The Rejected Alpha Wolf
THIRTYSEVEN-THE WICKED WITCH (Part 1)

Five Days Later:

Rachel POV

I was sitting in the bedroom with Ace and the twins, watching my mate's chest rise and fall as he looked peaceful in his sleep. Two days ago, Dr. Scott released me from the pack hospital. I first had Ace moved to our floor to be with the twins and me. Chloe and Amber took care of the pack financials and job schedules for the omegas, while Carlito and Julio took over training and patrols. I felt terrible leaving them to take care of the pack and shucking my Luna duties on them, but they said no worries and told me to take care of the Alpha.

Patrick and Carissa called the other day to check on Ace, and I thanked them for their help. Even Espen stopped by to check on Ace and see the twins. All our other allies have called and sent flowers and other gifts, saying to contact them if we need anything.

I sighed as I nursed Xayden and wished my handsome Alpha would wake up. I looked down at my curious little pup and smiled. Like Xander, Xayden had jet-black curly hair and lightly tanned skin. They both had my nose, ears, and plump lips, but everything else was Ace.

They were identical except for their eyes and scents. Even with their similarities, Xander was bossier, and Xayden was a sweetie. I was brought out of my thoughts when Xayden cooed, letting me know he was done nursing. That was his way of getting my attention while Xander would push my breast away. I placed Xayden over my shoulder and burped him while he hiccupped. I giggled and watched as his eyes stared into mine.

Xander and Xayden

"Such a handsome boy," I said and kissed his cheek.

Xayden gave me a few good burps as I got up from my rocker and placed him in the bassinet next to his brother for a nap. Xander was out like a light, and Xayden was next. I reset the mobile as Xayden's dark blue eyes looked up at the little toys spinning in a slow circle and the soft music played.

"Rachel, are you busy?" Chloe asked in the link.

"I'm just putting the twins down for a nap. What's up?" I asked her as Xayden yawned, and his eyes started closing.

I told everyone I would keep my link open if I'm needed for anything. I may be out of commission, but I'm still the Luna of this pack.

"Can you come down to the office?"

"Dr. Thielen and Espen have found something I think you should hear," Chloe replied.

"Okay, be there in ten minutes," I linked back.

I opened my link with my Mother and Staci, asking if they could come up and watch the boys while I dealt with the others. Both were more than happy to come to watch their grandchildren. I quickly changed out of my comfortable clothes and put on some casual jeans and a shirt. I brushed my hair as a knock sounded at the door and told the ladies to come in.

"Are they asleep?" Staci asked with my Mother behind her.

I nodded as they entered the room and walked over to the bassinet, gushing over the boys.

"I shouldn't be long, but link me if anything comes up," I said as they nodded.

I left the suite, got on the elevator, and pushed the button for the fourth floor.

The doors opened once I arrived on the fourth floor, and I walked toward the office. I opened the door and saw the gang seated at the round table, with Dr. Thielen and Espen sitting on the couch by the wall.

"Hey guys," I said as everyone greeted me, and I sat at my desk.

"So, what's up?" I asked, and Dr. Thielen was the first to speak.

"Well, Luna, we discovered what poison killed Espen's bears."

"The spear alone shouldn't have killed them, but it was enough to wound them until the poison worked its way into their system," I looked at Dr. Thielen and nodded for him to continue.

"The poison used is silver. Copper can weaken a werebear, but they also used trace amounts of silver to finish them off," the doctor said. My eyes widened at what the doctor said.

"Whoever engineered these copper-tipped spears wanted to ensure they didn't survive," the doctor added.

"So, who engineered these spears?" I asked. The doctor and Espen shrugged.

"I intend to find out, Luna."

"I will run a few more tests and see if I can find an antidote to counteract the copper and silver."

"Until then, watch out for the spears and the silver-tipped arrows," Dr. Thielen said. I nodded at the doctor as he got up to leave.

"Luna?" a deep voice called through the link.

