The Ebony Alpha Ch. 20

"We have new guest quarters and the technology to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable while they are here. New assignments will be given out from Reggie, Joe and Ralph, to insure there is enough security at all times."

Silas smiled at his sons and felt his heart swell with pride.

"I know the coming year will be a great one, and I hope that this time next year we will be celebrating many more additions to our pack. Have a good night everyone."

The pack stood on its feet and clapped and whistled for their Alpha. He was a kind leader and they all thought of him as more of a father.

They knew that where ever he led they would follow. The air in the room was thick with love.

"Are you ready to head back upstairs my love?" Joe asked his mate.

"Yes. I don't think I can eat another bite. I have to thank Patsy for making me her special peanut butter cookies. They were delicious."

"I just bet they were. But I wouldn't know since you didn't share them with me." Joe pouted.

"Don't pout Joe; you know what it does to me when you make that face." Even in her heavily pregnant condition; Louisa still felt her feminine core tighten at the thought of making love to her mate.

"I can't help it if I'm so irresistible my love. You must try to resist me from now until the twins are born." Joe smirked at his mate and helped her up onto her feet.

"I love you Joe."

"And I love you Louisa; now let's get you to bed."

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

Christmas was only one week away and Hanna Chambers was in a festive mood. She'd had her most trusted pack members help with the decorations and the great room was almost ready.

The star that sat atop the magnificent Tyler Spruce was an antique passed down from her great-great grandmother and it had been in the family for centuries. The gold and white crystal ornament held a special place in Hanna's heart.

Each year the youngest pack member had the honor of placing the star on the tree top. Next year she hoped that it would be the twins turn.

Her colors this year were traditional red and green. There were also gold accents throughout. Mistletoe was hung in every doorway and that was sure to cause mischief. She smiled as she remembered her first kiss under the mistletoe.

Each room had a small tree and similar decorations to that of the great room.

Reggie came in the house carrying the last bunch of mistletoe.

"Hey Mom; The house looks and smells great. It's like being inside and outside at the same time.

"You're right Reggie. I was going for the elegant but country look. Did I succeed?"

"With flying colors Mom. It reminds me of when I was a little pup. Joe, Ralph and I were always running around getting into trouble."

Nodding at Reggie she quickly gave an appreciative glance around the room and headed to the dining hall.

"This is where I really wanted everyone to feel the Christmas Spirit Reggie. We hung festive drapes and placed scented pine combs in baskets around the room."

"I can smell the difference Mom. I see that you put a little Mistletoe in the mix, Ralph might not like that too much."

"He'll just have to get over it. It's time he found a mate. You and Joe are well on your way to happy lives and he is still alone. I want him to be happy too."

"Mom he is happy. You just can't see it through your mothering eyes. Just give him some time. He'll find his mate when it's time."

"When did you become the smart one of the family son?"

"When I found Patsy. She has changed my life and I have to keep all my wits about me to keep up with her."

"Remind me to thank Patsy for working her magic on you Reggie. She has done the impossible."

"Don't worry about that Mom; I thank her every morning and every night. She is going to be spoiled rotten between the two of us."

"She deserves it son. Now help me hang this Mistletoe over the kitchen door."

Smiling at his Mom's enthusiasm Reggie picked her up and lifted her high enough to hang the romantic bough in the doorway.

"That should do it. Now the house is ready for our guests. I can't wait to meet Jackson and Megan. I've heard so much about them from Maddie. It will be an honor to have the last Blood Moon mates in our home."

"They are really good people Mom. They would be embarrassed if you treated them any other way than as family."

Hanna sighed and shook her head. She knew Reggie was just trying to keep her from going overboard. But if he thought he could stop that from happening, then he had stayed in New Orleans way too long.

Hanna Chambers was the best hostess this side of the Mississippi. She was going to show her guest a great time even if it killed her.

"I'll try Reggie, but you know how I am." Hanna smiled at her son and he raised his eyebrows at her.

Yes, he knew how she was, and Megan and Jackson were in for a visit they would never forget.

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

Charles Dupac and his family exited his private plane at Dallas' Love Field. They would travel by Limousine to The Chambers Pack Lands.

