*Abby POV*
Carefully I crept upstairs, the cat in my arms was still shivering. Going into my room I went into my private bathroom as my friends followed, carrying my bags. “Don’t bother with unpacking them.” I said out loud. “I have to start packing soon anyway to move into the Alpha suite.” I sighed. That suite is huge, and I will be in there by myself... but it does have its advantages, its more closed off and more private.... not to mention that huge window that opens right into the forest. When I was still small enough to stay in my parent’s suite I would sit there for hours, letting the breeze sweep my hair and face.
The cat in my arms mewed at me again as I started running some warm water in the tub. “Sorry Kitty, I know you hate the water, but it’ll be okay.” I said softly as I started to run some over its back. Soon the water was running brown with mud and blood. The smell was upsetting but I worked quickly and carefully.
Just as I was finishing up and grabbing for a towel Wyatt came back in with a can of tuna. “Here, I thought it would be hungry.” He muttered as he looked at the cat. “Damn. Humans can be so cruel, can’t they?”
“Not just humans.” I sighed as I turned on my hairdryer. “Wolves can be too.”
“Hey, we need to talk about something.” Wyatt said as he sat down beside me. “About... Ass.”
I stiffened but continued to sweep the dryer over the cat. I really need to think of a name for it... I wonder if it’s a boy or girl? It had long dark grey fur and big bright blue eyes.
“Listen. I know he said that he was leaving... but.... turns out... he’s not.”
I froze. “What do you mean?” My voice was shaking, how was I supposed to live my life with him still here? How am I supposed to move on??? “I thought he was leaving for something more important than me.”
“Right... and that’s something else I need to prepare you for. He may... try to convince you to forgive him-”
“Well, that’s not going to happen.” I growled. “I gave him everything, Wyatt.... literally! He... he was...” I felt another sob rise in my throat. “He was my first...” I stopped as I felt a rough tongue start to lick my hand. “But... that wasn’t good enough.... I wasn’t good enough.” I started to rub the top of the cat’s head, hearing it’s soft purr was comforting.
“You are more than good enough!” I felt my brother hug my shoulder. “He is just an idiot who figured out too late that he had the world and threw it away.”
“So... why didn’t he leave?” I asked.
“He was rejected... turns out his chosen mate found her true mate and dropped him on the spot.”
I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that came from my throat. “Good. Serves the ass right.” I still felt the hot tears on my cheek.
“Are you going to be okay? Want me to crash on your couch?” He asked.
“No.” I smirked as the tears stopped. “I would like to try and sleep, your snoring can get so bad it keeps the omegas on the first floor up at night.”
He chuckled back. “Why else would they be so quick to make my room sound proof?” His arm held me tighter. “But if you need me, I am right down the hall... hey! I can get a cot and sleep in front of Ass’ room! That’ll show him!”
That caused me to laugh loudly. “That sounds like a great plan!” Slowly I picked up the cat and went into my bedroom. “Looks like you and me, cat.” I mumbled, my other friends had left already. I smiled as I looked to the chair, one of them had laid out an outfit for me for tomorrow.
“Good night, Sis.” Wyatt smiled from the door, and I walked over and hugged him again before watching him walk towards his own room. Over his shoulder I saw Veronica and did my best to keep a calm face. Her room was right beside my parents, and I bit back a scowl as I went inside and closed and locked my suite door. Checking the time first I slowly opened the pack link.
The chatter in the link went quiet, and I tried to pick the private link of the person I needed to talk to. Before today I hadn’t had much reason to speak to this person. But this was urgent.
<Hey, Scott? Gamma Scott? Are you still awake?> I hoped I had messaged the right wolf, as this would be embarrassing if I picked the wrong one. After a minute I got a response.
<Yes Abby... I mean, Alpha Abigail, what can I do for you?> I was slightly shocked he responded so formally, me and Angie had been besties for years. I sighed, everything was so different now.
<Oh. Um, I need to request a meeting.>
I heard him sigh. <Alpha. I am the Gamma, you do not request a meeting with anyone. You call a meeting. When do you need me?>
Oh, that’s right. <When would be good for you? Tomorrow morning?>
<Alpha... permission to speak freely?> I blinked but agreed. <Listen, you are the Alpha now, anytime you need anything it's when its best for you, because what is best for you is for the best for the pack. I know you weren’t expecting this, and neither were any of us, but you need to think now about how you phrase your words.>
<Oh, you’re right.... I’m sorry.>
<And don’t apologize for that either... never mind.> I heard him chuckle slightly. <You need to portray confidence with the pack. That includes titled members... if you don’t it could hurt morale.> He paused. <But tomorrow morning will be fine with me. In my office or yours?>
<Oh. Mine. And can you bring Gamma Julie as well?>
<Of course, Alpha.... did you have fun at the mall?> He asked casually. <Angie said you and the group went.>
<Yes, we did.> I smiled.