"Yes?" I asked the warrior.

"A woman at the southern border is asking to speak to the Alpha."

"She said her name is Janette Stone of the Stone Valley pack, and she is requesting an audience," Rayne growled.

"Hold her there, and I'll be there shortly," I told the warrior.

"Yes, Luna," he replied, and I closed the link.

Chloe POV

I saw Rachel's wolf come forward, and she growled. I knew something was wrong. I watched Rachel exit her seat and walk toward the office door.

"Where are you going, Rachel?" I asked, and she turned to stare at me.

"There is a woman at the border claiming to be from Stone Valley pack, and I intend to see why she came all this way when her Alpha is the reason mine is still in a coma," Rachel growled as Carlito and Julio stood up.

"We are coming with you," they said.

Amber and I stood also and followed Rachel out of the office and toward the elevator.

"Do you think this is a trap?" I asked Rachel as she pushed the button for the first floor.

"I don't know, Chloe, but we are going to find out," she said as the elevator descended to the first floor.

After the elevator stopped, we all walked toward the patio door. Rachel was the first to walk out, with Carlito and Julio behind her, while Amber and I followed.

We walked along the path to the southern border, which took about thirty minutes. Once we passed the big oak tree, a warrior approached Rachel.

Carlito POV

I watched as Dax stepped out and addressed Rachel.

"Luna, she's over here," he said, leading us to where the lady was waiting with another warrior.

We approached the border and saw an older lady with two other wolves, a young woman, and a man.

"You must be Luna Rachel," the lady said as Rachel growled.

"I mean you no harm, Luna, but I did come to warn you about my mate, Alpha Simon," that got Rachel's attention.

"What can you tell us?" I asked her as her eyes turned to me.

"He plans to attack you in a few days and visit a witch."

"I assumed she's the one making the poison to help weaken your pack and allies," I growled as Czar flashed in my eyes.

"Who are you?" I growled as she flinched back.

"My name is Janette, and I'm the Luna to the Stone Valley pack."

"My daughters are Yvette, Freya, and Faye," I forced Czar back and looked at them wide-eyed.

"Who are these two?" I asked and watched the other two wolves.

"This is Nora and Bane."

"Silas killed her brother when they attacked your pack a few months ago," I knew that young woman looked familiar.

"Are you two a threat?" I asked, and they shook their heads.

"Silas had us as prisoners since my brother's death, and he killed the rest of the rogues that attempted to come back."

"Bane was the Beta until my brother's death. I have no family left," The young woman said with tears. I felt terrible for the young girl. I sighed as I looked at Rachel.

"What do you want to do, Luna?" I asked her in the link.

"I don't know. Ace is still out of commission, and they don't seem to pose any threat to us."

"She came here and told us what her mate planned to do, so I think we should give them sanctuary, and once Ace wakes, we can let him decide their fate," I nodded and looked at the three wolves again.

"We will allow safe passage into our pack until our Alpha wakes from his coma, and he will decide your fates."

"Understood?" they all bowed.

"Yes, Beta," I let Rachel lead, and everyone else followed back toward the castle.

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Ace POV

"What is this place? Apollo?" I wandered around the darkness for days and didn't know where I was.

"Apollo?" I called my wolf but didn't get a response.

I sighed and walked further into the darkness. I saw a small dot of light ahead.

"Is that..." I thought as I walked toward it.

I approached, and the dot became brighter. I had to shield my eyes from the bright rays and blinked a few times until my eyes adjusted. Once my vision adjusted to the brightness, I gasped as I looked out into the lush green forest with a crystal blue lake behind it. I looked around and kept wondering what this place was.

"Hello, Ace," I stiffened at the melody voice behind me.

I turned to see a woman with long silvery hair and deep blue eyes wearing a flowy white dress.

The Moon Goddess

"Who are you?" I asked the mysterious woman behind me as she giggled.

"Just like your Mother when she first came here," my eyes widened with shock.

