During the time that Edgar's foot tapped impatiently on the tiled floor, Elsa shifted weight from foot to foot anxious for her return. The only hint they got from Alpha Rudy was that she was arriving today at 3:00pm by Emirates airlines. They had to force Amar to drop them off at the airport with their horrendous placard. Amar was Reetu's big brother. Their placard read 'Welcome back, Latiffah!'. The letters were legible and off. Some were big and designed with straight hands while some so and so. Despite that it didn't fail to convey the love and warmth endorsed in it. She has morphed into a beautiful being in these four and a half years; she got her calendar right this time. She had put her hair in a temporary straight style, her striking bright eyes look more mysterious, her skin looks more healthy and not forgetting her mentality has matured. Her wolf was no different. She encouraged her to keep building up herself. Nerina was pretty annoyed at the sudden changes and turns which have occurred in their life. Moreover she had to live amongst humans most of the time. Those of her kind had only the nights to themselves but they were ephemeral. Nerina didn't have her Alekseal to play with…They were the summary of forlornness.
Her training went on for twenty-five weeks; A fifty-six day criminal investigation training program, an eighteen month extensive program afterwards top candidates like her moved on to the 'Farm' for six months advanced training. That took almost a year and the remaining three years, she made herself useful on the field. She never dreamt of coming back especially with those two still at home as Elsa shared. However, if she got her way, she would take those two little buds who look up to her to Pennsylvania. She didn't know who was that benefactor or the one who conspired trouble for her but she was grateful for the opportunity granted.
She swaggered in her cotton grey shirt jumpsuit paired with white sneakers and a mid part ponytail dragging along her suitcase she had picked from the trailer. She seemed to have been in a hurry with a few hair tendrils on the sides of her eyes. Latiffah was warmed at heart seeing those two little buds at the arrival's unit yet she wasn't expecting anyone to receive her. The sweetness of the lollipop turned bitter at the hilarious looking sign.
" They must have done it themselves with how 'beautiful' it looks like." Nerina giggles from her hideout.
"Zip it you furry mammal!" Latiffah snaps. "Bet you're jealous it's not meant for you."
Nerina returns back to her station at the back of her mind.
"No comment there." She says before going to sleep. Latiffah shakes her head a little. Her cloudy eyes returning back to their clear form.
She chuckles softly. "And I guess you two are my escorts?" Amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Uh huh." Both respond elated. There was something frantic in their gaiety. Edgar takes the suitcase while Elsa goes in for her lollipop. Immediately it goes into her mouth, Latiffah plops another in her mouth. Elsa gasped as Latiffah winks at her.
The hot air outside hits their skin hard reminding them of the airport's chill air. The entrance was bustling as of the inside. They move to the open carpark. Latiffah's eyes scans the entrance for something suddenly recalling the very day she left. She left behind all the tension at home and ascended the plane with a renewed mindset. She recalled dumping her old sim card into the airport's lavatory dustbin but had saved the number she gave to Elsa. Not even Oleg had the new number. She looked around as if waiting for something or someone taking notice of things well. Having had enough of waiting, she turns to the duo,
"Where is our mode of transport?" The two blinked guiltily. As if understanding what they were trying to convey, "You two came on your own?" it was more of a statement. She looked deathly calm. The duo couldn't utter a word at the moment. They tried their possible best to avert their eyes from her scrutinizing gaze.
"Does mother even know where you are?" Elsa found this the time to open her mouth,
"No. No one knows where we are except Amar. Well, we tricked him to drop us here. It's Alpha Rudy who told us that you are coming today." She blurted out. "No one apart from us know about your arrival." That piece of information sounded suspicious.
"It's not a big deal. Besides we've got each other's backs just as you said we should." Edgar improvises. Alpha Rudy? Arrival? What else does he know? Latiffah didn't want the tension to ruin the atmosphere so she let the issue rest, for now. She got out her phone and ordered an Uber bound to arrive in six minutes.
"Let's deal with this later." She waves the matter off. " So how have you two been with the shift of…how many years now? Six? Or Seven?"
"It has being great and adventurous!" Elsa squeals after coming down from her sister's intimidation.
" There was a whole lot of exploration to do. Ten actually." Edgar adds sneakily.
