Chapter 61 Ty
TY
“It’s time.” Dad gestured for us to follow him downstairs to the movie room where one of the house staff had already turned the projector on and tuned in to the local news station.
We’d spent the past hour discussing how we thought the general public would react to the statements Dad and Liza had made. Everyone agreed that they couldn’t have done any better.
Liza was tired, not just because I’d fucked her like she’d never been fucked before, but because the mental strain of speaking directly to strangers about the pain she’d experienced in her life had exhausted her.
The house staff had been generous, bringing us drinks and food whenever we requested it, even though some of their shifts had ended hours ago.
We had the best people working for us, and I made a mental note to make it up to them once this whole ordeal was over.
They’d each get a nice bonus along with extra paid vacation time.
We walked solemnly to the movie room, Liza clinging to my arm, and her parents following close behind.
They’d been silent all throughout Liza’s statement, but once Liza had spoken about her past and the kindness of her parents for taking her in, they’d become emotional, and with good reason.
Trying to protect their daughter had put them under an immense amount of stress.
We got situated in our seats, anxious to see how the public would react to the recordings.
The news anchor began the broadcast with a brief introduction, then Dad’s face appeared on the screen.
“Dominic Keller, alpha of the Keller pack, has come forward this evening with a statement regarding the video that has circulated on televisions and computer screens over the past twenty-four hours.”
I watched as Dad recited the words that had been carefully crafted by Nico and a team of lawyers, expressing his feelings and stance about the current situation with Castro.
He denied all allegations about slaughtering an entire pack, stating that the Keller pack would never be involved in such a violent act.
“We are pleased to announce that the video has been officially debunked with proof that it was altered. I want to apologize to our pack members and the general public for the confusion this video caused. Rest assured that this type of misinformation will not be taken lightly as we seek to hunt down the man who’s responsible for this upheaval in our peaceful community. ”
I shuddered at his lies and took Liza’s hand. This was hard for her, yet she sat stoically, staring at the screen with so much damn resolve it made me want to ravage her again.
Her grip on my hand was unrelenting, and I brushed a kiss on her forehead. “You’ve got this,” I whispered. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”
Liza smiled weakly before turning her attention back to the screen.
There was a brief pause after Dad’s statement before the anchorwoman appeared on the screen again.
“You just heard from Dominic Keller as he claimed to not be involved in the deaths of hundreds of men, women, and children. Though our sources have been unable to identify the slaughtered pack, many have questioned if they did, truly, exist. Here now, with another statement that sheds more light on the situation, is Liza Mims, mate of Ty Keller, the Keller pack’s alpha-in-waiting.
The screen faded to black, and then Liza’s beautiful face filled up the screen. A heavy breath left her nose as the video began.
My pride in her became fierce as I watched her sit regally behind my father’s desk, staring straight into the camera. She didn’t look nervous at all. In fact, she looked badass, ready to take Castro fucking down.
Liza looked so confident and at ease, as if she was meant to be in a place of power, whether as a mob princess or as his queen. This was her destiny, I was certain of it.
Liza stared into the screen. “Good evening. My name is Liza Mims, and I was born to Josef and Portia Wylde. My father was the alpha of the Wylde pack, and my mother was his biggest supporter, leading the pack with grace and elegance.” She paused and cleared her throat.
“My parents loved and adored me, and I had the most wonderful childhood anyone could ask for. I never wanted for anything, and that included their time and attention, even though they were both extremely busy.”
The camera slowly zoomed in at the perfect moment so the viewer could see the sincerity in Liza’s eyes.
“I was born an omega. Though my parents did their best to protect me from the world, they knew that there would be people who wanted to hurt me. Despite their best efforts, my parents were killed by a boy who wanted me to himself. That boy is now a man named Castro Neal.”
Liza’s eyes widened, and the muscles around her lips tightened. She stared into the camera as if speaking directly to Castro, daring him to try and control her ever again. She continued her speech, giving Castro a big fuck you.
“Castro used to go by the name Stone Black. My earliest memories are of Stone watching and following me. He wanted my affections all to himself, so he harassed any children who attempted to be my friend. I almost always found myself playing with him, but even then, he dominated me, hardly letting me lift a finger. He would push me on the swing or bring my dolls and lay them out in the order I wanted them. It was as if he wanted me to see him as the most important person in my life. And for a while, it worked. I asked to play with Stone and begged my parents to let him come over.”
She sighed and pushed her shoulders back, sitting up even straighter than before.
“Stone was obsessed with me. As he grew older, he pulled other boys from me and beat them to a pulp for so much as looking in my direction. Of course, being a four-year-old girl, I didn’t recognize him for the monster he truly was.
His obsession culminated in him murdering his own parents and then mine.
Stone—Castro—wanted to be the center of my universe.
The truth is that my pack was taken from me, and they were slaughtered not because of the Keller pack, but because Castro leaked my existence.
My pack was murdered in an attempt to get me. ”
Liza paused again, shifting almost imperceptibly in her seat.
It was only because I knew her like the back of my hand that I was able to recognize the signs of her nervousness.
To everyone else in the room, her composure and self-assurance shone through, not even a shred of nerves evident in her voice.
She continued. “The Keller pack did come to aid in the massacre of my pack, but the ones responsible for their murders are still unknown. Dominic Keller and his team took me in when I was found roaming in the woods. I had run away after witnessing Castro murder my parents, and I was terrified. The Keller pack saved me.” Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks, but Liza took a deep breath and finished her speech with a boldness that sent chills down my spine.
“If it weren’t for the Keller pack, I would probably be dead.
Instead, I was given the chance to be a part of this wonderful community.
My adoptive parents, Scott and Rory Mims, loved me as if I was their own.
