Six: Alpha Oswald

Cara’s POV

“Sit.” Alpha Oswald gruffed gesturing to one of the visitor's chairs opposite his desk.

After only a brief hesitation, I stepped forward and slid myself into the seat.

He said nothing for a moment, eyeing me steadily. I was uncomfortable for a moment, and tried to avoid his gaze. When he didn’t let up his silent staring, a small wave of anger started to build up inside me and I found myself glaring back into his eyes.

A small sound that suspiciously resembled a growl suddenly arose and until his eyes widened slightly, I didn't know it was from me.

“Hm. Your wolf’s got a lot of bite for a mutt.” He said sounding slightly impressed. I didn't really understand what he was talking about, but it sounded like a compliment so I mumbled a thanks even though it came out a bit more hostile than I intended.

Eyes trained on me, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch, drawing a cigar out and placing it between his lips.

“I don’t suppose you care for some?” He offered and I shook my head. He shrugged and lit it up before taking a large puff and blowing smoke out.

“I heard you were attacked. How’d that happen?” He asked casually as if he was inquiring about the weather and not what was certainly, the most traumatic experience of my life.

Outstanded by his lack of tact, I shook my head in disbelief.

“I don’t think I want to go over those details once again. If you don’t mind.” The sting of my loss was still fresh. The last thing I wanted to do was recount them to this boorish man.

“Hm. Can hold a glare and stand a ground. I almost like it. Well, since you’re not going to share how you came into your wolf powers, how about you tell me why you’re wandering around my halls eavesdropping on conversations that have nothing to do with you.”

I frowned “It didn’t sound like that conversation had nothing to do with me.” I mused and he raised a brow. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I was usually never so bold. This newfound confidence was uncharted territory and I didn’t know what to do about it. I felt something lurking just beneath my skin, eager and ready to burst out. For some reason, I felt challenged by the man sitting in front of me, and I didn’t like it one bit.

“Never met a mutt who was a dominant before. Usually, the best wolves y’all get are omegas. Maybe one or two Deltas.”

I shook my head as if the action would clear up my confusion “What are you talking about?” I asked. Oswald raised a brow “Huh. You’re that ignorant of lycanthropy?”

I frowned, even more confused. “What’s lycanthropy?” I asked and he rolled his eyes “Boy. Graeme sure has his work cut out for him. There’s no way I’m handling your education. I got enough on my plate to deal with as it is.”

My heart fluttered fiercely at the mention of Graeme’s name and despite the hurt he had caused me with his rejection, I couldn’t stop or even hide my reaction. I flushed red, my entire body stiffening with a desperate craving I couldn’t name. I felt like I was loosing control and I did my best to pull myself together.

“Easy girl. You’re in charge of your wolf. Not the other way around.” Oswald said, watching me carefully. A rumble started in my chest and I swallowed hard, waiting until the animalistic growl had subdued before daring to open my mouth.

“My wolf? Is that what this is?” I mumbled and he nodded. “Feel like something’s about to rip through your skin?” He queried and feeling another growl bubbling up, I nodded slowly.

“Yeah. It’s a wolf alright. You need to get it under control.”

I gritted my teeth against the rising feelings inside me. It was like there was a whole other consciousness now sharing my body with me. How the hell was I supposed to fight this?

“Get it under control kid.”

“How?” I growled, the sound more feral than I intended and it frightened me enough that I slammed the door shut on whatever was trying to claw its way out of me.

He eyed me for a moment, as if to be sure I wasn’t going to spiral “Like that.”

“I don’t know how I just did that. I don’t understand what’s happening to me.” I looked down at my hands as if I’d never seen them before. This was too much change too soon. Everything was happening so fast. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to deal with this. I wished Graeme was here. He had seemed confident and understanding. That is, before we shared that life-changing kiss that he’d tossed aside like trash. Then he had been cold and dismissive, sending me away to this stranger without any explanation whatsoever. I mean, technically Graeme was a stranger as well, but I felt like I knew him better than anybody I’d ever met. Like some part of me recognized him.

“Whatever you’re thinking about, you better stop it now before you fly of the handle. I don’t care what Graeme says. If you shift and go feral, I’ll have my men put you down. I won’t have a mutt endangering the rest of my pack. Do you understand?” There was a warning in his voice, his eyes glittering with the threat of unrealized violence.

I swallowed, the storm in me mellowing once again. “Yes sir,” I mumbled and he nodded in satisfaction.

“I don’t know how long you’re going to stay here, but it’s clear you’ll need someone to keep an eye on you and it won’t be me.” He seemed to consider something for a moment before he pressed a button on the intercom on his desk.

“Alpha?” James' quiet voice rang through the device.

“Send Annalise into my office. I have a task for her.” Was all he said before ending the connection. There was no acknowledgement on James’s part but he didn’t seem bothered. Instead, he settled into his seat and continued smoking his cigar. I was sorely uncomfortable, but his threat had been enough to mellow me and I didn’t want to shift unduly lest he make good on it.

After about five minutes, a knock came at the door and a young brunette entered shortly after.

She was slender with soft green eyes and an earnest expression atop her young face. She bowed to her Alpha and flashed a smile of greeting at me before turning back to him.

“Alpha. You called?”

“Yes Anna. This is…” He trailed off and looked to me as if just now realizing that he didn’t know my name “Delia Mathers.” I provided and he nodded. “Delia is a newly turned wolf and she is painfully ignorant of… well… everything about Lycans or shifters in general. She’s going to be staying with us for a bit until her Alpha can come get her. In the meantime, I want you to look after her. Teach her a little bit about wolves and how to control that one of hers. Keep her away from the other females. Her wolf is a bit on the dominant side and is sorely untrained. The last thing I need is she unwittingly threatens my Luna.”

He ordered and her eyes slid to me again, the curiousity evident in her gaze.

“I would be happy to Alpha. But… what about my post by the nursery?” She queried, looking a bit worried. He waved her concern away.

“I’ll have James assign another Omega to the pups. You just deal with our guests. I don’t want her in any trouble. And I don’t need rumors about her spreading about either. Anybody has a problem with her presence here, they talk to me. Understand?” He gruffed. Annalise nodded.

“Good.” His eyes flickered to me. “I’d keep my head down if I were you, and listen to everything she says. Your wolf is more dominant than hers, but you’ll find that Anna here isn’t a pushover. She has the patience of a saint and the loyalty of ten warriors. So if she reports back to me that you’re being impossible to look after, I’ll send you back to your Alpha in likely pieces.”

That dangerous glint returned to his eyes making me shudder. “Am I clear?” He asked and I nodded, swallowing deeply.

“Good. I don’t know what’s going on between you and Buchanan, and frankly I don’t care much. Once it starts to affect my pack, you’re gone.”

He said and took another puff of that cigar. “You can go.” He said and I rose on rubbery legs, praying silently that I didn’t face plant unto the floor.

“Oh, and Delia?” He called just as I reached the door. I turned back.

“If I ever catch you spying on me again… well, let’s just say you won’t like how that story ends.”

With that additional bit of warning, he let us leave, my heart now firmly in my throat.