"You're the moon goddess!" I shouted as she giggled.

"That would be correct, young Alpha," she said, smirking.

"Where am I?" I asked as she stared at me.

"You're in my realm."

"Anything is possible, but I brought you here to talk to you, young Alpha."

"Your pack is in danger, and your mate needs you," my mouth hung open, and my eyes widened.

"What do you mean in danger?"

"Did I not kill the enemy?" she sighed, shaking her head as her deep blue eyes blinked rapidly.

"Come with me," she said as she walked past me and toward the lake.

I watched as she sat on a throne-looking, smooth-stone chair. I looked again and saw a ball of snow-white fur.

"Apollo?" I called to my wolf as his head popped up, and he wagged his tail.

"Ace?" the moon goddess said my name with a serious expression.

"Alpha Simon and his allies are preparing to attack your pack."

"He wants your Mother and packs for his selfish greed."

"I'm not allowed to interfere with wars between my children. I can only help guide and create mate bonds when I feel the two souls are worthy of each other," the goddess said. I looked at the moon goddess as she continued to talk.

"Your powers are growing, and you're becoming stronger every day. I have been watching you and couldn't be prouder of you and Apollo."

"It's time for you, your family, and your pack to bring peace back into the supernatural world, and the only way to do that is to stop the enemy," I looked at Apollo as he nodded his head, then back at the moon goddess as she crossed her legs and stared at me.

"I'm ready," I said as she smiled.

"Very well," She leaned forward and touched my head.

A bright light flashed before my eyes, and my vision blurred. I screamed as the air sucked the breath out of me, and I was floating through the air. I gasped, shot up, and blinked my eyes a few times.

"Ace?" I heard my Mother's familiar voice.

"Mom?" I blinked more as my vision adjusted, and I saw my Mother sitting in a rocking chair, holding a bundle in a royal blue blanket.

"Wha...What happened? Where am I?" I looked around and saw I was in the main bedroom inside the castle.

I heard a noise and saw Sarah holding another bundle in a royal blue blanket.

"The twins..." I whispered as Apollo howled in my head.

"Ace, relax, son."

"You have been in a coma for five and a half days."

"Rachel gave birth the night of the attack. Would you like to meet your sons?" my eyes widened as my Mother and Sarah got up from their seats and handed them to me.

I cradled them gently and looked into the eyes of both of my sons.

"This is Xander and Xayden," my Mother said.

"Xander has your eyes, and Xayden has the rare dark blue eyes," I looked down at my sons, who stared at me and yawned.

Apollo howled delightfully and yipped. I leaned my nose down and sniffed their scents.

"Where is Rachel?" I asked as I rocked the boys.

"She had to go take care of some pack business, but she never left your side until now," I nodded and proceeded to get up.

"Mom, we need to prepare."

"Alpha Simon isn't done with us, and I plan on making sure that Bastard doesn't get the chance to hurt my family or pack again," I said as I returned the boys to Mom and Sarah.

I went to the bathroom to shower quickly and put on some fresh clothes.

"Can you..." I started to say to my Mother, and she shook her head.

"You don't need to ask us to watch the boys. Be the Alpha. I know you're born to be," she said as I smiled and hugged her.

"Thanks, Mom, and thank you, Sarah," she smiled and nodded as I left the suite.

"Carlito, where are you?" I linked my Beta as I stepped on the elevator.

"Ace! You're awake! Holy moon goddess!"

"We are in the office with Rachel and some company."

"It would be best if you got here ASAP!" he shouted in the link.

"I'm on my way," I said as the elevator descended to the fourth floor.

Once the elevator stopped, I got off and walked toward the office through the door, and all eyes were on me.

"Ace?!" I heard Rachel's sweet voice as she got up from her chair and ran into my arms.

"Hello, little flower," I said, sniffing her honeysuckle scent. Apollo purred happily as I held onto Rachel tightly.

