, your water is still intact, if you are in labor it is very early and my best advice is for you to rest."

"When should we worry Seth?" asked Joe.

"If Louisa is having severe pain that keeps coming at regular intervals then call me. If she has another burst of pain like she just had, call me. If her water breaks...."

"I know call you." Joe said sarcastically.

"Be nice Joe, this man is going to deliver our babies."

"Sorry Doc. I'm just worried, that's all."

"That's a good thing Joe. That means I don't have to."

"Okay you guys. I think I'll get some rest after all. I haven't felt another pain and that's good right Seth?"

"Right Louisa. But remember if you have any concerns just call."

Hanna, Silas, Jacques and DeSiree left the room when Seth did. Hanna made Joe promise to call as soon as anything happened.

"I promise Ma! Now let Louisa get some rest."

Joe lay down next to his make and began to rub her belly softly.

"Do you want to change into a night gown Babe? It will be more comfortable."

"Sure Babe that sounds great."

"You know you scared the hell out of me back there."

"I was scared too Joe. That is a pain I never want to feel again."

Louisa stood up and Joe helped her undress and put on her gown. She sighed with relief and fell back against the pillows.

She felt real lucky to have Joe by her side and snuggled as best she could next to him.

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

After Joe led Louisa upstairs Sullivan decided that the group needed a distraction.

"Who's up for a run? I think we can use some activity to get our minds off things for a while."

Everyone looked at him as if he had two heads for suggesting such a thing.

"Look if Louisa is going to have the pups it will take hours for them to come. Let go burn off some energy."

"I'm in." said Stephan and followed Sullivan out the patio door. Ambrose and Abraham looked at their mates, who waved them on.

This left the girls with Charles and Aphasia.

"Girls don't you won't to go for a run too?" Asked Aphasia. "It's a beautiful night, the full moon is so romantic don't you think?"

Alisha and Becky elbowed Hazel and they looked at Maddie who had taken over the chess game with Persia.

"Persia and I don't need romance we are exercising our brains." Maddie quipped. She wanted to stay close by in case Louisa had the twins.

"We could go; it's nice outside even in December." Hazel observed.