He was very surprised that Alisha had put off her visit to see her friends Becky and Hazel until winter break. It pleased him though, and he smiled with contentment.

His mate sat at his side and squeezed his hand. She looked at her daughter Alisha and couldn't help but frown at her excitement.

"Alisha, I know that you will be very happy to see your friends, but remember they are mated young women now and you will have to give them some space." Aphasia gently reminded her.

"I've already given them eight months mother. Isn't that enough time for them to get all of that honeymoon stuff out of their systems?" Alisha replied, clearly annoyed at her Mother.

She was not prepared for the howl of laughter that bounced off the limo walls when her father and mother erupted in hysterical glee.

"My darling, werewolves are always on their honeymoon as you say. We mate for life my dear, and we never grow tired of showing our love to one another."

"Well I suppose you'd know. You and Father never stop touching each other. Sometimes I just want to tell you to get a room." Alisha whined.

"The whole chateau is our room my dear. One day when your mate claims you; it will all become clear. No place will be off limits to you."

"Just stop it Mother. You're always hinting at a mate for me, but I'm still single. I think that it may be a long time before my true love comes knocking at my door."

Charles smiled knowingly at Aphasia and winked his eye. Stephan Murphy was going to be at the Chambers compound for the holidays and he hoped the young man would make himself known to Alisha.

His beautiful daughter reminded him so much of her mother that it made his heart ache. Her smooth ebony colored skin and light brown eyes were an unexpected pair. Her long curly hair was dark brown, that shown with red highlights in the sun.

When she pouted as she did now, he couldn't help but feel sorry for Stephan. When they mated; he would have a very hard time not giving in to her every whim.

As her father he was very proud of her well-toned body that she trained hard to keep. She was tall at 5'9 and very clever when it came to battle strategy.

He refused to look at her too closely, for she had truly blossomed into a very curvy woman over the last few months.

He cringed when Aphasia would comment on her now full hips and breasts. He shuddered when he thought of the other males that would be attracted to her.

Charles knew that it wasn't his place, but he intended to force Stephan's hand if he had to. All he wanted was his daughter's happiness, and he wasn't above a little manipulation to make sure things went his way.

*******

Jacques Metairie sat at his desk and carefully studied the report in his hand. Of all the agents he had assigned to find Fabio Marconi, only one had even come up with an inkling of where he could be.

That turned out to be a dead end and they were back at square one. He had done all that he could do with his limited resources. He didn't want to involve the other supernatural members of their society in his problem, but he was running out of ideas.

Sighing Jacques decided to put his decision off until the New Year. He was going to be a grandfather soon and he wanted to enjoy the experience.

A knock sounded at his door and he called for the party to come in.It was his secretary.

"Director Metairie, I am sorry to bother you but I am on my way out and Stephan Murphy is here to see you."

"Send him in Kelly, and enjoy your evening." Jacques dismissed her and Stephan walked in.

"Hello Director." Stephan looked anxious and Jacques had to smile. The newest recruit had been doing very well in his training and took very little time for himself.

"Have a seat young man, and tell me what I can do for you."

"I am sorry to bother you Sir; but I was just a little confused as to why you want me to accompany you to The Chamber's Compound over the Holidays?"

"Because young man, you need a break from your studies. Jackson and Megan are anxious to see you, not to mention your own brother."

"But I am on the verge of a break through and I don't want to leave my lab."

"If you were working on a cure for Cancer Stephan I might concede to your request, but that is not the case. Your work can wait another two weeks."

Stephan's face fell, but he quickly recovered his composure and nodded his head.

"As you wish Director, I shall be ready to go when you are."

"Good. Now go pack your things we will be leaving within the hour."

Jacques watched as Stephan left his office. He'd had to deal with many overzealous recruits but non as tenacious as Stephan Murphy. He would work 24/7 if he was allowed to do so.

A vacation is just what this young man needs and a little French distraction wouldn't hurt either. Stephan Murphy was not a field agent and Charles Dupac had reminded him of that fact many times over the last eight months.

