Chapter 1: First Meeting - Sorrell

Where is my damn sneaker? I’ve torn my entire room apart looking for the damn thing and now I’m going to be late. I drop to the floor and reach my hand under my bed feeling around until my hand connects with what definitely feels like a sneaker. I pull it out and sure enough, it’s my missing shoe.

“Gotcha!” I cheer.

'I can’t believe it took you this long to find a shoe. Put her out in the woods and she can hunt like no one’s business, ask her to find a lost shoe in her bedroom and suddenly she’s inept,' mocks my wolf spirit, Alma, in my mind.

'Remind me why I tolerate you?'

'Because you have no choice,' she retorts smugly. I hate it when she’s right.

I quickly slide my hand into my sneaker to make sure no creepy crawlies decided to take sanctuary there while it was hiding under my bed, and once all is clear I put it on and do up my laces. My long blonde hair is tied up in a ponytail, sweatband is on, got my white shorts on and white halter-neck top on and I am ready for some training.

I fly down the stairs into the kitchen and quickly grab a bottle of water from the fridge. Hydration is important, even if you’re a supernatural being.

“Training started ten minutes ago, Sorrell,” announces my dad from behind me.

“I know, I know. I couldn’t find my shoe.”

“If you were actually able to train with the rest of the pack, excuses like that wouldn’t fly. Training times are always the same, you should always be prepared,” he reprimands me.

“Well, as you so thoughtfully pointed out, I’m not allowed to train with the pack. I train secretly in the woods watching from a distance remember? So I don’t really think they care if I’m late or not,” I bite back in frustration.

Here’s a fun fact about me, I’m an Omega. So while I do have a wolf spirit, I’m sadly unable to shift and it sucks. I’ve learned to accept I’ll never be able to shift, hell Alma handled it better than I. Sometimes when I see her in my mind, with her thick, midnight black fur coat, with its soft blue sheen, I wonder what it would be like to take her form and just run and feel the earth under our paws, but I’ll never know what that feels like, and neither will she and I feel like I’ve failed her.

'Hey, cut that crap out. You haven’t failed me. I’m meant to be yours. We have always been and will always be a team. I’m not upset that we can’t shift, Mother Morrtemis didn’t do it to punish us, and you haven’t failed me, and I won’t let you think you have,' says Alma as she nuzzles me in my mind.

'Thanks, Alma,' I say, appreciatively. While I hate that I can’t shift, I’m still grateful I have her and it’s not like she’s wasting away in my mind. All my abilities come from the fact I have her. My speed, my senses, my reflexes, my strength and even healing. Without her, I’d have none of those, so I’ll forever see her as a blessing. Problem is, most packs see Omegas as less than everyone else and Invictus is no different.

In the Invictus Pack - like so many other packs - Omegas are forbidden to train. We serve the pack and that is all. We’re not seen as strong enough to be useful in a fight, we’re considered a ‘liability’ according to Alpha Ian Dolivo - the sanctimonious prick. My father is a warrior and my mother… well, my mother is human. Hence why I’m an Omega. Oh, I bet you think the pack treats my mother like shit, but they don’t. At the end of the day Goddess Zarseti chose her for my dad, and no one can dispute that, so as his animai she is treated well. Me, on the other hand, I’m a mutolupus who can’t shift, so I get the shaft like I did something wrong. It’s a crock of shit if you ask me. Some days I just want to walk up to Alpha Ian and punch him right in his stupid face. I guess I should say former Alpha since Alpha Ian is no longer our Alpha, but I digress.

My dad sighs, “I didn’t mean to rub salt in the wound. You know I hate it too,” he says, walking over and holding my shoulders. Dad’s a respectable 5’9” with warm light brown hair, ocean blue eyes and light skin and he’s buff as all get out.

“It’s just not fair. You’ve trained me since I was a pup, I could take on those dickheads any day. You know I can,” I say dejectedly. My dad is a warrior, and my mum is an aerobics instructor in the city. Fitness is basically ingrained in my DNA.