"Always the smart mouth. I'm glad it didn't take a toll on you guys."
The Howell Family used to reside in Addis Ababa, the capital of the country after they moved from Europe. Their father used to go out to work for several days even to months until he decided that his family needed to be around him for he was missing out on important family events. Latiffah didn't favour the idea of moving again especially when she was getting used to Addis Ababa. She couldn't risk getting to know more people than her brain could store. Most of the new faces were irritating, her new school was totally different and she was not getting used to the bug prone environment. It was foggy and humid most of the time in the early mornings way different than it used to be back in Europe. She would have frozen to death if Nerina was not by her side. Her heart was content her siblings were faring well. The driver has four minutes to get here or else she would cancel the order.
"So how old are you youngsters? Eleven and twelve?" She adjusts her shades smugly.
"Nice one, granny but we are fifteen and sixteen respectively." Edgar replies pointing Elsa then himself. "how old are you that you've suddenly developed dementia? Besides, we are teenagers. That's the word not youngsters" He emphasized on the youngsters like it's a creepy word. Elsa made sucky noises with her lollipop. Latiffah looks at him as though he's the dumbest person she has ever met.
" Fifteen and sixteen already? I am missing out. Besides, you are still young and don't give me that crappy shit about being adults." She flicks his forehead.
"You just cussed." Elsa extends her palm. "dollar jar." Latiffah looks at her inquisitively.
"Whenever someone in our family cusses, one pays a hundred dollars into the jar." Edgar expounds rubbing his forehead. "So pay up." Latiffah enters her pockets and comes out with a hundred dollar note in a warning stance.
" If I find out that you two are extorting from me, so help me what I will do to you." Elsa and Edgar smirk. Time dropped to two minutes. The big orange blotch in the sapphire sky deepened in color. After a little session of teenage conversation, Latiffah dropped the bomb.
"How has mother been faring so far?" The color drained from their faces. The two teenagers look at themselves arguing with their eyes. One seem eager to voice out but the other persistent in keeping the other's mouth shut. Before Elsa could rant out her life, a sleek black saloon car parks right in front of them with an invitation to get in. Latiffah and her siblings take steps backwards praying more than ever to let the Uber arrive at the moment. If only wishes were horses… This was kidnapping in broad daylight! Latiffah stood alert calculating ways to get the two out of 'the way'. However she tried to not let the driver know that he got to her. The driver's patience ran thin thus he descended from the car, stood in front of the trio then bowed in respect at their shocked faces. He realized that his attitude must have scared them especially the oldest looking ready to kill.
"I've being sent to come for you, Agent Howell." He stated. Latiffah looks at him quizzically then back at the duo.
" I think I heard you two say no one knows I'm back."
"I thought the same too." Elsa replies looking at the man as if he is dead meat. "Your title is so cool!" she couldn't help but gush.
"Elsa, focus!" Edgar rebukes.
"My apologies Miss. Indeed no one is informed of your arrival. The Alpha has sent me to come get you…" He did not get to complete his sentence when an SUV packs behind the saloon car in a steady curve. The Uber had arrived. The trio stood in deliberation whether to use that or the Alpha's. The stare from driver who did not look like a driver anymore told them otherwise. She could not take her chances with the two on the line. Latiffah moved to dismiss the Uber driver but a loud holla from behind stops her.
"Don't let him get away!" It was a blonde woman with her hair all over her face in a tight jeans and shirt. She almost fell in her stilettos. One of the wheels on her travel bag had broken and appears to be late for something important.
" Thank you so much" she hurriedly push the bag onto the front passenger seat. " At least I can get there on time not looking like a wreck." She gets into the car then sticks her head out of the window. She brushes a bit of her hair away. "I can't thank you enough, Miss" Latiffah raises a brow. "To Asmara the fastest you can." The Uber driver lost for words did as commanded, driving off into oblivion.
"Shall we?" The Alpha's driver offered. Latiffah and the duo get into the car renewing their previous conversation. Randolph couldn't help listening to their conversation laughing to himself at the two youngsters' delusions.