He would be able to have a mate and do his job as long as he was non mobile. Their heated discussions made him smile even now.

Charles Dupac was a very persuasive man. He couldn't help but grin when he replayed their latest conversation in his head.

"Listen to me you two bit G-Man!" Charles shouted over the phone. "I want my daughter to be happy, and Stephan Murphy is the man that will make that happen."

"But Charles you know our rules. He has to wait ten years to mate with her there are no exceptions."

"Well you need to make one for my daughter. You don't have to see her moping around not knowing why she is feeling so lost."

"Your daughter's temperament has nothing to do with The ASI Charles. She is young and emotional she will survive."

"You may think that the mate is not affected by the pull Jacques, but I have to tell you that it's not true." Charles stated emphatically.

"After we left Stephan, it seemed as if she lost all of her enthusiasm for life. She is just going through the motions Jacques; and I want more than that for my baby."

Jacques had to concede that Charles might have a point. They had never in all these years had a situation like Stephan and Alisha. What were the odds that an agent would find his mate only days after joining the Agency?

"Charles I have an idea, but it will take a united front to make it happen. How do you feel about your daughter joining the ASI?"

"Are you serious Jacques? She is just turned nineteen a month ago."

"You also said she frequently bests your Betas in training and is one of your best trackers."

"I did say all that didn't I? Well I could say it was just a Father bragging, but it's true. I am very proud of Alisha's accomplishments."

"She sounds like the kind of person I would recruit. She will be able to finish her education with us as well as train for the field."

"How will that affect her relationship with Stephan if she is a field agent?"

"If things work out the way I anticipate; we will either gain two field agents are lose them." Jacques chuckled and continued.

"Stephen will have quite a decision to make as soon as Alisha joins the agency. That is if she accepts my offer. What do you think; will she jump at the chance to be away from home?"

"Unfortunately I think she will. I may not like the fact that she will be away from her family; but she deserves to find love and happiness."

"Great. Well, all we have to do is set up some kind of sparring exercise where I observe her skills and then I will make my offer."

"Well it seems as if you have all the answers Monsieur. I guess we will have to see how this all works out."

"Even if we are unsuccessful, things will be very entertaining to say the least."

Smiling Jacques remembered their plan and hoped that it would work. There was only one way to counter act the effect of the ten year bracelet, but it all depended on Alicia Dupac.

**********

Stephan Murphy felt railroaded to say the least. It was very uncomfortable riding in the limo with his boss Jacques Metairie and his wife DeSiree.

They tried to engage him in conversation, but he just wasn't in the mood. He answered their questions with as few words as possible and looked out of the window for most of the trip.

He knew that Alisha was going to be a guest at the Chambers compound. Sullivan had sent him a text letting him know who would be there. He knew that the mating pull was muted, but the thought of seeing her again made him very uneasy.

He dreamed of her almost nightly and the memory of her scent caused him many sleepless nights. He'd had opportunities to bed countless females, but his love for Alisha held him back.

He knew that he could hold out for his mate, just as long as he wore this cursed bracelet. He loved his job, but every time he thought of Alisha, he regretted taking the oath of service.

She was so beautiful and so young. He could just imagine teaching her everything about making love. He could only hope that there union would be as wonderful as his dreams.

Shaking himself out of his reverie he noticed that they were now in Texas and soon would be entering the Chambers pack lands.

"I can do this!" He thought to himself and straightened his shoulders in determination. All he had to do now was convince himself that all would be well.

*******

The large black limousine pulled up behind another one in the circular drive outside of the new guest quarters. Jacques smiled knowing it was his friend Charles Dupac.

The waiting omega opened the car door and Desiree exited the vehicle, he followed her and Stephan brought up the rear.

The other limo was already pulling away and the young men on duty were taking the Dupac families luggage inside.

"Young man who has just arrived?" Jacques asked innocently.

"That would be the Alpha Dupac and his family sir."

"Thank you son that will be all." Jacques offered him a tip, but the omega refused.

"Thank you sir, but your tip has been covered by Alpha Dupac."

Jacques smiled and walked inside. He now owed the pompous Frenchman. He had to make good on his plans for Stephan and Alisha or he would owe Charles Dupac indefinitely.