<That’s good. I’m glad. Remember to relax every once in a while... pack work can be really stressful at times.>
<I will.... thanks. Good night, Scott.>
<Good night, Alpha Abigail.>
I reached over to grab my new night clothes when I noticed Wyatt’s bag was still here. Sighing, I grabbed it, he can be so forgetful at times.
~~~
*Wyatt’s POV*
Walking back to my suite I noticed my mother standing outside of her own suite. I didn’t even acknowledge her presence as I unlocked and opened my door.
“Wyatt, we need to talk. You should be beta!”
“Who is my father?” I growled as I spun around. “Does he even know about me?! Do I have any siblings?! What the hell did you think was going to happen?!”
“Do not take that tone with me.” She narrowed her eyes at me. “I did what was best for you. I have always done what’s best for you.”
“So, keeping me from my biological father and family was best for me??? Tricking this whole pack was what was best for me?!” I shook my head and went inside my suite. “Don’t talk to me. Anymore. I have a lot to process now.” I slammed the door and nearly screamed in frustration. My whole life has been one giant lie!!! I stopped myself from smashing a fist through the wall and opened the window. I let the spring Vermont breeze fill my room and sat on my bed, lost in my thoughts.
After a few minutes someone knocked on my door, no doubt my mother. I growled loudly as I ripped the door open. “What Mother?!” I nearly shouted but stopped as my sister stared back at me with wide eyes.
“I know you just did not call me her.” She deadpanned. “Though I guess I should be....” She smirked as she held out my bag of macaroons. “Leaving your things everywhere.”
“Oh, sorry Abby.” I took the bag. “Did you eat one?” I teased, knowing that she regularly sneaks some of my sweets when she thinks I’m not looking.
She feigned shock and hurt. “Now what do you take me for??? A macaroon thief???”
I arched a brow and started to open the bag.
“I didn’t take one!” She huffed. “I took two!” She flashed me a toothy grin and scampered back to her room. I watched her silently as she made her way back inside and shook my head. I have too many things going through my mind there is no way I’m going to be able to sleep.
I need to talk to someone... sort these things out. Mason the ass is definitely out... I text my other best friend Jay, but he doesn’t answer me either. His messenger app says he has been offline for a couple of hours now. Jay probably is tired and worn down himself, as he has been in Gamma training all week.
Gamma Scott has been working a bunch of guys in training, trying to find his replacement. Even though the alpha ultimately picks who will be gamma, Scott’s recommendation would carry a lot of weight. At least, it did with me.... I have no idea what Abby will do.
I rub my head in frustration again, she should have been more prepared for this!!! She is just as much a victim of my mother’s lies and schemes as I am! Huffing I grab the macaroon bag and leave. It's not that late, and I need my mate’s comfort right now.
The halls are quiet, which I am thankful for. I don’t need anyone asking me any strange questions or offering sympathy. Right now, I just need to hold Delilah.
I reach her door and almost knock but I stop myself. How much of a surprise will it be for me to wake her up by slipping into bed with her? Turning the key, I slip inside and the scene before me shocks me to my very core.
There I see my best friend Jay... plowing my girlfriend.