"So have you found your mate yet or still lonely like a puffer fish." Edgar suddenly asks from the front passenger seat. Elsa and even the driver seemed eager to know her answer. They thought this must be a sensitive topic for her at the prolonged silence but her response blew their minds.
" Of course I have found my mate." Latiffah smiles but Randolph hit the brakes so hard she and Elsa came crushing into the headrests. Edgar was pulled back from putting on the seat belt.
"Hey, watch it!" She snarls. He quickly apologies blaming it on an imaginary escaping rabbit. Perks of listening to other people's conversations. Randolph knew about her being amongst the few who haven't found their mates yet despite all these years. Even the Alpha was amongst them that's why the Alpha wanted to get married to an eligible Luna which she was chosen for. Guess she was off limits now, a disappointment awaited the Alpha.
"Really?" Edgar and Elsa ask surprised and unsure.
"Of course not." She says, disgusted. "I'm doing well being alone. Do you know how independence feels like?" Latiffah sighs. She liked her new self and the adaptations she has made knowing that she is mateless. The solitude was spellbinding especially having a fulfilling job which granted one many uncountable enemies. The three look at her weirdly then don't question her anymore.
Latiffah knew something wasn't right with the duo's behaviour. Then it clicked. " I ask again how is mother faring?" This takes them by surprise. They thought by avoiding the question she will drop it or forget about it. But it seems she was not going to anyway, not now not ever. "I would not ask again." Elsa looks at her brother knowingly. Edgar shakes his head preventing her from talking. The frustration was taking a toll on her. Having hidden it from her for the past four years. Already their mother had provoked her in calling those two misers five years ago when they are not even supposed to be invited but come as in their duty to their family. Edgar stares at her through the side mirror warningly. Latiffah, oblivious to their exchanges, searches the small portion of her duffel bag for that piece of paper that she scribbled the address onto while the exchange heats up.
"Aha!" she suddenly exclaim victoriously. She glances over the information sooner she taps the shoulder of the driver. "Take us to this address."
"But Miss the Alpha…"
"I'll deal with the Alpha just take me there." She doesn't give a chance to retort. Randolph knew better to go against a skilled agent. He will just have to inform the Alpha right after.
"Sure."
"So tell me, what do you two do with your boring lives?" Latiffah knew something was up but she let it slip by for the mean time.
"Go to school like normal teenagers after that act like teenagers the rest of the day then continue the cycle the next morning." Is all Edgar's reply. "but it all were different today."
"Yeah, after closing from school at two thirty, we were summoned by the Alpha and he told us what was going to happen." Elsa adds.
"Is it that you have eyes but can't see or what?" Latiffah was fuming. The Alpha had played her siblings. This was no warm welcome. It was a way to ensure she does not go into hiding. She must say, 'clever idea, Alpha!'
"We were to come pick you, am I not right?" Edgar begins. "bring you home then stay with us or…" he sounded unsure with his last words.
" No dear. The Alpha is afraid I might go into hiding that is why he told you two to act as leverage." She begins explaining to their attentive ears. " he knows I do not accept offers from anybody when I'm alone but with you two around, I will ensure your safety thus you two were like…"
"bait in this whole operation." Elsa says. Latiffah was getting annoyed at their constant interruption of her analysis." He played with us. He made us come to get you then he come get us even though we declined his offer. He betrayed us." Edgar and his big sister look at her as if she had grown an extra head. She was not the one to draw hypothesis this fast. Randolph knew that these three had figured out the Alpha's plans. He was so dead! The trio put the issue at the back of their minds. They continue their lively conversation already having an idea on how to confront the Alpha, if they had a chance. Edgar and Elsa prayed she wouldn't bring about the issue about their mother. She would be devastated.
After negotiating a curve at the roundabout and taking the left fork, ten miles away from the national bank, and twenty miles from the pack house into a forest themed area, they arrive at their destination. The driver could not help but join in the jaw drop. The place was magnificent. The few houses and apartments were not dull or colorful either just perfect for a tranquil stay. Latiffah couldn't be more proud of her choice. The house's address which she had stood a bit close to the forest amongst all the houses. From the outside, one could tell it cost a fortune with its immaculate design. Randolph parks in the available park space and all descend to admire the piece of art.