Jacques was impressed with the luxuriousness of the lobby he stood in. It was neutral in color but textured Damask wall paper on a few accent walls, added to the look of opulence.

A large mahogany counter acted as the registration desk and a beautiful young woman waited to greet them.

"Hello Director and Mrs. Metairie. My name is Justine and I have your suite ready. You will be shown up as soon as Mason comes back down."

Justine handed Jacques two key cards and he and Desiree took a seat in the leather sofa next to the elevator.

Stephan walked up to the counter and looked at Justine inquiringly.

"I am Stephan Murphy and I am staying here also."

"Are you Sullivan Murphy's brother?" Justine asked.

"Yep that's me." Stephan quipped.

"I am sorry Mr. Murphy but you will be staying with Sullivan and Maddie at their request. I will have someone come for your bags right away."

Jacques jumped up immediately and walked over to the desk.

"Justine, I have made reservations for Stephan to have a room of his own, will that be a problem?"

Stephan cleared his throat as if to remind Jacques that he was still there.

"Director as you reminded me, my brother is anxious to see me. I will be happy to spend time with him and Maddie."

Looking at Justine, Stephan told her he wouldn't need help with his luggage since he only had one bag. Nodding goodnight to his traveling companions he walked out the door and headed to the main house.

Jacques was still fuming as Mason led him and Desiree to their suite. He plopped down on the large king sized bed and let out a long breath.

"Out with it Jacques. What are you planning for young Mr. Murphy? I can tell if you are lying so spill it!"

"No need to shout baby. I was just trying to right a wrong. As you know; Alisha Dupac and Stephan are mates. I thought if Stephan had his own private suite he and Alisha could have a little privacy."

"But he is ASI, they cannot mate. What exactly is your plan? Are we going to break policy for them? If so; I must warn you that we will be tampering with laws as old as time."

"I have thought about that Desiree, believe me. I think I have found a loop hole and I just hope my theory will work."

"And what is this theory of your's Cherie?" Desiree asked clearly intrigued.

Jacques smiled at his mate and a smile slowly covered his face.

"I will tell you after we break in this magnificent bed my love. How about it? A little love now and a little talk later."

"I think I can handle that my sweet." Desiree smiled and slowly approached her mate.

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

Stephan whistled cheerfully as he headed to Sullivan and Maddie's cottage. He was glad that they were away from the main house.

He wanted a little privacy and room to work on his project.

Before he could get up the sidewalk to the small house; the front door opened and Sullivan rushed out to greet his little brother.

"Stephan! It's good to see you bro! I've missed your sorry little ass!"

"You are a sight for sore eyes too Sully. I am glad you moved me here with you. I need a little privacy."

"Well I can let you have privacy later. Now we make Maddie's life a living hell."

"Sully you haven't changed a bit. I feel sorry for Maddie. She sure didn't know what she was getting into with you."

"She loves me Stephan. Everybody loves me" Sully hit Stephan in the back and grabbed his suitcase out of his hand.

"Come on in and I will show you to your room." Sullivan walked into the house and waited for Stephan to come inside.

Stephan was surprised at the modern appointments of the home. The floor plan was open and the kitchen, dining and living rooms were one big space. There were stairs at the left of the entry way and Sullivan started up with his bag.

"You will have the upstairs to yourself Stephan. Our master is on the main floor. So you will have the privacy you crave."

"That sounds great Sully. I really appreciate your hospitality."

"So what's up with The ASI little bro? Catch any evil doers yet?"

"No I am still in training, but I spend all of my free time working on a new tracking device. I think it may help us catch Fabio Marconi."

"No shit dude. I still can't believe that little bastard is still roaming free."

"I think he has help. You remember the talisman Louisa used to wear? It hid her identity and even masked her scent. If Fabio has anything that powerful we may never find him."

"So are you working on something that will counteract that type of enchantment?"

"Yes I am. I haven't told the Director about it yet because I want to make sure it works. But I am sure it will. Louisa told me to ask a few elementals about the potion they use. Drusilla has been a big help so far."