“I do know that. I wish they could see how amazing you are,” he says, lifting my chin up. “They will one day. Now go, and remember to keep to the tree line,” he warns.

“I will. Bye, dad.” I kiss his cheek and bolt out of the house at top speed until I reach the tree line that overlooks the training grounds. Sure enough, training has started, but it’s just the warmup portion. That usually involves cardio and resistance training. I do that stuff with my parents during my free time, or sometimes I’ll go into the city with my mum and join in on her fitness classes. So while they do that, I decide to start with some basic stretches.

The training regiment for the pack has changed over the last couple of months and I have to admit I’m very impressed by the changes, not that I get to enjoy them like everyone else. A couple months ago Alpha Ian passed the reins onto his son Alden when he turned twenty-one, making him our new Alpha and so far he seems to be shaking things up.

Our new Gamma, Gamma Roland Grey, is in charge of training now and under Alpha Alden’s leadership, he’s been training the male and female pack members at a more equal level. I’m not saying women were never allowed to train. We have female warriors and female patrols – provided they aren’t Omegas – but the sexism is there, it’s just subtle. The women get lighter training and would only be allowed to spar with other women, and on patrols, they have to be paired with a male. Just Alpha Ian’s subtle way of showing he thinks women are inferior to men and we can’t handle our own against men and we need a big strong man to come save us. The nerve of this guy.

My dad is a devoted warrior to this pack, but even he thinks this is all bullshit. He’s been training me since I was old enough to walk, and when he realised I was an Omega, instead of scaling back on my training, he increased it. Since I don’t have the advantage of shifting into a wolf he wanted to make sure I could protect myself against any and all threats, and not to sound smug, but I’m a lethal fucking weapon. This pack would be damn lucky to have me as a warrior. Alpha Alden better wake up and smell the Omega, because whether he likes it or not, I WILL be the first Omega warrior in the Invictus Pack and when that happens, I’m going to make them all lick my paws.

'You don’t even have paws,' says Alma, rolling her eyes.

'You just had to throw that in, didn’t you? Couldn’t just let me have this moment,' I say in irritation.

'For what it’s worth, I believe you’re destined to do great things, Sorrell, and I can’t wait to see them happen.'

'Now how am I supposed to be mad at you when you go and say sweet things like that?' I grumble.

She chuckles, 'All part of my cunning plan,' she winks. You would think two feisty personalities sharing one head would clash spectacularly, but nope, it just makes us all the more awesome.

Finally, training moves past the warmups and starts getting into some ACTUAL

training. Since I have to stay far enough away to keep hidden, I do have to strain my ears just a little so I can hear the instructions, but I’m pretty used to this by now. Sounds like they are starting off with offensive manoeuvres, brilliant! Those are my favourite. I watch intently and mimic every manoeuvre and technique as they are shown. This would be better if I had a sparing partner, but sometimes you have to work with what you got. I’d practice on the tree, but these poor trunks haven’t done anything to warrant me turning them into kindling.

As I’m watching the training session, I notice Alpha Alden break from training to wander around and assess the group. Thank Goddess I haven’t had breakfast, or it might be making its way back up at the way these she-wolves are trying to impress him. It’s utterly pathetic. The moment he comes close, suddenly they’re less focused on technique and far more intent on showing off their ‘form’ so to speak. It makes my blood boil.

Here I am, someone who would give my left tit for the chance to train with the pack and fight for my pack, and there are those women who have been given the chance and are just wasting it in hopes the Alpha will make them his new bed mate. It disgusts me. He’s not even that good-looking.

Alma snorts obnoxiously loud in my head.

'What?' I ask.

'Not that good-looking? Are you blind? The man is one tasty dish, can’t really blame the women for wanting a piece,' she shrugs.

'Are you serious? I can’t believe you of all people are saying that. I thought we agreed, no men that aren’t our animai,' I accuse.

