He took a deep breath, his hands shaky. “It was a few years later when my mother came to see me. She said things had gotten worse. They had murdered the poor girl and her mate, and danced around their graves happily. After she had left me, she said there was a hidden cabin in the woods left for me and my sister. I didn’t hear from her again. The last thing I knew, they had found my mother’s letters she’d written to me, burning them and her at the stake. I don’t know what happened to my father. I assume he’s dead too. But enough about me, what about you?” His voice returned to normal and a mischievous smile spread across his face. His blue eyes sparkled with something I couldn’t detect.
I got up, stretching quickly before turning to face Alaric, staring him dead in the eyes and keeping my voice steady, even though my whole body was shaking and becoming irritated by the lack of his touch. Well, when I was fourteen, the W.E.U. murdered my parents. After that, I moved to live with my grandparents and have for the last six years. But over the last two weeks, I’ve been appointed Alpha; my grandma got kidnapped; now my grandpa is dying. I’ve received strange boxes from this kidnapper, one of them containing a finger belonging to my grandma. He’s got her, and he will kill her if he doesn’t get what he wants.
Alaric looked at me with sadness in his eyes, this need to comfort me filling his face. “I’m sorry about your parents, which I know is hard. Do you know what this stranger wants?”
I felt like there was something he wasn’t telling me, I could see it in his eyes, but I didn’t press the matter. The stranger wants me. He set up a meeting at the abandoned warehouse at the edge of my territory, in less than thirty hours from now.
Something grew dark in his gaze, his blue eyes growing a black. His left hand moved forward, his fingernails changing to claws, as he brought his hand down on his thigh, digging in and twisting. The movement caused him to roar and growl loudly before his eyes returned back to normal. “I’m sorry; I didn’t know Braxton would do that. If you don’t mind, I’ll join you and your pack there.” He shook his head when I was about to respond, stopping me. “There’s nothing you can do, just accept it. Braxton and I won’t rest until you are safe.”
I nodded, not really in the mood to argue with this dream boat in front of me. I had to think more rationally moving forward, both for me and my pack.
“THANK YOU, ALARIC,” I said, blushing furiously, now finally back in my human form. My brown hair was pulled into a ponytail. My clothes had been torn in the shift back to being a human, but Alaric gave me one of his shirts and a pair of his underwear to put on.
They were super baggy, but comfortable and soft. His scent calmed me.
We had found out that I could still shift back and forth between wolf and human forms, if I had something of my mate’s on me at all times. The necklace he gave me was his mothers, which caused me to strongly refuse but it was to no avail. The chain was gold with a purple jewel held in place by gold clips. It fit perfectly.
Once we were headed back to my territory, Alaric insisted on escorting me. He wouldn’t tell me why though. When we reached the territory border, Alaric leaned over and kissed my cheek, telling me to be careful and that he’d text me soon.
I smiled brightly at him, blushing, as I walked a little ways before shifting back into my wolf, Eva. This shift hurt, but it wasn’t as bad as the first time. And it was faster.
I shook my fur, stretching my body. Turning back to look one last time at Alaric, I was sad to find he had gone. His leaf scent was still fresh where he stood. It calmed me, as I raced back toward the house.
CHAPTER 10
DAHLIA
THE COOL BREEZE whipped through my fur as I raced across the field directly in front of my grandparents’ house. I loved the feeling of having the wind in my fur and the freedom to go wherever I wanted.
The sky above was black as night, with a few stars flickering. As I got closer to the road, I
noticed the living room light burning through the window. Nathan stood on the porch with the door wide open at his back, his arms folded over his chest. He wore the same pair of shorts and t-shirt from our training session earlier. The light spilling out from the house cast shadows over his face masking his expression. I was sad. I was just beginning to really like him but we both knew what would happen if either of us found our mates. I knew we wouldn’t have lasted long, so why prolong the inevitable? I quickly stretched before I shifted back to my human form. It was still uncom- fortable, feeling the bones move back to the regular positions with my snout changing back to my face. My tail shrunk back into my body, and my paws changed to hands and fingers.
I stood at the edge of the driveway, my gaze fierce, as I stared into his soul.
I knew what we had was real, but after meeting Alaric, I had to cut all ties with him. He
was a great friend, but the rules stated that once you meet your mate, you had to cut all ties with any other lover. That was how it had been for ages. No one could deny the Gods’ choice of mate. I had no idea how he was going to take this.
I could hear his heavy breathing, his fast heart beat and the irritation that leaked off of him. I took a deep, shaky breath, running my hand through my hair and thinking of what I’d say next.
“Where have you been?” His voice was cold, and it shook with anger. If I could see his face, I’d instantly recognize the rage in his emerald eyes. “Whose scent is that? Whose clothes are those? And how the hell have you figured out how to shift between forms? I know for a fact that you couldn’t earlier today.”
The irritation I felt burned my face. I sighed, tugging at the large shirt I wore. The leaf scent from it calmed me as I closed my eyes, taking a slow breath.
This wasn’t going to be good. “Nathan, things between us are over.” It was the first thing that came to mind, and I wanted to say more but there was no point in dragging this on. It hurt as it was. The tears threatened as he walked closer but I cleared my throat to push them back.
