Dangerous Desires

Chapter 23

23 Promotion and Pain

Tia.

When Luke told me of the new developments, my heart broke. I had worked really hard to get into the army. Although I joined the academy because of Caleb, I gained a lot. I proved that I could do whatever I set my heart out to do. To have my life toyed with this way was wrong, but I knew Luke was already having it hard and showing disappointment or anger towards him over something he had no control over was wrong. Instead of giving him a hard time, I smiled and let him know I was okay with it. I could tell he was relieved by my response.

Luke got off the bed, butt naked, went to the sitting room, picked up a file from the couch, and brought it to me. He handed it to me and sat next to me.

“My father said I should study this with you,” he said, and I frowned at him, wondering why. “For starters, someone tried to link the arsenal attack to me,” he said, and I laughed.

‘Ridiculous,” I said, and he nodded.

“My father knows, but who will do it and why?” he said, and I understood where he was heading.

“Anyway, that isn’t the reason I am giving you this. My father is with the notion that another Alpha is trying to wipe our family out and absorb our Key mark and the pack. He claimed there have been several attacks on all our lives, and he can link them to be from one and the same source. He discourages moving out, claiming the security here is efficient.” he said, and I frowned at him.

“So, what is your take on all this?” I asked him, and he sighed and pulled me close.

“I want us to move out and start a family, Tia. I want to love you without interference, and the only way that can happen is outside these walls. If you are willing, I intend to take my chances with you,” he said,

looking deep into my eyes with hope. I kissed him to let him know I was game, and the kiss lingered. It was passionate, deep and sweet, and we meant every bit.

We spent the rest of the evening house hunting on Luke’s tablet. We both wanted something simple that we could raise children in, and while we searched, I was a bit hurt that I would not be the only mother of his child. While I lay next to him in bed hunting for a house to live in, another woman was carrying his child, and it hurt. At that moment, it hurt because she had a piece of him. The child will be a reminder that there was someone before me, but for me, he was all I had. I watched him scroll through with excitement, and I brushed a strand of hair from his face. He looked at me.

“Tia, are you okay?” he asked when I knew I had tears in my eyes. I could not tell him why because I felt my reason was petty and silly, yet I still had to answer his question.

“Yes, Luke, they are joyful tears that we will have peace soon,” I said, and he smiled at me.

“We are fully mated, Tia. I know when you are lying. It is okay if you are not ready to tell me why you are sad, but please do not lie to me,” he pleaded, and I nodded.

“You know what,” he said, putting down his pad,” Since Caleb has been removed and you won’t be gamma anymore, there is no need for training. Visit your parents at the clinic and spend some time with them,” he said, and I nodded; that visit was long overdue.

Luke told me about the kind of life he wanted and hoped for. He wanted a simple life with just us and our children. It was a dream and exciting, but it wasn’t really up to us. I was nervous heading for breakfast in the morning. I knew what would happen, and I wasn’t looking forward to the discussion. We found everyone present at the table. I saw Caleb, and he smiled at me.

“I am glad you are okay, Tia,” he linked me while Luke pulled out a seat for me to sit on. Monica was still trying to be flirtatious toward Luke. The girl was persistent, and I had to give it to her. There was something odd about her too. Her persistence and disregard for warnings indicated that she was

desperate. It was as if she had locked her eyes on a price, aiming to get it at all costs. Her level of dedication, determination and willpower was that of someone older with a lot to lose and limited time to achieve their goal. I began to wonder how she was brought up and the quality of life she must have had growing up. She looked so much like Stacy that if I did not know better, I would think she was Stacy’s daughter, but I had learned she was Stacy’s sister’s child, which explained the striking resemblance between them.

Alpha Aesop called everyone’s attention to break the news. “Recent developments have forced me to review certain things,” he said and adjusted himself on his seat. I hated this part of my mornings when I had to come here and sit through their family bullshit. It was more formal than an actual family breakfast.

“First of all, I want to commend Caleb for his effort at the border. We do not always win sometimes, so I am glad that you stood your ground as difficult as the mission was for you, Caleb. I also want to thank Tia for being a true soldier and standing by her alpha.” He said and sighed. “Luke,” he said, looking at his favourite son, ” Thank you for saving their lives and defeating the intruders,” he said, and Luke nodded reluctantly. It was clear my husband did not like being praised. I would have giggled if it weren’t for the severity of the discussion.

“I am reviewing certain things because that is best for our country and our pack and because I do not want to lose any of you. The topic we are about to discuss has been a controversial matter in our home and in our pack. The goddess gives an order for a good reason; anytime we try to go against that order, we lose,” he said and looked at Stacy. Whatever this man had to say, his mate wouldn’t like it.

“I will be relieving Caleb of his Alpha status and giving it back to Luke, the original owner,” he said, and Stacy banged her hands on the table and stood up abruptly. “How dare you, Aesop!!” she screamed at him, ” How dare you humiliate my baby like this? What will he have then? You have no money to give him, and you want to take the command from him?” she screamed with pain.

