Alpha: Book Two: the Pack Grows

By Stanley L. Bradley

Stan is genetically altered when he becomes accidently involved in a dangerous experiment. Suddenly he feels he is a danger to everyone he loves. He has to learn to always be in control, to always be calm. Then when he tries to rescue someone in danger he looses control. He makes some important decisions that affect his friends. In the process he exposes them to the same genetic mutation he carries in his blood. Will they be able to control the "beast within?"

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665578424

Stanley L. Bradley

Stanley L. Bradley is a retired school teacher. He holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education from State University of New York College at Fredonia. While originally from Western New York he now resides in a small community in the Piedmont region of Central North Carolina. His six grown children live close by and he and his wife of over 50 years enjoy them very much. To date he has published four books. He started writing when he had an article published in a local magazine. It was entitled "Special Guests" and presented a special event that had happened with his children. After that he was bitten by the writing bug.

Book preview

© 2023 Stanley L. Bradley. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/15/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7843-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7841-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7842-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022923509

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

46306.png           CHAPTER ONE

STAN HEADED TO HIS little blue sedan. Taiga was waiting by the side of the car and he hopped in without pause. Stan rubbed the dog’s ears and climbed into the front seat. He had a smile on his face as he started the engine and drove off. Traffic was light so he made it to Allan’s house in a very short time. He got out of the car and headed slowly up the steps and knocked on the door.

The door clicked slowly open and there stood Allan with his duffel bag in hand and Mutt standing beside him. He smiled at the man.

Good morning! said the young man.

Same to you mi amigo. You look happy. I take it Violet was not too upset?

A little, but we talked it out and she understands our plan.

Are you all alone?

Yes, Mom took the kids to school. We said our goodbyes before she left. She is not really happy about this but she said it is up to me.

Shall we go, then?

Ready as we’ll ever be, let’s hit the road!

It was a short ride to the airport where the now familiar, gray, corporate jet waited, then they walked on board with the canine companions and buckled up. The moment the door was closed the engines slowly started with the squeal of the turbines. Minutes later they were airborne and headed west to another adventure.

Allan was quiet for the first twenty minutes of the flight.

Is something wrong? asked Stan.

I am worried about the boys. I sure hope they keep things under control at school and stuff. They could seriously hurt someone.

We have done all that we can to teach them to control themselves. We have to trust that they will do what is right or we will all be lost. We need to focus on what is ahead of us. All we can do is pray that they do the same.

I know, but I remember how hard it was to stay calm when I was little…

The jet sliced through the clouds and they were soon lost in their thoughts. Stan suddenly had an idea. He recalled how Alpha had communicated with him so he tried to reach out to Yoaan and Diego with his mind.

Meanwhile….

46306.png           CHAPTER TWO

THE BLUE MINIVAN UNLOADED Diego at Prep Middle School and he ambled in the door as his mother drove off to deliver the other kids to their school. He headed for his locker and saw that Randy was there with two other kids waiting for him.

Morning! said Diego.

Same to you, said Randy. This is Jose and Trip. They are two of my best friends. I told them you were going to teach me how to protect myself and they wondered if they could learn too… I hope that is okay?"

Sure, but they need to understand that they are learning protection not aggression. My brother wants to help me so it will be good that there is more than one learner.

They saw Cliff coming down the hall. He stopped and looked nervously at Diego.

Hello, he said softly.

Good morning, Cliff, smiled Diego.

None of the other boys spoke.

Cliff softly said, Hi guys.

A bell ended the awkward silence as they headed for class. Diego could not help but notice the high school guys watching the exchange. They were stern faced as they tried to stare him down. Diego watched them without so much as a blink until they left the area. Cliff looked at them nervously.

Who are those guys? asked Diego?

Jorge and Dillon… They are the bosses of the Diablos. I owe them the money I used to collect from you sixth graders. They wanted to see you. I am sorry, but I had to point you out, or get beat up. They are really pissed about the money.

So you are kind of like: warning me? asked Diego.

Cliff nodded as he softly said, Be careful. They are really sneaky and have a lot of friends.

That warning made Cliff a member of his pack as far as Diego was concerned. The boy had put himself in danger by warning him, and he was going to be sure that he did not get hurt because of it

The rest of the week Diego was on alert as he walked through the school. Yahira was in the bushes on school property in case he needed her. He had told her to stay at the house but she had a mind of her own. He was ready to do what he had to if he was approached. He was glad that he had practiced controlling his body so that his muscles were at the ready. And he kept them hidden under his loose clothing. The rest of the school week was uneventful.

On Saturday, the sun was out and Yoaan and Diego were playing their usual videogames on their beds. Suddenly, Diego stopped and sat up.

Wassup, bro? asked Yoaan.

Something is going on in the park. Get dressed; we need to get over there.

Seriously? I just started the ninth wave in my game…

Someone in our pack is in trouble. Play your stupid game; I will do this by myself if I have to.

Diego thought Yahira’s name and in moments he heard her on the porch. Taiga was with her… Yoaan begrudgingly pulled on his sweats. They went to tell their mother that they were going to the park for a while. Tomas looked at them as though they had lost their minds and went back to his game. Their mother was delighted that they were going to do something outside.

The two boys trudged up the street and headed for the picnic pavilion followed by the dogs. They passed through the parking lot and Diego spotted someone sitting on the swing set. It was Cliff.