Rachel POV

When I heard the office door open, and his spicy rum scent hit me full force, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my handsome Alpha standing at the door.

"Ace?!" I said as his greenish-blue eyes focused on me. And I quickly got out of my chair and ran into his arms,

Ace held me tight as I wrapped my arms around his waist and sniffed his scent.

"Hello, little flower," his rich, smooth-accented voice said as tears sprang from my eyes.

"I thought I lost you," I said and kissed his lips as I moaned.

I heard someone clear their throat as Ace pulled his lips back, and I blushed.

"Sorry, I just missed you," he smiled at me and took my hand as we walked to his desk. He sat in his chair with me on his lap.

"So, what did I miss?" Ace asked, and Carlito started catching up on what we discussed.

"So, you are mated to Alpha Simon?" Ace asked Janette as she nodded.

A knock on the door sounded when Carlito was about to tell us the other half of what Janette had told us.

"Come in," Ace called out as the door opened, and Espen stepped inside the office.

"Sorry, I'm late. I had..." Espen started speaking until his eyes landed on Janette.

"What is she doing here?!" he roared.

"Calm down Espen, she came here on her own accord and told us everything Simon has planned for us."

"Carlito was just about to tell us the rest of the story," Ace said as Espen nodded and sat on one of the couches.

Ace nodded at Carlito so he could finish the rest of the story. When Carlito got to the part about the witch, we all heard a vicious roar as Espen stood up.

"WITCH! You mean Helena!" Espen roared as his bear was trying to force a shift.

"Espen, calm down!" Ace shouted in his Alpha tone.

"I will not calm down, wolf!"

"That witch bitch and that sorry excuse of an Alpha is why twenty of my warriors are dead?!" I watched as Ace's eyes glazed over.

After a few minutes, his eyes returned to normal as he tried calming Espen down. Espen started sprouting black fur, and his eyes changed to gray. A few minutes later, the office door slammed open, and Björn ran inside.

"Espen! Calm the fuck down now! Rein in your beast!" Björn yelled at his leader as Espen's bear roared.

"I will fight you if I have to. Bring back Espen!" everyone in the office backed up as Björn ran toward Espen in his pre-shift phase and held him down.

Espen was fighting, trying to throw off Björn, but he held firm. I heard footsteps running toward the office. Dr. Thielen ran in and stopped when he saw Espen's bear's size.

"I...holy moon goddess!" he said as his eyes widened. He snapped out of his gaze.

"I brought the tranquilizers, Alpha," he said as Ace nodded.

"Give them here," Björn said as the doctor cautiously handed them over.

Björn popped the tops and stuck one in Espen's thigh. Espen let out a massive roar, and we had to cover our ears. Björn stuck Espen in his other thigh as his bear swayed from side to side. Espen's fur retreated, and his eyes returned to their standard color.

"Espen?" Björn called out as Espen groaned and shook his head.

"Are you okay?" Björn asked, and Espen grunted.

"What happened?" he asked as his eyes looked all over the office.

"You lost your shit and pre-shifted."

"Good thing you didn't destroy Alpha Ace's office," Björn said and helped Espen sit on the couch.

"Mind telling us who Helena is?" Ace asked Espen as he let out a growl.

"Helena?!" Björn shouted. Espen sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Helena is a dark witch."

"She makes potions and poisons for anyone for the right price."

"She does a lot of dark shit for Alpha Simon because he pays top dollar."

"If I'm not mistaken, Luna Rachel, your Father was one of her customers," Espen said as I gasped.

"I only remember her name because he mentioned her when I signed an alliance with him."

"I mentioned having problems with a few rogue bears some time ago."

"He told me he would take care of it, and I never had an issue again," Ace growled.

"Do you know how to find her?" he growled as Espen nodded at him.

"She has a coven on the skirts of town," Espen told Ace as he nodded.

"Let's pay her a visit then," Ace said as everyone got up and exited the office.

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