Nathan’s face filled with sadness and confusion. “What do you mean, things are over? What happened? I thought we were good?”
Ellen and Wyatt had moved into their townhouse down the road, so we were the only ones here. I was grateful for that. This was something no one but us should see.
He moved so close I could feel his hot breath on my face.
I backed up a little, fists up and ready to fight him if he tried anything. “We were fine. I met someone while I was out, he showed me how I could shift back, and we found out something even more important. I don’t want you to stop being my Beta; you are the best for the job. But our relationship ends here. We’re only friends. Go get a hotel for the night and while I’m gone in the morning, pack your stuff, please. If you don’t, I will fight you. If I have to, I’ll banish you. I don’t want to do it, but if you push this, it will be done.”
I wasn’t going to apologize. I was sad, but I wasn’t going to say I’m sorry. Because I wasn’t. I saw the hurt in him as he sped back to the house, grabbing his keys. With one glance in my direction, he climbed into his Jeep and pulled out of the driveway, speeding down the neighborhood. His tires screeched to a halt at the end of the road.
I took a deep breath, making my way toward the front door.
Inside, I shut it behind me. As soon as it was closed, I fell to the floor, the tears free falling. I sobbed; my heart ached but I had to get it out. I couldn’t let this hold me back any longer. After twenty minutes, the tears stopped. As I got back on my feet, I checked all the locks in the house. Door, windows, everything. I couldn’t take any chances, but I knew the feeble locks wouldn’t keep Nathan out if he really wanted to get in.
My reaction was harsh now that I think about it because I wasn’t sure how to feel. And it's easier to be angry.
I moved to my room, where Nathan’s scent lingered, making my breath hitch, but I shook my head to clear it before quickly grabbing a pen and paper to write down the list of things I knew I needed to change to prevent anyone from getting
in.
Sitting down at the table, I jotted down the main things I knew I needed to change as soon as possible.
List:
1. Change the front door lock, put in deadbolt and security cameras.
2. Change the windows out
Those two things were all I could think of, but I knew I needed to get a car of my own.
I sighed. My mate’s scent calmed me as I ruffled my hair and I got up from the table.
I didn’t bother grabbing any clothes from my room, as I moved to the spare bedroom, closing the door behind me.
I took a quick shower, blow-drying my hair and checking the time on my phone. I put Alaric’s clothes back on, his scent keeping me okay and steady—11:30 p.m.
I finished my hair, turning the dryer off and placing it back on the counter before turning the light out, and moving to the queen- sized bed Liam had brought in after that incident with my grandfather.
Climbing under the covers, I drifted off to sleep, while thoughts filled my mind of Alaric and our conversation from earlier.
I ROLLED OVER in bed, getting woken up by the sound of a text message. I knew my alarm wasn't far off.
I sat up too quickly, causing me to get a headache. Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I pressed the side button, turning the screen on. I squinted my eyes at the bright screen.
5:30 a.m. It showed four new messages. Two from an unknown number, one from Liam and the last one from Nathan.
I swiped the screen, going to the unknown messages first, they read:
Good morning, beautiful, it’s Alaric. Did you sleep okay? Now you have my number. ;) When do you need me to meet up with you tomorrow?
I smiled, answering his first text. Good morning. I slept okay. How about you?
I sent that one before answering the second question. And, meet us at the warehouse at 6:30 a.m.
I was surprised he responded immediately.
I’m glad you slept well. I did too. Would’ve slept better if you were here. ;P And that works for me. I’m bringing my sister along. Is that okay?
I quickly replied. The more the merrier. I’ll text you later. I have a meeting to prepare for.
All right, text me anytime. Though I will be pretty busy most of the day, so I will try and respond as soon as possible. Have a good day, and don’t let those Alpha duties worry you too much. It’s bad for your health.
I laughed, going through the other texts. Liam had texted me, letting me know that the meeting had been moved up to an hour from now. I screeched, jumping from the bed and back into my room before going through my closet to find a pair of jeans and a nice shirt.
Quickly curling my hair, I did some light makeup, before grabbing my phone and calling Liam. “Hey, good morning,” I said after he picked up. “Do you have a car I can borrow until I can buy my own?”
His laughter filled the phone, and I removed it from my ear in order to not burst my eardrum permanently. “Sure, but what happened to Nathan’s Jeep?”
I sighed, grabbing my purse from my room. “I don’t want to talk about that. I’ll take good care of the vehicle. I don’t care what kind, just that I have one to get back and forth in.”
“All right, I won’t pry. After the meeting, we’ll go see Eric. I’m sure you are wanting an update about his condition. I’ve got a car being sent your way. See you soon.” With that, he hung up.
An Omega had already made breakfast when I came into the kitchen. The plate was set on the table, filled with bacon, eggs and toast.
I quickly scarfed it down, going back into my messages on my phone. I pulled up Nathan’s message. It read that he hadn’t regretted anything we’d done, and that I’d always be welcome in his home. That he didn’t understand why I broke up with him but that he’d accept it over time.
I mind-linked him. Nathan.