It’s because of their love and devotion that I am the woman I am today.
” Liza briefly glanced in her parents’ direction, swallowing hard.
“I’ve served the Presley Acres community for years with my catering business.
I went to school and played on the same sports teams with many of your children.
I am simply a grateful member of the Keller pack—one who is begging you to help us find the man responsible for leaking the video and altering it to make it seem as if the Keller pack was responsible for the deaths of my people when, in fact, he was the reason.
He is a murderer, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants: me. ”
By the end of the video, there would be no doubt in anyone’s mind who the actual criminal was.
The segment came to an end with the anchor wiping at tears.
“Thank you to Dominic Keller and Liza Mims for providing their statements in this exclusive newscast.” Castro’s photo appeared on the screen.
“If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Castro Neal, please contact the local authorities. Do not approach this dangerous man. Call the authorities so that he can be taken into custody and justice can be served.”
The lights came on as the projector shut off. After a few moments, Dad stood. “Liza, I understand that this wasn’t easy for you. I want you to know that I’ll forever be in your debt for protecting the pack.”
He hesitated and cleared his throat, and I could see he was trying to keep his emotions at bay.
“I know I can’t take back what I did, but I hope we’ll be able to move forward and heal.
” He turned his gaze to me. “Ty, this goes without saying, but at the next full moon, it will be time to pass on the alpha power.”
I took a deep breath. “Yes. I’m ready.” I took Liza’s hand in mine, and the serene smile on her face reminded me a lot of my mother’s smile.
Liza’s parents stood—Scott shaking hands with me, then my father, “Thank you, Dominic. You brought a wonderful gift into our lives. With everything she has done and everything she has gone through, I couldn’t be prouder of our daughter right now.
” He turned to me. “Ty, I ask you to keep my daughter safe, love and cherish her the way she should be. If you’ll excuse us, I think Rory and I would like to get some sleep.
” Scott and Rory both hugged Liza, telling her how proud they were, before departing for their room.
“Tyson, why don’t you come on a walk with me? I think some fresh air might do us good.”
I nodded and joined Dad just as Mother stood and made a beeline to Liza’s side. “Care to join me in the kitchen? We have a lot to talk about.”
Liza glanced at me, and I winked. “Sure, Persephone. I could use a snack, anyway.”
I assumed Mother wanted to talk to her about becoming the mate to the alpha, since she’d need more lessons about the role she was about to take on.
Poor Liza, having to jump from the newscast to listening to Mother blab on about various community obligations.
She smiled at Mother, though, and it was genuine.
Dad led the way to the garden in the backyard, the gravel trail illuminated by a row of solar lights.
It was a quiet night, and the crunching of our shoes against the rocks was the only sound aside from the occasional chirp of crickets.
I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of blooming roses in the air and letting it wash away some of my worries.
We’d done it. We were now two steps ahead of Castro, not the other way around. I wasn’t na?ve, though. That bastard would retaliate, and when he did, I’d be ready.
We made our way to a bench that overlooked the forest. Dad took a deep breath and crossed his legs. He was more at ease than I’d seen him in weeks.
He turned to face me. “I’m damn proud of you and the man you’ve become. I still remember you running around buck naked through these gardens. At that time, it was hard to imagine you as the alpha of the pack. I see it now. You’ve become the leader our pack deserves.”
“Thank you, Dad.” I watched as a bat flittered above our heads, trying to catch bugs mid-air. “That means so much coming from you.”
He nodded. “I know I’ve handed a lot over to you and Liza, but the way you’ve both reacted to all of this is impressive. I know the pack is in the best hands possible. I have no reservations about handing the alpha powers down to you.”
I smiled at him. “I promise I’ll do my best to lead the pack with honor and integrity.”
He clapped me on the back. “That’s all any father could ask of his son.
I have to warn you, though, that sometimes the power of the alpha can be a heavy load to carry.
At times, it will feel like too much, but that’s why it’s important to have a loyal council and a partner who can help you carry the burden.
Fate obviously knew what was to come and that there would be no better partner for you than Liza. ”
“I agree. I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Dad stood and placed his hands on his hips.
“I’m not dumb enough to think that this is over.
Castro is going to make a move to punish us, and when he does, it will be harder than before.
I’ll be there by your side to see this to the end.
Just because I’m passing the alpha powers to you doesn’t mean I’m abandoning you.
I’ll be with you every step of the way.” Dad put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Are you ready for all of this?”
I nodded.
“Glad to hear it, Ty.” Dad yawned and stretched. “I’m going to head to bed. You?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. I’m going to walk in the woods for a few minutes. Clear my mind. Today has been… a lot.”
“I understand. See you in the morning, son.”
He turned and made his way back up the gravel path. I watched for a few minutes, noting how much slower he moved, and the extra effort it took him to walk uphill.
My mating with Liza couldn’t have come at a better time.
Walking through the trees, I reached out and touched them, needing that connection with nature and its energy. Soon, these woods would be filled with pack members shifting at my command under the light of the full moon.
In some ways, it was hard to imagine. There had been so much build up to get to this point, and now that we were on the cusp of transferring the alpha powers, I found myself contemplating the future more than ever.
As I ventured deeper into the woods, the scent of damp earth and moss mingled with the fragrance of pine. It was my second home, the place I was most at ease.
The symphony of nature surrounded me: rustling leaves, the distant chirping of insects, the susurrus of the nearby stream.
The familiar sounds grounded and gave me a sense of direction and purpose as if they were aware of the shift in my identity.
Did they know I would soon be the leader of the forest, the one who would lead the other wolves that roamed the area at my command?
Dad had asked if I was ready for the next step, for the powers to be handed down to me. I was.
It was fucking time for me to become the alpha.