The Alpha meeting. Only the most intimidating meeting there is to have. Oakley shuffled uncomfortably in my mind. Nervous as I was for what was about to come. We knew we had power to back us. We knew we had support from our pack, our father, and the moon goddess herself. But with everything happening with Willow lately, we just felt inadequate. Slowly other seats in the great hall filled with other alphas from neighboring packs. And then from packs even further out. This was a meeting for alphas across the whole south of the United States. We had been at war just 12 years ago and now we met every summer to remind ourselves that we are greater together. But my aura was strong and noticeably making other alphas on edge. They were squirming in their seats. Making sure to stay as far from me as possible. I had it reigned in so nobody would feel subjected to submit, but let enough out to show who I truly was. As in the end, there would be no hiding it. Ready or not, I am the Alpha of Alpha
I sat on my bed, staring at my phone. It practically burned in my hands as I contemplated the call I needed to make. Sloan. One name. With so many possibilities tied to it. I didn’t know what to say if he answered. Much less if he didn’t. I wanted so badly to accept him. But I was still so hurt. I think only time could heal that wound. Although only time could answer that. And it was time I felt like I didn’t have to offer. I didn’t want to stay and wait just to feel that hurt of rejection again. Sasha agreed in my mind. Howling at me to just drop the burning phone and go back to bed. He could wait another day. It wouldn’t hurt anyone. Though, what if that day made all the difference. Finally without thinking too hard, I pressed call. I immediately felt my breathing stop. Pretty sure my heart stopped too. Every ring felt like a decade. After an eternity, it picked up.“Willow? Are you okay?” came the familiar voice that made my stomach drop. Now I was hyperventilating. I choked trying
As I lay in her bed smothered by the sweet smell of honeysuckle, I feel at peace. I left the Alpha meeting without another word, to which I’m sure they are all displeased about. Dad said so himself through the mindlink. But he understood. My mate had finally needed me. And if I had rejected her in that moment I may have lost her forever. I could feel aggression through the Alphas’ link and I knew trouble was brewing but in this very moment, I couldn’t be bothered. The gentle purring of her wolf had me happier than I had ever been before. Willow’s soft curls laid against my chest like a blanket of summer breeze. Her small hands and gentle arms wrapped around my waist in a death grip, still afraid I might up and leave at any moment. Or perhaps that I am a figment of her imagination. I lean down and tenderly kiss her forehead to reassure her that I am here to stay and I feel her grip soften just a fraction. “Willow, the other packs are not happy that I am above them. The Alpha meeting d
Standing in the shower, where I have nearly killed myself twice now, I think that maybe I should try bubble baths like other women. Laughter bubbles up inside me at the very thought. Goddess it felt good to laugh. I had been in such a funk for a few weeks now, it was nice to feel wanted. And man did I want him back. I still felt uneasy. But I understood his hesitation better. Sloan was already protective of me. And who could fault the man for that? I turn the shower off and step out, day dreaming of the tender forehead kisses he gave even in his sleep. So tender for such a large man. He barely fit on my twin size mattress with me. Well over six feet and pure muscle. Blonde hair just a bit too long and ice blue eyes that stare into your soul. And the poutiest bottom lip I’ve ever seen on a man. But endearing nonetheless. Not to mention his wonderful cypress scent. Like home. He felt like home too. I never knew another persons arms could feel so much like a place. Shaking my head of my
Walking up to Willow’s house I can feel my nerves kicking in. Which is crazy since I spent the night in there. In her bed. With her in my arms. But this was still our first date. Our first public outing. I could see the headlines I’d have to protect her from already. Werewolf hierarchy being what it was, I could just hope my pack loved her because I did. Her dark black curls and sweet smile melted me already. I never stood a chance and that’s on the goddess herself. I knock on the door slowly and take a few deep breaths. Everything would be fine. It had to be. She had accepted I was her mate. This was just the finer details. Making her fall in love with me. Actual love. I never expected her, and yet I felt like I had known her forever. Willow. My sweet bending Willow. Ready for the storm ahead. I spent the entire day in meetings and dealing with angry Alphas. Some thankfully were on our side and ready to fight with us. But some were so very angry already. Not wanting to kneel to anyo
“Come on, Willow, you can do this baby!” my mother screams as I square up against Damien. It was training time and I was shaking in my skin fighting against the biggest underage wolf in our pack. We both turned 18 in a few days and had to prove ourselves as warriors. I see him tense just before his twists left and throws a punch. Dodging his arm, I kick him in the ribs. The breath leaves his body at the impact, but it doesn’t stop him. He charges me and I jump to the side, swinging my body onto his back just as he shifts under me. I panic, I have never seen someone underage shift so quickly and smoothly. His fur a deep red and his wolf, Dante howls and twists trying to bite me. I make myself small, forcing him to roll over to lose me. Just as he turns around to attack, I shift myself. Giving control over to my wolf, Sasha. My mother always told me “I named you Willow, after the trees. I have seen hurricanes snap oaks as a Willow just bends and adapts”.
