Page 80 of The Alpha's Heir

Looking Forward

*** Amber ***

Aiden summons me, telling me I better have a good fucking reason for bringing Nikki to our hospital. I quickly mindlink Preston to back me up that I had to bring her here. Aiden might not see it that way, but I had to!

Preston laughs at me through our mindlink. You are not scared of your brother. I’ve watched you two fight and you’ve pinned him plenty of times but if you need me, I’m all yours. A few months ago, I would have told Preston I wasn’t scared of Aiden and that I would fight him if he shouted at me, but I’m okay with admitting now that I want my mate’s support.

Unless you want me sporting black eyes for our Mating Ceremony tomorrow, get your sexy ass over here now! Now I know I’m pushing my luck because Aiden would never physically hurt me, and even if he did my eyes would be healed within an hour, but I want my mate.

Preston, as always, comes to my rescue. “Why is he pissed with you?” I realise just in time that Preston is likely to be pissed with me too for bringing Nikki here.

“Actually, you can go on home. I can handle Aiden, don’t worry about it. I’ll be home later,” I bluster at him as I push him away.

Preston grabs my arms to stop me, “What’s going on, Red? That was a quick 180 turn.”

Before I can gently explain about Nikki, I hear Gamma Max behind me. “Beta Preston, can I have a word, please? I am not happy about your mate bringing that monstrosity into the hospital while my mate is still recovering.”

Preston glares at me. You didn’t! Tell me you didn’t bring Nikki the nut job back here, Amber. I avoid his eyes, knowing I will see hurt and disappointment there.

“Please try to understand. I felt bad for killing her mate, worse than bad. She’s going crazy with grief because of me, Preston. I can only guess how much pain she is in. I nearly lost you and I thought the pain was going to kill me.” I chance a look at him and the passion burning in his eyes. “I know you all think I’m this hard-nosed ice queen, but she was heartbroken, Preston. I couldn’t leave her like that.”

Preston’s weight crushes me against the wall, he pins my hands above my head and kisses me hard, and his hot breath sends shivers down my spine. In the background, I hear Gamma Max swearing under his breath as he walks away. “I don’t think you are a hard-nosed ice queen. I know you are a fiery, bad-ass warrior with a heart of pure gold, no matter how much you tried to hide it. You are mine.”

His pride warms my heart. “All yours, Preston.” As we kiss again, I forget where we are and don’t resist when Preston palms my breasts and pushes his hard erection into my tummy.

“Will you two get a room!” My brother's voice echoes throughout the hospital corridor. “Amber, why the fuck have you brought Nikki here?” He demands answers off me as he pushes Preston away from my embrace.

I explain everything to my brother and mate and even Gamma Max comes for a listen.

“So, she’s pregnant and has lost a second mate and they’re not sure she will survive it. When I heard she was pregnant, I knew I couldn’t hurt her, and she wouldn’t be able to break the curse while she is carrying. After she accepted my apology, I brought her here. She’s just messed up like me.” The three men stand staring at me, Preston winks at me and Max gives me a small nod and pats me on the shoulder.

“You did the right thing, Amber, I’m proud of you. I think we can all agree that we all would do irrational things if someone harmed our mates. I think you handled the whole situation perfectly.” My heart swells at the pride in Aiden’s voice. I did the right thing. I have always been a bit of a rebel, pushing the boundaries and flouting the stereotypes. Now, I am being me, just me and I am incredibly proud of how far I have come.

“Max, move Melanie to your apartment. You are right it’s not fair for her to see Nikki here after what happened.” Aiden and Max smile at each other.

“Maybe this will make persuading her to stay easier!” Max comments with a smirk, and for a moment, we all join his merriment.

“We have to get ready for our ceremony run-through. Do you need us here while you talk to Alpha Xavier, or will Eva be coming with you, Aiden?”

“Eva will want to discuss all this with her father, I’m sure, and I have a small matter of accepting his pack to sort out too. but you two go on. You’ve waited a long time for this.” I bow to my Alpha but give my big brother a hug.

I need to go and prepare for tomorrow; I cannot wait to officially be joined with Preston now.

“Come on, Red, my parents are waiting for us.” I take Preston’s hand and happily walk away to plan our special day.

*** Max ***

Alpha Aiden and I stand and watch as Beta Preston takes his mate by the hand, and they walk away in their own little love bubble. “I can’t believe he finally cracked her; she was a stubborn one, Alpha. I’m not sure I could have waited all that time.”

My Alpha smiles at me. “I don’t think we appreciated how hard it was for Preston until we found our own mates.” I nod in agreement. It is killing me waiting for Melanie to catch up to the same place that I am at and it has not been that long for us. Preston waited years. I appreciate him in a whole new light now and I am happy that my friend is finally going to get his happy-ever-after.

“Are you two waiting for me? Sorry, Summer wanted to finish her drawing for Melanie to bring to her.” My Luna walks down the corridor towards us with her little girl who is clasping onto her hand while waving a drawing in the other.

“No, you are just in time, a quick visit with Melanie, peek in on Alejandro who is insisting on going home today and then we have a meeting with your father.” She gives a small nod and looks at Summer.

“I can watch her. I’ve missed my little charge.” I wink at Summer, and she giggles as she runs towards the side room where Melanie is.

“No, she’s going to be spending the day with Mrs Moore. They are helping with the catering. Isn’t that right, Summer?” The little girl nods to her mum. “But don’t worry, Gamma Max, you’ll be getting lots of duties as soon as you are ready to return to my service.”

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