"This is way much better than the picture." Breathed Latiffah. She stared at white, town house model with glass for windows , a stairway into the house and the lush grass surrounding it.
"Its got a big backyard!" The teenagers ran screaming. Latiffah dismisses the driver then enter into the house. She made sure the driver was far gone before she did that.
"Wow" They all whispered. The insides were better than the outside. The door opened into the living room after a short foyer. The living room was well furnished with a big plasma screen on the wall and fake fruits and veggies on the black center table opposite two sofas whose backs were to the glass window in the living room. Edgar could see himself using the entire room. Across the center table stood a couch for cuddles and another two in one sofa. They moved inside for further exploring. The dinning furniture stood near the other windows opposite the windows in the hall. A stair case to the rooftop separated these two rooms. When they moved left from the dinning room, a door opened to the kitchen and a storage room bordering it. Another door came in view after coming out of the store room to the left after a few strides which opened to the master bedroom. The next floor of the house had two additional rooms before further ascension to the rooftop where chairs and table were laid out.
"You two choose your rooms and get acquitted while I unpack." She drags her bag to the vestibule leading to her room. "You know where to find me. And no fighting or quarrelling of any sort!" They grumble at her order. Elsa and her brother stood in front of the rooms finding it hard to decide.
"How about we play Rock Paper Scissors for three rounds. The winner gets to have the first room." Edgar proposes. After two rounds of draw, they stared at each other menacingly. Each depended on the last round.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`
Former Alpha Rudy was getting impatient already. He hadn't heard from Randolph yet. He decides to call up on the Howells maybe they might give him the information he is after. But he had to make sure no one suspects anything. Tonight's party is a surprise for everyone except his son. He could use those children he let them pick Latiffah up as an excuse. A brilliant idea! He dialed the Howells. It rang for a few minutes before someone picked it up.
"Hello?" the voice belonged to Nicola, he acknowledged. The eldest daughter of Rowan.
"Hello, Miss Howell" His response alone made her flinch in fear.
"Alpha Rudy?" She was surprised he could call upon their home.
"Miss Howell or Mrs. Hamada? Which one would you prefer?"
"Mrs. Hamada, Sir."
"Mrs. Hamada, it is of no fear and panic I call your house. I simply wanted to find out if the two teenagers are in."
"Sorry? I do not get you."
"There has been recent rise in kidnapping mostly of unshifted werewolves."
"My apologies, Alpha but they have gone to their friend's house for studies. I will call when they return to inform you, Alpha."
"Sure. Do so to let me on anything."
"Certainly. Alpha, may I ask a question?"
Alpha Rudy had a fair idea of what she wanted to ask. "Go ahead."
"Why are you calling on us?"
He snapped,
"It is not only your family. I call on others too. Besides, it is my duty that everyone is safe!" He disconnected the line in fury. That did not sit well with Nicola. Alpha Rudy put Nicola on the waiting list. He would deal with her later but first he must wind his way into their hearts. He guessed the two must have lied to her that they were going for studies. He summoned his son.
"You called, father" The young Alpha took a seat opposite the former Alpha when he arrived.
"Your Luna has returned." For a moment mischief danced in the eyes of both men. They knew what having her as Luna would bring. Merits. Loads of merits! Reece quickly composed himself burying his own intentions in his occipital. They would be called for when needed.
"And how do you know that?" As if on cue, the telephone rang. It was Randolph. Within a few minutes, Randolph is seen bowing before the two Alphas. He confirms their postulates. Now, they simply had to set the party on.
Alpha Rudy was vexed when he learnt that Latiffah did not accept the house he had prepared for her. He could not let that side of the plan fall apart. He orders Randolph to take him to where she currently resided. Reece offered to follow too. It seemed like forever until they got to the entrance of the whole estate. After a short drive to her house, they stood at the doorpost. Reece pressed the doorbell. Alpha Rudy could not help but admit that the house had its own exceptions especially the quietness. A few screams came through before the lock turned and the door opened to a solemn looking Latiffah. She had not changed from her attire. She looked exactly like the picture the agency had shared.
