All throughout breakfast, people kept looking at me like I held all the answers to their problems. I wish I had sat on the other side of the table now. It was getting hard to ignore their stares.
“Alpha Richard, Do I have time to check out the Command Center before my meeting with the Alpha Kings this morning?” I politely asked him. It had occurred to me that I hadn’t seen the new center since it was created.
“Yes, I believe you do have time this morning. Is there something in particular you need to check out before your meeting?” inquired Alpha Richard.
“Yes, there is. I ordered something special and I want to make sure it arrived and was installed properly,” I answered him while remaining cryptic.
“Hmm. I can’t wait to find out what surprise you are hiding. Do you mind if we tag along with you when you check out the Command Center?” asked Alpha Richard.
“Not at all Alpha. Also, I needed to stop by the training center to pick something up. I mean since they are right next to each other, why not,” I explained with a smirk on my face.
“Why not?” chuckled Alpha Richard.
Alpha King Matthew hearing our conversation just lifted an eyebrow. I’m not sure why but I’m sure he had his reasons. He even had a smirk on his face to match Alpha Richard. I had a pretty good idea of what was up.
Alpha King Matthew asked if we could wait for at least 15 to 20 minutes before we went to the Command Center so he could tag along. He wanted to see what I had created. Alpha King Friedrich wanted to tag along as well since he heard what I ‘gifted’ the pack. It was agreed that we would go to the Command Center at 9 AM.
Dad showed me where everything was in the office. I made sure I had everything with me when we left for the Command Center and Training Center. I asked Dad about the invoices for the equipment we received. I wanted to make sure everything matched. But I also wanted to double check to make sure my surprise was delivered and installed.
Dad showed me where he put them. I picked up the clipboard showing the invoices. I saw my invoice containing my surprise. It was stamped ‘Delivered.’ I had a huge smile on my face.
Anthony walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. He nuzzled his nose in the crook of my neck and inhaled my scent. “Mmm, you look so happy. When you look that way, I just can’t help myself,” he purred.
“Nuh-uh, you cannot do that in here. At least not while we are in here,” warned Gamma Jacob to Anthony.
“You’re no fun,” joked Anthony to Gamma Jacob who only laughed at him.
“Now, now children,” chuckled my Dad. “Let’s get ready to go to the Command Center.”
“I’m ready whenever you are. Just say the word,” I teased.
Alpha Richard linked us that everyone was now ready to go and to meet them downstairs in the sitting area. I picked up my laptop that had my notepad and pens inside which Anthony promptly took off my shoulder. I then picked up the clipboard to carry with me along with another pen for me to use. The look I gave him dared him to take this out of my hands.
Upon joining everyone downstairs, we made the short trek to the Command Center next to the Training Center. We walked into the building-Alpha Richard explained that this is the new Command Center that we created-for anyone listening in on our conversation. He handed Alpha Kings Matthew and Friedrich a piece of paper that said we will take you to the real Command Center in just a few minutes.
Ten minutes later, we all walked out of the building to the Training Center. We all made our way up to the top floor to see the new Command Center fully operational. My face lit up as soon as I saw it.
The Viewscreen showing our territory with the Thermal Imaging and Infrared Cameras was impressive. The detail of the images was amazing. When we entered, Tristen came over to assist us. Tristen is in charge of Patrols at our Pack.
“Good morning Alpha Richard, Alpha Kings, Deltas Melanie and Anthony. How may I assist you this morning?” Tristen inquired after he bowed toward the Alpha and Alpha Kings.
“Delta Melanie was dying to come over and check out things out since she hasn’t seen the finished product yet. Also, she wanted to check out … what did you want to check out Delta Melanie?” inquired Alpha Richard.
“I wanted to check out my special surprise Alpha Richard. I had special sensors installed along our borders that can tell if the heat signature is an animal or human at our border. They can with a 99. 9%, accuracy tell you what kind of animal it is. I was hoping we could have a demonstration of its use and maybe have someone approach in wolf form,” I uttered as I looked around the room hoping someone would volunteer to test out the sensors.
“We could have someone go out and test it for us. That would be a great idea. Any volunteers?” inquired Alpha Richard as he looked around the room and chuckled.
“Noah, how about it? Looks like you could use some exercise this morning,” I announced.
“Sure, why not? Does it matter which border I go to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.
“No, it doesn’t matter. I’m sure we’ll be able to tell which border you’re at,” I advised as I watched him walk out the door.
Alpha Richard advised all patrols that Noah was going to test the new security equipment not to be alarmed if he showed up at the border. At that very moment, we all noticed at our southern border a gathering of twenty or more. The alarm sounded.
“The sensors are saying twenty-five humans are at our southern border, Alpha,” Tristen shouted out.
“Send out the alert, now! Lock everything and everyone down, NOW!” commanded Alpha Richard.
‘All available wolves, we have a security breach at our southern border. We need all available wolves closest to that border to secure that border. Everyone take immediate cover in your safe rooms. Lock everything down now!’ commanded Alpha Richard.
“Melanie, you need to take cover in the safe room, NOW! You are carrying Delta Heirs,” commanded Alpha Richard.
“Yes, Alpha,” I replied as I scurried off to take cover in the safe room.
I kissed Anthony as I knew he was going with Alpha Richard to secure the border.
“Be safe and come back. Love you,” I commanded him.
“I will. Love you,” he replied after he kissed me.
They all took off toward the border. Anderson stayed behind to stand guard over the safe room to make sure nothing happened to me and the Delta Heirs. I was in the safe room for over forty minutes when Anderson opened the door and announced the all-clear. I couldn’t believe it.
What was all the fuss about? Huh? I couldn’t wait to hear what had happened. Anderson had a look of frustration and anger on his face.
“Anderson, what’s wrong? What happened?” I demanded.
“Delta Melanie, you need to come with me. Delta Anthony was injured in the battle,” Anderson announced as he led me out of the Training Center.
On the way out, Anderson grabbed my laptop bag. He knew I didn’t want to leave anything behind. He filled me in on the way to the pack hospital. Doyle Kessler sent a team of rogues to test our new security measures. He wanted to see just how good they were. I guess he got his answer. Dammit.
I just hope he doesn’t know about my new sensors. That’s the one thing he doesn’t know about. I hope that’s the one Ace we still have up our sleeve.
I knew Anthony was hurt too badly because of the mate bond. However, he did block me out completely which he will hear about. Why would he do that? I will not have it. If I can’t do it to him, he can’t do it to me.
Walking into the pack hospital I was shocked to see a half dozen people with varying injuries waiting to be seen. I was led to an exam room where Anthony was still being treated. Before I was allowed to enter I was told that he would heal, but it would take a day or two.
Okay, why did I need to know that before I entered? What did they do to my mate?