She rolls her eyes, 'I have eyes, dingus. I never said I wanted a taste, but I can appreciate a well-made specimen when it’s in my line of sight. I do agree those she-wolves are behaving rather pathetically though. I mean, what’s the point in opening up the store if you give the goods away?' She says, sourly.

I’m a goner.

I’m bent over, hands on my knees as laughter wracks my body. This wolf, I’m telling you. I love how she thinks and she’s always cracking me up. She does have a point though. If I’m being honest, Alpha Alden IS

on the more handsome side of average. He’s 6’5” with a head of thick dark black, perfectly quaffed hair, a perfectly muscular physique like each muscle was carved from the rarest marble, and naturally tanned skin that even from here I can tell looks smoother than a baby’s bottom. I mean, it’s hard to miss since all he’s wearing today is short purple shorts that don’t leave much to the imagination and sneakers.

Against my better judgement, I decide to look up and take a peek at the scantily clad Alpha, but I notice he’s nowhere to be seen. That’s odd, where did he go? Why would he leave in the middle of training? Probably found a she-wolf who took his fancy or something. How typical.

Shaking off the distraction, I assume my fighting stance once again and resume my training, but I’m quickly distracted when I hear the sound of something brushing past a branch in the distance behind me. I slow my breathing and wait for the breeze. Once it comes I inhale and on the breeze, I catch a sweet citrus scent, it reminds me of my favourite dessert, lemon meringue pie. The scent belongs to a mutolupus, and definitely a pack member. I hear them approaching quickly from behind me and just as I hear them get closer I swiftly turn, swinging my leg with all my strength at my unwelcome guest. Before my leg can connect with anything, a large, strong hand catches my ankle, sending a pleasant shiver through my body as my eyes connect with gorgeous greyish-brown orbs. I’ve never seen eyes that shade before.

“Now is that any way to greet your Alpha?” He says with a smirk.

Shit, shit, double shit. I just tried to kick my Alpha, but it’s not like this is all on me.

“Maybe Alphas shouldn’t be sneaking up on their pack members,” I snap. Clearly, I lack any sense of self-preservation.

He quirks up an eyebrow at me, "Touché, but then again, I don’t know many pack members who train secretly in the woods," he points out.

'He’s got you there,' says Alma, matter-of-factly.

'Oh shut up, you’re meant to be on my side,' I snap at her.

'I am on whichever side doesn’t get us thrown in a silver prison cell,' she says casually. Oh great, just put that image in my head. Lovely.

“Can I have my leg back now?” I ask, noting his muscular hands still have a grip on my ankle. His hands are so big they fit all the way around. It’s not painful or even uncomfortable, in fact, his touch is surprisingly pleasant… for a sneaky brute, I mean.

“Oh! Shit, sorry,” he says, quickly releasing my leg, “There was a lot of power behind that kick and your form was quite impressive. I hate to think what might have happened if I hadn’t caught your leg in time,” he says in amusement. Okay, so he’s more than just on the handsome side of average. A jawline that could cut through steel, a square chin, and a goatee that showcases his deliciously plump lips.

'Did you just say delicious?' Alma teases.

'What? No!'

'Yes you did,' she laughs. Stupid wolf.

“You in a world of pain is what would have happened,” I say bluntly, crossing my arms over my chest.

He blinks in surprise, but soon that stupid smirk is back on his face as he mimics my movement and crosses his arms over his chest, “Is that so?”

“Did I stutter?” I deadpan.

He chuckles shaking his head, “Why aren’t you training with everyone else?” He asks, his smirk gone and now replaced with a frown. Oh goodie, our new Alpha is dense as hell.

“You’re the Alpha, you tell me,” I say, acerbically. I watch as he sniffs the air, and I’m surprised that instead of anger or disgust, his eyes soften.

“You’re an Omega,” he states, his tone sounding compassionate.

“Got it in one, so now you know why I’m not training with the others.”