My twenty sixth birthday was around the corner and Dad was breathing down my neck about taking over the pack. My aura already grown past his. The problem? I didn't even want the job. I dont want to be in charge of anyone much less an entire pack of wolves. They would all look to me to set an example and I wasn't even a good example for myself. I currently stood in my shower washing blood off from a run turned hunting mission. A rogue was near our borders and I chased him down and took him out. I was not meant to be alpha. I was named to be a Warrior. Everyone says being Alpha Is a blessing but I found it to be a curse. Every burden on your shoulders. Feeling every pack members death. Their loved ones agony. I remember all too well after the last pack war how hard it was on my father to feel his pack torn apart with grief. my own mother died on the front lines. Taking a part of Dad with her. Stepping out of the shower I burn with anger and frustration as I get dressed. My w
Today is my 18th birthday. I am finally an adult. This comes with so many new things. The final battle later today to secure my spot as the packs 2nd Female warrior. Second only to our beloved Luna whom we lost 10 years ago. I also will be on the watch for my mate now that I am of age. They say you know instantly but I cannot believe it works so quickly. That I could pass a stranger, or worse someone I have always known and instantly know I am theirs and they are mine. That sounds like absolute lunacy. But as a Lunar child, I guess that only makes sense I think while laughing quietly. I can smell pancakes and mom pushes against the mind link “I made your favorites for breakfast, and I have a surprise for you when you come down”. Smiling I tell her that I will be down after a quick shower. Stripping off my cotton t-shirt and flannel pajama pants, I squeeze into my small stand-up shower and feel the sweat of a restless night wash from my body.
Walking up to Willow’s house I can feel my nerves kicking in. Which is crazy since I spent the night in there. In her bed. With her in my arms. But this was still our first date. Our first public outing. I could see the headlines I’d have to protect her from already. Werewolf hierarchy being what it was, I could just hope my pack loved her because I did. Her dark black curls and sweet smile melted me already. I never stood a chance and that’s on the goddess herself. I knock on the door slowly and take a few deep breaths. Everything would be fine. It had to be. She had accepted I was her mate. This was just the finer details. Making her fall in love with me. Actual love. I never expected her, and yet I felt like I had known her forever. Willow. My sweet bending Willow. Ready for the storm ahead. I spent the entire day in meetings and dealing with angry Alphas. Some thankfully were on our side and ready to fight with us. But some were so very angry already. Not wanting to kneel to anyo
Standing in the shower, where I have nearly killed myself twice now, I think that maybe I should try bubble baths like other women. Laughter bubbles up inside me at the very thought. Goddess it felt good to laugh. I had been in such a funk for a few weeks now, it was nice to feel wanted. And man did I want him back. I still felt uneasy. But I understood his hesitation better. Sloan was already protective of me. And who could fault the man for that? I turn the shower off and step out, day dreaming of the tender forehead kisses he gave even in his sleep. So tender for such a large man. He barely fit on my twin size mattress with me. Well over six feet and pure muscle. Blonde hair just a bit too long and ice blue eyes that stare into your soul. And the poutiest bottom lip I’ve ever seen on a man. But endearing nonetheless. Not to mention his wonderful cypress scent. Like home. He felt like home too. I never knew another persons arms could feel so much like a place. Shaking my head of my
As I lay in her bed smothered by the sweet smell of honeysuckle, I feel at peace. I left the Alpha meeting without another word, to which I’m sure they are all displeased about. Dad said so himself through the mindlink. But he understood. My mate had finally needed me. And if I had rejected her in that moment I may have lost her forever. I could feel aggression through the Alphas’ link and I knew trouble was brewing but in this very moment, I couldn’t be bothered. The gentle purring of her wolf had me happier than I had ever been before. Willow’s soft curls laid against my chest like a blanket of summer breeze. Her small hands and gentle arms wrapped around my waist in a death grip, still afraid I might up and leave at any moment. Or perhaps that I am a figment of her imagination. I lean down and tenderly kiss her forehead to reassure her that I am here to stay and I feel her grip soften just a fraction. “Willow, the other packs are not happy that I am above them. The Alpha meeting d
I sat on my bed, staring at my phone. It practically burned in my hands as I contemplated the call I needed to make. Sloan. One name. With so many possibilities tied to it. I didn’t know what to say if he answered. Much less if he didn’t. I wanted so badly to accept him. But I was still so hurt. I think only time could heal that wound. Although only time could answer that. And it was time I felt like I didn’t have to offer. I didn’t want to stay and wait just to feel that hurt of rejection again. Sasha agreed in my mind. Howling at me to just drop the burning phone and go back to bed. He could wait another day. It wouldn’t hurt anyone. Though, what if that day made all the difference. Finally without thinking too hard, I pressed call. I immediately felt my breathing stop. Pretty sure my heart stopped too. Every ring felt like a decade. After an eternity, it picked up.“Willow? Are you okay?” came the familiar voice that made my stomach drop. Now I was hyperventilating. I choked trying