His voice was slightly happier, but I could tell that he wasn’t himself. He let his emotions take the better of him this time, but he was normally able to keep it in check. Alpha?
I’m leaving for the meeting with the other Alphas. Watch the pack and inform me of anything suspicious. I’ll check on Eric while I’m there and come back to report his condition.
Yes, Alpha, I’ll do my best. Be safe.
I blocked him for now, focusing on what in the world the meeting could be about.
Just as the Omega took the plate from me, I heard a honk outside. I stood, slugging my purse over my shoulder and shoving my phone in my front pocket, before thanking the girl and heading out for the day.
The warm sunlight shown down on the blue SUV parking on the curb in front of the house. Its paint job glistened in the morning sun. I was grateful for the vehicle, but I wasn’t expecting it to be an SUV.
A tall man climbed out and walked over to me. He wore a pair of loose jeans and a t-shirt. His sloppy blonde hair was finger-combed and he bowed his head when he got closer.
“Alpha.” He smiled, bowing and holding his hand out for me to take.
I thanked him, going to the door he held open for me before he shifted and raced back to Liam’s territory.
I mind-linked the Omega, reminding her to lock the house after she was done, before climbing into the driver’s seat and setting my purse between the front seats as I adjusted the mirrors and the seat. With my phone in the cup holder, I buckled up and drove away from the curb.
I PULLED UP to the gate, rolling the window down as the guard came forward with a clipboard in his hand. One look at me and a bright smile spread across his face, as he turned and motioned for the man inside of the building to open the gate. “Alpha Dahlia, please make your way to the pack house for the meeting. Everyone’s waiting.”
He bowed his head once the gate was fully opened, enabling me to continue down the road.
The seasons slowly began to change over the last week, leaving hardly any leaves left on the trees. The weather became colder as the days went by. It was nice now, but I knew it’d be colder as the day passed.
I pulled up to the three-story pack house, parking the vehicle and stepping out to where a male Omega waited beside the front steps for me. When the seasons changed, so did the paint. They had started to peel the paint, already coating it with the winter colors. It was so beautiful to watch. It was mesmerizing.
The Omega cleared his throat, making me come back to reality. “Oh,” I apologized before stepping to the side and letting him take the SUV. I left the engine running; as he bowed and told me that the other Alphas were waiting for me in the dining room.
I thanked him, grabbing my things, before climbing up the porch and heading to the front door, where the butler from the first meeting greeted me with a warm smile.
“Welcome,” he said, quickly closing the door behind me and instructing me to follow him. The entryway was magnificent. The ceiling was vaulted, the entryway was adorned with pictures of the pack and decorative flowers were perched on the walls. There was a small table across from the door with a vase of roses on top.
The floor was a cool marble, with black and white patches. It was a fabulous house. I loved it. The butler led me into the dining room, where Liam, Ryker and Rowan sat at the grand table waiting for me.
As I walked in, they stood. Warm smiles and a small greeting met me as I took a seat beside Rowan.
Today, he actually wore something besides a hoodie. His shaggy blonde hair was pulled back into a short ponytail. He had light stubble across his face, but he looked relaxed as he sat back down with the others.
I stared at Ryker, who stretched his arms above his head. He seemed annoyed about having to be here early in the morning, his gray hair ruffled and his shirt wrinkled like he’d just climbed out of bed. His face was worn with exhaustion. His eyes flicked between all of us, studying each of us carefully.
Liam cleared his throat, drawing our attention to him. “Good morning, Alphas. I know it’s quite early, but we have a lot to cover.” He looked in my direction, nodding at me. “Dahlia, would you like to go first? And con
gratulations on the shift, by the way. That’s great news.”
I huffed but was grateful for the chance to explain everything. So, I nodded, standing as the men’s eyes landed on me. “Thank you, Liam. You all know of my grandma’s kidnapping, but only Liam and a few others I trust know about the things I am about to tell you.”
That caught Ryker and Rowan’s attention, causing them to clear their minds before turning all their attention to me in preparation for what I had to say.
I continued, my anger slowly building, “About a week ago, I received a box with a severed finger in it. It was my grandma’s. Along with that, it was accompanied by a note telling me to hand myself over in order to secure my grandma’s safety. To meet at the aban- doned warehouse at the edge of my territory for the exchange.”
Ryker spoke first, his eyes wandering from each of us before settling on me; his voice was calm and collected. “What the hell? Why didn’t you feel the need to tell us sooner? What are you planning on doing?”
I cleared my throat, going on, “He wanted me to go alone. Over the last few days, I’ve had my top warriors train. I also trained alongside them. I’ve initiated the world’s first jaguar-wolf hybrid, and he’s quickly becoming the pack trainer. He’s been a great asset so far.”
Rowan looked surprised and Ryker didn’t even comment. There was nothing he could say, so Liam spoke instead.
“I’ve heard of him before.” He looked at Ryker, who looked back at him. “But this is the first time I’ve heard any other shifter be initiated into a pack. His mother was Raegan’s best friend.”
The mention of my mother caused Ryker to look away. I didn’t know what kind of relationship my mother and he had, but it was obvious by the sad expression that they had been close at one time.
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