“Someone once told me the pack is not an object or an inheritance to be given or gifted. The

1 the alpha’s duty is to protect those lives at all costs. The key mark we carry is not power but trust; trust by the goddess to keep her children safe. Every true alpha born with a key mark understands this burden because, unlike every other mark, the key mark can be taken away. It is the only mark that can be taken. Caleb is an Alpha but not a strong one, and that is why he will be Luke’s beta so he can have his big brother’s protection and live longer just as it should have always been,” he said and stared down at his wife. She continued fuming, but she managed to sit down. Alpha Aesop sighed.

“As for inheritance, All I have is this mansion, and my sons will share it equally, each taking one wing. Caleb,” he said, turning to Caleb,” It will be nice you start up a b depend on to care for you and your family. As you know, Diamond corp belonged to Chloe, my first mate and Luke’s mother. We have lived off her charity all these years, and now that Luke has taken over the company, we should not expect more than what we are getting right now. Just as I cannot take your mother’s things and give him, I cannot take his mother’s things and give you. If it were my company, I would have divided it like I have divided this house, but Diamond corp isn’t mine to give. I hope you understand, son,” he said, and Caleb nodded, not bothered by his father’s decision.

“Since Luke will be Alpha, he shouldn’t have any problem with his little brother working at the corp to help him run the place,” Stacy said, sounding more like a demand than a request. Aesop shook his head.

“Your bad behaviour and ill-treatment towards my son has sown discord between the brothers. We should leave a clear demarcation, and like I said, I do not have any authority or power in Diamond corp. Monica’s employment was a kind gesture by Luke, which I will plead with her not to abuse. I have noticed the way she has been acting towards Luke, and I want to also use this opportunity to ask you, Stacy, to warn your niece. Luke is a married and fully mated man. We can see his mark on his wife’s neck, please, it will be wise for Monica to keep away.” he said, and I was shocked Alpha Aesop caught on the girl’s blatant disregard and determination. “Because of this new development, Kirk and Tia will no longer be in the army. Kirk might remain if Luke deems him fit for a position in the army, but Tia, being the new Luna, will no longer be in the ranks, and the burden will be upon her to run Diamond corp when her husband

fully takes over the Alpha position,” he said and sighed. Then looked at Luke and me, and he seemed a bit pissed and heartbroken…

“We have laws in our world and a body to help uphold and keep those Laws,” he said, and I wondered why he chose those words.

“Kimberly is here because of those laws, Luke. When Elizabeth demanded her rights a few days after the incident at the border, I told her, as her alpha, to be patient for you and Tia to come home. Now you are home. Firstly, I am not happy with how you handled the matter,” he said, and I saw Stacy smile; whatever he was about to say would definitely hurt Luke and me. “Elisabeth’s condition is very serious, and unlike your brother, you are not denying responsibility for her pregnancy,” he said, and Caleb and Kimberly gasped. I could see the I told-you-so look on Caleb’s face, and I was a bit embarrassed by it. I knew they would find out eventually, but I wasn’t prepared for this. “I guess Caleb isn’t the only lost one. To think we thought you were better in that department. “Stacy said, and Luke bowed his head in shame.

“Firstly, I am disappointed in you for what you did, Luke. You knew you were to be joined with Tia, yet you continued your relationship with Elisabeth until you got her pregnant. Just like Caleb, I will make sure you face the full consequences of your actions. If you hadn’t claimed your wife and she claimed you, I would have had the marriage cancelled and allowed you to have your choice. I chose Tia for you because I knew the quality of life you would have with her. Yes, Stacy did not want Tia with Caleb, but that wasn’t why I agreed. I agreed because I knew you needed someone like her in your life. She reminded me a lot of your mother, Chloe, strong, determined, humble and content. I wanted you to have a good life, and you have

started tasting that good life I wanted for you. You have a fully submissive wife that will support you no matter what. The painful part is that you did not trust my judgement and let Elisabeth, the gold digger, go when you should,” he said, and Luke looked at him. “Yes, Luke, I know about all her expenses, the money you have sent her and continued to send to her. I did not hand you the company because that girl had ane fangs in your pocket and was sucking you dry. I am your father and alpha. I know these things,”

he said, and I could feel Alpha Aesop’s anger. “You insulted Tia and me by continuing your relationship with Elisabeth. Luke, breaking up with her a week before your wedding doesn’t count. You kept sleeping with her after your engagement had been announced. Tia did not like the joining, but she respected it and stayed away from Caleb, but you kept seeing Elisabeth. ” he said and sighed.

“Elisabeth has called me and filed a report asking for justice, and she will get her justice. She will be moving into your wing of the house today, Luke,” He said, and Luke banged the table and stood up. His hands were shaking and fuming with anger. I was too hurt to try to console him. I held on to my tears, trying hard not to let them fall.

“And if you choose to move out, you will take her with you, Luke. You know the laws; It will be difficult for her to find a mate because she had birthed another man’s child.” he said and could not complete his words because his voice cracked.

“May I be excused,” I politely asked Alpha Aeson, and he looked at me.

“I am sorry to put you through this, Tia. I really am. I would have let you go if you hadn’t claimed each other. Please be strong,” he said and nodded for me to excuse myself. I quickly got up and rushed out of the lounge. As I moved towards the left wing, my tears flowed freely. I was heaving heavily. I tried to catch my breath. The moment I got into the room, I curled up in the corner and began to cry. What had Luke done to us?