*Wyatt POV*“Oh... yeah!!! Right there!!!!” I just stand there in shock for a minute as Delilah’s screams and moans hit my ears. I am shaking in anger as my so-called best friend just keeps plowing into her without stopping. Finally, I can’t stay silent any longer.“WHAT THE FUCK?!”Jay jumps up and my now ex-girlfriend gasps and sits up and tries to cover herself. “Uh... Wyatt!!! Wh-what are you... doing here???” She gasps out as I can feel my face get redder from anger. I don’t even care that my aura is spiking, probably scaring anyone in the packhouse who was still awake.I throw the bag at her and shake my head. “With my best friend really?!” I rage. “Why?! How long?! What???”She finally gets up and glares back at me. “It's your own fault! I am not cut out to be an Omeg
*Abby’s POV*I tap my foot nervously as I sit at my desk. This is the first big meeting that I have been in charge of. Even training as Second Beta didn’t prepare me for this, as we hadn’t gotten to that part of my training yet. My heart flutters as someone knocks on my office door. “Come in!”Soon Angie’s parents walk in, Gamma Scott entering first. “Good morning, Alpha.” He says his briefcase in his hand. Angie got most of her physical characteristics from him, her straight brown hair and hazel eyes while her personality came from her mother. Her trustworthiness and organizational skills.“Thank you both for coming.” I smiled. “I know I am cutting into your specialized training time.” I mentioned. “Isn’t it almost time for the advanced class to start?”“That’s fine, I actually canceled all training today.” He nodded as he sat, putting his case on the floor. “Now, what can we help you with?”“Well, I don’t know if you have heard but we are doing a Beta selection tournament this Satur
“What?! She can’t do that!” I say shocked. “Why would she do that?!”“She is the Alpha she can do whatever she wants, number 1. Number 2 YOU rejected her! She can’t trust you, so why the hell would she just let you be her second in command?!”“Because I was BORN for this job!” I scream. “It has been mine all of my life! I trained for it!” A tap on the open door made me stop and look up. Angie was standing there with Stuart right behind her.“Sorry, I hope I’m not... interrupting anything important.” She said as she walked in carrying a large box. “Alpha asked me to drop this off.” She dropped the box on my bed, and I looked inside briefly. My breath caught in my chest as I started pulling out all the clothes and personal effects I had left in her suite. There were even some pictures in here that originally had the two of us in it.But she ripped herself out of every one of them. I looked up as Angie got another box out and checked her phone. Glancing up I noticed Stuart going into my
*Abby POV*“Oh, who’s a pretty kitty?” Mariah cooed as she slowly ran a toy across the floor. The cat watched with interest and swatted at it every time it came close. I was looking over some papers and trying to get a sense of what the heck was going on without asking for help from my dad.Down the hall some of the guards and omegas had already started clearing out the Elder’s suite. Gamma Scott tried to call Veronica but she either ignored his calls or just didn’t have her phone with her. No matter, in an hour all of her things will be boxed up and put in storage.Then the contractors were coming in. Mom had already given me the carpet and wall colors she wanted, but she had no idea where they were moving, or that they were moving this quickly.A soft knock on the door resounded before my parents walked in. Dad looked at the cat on the floor a little surprised but didn’t say anything. He knew since I was a small pup that I loved animals, and I used to beg and beg for a pet. But he a
From his vantage point in the entertainment room, Brian watched Mason closely. What was he doing now? He watched as he picked up the flyer near the entertainment room door and read it. Brian was expecting him to be angry, maybe even throw a fit. But... he smiled.Why would he smile? Brian chewed his lip in thought and waited for Mason to leave. Instead of leaving though, Mason only went back to the couch and sat down; looking at his phone. Mason folded up the flyer and put it in his pocket, still smiling to himself.Wait a second... Brian pulled out his own phone, pulling up the photo of the flyer he had saved and read over it again.Oh hell!‘All wolves are invited.’All wolves mean Mason too! Quickly he texted his other friends, they need to do something! Angie replied first, stating that they could meet in her room. He had to get upstairs without being seen by the Ass; he glanced at him again. He was not paying attention, slowly Brian got up and left the room, sprinting up to the G
*Wyatt’s POV*I had to admit, dinner was nice. Ellie was right, I missed the company of others. Abby smiled at me as I sat beside her, I could tell she wasn’t back to her old self either. Not that she ever would be that same bubbly teenager who believed in destiny and true love again. Her face was slightly sunken in, a sign that she wasn’t eating or sleeping properly.Something must be worrying her. I frowned as the omega brought me my plate, Abby didn’t notice but she wasn’t served first as is protocol. I send a private message to the omega reprimanding her and pushed my plate over to Abby. The alpha is always served first, followed by the Luna and the alpha family then the betas. I guess since I was in training so long to lead this pack the omega forgot.The omega seemed like she really forgot, her face paled, and she hurried away as fast as she could. Dinner was quiet, and I learned that my mother was released from the cell, only for her to go right back in when she refused to join