When Diego got closer he could see that the side of Cliff’s pale face was bright red and looked swollen. He appeared to be crying. Cliff was looking down and did not see thm until Diego put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. His eyes widened.

Are you okay? asked Diego.

You gotta get out of here. They will hurt you.

Diego’s face hardened. Where are they?

Why did they hit you? asked Yoaan.

This is my little brother. Yoaan this is Cliff, the kid I told you about at school? Why did they hit you?

Like I said, I owe them money and they want it now.

Diego could feel his shirt getting tighter, and his pants getting shorter, as he became madder and madder.

Where are they? he growled in a low voice.

Over by the other picnic tables… That is where the kids bring the money on Saturdays. You should not go there, it would be a big mistake… they will…

They are the ones that have made the big mistake. How many are there?

Four, maybe more, they are all tough high school kids, they are way bigger than you and stronger… said Cliff as fast as he could talk.

Ready Yoaan?

Hell yes. Let’s do this, he grinned.

Diego looked at the dogs. You two stay here with Cliff. If we need you we will call for you. Protect him. He is a member of our pack. Cliff, hold your hand out and let them learn your scent. They will not hurt you.

Cliff slowly did what they had asked him to.

Are they really wolves? asked Cliff.

Well, they’re sure as hell not Chihuahuas. Of course they are! said Yoaan.

In his head Diego heard Yahira, "Be careful man pup."

Diego nodded and started off. As they walked their clothes grew tighter and shorter. Their faces narrowed out making them look older. Yoaan ran to catch Diego and walked by his side. It was a slight distance to the tables when the older boys spotted them.

Jorge and Dillon stood up smiling.

You guys looking for something? Dillon announced haughtily so everyone looked their way. The younger kids were wide eyed as they recognized one boy who looked like an older Diego.

Yeah, I am looking for the punk ass that is bullying my little brother.

You made a big mistake coming here, you dumb shit. Who’s the gay boy with you?

My other younger brother. I guess you misunderstood me… I am not the one who made a mistake! You are the ones who made the mistake when you threatened Diego and hit his friend.

Guess we need to show you two how life works around here. Think you can take that? said Dillon.

Maybe it will be the other way around! yelled a deep voiced Yoaan.

The two bosses motioned to the other two thug-like teens who were seated at the table. They got up and started walking towards the younger boys.

You mean you are too weak to handle things yourselves? asked Yoaan. You must be some real pansies.

The thugs started running at the boys.

Yoaan, can you handle these two?

Hell, yes.

I want the two at the table. Remember…CONTROL! We want to make Alpha proud. Then, Diego thought. "Yahira, get behind them."

Yoaan launched himself spinning, at the two approaching teens with a shrill scream. His left foot slammed into the throat of the guy on the right and his forehead connected with the other boy’s forehead. Both teens went down as Yoaan landed on his feet. Spin kicks and fists flew. Only a couple of times did they hit Yoann, while he pummeled them on the head and abdomen.

Diego continued his deliberate walk towards the other two boys. Jorge looked at Dillon and nodded. Dillon reached behind his back to grab his gun and teeth clamped down on his hand. He let out a surprised scream. The piece fell to the floor and the dog grabbed it and ran.

Diego stopped about six feet from the teens. They looked at him in disbelief. No one ever stood up to them before. They were not sure what to do.

Are we gonna dance or what? asked Diego tauntingly.

With all the younger kids watching, they had to do something. If they backed down the kids would no longer be afraid of them. Then they would have no power over them. They charged at Diego. Diego went into action and in a couple of minutes he had them where he wanted them. Pummeled and dazed. They barely noticed the blue flashing lights. or realized when the younger kids started hitting and kicking them too. In a very few minutes, all of the fight had gone out of them. Diego and Yoaan relaxed and their bulging muscles disappeared as the clothes they wore fit them properly, with the dogs dashing into the bushes. A few fresh bruises appeared on the boys where they willed. While the police collected the gun and gangsters as the kids told them what had been going on.

Cliff said that a couple of strangers had taken charge and led the kids in taking down the bad guys. No one mentioned the dogs. Yoaan and Diego had assumed their original forms and talked to an officer acting as scared as any of the other kids.

Cliff could not help but notice the bruises on them. When they were finished the high schoolers were in the back seats of the cruisers and the boys walked off. Cliff had watched them leave and when it was over he walked in the direction that they had gone, hoping to find them. As he walked down Jackson Street he saw a large brown dog lying on some steps. The dog saw him and stood up. Cliff recognised her as the wolf Diego called Yahira. She started walking towards him as he froze.

Diego was watching from the porch. Wondering what he was going to do when he heard Stan in his head.

You guys have been busy I see?

You know what we were doing? thought Diego as he looked at Cliff.

"I have been listening all week. I also know he has not seen the other you, just some of your skills. Keep it that way. Now, tell him what you do and be careful how much you share. Our plane will be landing in about two hours in New York. Try to not get into any more trouble. I look forward to meeting Cliff."

Yes, Sir.

Cliff, hold your hand out to her. When she nods, nod back. See if she recognizes you as a pack member, called Diego.

Yahira walked towards Cliff and took a sniff of his hand. She nodded and led the boy back to the porch, Diego got him a bottle of water.

"Cliff, we need