“That explains why you’re not training with the pack, but not why you’re secretly watching everyone and training in the woods,” he presses, taking a step forward. Damn, he’s tall! His 6’5” form towers over my 5’1” practically eclipsing me with his perfectly defined build. I don’t feel intimidated by him, but I do feel a little flustered. Stupid handsome Alpha wolf with his alluring pheromones.

'Oh sure, blame him for you enjoying the view,' Alma sniggers, 'It’s not wrong to find him attractive or even like how he smells, Sorrell,' she says, her tone more kind this time.

'He’s not our animai, Alma. I don’t care how good-looking he is or how good he smells, I only want to have those thoughts about our soulmate,' I say, stubbornly. I don’t hold ill will against anyone who chooses to have fun before meeting their animai, but it’s not for me. I don’t care how long I have to wait; I only want those experiences with the person who shares my soul. I mean, what would be the point? Once I meet him, all previous experiences would pale in comparison, so it just seems like a waste anyway.

'I know, and I love you for that and so will our animai,' she says, warmly. Alma will always respect my choice when it comes to my body, but I know she’s happier knowing I’m waiting for our soulmate. Anyway, back to the matter at hand.

“That’s none of your business,” I huff and proceed to walk away from him. Okay, so talking back to my Alpha isn’t winning me any Brownie points, but I can’t help that I have issues with authority.

“Please, don’t make me use my Alpha Spirit,” he says, the pleading tone in his voice makes me stop in my tracks. Alpha Ian would have just used his Alpha Spirit without hesitation, but Alpha Alden sounds like the idea of doing so upsets him.

I slowly turn back to him, trying to keep the surprise off my face, and for a change, instead of being snippy, I decide to answer honestly. I don’t know why. Something in the tone of his voice I guess.

“Do you have any idea what it’s like to be looked at as less than everyone else? Or to have something you want so badly, but the odds are stacked against you?” I ask, and I’m surprised by how sad my voice sounds.

His expression turns sympathetic, “No, I don’t know what that’s like.”

“That’s why I’m out here. Because I would give anything to be a warrior in this pack and yet I can’t even train with my pack because I can’t shift. Satisfied?” I say, softly. For a moment he just stares at me, and against my better judgement, I feel myself getting lost in the pools of his eyes. There is something so hypnotic about their unique shade that makes it hard to look away.

“What’s your name?” He asks, thankfully pulling me from my trance.

“Huh?” I ask in confusion.

“Your name, I assume you have one,” he says smugly. Smartass.

“Sorrell. Sorrell Deslandes,” I answer cautiously.

He nods as if he’s committing my name to memory. It’s not shocking he doesn’t know my name; his father wasn’t all that concerned with learning the names of lower-ranked pack members.

“Any relation to Edward Deslandes?” Of course, he knows my dad’s name but not mine. That checks.

“Yes, he’s my father.”

“For what it’s worth, Sorrell, I don’t think it’s fair, and from what little I’ve seen I think this pack would be lucky to have you,” he says, earnestly while closing the space between us. His eyes lock on mine as if he’s trying to see right into my soul. His words have shock catapulting through me, and I can feel the sting of unshed tears.

“If you think that’s true, then do something about it,” I challenge. I quickly turn on my heel and sprint away as fast as I can. Two reasons. One, I’ll be late for work, but more importantly, reason number two, I’m rattled. Not just by his words, but by the way he looked at me. My own Alpha, the defender and leader of my pack treated me like an equal and acknowledged that this pack would be lucky to have me. I have waited my whole life for someone to see me that way, and even though I fight so hard for it, part of me was convinced it would never come. I certainly never expected it to come from him.

Whatever kind of Alpha, Ian was, his son is clearly different. He didn’t pity me, and he wasn’t disgusted by me, instead, he showed compassion like an Alpha should. If he meant a word of what he said, then maybe he’ll finally be the one to make some much-needed changes to this pack. If not, I’ll make sure my foot connects with his head next time.