"What can I do for you" She was not expecting any guests. She scanned the two men over. One seemed oddly familiar. They were not surprised she did not recognize them but Reece was hurt. He stared at the diva awestruck. Her messy bun and her hand on her waist did nothing to calm her beauty. She looked flawless in person and even more luscious and shapely. Alpha Rudy smirked to himself seeing that his son was lost for words. Her face lift up then fall again at the individual who stood behind them.
"Rudolph? What is this?" Randolph felt honoured she recognized him although she got the name wrong. The two Alphas stood there brooding.
"It's Randolph, Agent"
"Whatever." Their eyes widen at her audacity." Who are these people and what did I tell you about coming here?" Randolph began to fear for his life while the Alphas were surprised at their informality. "Do you have a mate Rudolph?" They didn't know where this conversation was leading to. They had come to tell her to come to the party and to know where she lived as bonus but this…was too much.
Randolph scratched his hair already done for by the Alphas and the Agent. The Agent seemingly close to choking him to death. "I guess…" She quirked an eyebrow." I mean yes. I do have a mate."
"Then what are you doing here? You should be grateful there are people around up them outside. "Scram… and take them away with you." His eyes widen again. For the record, he did like her nonchalance but he knew she would sober up if she got to know that she was addressing the Alphas like that. Time to burst her bubble!
"Miss Howell?"
"Latiffah! Call me Latiffah. Miss Howell sounds like my grandmother I never knew." Reece was annoyed Randolph got to be on first name basis with her though he was mated.
"Latiffah, these two are not just anybody." He began. Latiffah raises her hand to silence him. They stared at her offended.
"I don't care who they are and do not wish to. However, who is going to clean that." She points to the runny muddy tires." Randolph almost banged his head on the door. " I hate dirt and I just got here. I'll be expecting guests soon and do not wish to have this place in a bad shape." Randolph for once thought she was referring to the Alphas. "Elsa do not waste the hot water with your stupid makeup" she screamed into the house.
"how do you expect me to clean it then." Another voice screamed back.
"I don't know. Use your hot urine to do that. At least it doesn't cost anything." If Elsa was downstairs, she would have stared at her disgusted as the men before her did. "What's up with your faces?"
"Nothing." They chorused.
"Are you done with your charade, Randolph?" I have to sleep jet lag is catching up fast."
"miss Howe-Latiffah, listen to me." He says, gravely. To which She had no choice but to listen However her feet kept hitting the tiled floor as if counting. He ignores the gesture. "These two are not just anybody. This-he points to the older version- is Alpha Rudy and this-he points to the young one- is Alpha Reece all of Teau wolf Park. Your Park, Your Alphas" The reaction they all wanted from her didn't ooze out of her. She fixated her eyes on them blankly.
"Randolph?"
He was frightened more than ever. "Ye-Ye-Yess, Lati-Latiffah."
"And my mate is the Count of the Vampires."
""Yes. Uh… I mean no. But this is true."
"When did you last realize that you were gone?"
"Cant you at least smell their aura?"
"I lost my wolf" She says. That piece of information shook the core of the men and the teenagers inside. They had stopped in their tracks. The two Alphas realize that their plan was falling apart before it could even start.
"I love this silence. It makes sleep wonderful." Nerina exclaims from her position. Latiffah stifled her laughter.
"Are you done staring or what?" Randolph gulped.
"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to cause you pain, Latiffah." He apologies fervently.
Latiffah smiles softly." No problem. And Alphas, is there anything you want me to know."
"No. I mean…yes. " Alpha Reece spoke up when none of them did. "There is this party at nine in the evening held in your honor. The whole park will be there and your presence is needed too and that of your siblings." He points to Elsa and Edgar. They stood near visible sight. " Also, it is for business propositions. Formal wear."
"Sure thing Alpha. I will be there. Safe journey." She wishes as they got into the car still shaken." Randolph?"
"Yes?"
"Make sure you clean up your mess before I get my hand around your neck." His mouth draws an O at her blatant threat Such audacity! She enters the house and tells the duo to keep their questions for tomorrow. She had three hours to sleep before nine. It would do. She didn't have a choice any way. When her head hit the pillow, she was out like electricity. The two resulted to watching movies.
Back in the Alphas' car, one line of disturbing sentence reigned, 'That was unexpected.'