*Abby POV*One more day until the start of the Beta Selection and I am just ready for it to be over. A gentle breeze blows in from the open window of my office and Shadow is stretched out in a patch of sunlight that is streaming through the window.I flipped through the large folder that Scott left for me. Rolling my eyes at the candidates he left for me I sigh again. It seems he really plans on making Jay his official recommendation. There is no way I will ever have him as my Gamma; he betrayed Wyatt in the worst way. Honestly, I know who I want as my Gamma, I just need to figure out how to introduce this person as a suitable Gamma to keep the pack calm.“Shadow what am I going to do?” I mumble as I let my head hit the desk with a dull thud. There is a knock on the door and without even looking up or thinking about it I call out for the visitor to come in. The first thing I notice is the strong scent of expresso and cream. That smell used to be my favorite and would brighten my whole
*Abby POV*The night is quiet and calm. I am standing in some woods I don’t quite recognize but they seem so very familiar. Why am I here again? Oh yeah. Shadow got out and I followed her. Ahead of me on the path I see Shadow looking at me, and I start to walk towards her. When I get close enough to pick her up, she scampers a little further away from me.“Come on, let’s go home.” I sigh. Not even caring that I have no idea how I got here or how to get back home. The most important thing right now is getting my cat. She mews at me again and runs further into the brush. I huffed but followed behind. For some reason, my nose is muffled; and I can’t smell her clearly. But this doesn’t bother me either.Only thing that matters is getting to her. As I am walking further the air feels misty, and my ears can’t pick up any of the forest animals. But I am not worried for some reason. Overhead the clouds are moving, and the moon starts to peek out from the cloud cover.Through the trees I see a
*Mike* The bottom floor was chaos. Abby was in front of me as we went downstairs, people were rushing around and panicking. Glancing around there were huge gash marks on the walls, and dark red splashes of dried blood streaked the once white walls. The smell of blood was overwhelming, and an unmistakable smell of pepper was mixed in. Some of the doors on this floor were also marked with a giant bloody X. My heart pounded as I soon realized these were all the rooms of my friends! Where are they?! Are they okay?! In front of me Abby started to growl, I could feel her anger seeping through our bond, and an overwhelming protective urge began to radiate from her. “Oh, my goddess!!! MIKE!!!” I heard a sob from the side and felt a hug almost immediately. “Thank the goddess you are okay!!!” Emily cried as her and Stacey surrounded me. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” “Why was your link blocked? Are you hurt?!” Stacey began to look over me. “I’m fine.” I reassured them. “What
“Kitten?” I asked as I opened the door to the darkened room. “Where are you?” I closed the door quietly behind me and locked it before placing the key on a small table next to the couch. Immediately the intense smell of Abby filled my nostrils, making me slightly dizzy. Looking around, my eyesight eventually focused to the darkness. The room I was in was obviously a living room, with a large TV on one side of the wall with a couch and oversized recliner chairs facing it. Stepping over the strewn cat toys I started to walk in deeper. “Where are you?” I asked again, passing a small kitchenette... there was an empty wine glass sitting on the counter by the sink. Going further I reach a large bedroom. I freeze. This place... I’ve been here before... Slowly my head turns to the side looking for the giant windows I remember from my dream. Yes! There they are! What is going on?! Am I going insane??? “The two dollar tour...” I muttered to myself as I recalled the dream I had. The dre
*Abby* (Years earlier) “Wyatt??? Where are you???” I cried, looking around the darkening yard. The wind was starting to pick up, and my little 9 year old nose wasn’t strong enough yet to find anyone. “Wyatt?!” I cried again. “Come on! This isn’t funny!” I yelled as I ran towards the back of the packhouse where the storage room was. I thought I heard something behind me but as I spun around there was nothing. “Wyatt!!! Alright! You win! Game over, just come out!” My eyes started to fill with tears as the rain started to hit the back of my neck and the sky got even darker. A crash from the storage room startled me. “Hey, that’s not fair!” I cried as I pulled open the door. “We’re not supposed to play in here...” I sighed as I looked around the empty room. “Where...” I gasped as I felt two strong hands push me forward, as I landed hard on the floor, I heard laughter as the door closed behind me. “Hey!” I yelled as I jumped up and went to open the door, only to find it locked. My hea