The Alpha meeting. Only the most intimidating meeting there is to have. Oakley shuffled uncomfortably in my mind. Nervous as I was for what was about to come. We knew we had power to back us. We knew we had support from our pack, our father, and the moon goddess herself. But with everything happening with Willow lately, we just felt inadequate. Slowly other seats in the great hall filled with other alphas from neighboring packs. And then from packs even further out. This was a meeting for alphas across the whole south of the United States. We had been at war just 12 years ago and now we met every summer to remind ourselves that we are greater together. But my aura was strong and noticeably making other alphas on edge. They were squirming in their seats. Making sure to stay as far from me as possible. I had it reigned in so nobody would feel subjected to submit, but let enough out to show who I truly was. As in the end, there would be no hiding it. Ready or not, I am the Alpha of Alpha
I wake to the sound of mom fussing with one of the nurses about breakfast. Something about it taking too long and me needing food in my body before being discharged. Great. Just what I need now. Mom breathing down my back the whole of next week while I try to decide what I want to do about Sloan. I know I am being unfair but I kept seeing the terrified look on his face as Sasha ambushed him. He says he won’t reject me. But the pack. They might. They may not see me as strong enough to be Luna. Especially once they discovered that Sloan was meant to be the next Alpha of Alphas. That’s no small role. And to take it on with an Omega at your side. Well you’d have to be downright crazy. And speaking of crazy, that’s what the rumors say about our Alpha Line. That Sloan’s father is losing grips on reality and that is why he took over so soon. Normally Alphas take over either at 30 or if they out power the current Alpha before then. It can be passed willingly or fought for in some cases. Alpha
I’m pacing outside the pack hospital when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pick it up to see Sloans dad is calling. Dad, as in the one who raised her. Her biological father gave his life for our pack. He was a strong warrior but the pack wars took so many great lives from us. “Hey Sloan, I know you’re anxious. She will be fine. She is awake now but refusing to see you. Something about you rejecting her? Son, I hope that’s not your intentions. She is a strong fighter and an endearing soul. She’d make a fine Alina for our pack. Is it fear of your father? The pack? Both?”Sighing heavily I reply “It was both. But my father accepts her. I just worry about the dangers of being a Luna. Although you are right, she is an amazing warrior and I am sure the pack would love her. I told her that I wasn’t rejecting her. She’s just terrified because of my initial reaction. I handled that poorly.” I kick the rocks in the gravel drive that runs alongside the hospital and internally kick my
I feel groggy as I come to. The lights are too bright and I hear hushed voices around me. ‘Where am I? How did I get here? What the fuck happened?’ I think to myself as I slowly blink trying to get my surroundings to focus. Finally my vision homes in on my father. “Dad?” I whisper, my voice hoarse.“Hey sweetheart, mom went to get coffee. How you feelin’?” He shuffles closer to me and puts his hand against my cheek. He had been away in pack business for a few weeks. We didn’t even know he would be home today. He looks handsome in his suit with his own dark curls and bright blue eyes. He smelled like home and I was glad to see him.“My head kind of hurts and I don’t really remember what happened. How did I get to the hospital? The last thing I remember…oh..the last thing I remember is yelling at Sloan. Ugh. He must think I’m really crazy now. Great.”Dad chuckles and grabs my hand, “You seemed to have slipped in the bathroom and hit your head hard on the cabinet. You were
I stood outside her bathroom door trying to decide what words to use. I knew she was frightened but I was insistent on convincing her she would be safe and loved with me. I heard the water shut off and knew my time was running short. But I still didn’t know what to say. I just hoped her wolf could talk some sense into her. We were mates. Destined for each other. Why would she automatically assume I would reject her? That cut so much deeper than you would think. To know my mate thought so poorly of me before even knowing me. I reached to knock on her door just as I heard a struggle and a loud thud. “What the hell?” I whisper to myself as I knock and call out for her. “Willow? Will? Sweetheart? Answer me or I’m coming in!” There was still no response so I twisted the knob slowly. Of course she had locked the door and it wouldn’t be so simple. Inhaling deeply, I kicked the door in to find my beautiful mate passed out on the floor and bleeding from her forehead. Behind me I hear yellin