Overhead, the clouds had started to roll in. The summer weather was starting to change from calm and warm, to windy and unforgiving. As a looming threat started to form everyone underneath the sky almost seemed... oblivious. Too wrapped up in their own struggles to see or predict what would happen in a few short hours. *Wyatt* Finally! The last of the payroll transfers are done! Before I go to start on the accounts payable for the weekly food budget a knock on the door snaps my concentration. “Come in.” I said curtly. The door opens slowly, and Mason comes inside. “Hi. Wyatt... I...” “Beta.” I corrected him. “And what do you want, Mason?” He came in, looking around at once was supposed to be his office, passed down from his dad, and his dad’s dad. But now it wasn’t. It was mine. “I... need help.” He admitted, his head down. “I... know I messed up. I had the world and threw it away.” I remained silent, letting him admit his sins. “But. I want her back. I NEED her back. I d
“There’s nothing going on!” I said a little too forcefully as I grabbed the plate. Mariah just looked at me with an amused expression. “I mean it!” “Uh huh. Like I said, there’s nothing wrong with it. Whatever ‘it’ is. I just don’t want to see you get hurt, Abby.” She sighed. “I mean, like I said he hasn’t talked about his past, and he is probably over 18. What if he finds his mate? What if there are some skeletons hidden deep in his closet? I just want you to be careful.” I sighed. “I know. Just... there is nothing there... really.” “But you want there to be?” “I didn’t say that!” I said as I nearly ran from the kitchen, my face burning. As I hurried out, I could faintly hear Mariah chuckling behind me. Damn it! But... is it true that both her and Brian can tell there is something between me and Mike? If that is true, then who else??? Secrecy is so important now, even though it kills me nearly every night it is to protect Michael... As I got closer to my office I breathed
“Luna...” I started before immediately looking down at the floor. “Ni-nice to meet you, Luna.” “You as well, Michael.” I heard her say. “But you don’t have to study the floor so intently.” Slowly I tried to look up, but it was hard. Her aura was strong, stronger than the Elder. But that was to be expected, she was the Luna, a higher position than the Elder. “Mom, you’re back early. I thought you were still helping Grandpa....” Abby started. “Not to worry, Dear, we got that problem all straightened out quicker than we expected.” She said in a cheery voice as I felt her enter the room, closing the door behind her. “I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything...important?” She giggled. “Uh! Mom!” Abby said flustered and I finally diverted my gaze from the floor to her. Her face was flushed a deep red. I heard the Luna sit in the chair across from us and I looked towards the open window behind us. It's not like I was trying to purposely avoid her gaze, but it was like an invisible f
*Mike* *One month later* “Hey Mike, can you grab those packs of bacon and get them started?” Mariah asked me as she started to toast some bread. Inside the kitchen, many of us were working on the lunch shift, fixing BLT’s and hand cut fries. “Sure, are we frying it again or oven baking?” I asked as I checked the time on my watch. “Baking, we can get more done in less time.” She answered. “Plus, we need the fryers for the potatoes.” We worked in a comfortable silence, completing our work quickly and efficiently while the members of the pack started to collect their food. “Perfect!” One of the other kitchen workers said as the last of the hungry pack members collected their food and we started to eat ourselves. “Since Mike and the others showed up it seems we get through the service faster and faster!” “Well of course.” Mariah smiled. “BLTs were his idea. Simple, quick, and easy to mass produce! Out of all the services lunch should be the easiest. And I hate to admit it, but
*Mike* I was laying on my bed lost in my thoughts of Abby when a knock came to the door. Percy mewed and jumped down from the bed and ran to the door. Another slight tap resounded, and I answered. “Come in.” The door slowly opened, and Mariah’s head peeped through. “Hi! I was told to come and get you!” Sitting up quickly I glanced at the clock on the wall. I was late! I must have fallen asleep! “Goddess, I am so sorry!” I quickly grabbed the shoes that were left for me and pulled them on. “I don’t know what happened, please forgive me!” “No worries.” Mariah said calmly. “It happens.” She was short, standing about 5 foot tall, and her shoulder length hair was dyed a deep red and pulled back to the nape of her neck. Beside her was a taller man, about 5 foot 9 but he was bulky, his shoulders were broad, and his arms were crossed. His hair was cut in a buzz, giving him a more intimidating demeanor. “This is Brian, by the way. He is coming with us for extra protection.” “Nic
*Mike* Finally, Trevor released my hand. “But I’m holding you up, go and get your food, we will save a seat for you.” He smiled, but his eyes darted to behind me, where Mason and Jay were standing. His smile dropped slightly. “Did you two forget training this morning? Gamma Scott was upset.” Jay scoffed. “Whatever, I’ll do double tomorrow.” “Double? If you have that energy, you can do triple.” I turned to look at Angie who was standing behind them with her arms crossed. “And report to Tracker Training tonight as well.” “What??? You can’t do that!!!” He growled, his face turning red. “Yes, she can. And she did.” Stuart glared back at him. “Or, if you prefer, we can take it to Alpha. Again.” Mason’s eyes lit up for a split second before it was gone. “Um, I don’t think Abby needs to be...” “Alpha Abigail.” Stuart corrected. “That is her name. Remember it.” Jay rolled his eyes again before huffing. “Whatever.” He growled before walking around them, still glaring. “I mean, y