Pulling out a couple of hundreds, I spoke, laying them down on the counter, “This is for the damage to the hallway. I’m sorry about that.”
She took the money, smiling. “Thank you, Alpha. We would’ve paid for it, but your donation is appreciated.”
I turned to head over to the bar, where a fresh pot of coffee brewed. The aroma was enchanting.
“Oh,” Avery said, coming from behind the desk to join me at the coffee bar. “Please protect my mate with this meeting. We’ve got a young son; I don’t want to have to break the news to him that his father died.”
When the coffee finished, I grabbed a Styrofoam cup and poured the black liquid into it. Grabbing some sugar and creamer, I stirred it in.
Avery looked upset, as she made her own cup of coffee. After she stirred her own condiments into it, I turned to her and gave her a hug, trying to help her relax. “It will be fine, I promise. I will protect him with my life. If that happens, I will tell your son myself because it is my responsibility to protect them. I give you my word that he’ll be okay.”
She had started silently crying into my shoulder.
I rubbed her back, before breaking the hug and wiping her tears. “It’ll be fine. I gotta to go. I’m going to be late.”
I put a lid on my cooling coffee and smiled at her before heading for the door.
“Thank you, Alpha! I trust you,” she called after me as I walked out of the hotel lobby.
At the SUV, I unlocked it and climbed in. Sipping on my coffee, I burned my tongue slightly before setting it in the cup holder next to my seat. Placing my purse on the floor, I buckled up and my thoughts began to fill with worry.
What if I lose someone in this meeting?
What if I do give myself over in place of my grandmother… How will my pack survive?
I shook my head, erasing the thoughts as I backed out of the hotel parking space, stopping at the road before turning right and heading down the street toward the gymnasium.
Pulling into the lot, my warriors awaited with Nathan and Wyatt standing in front of the large group.
Leaving my vehicle on, I grabbed my coffee and climbed out.
“I’m sorry. I got distracted,” I said, walking so that I now stood in front of everyone. Nathan and Wyatt both took a stand on either side of me, as I thought of what to say to motivate my men.
“Now.” My gaze hovered over each man, woman and younger wolf. Nervousness filled the air. “This is the first major situation under my leadership. We will come out on top. I don’t know what we’re walking into, but I doubt it’ll be a friendly conversation. Thank you for supporting me and protecting each and every pack member. It means a lot to me, having only been the Alpha for a short time. Let us prepare for this meeting and come out victorious!”
Applauds broke out, causing the nervousness to evaporate.
Once the cheers died down, I took a sip of my coffee before stating, “I have Rowan and Ryker’s men coming to the territory soon. They will defend our borders and protect those who cannot assist themselves while we are away. Liam has sent some of his own warriors to join us at the warehouse. I want those who can shift to do so. Make sure you are hidden until I arrive. I hope there are no mess-ups while I’m not present.”
Nods from the warriors told me they understood before those who could shift did just that. A sea of black, white, cream, brown, red and gray littered the area in front of me. While those who hadn’t shifted yet stood mixed in.
“I will have Nathan accompany you to the warehouse. I will be there as soon as I finish up with Rowan and Ryker’s men. Head out!” I shout, as the wolves started to race across the street and through the field to the forest that I had disappeared into.
Wyatt stood beside me, still in his human form, as we watched the others pack into two vehicles before heading down the road toward the warehouse.
Back at the main pack house, Wyatt and I greeted the warriors and Rowan’s pack, who waited for us.
“Alpha Dahlia.” Rowan bowed, making eye contact before quickly turning back to his warriors.
Ryker’s Beta, Jordan, walked up to us. “Greetings, Alphas.” He bowed to us, before turning to Wyatt. “Gamma.”
“Beta,” I said, smiling.
It was nice to see everybody getting along and coming together for a common goal.
“All right, Rowan,” I began, turning to face the wolves who stayed silent and watched us with cool expressions. “I have gathered everyone into the largest house we have. I trust you to protect them like your own.”
Rowan nodded, before shifting into his wolf. He was large, causing the lower-ranked wolves of Ryker’s pack to gaze hesitantly at him. His fur was an orange-red, with a tint of brown splotches in places. His eyes changed to gray and turned to look at me, waiting for me to continue.
Turning back to the group, I smiled. “I’ve got a map of the terri- tory inside. The Elders can help you figure out the area border better. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. My pack and I are in your debt.”
Wyatt and I shifted next. We stood in front of the wolves, who all looked like they’d seen a ghost when they saw how big Wyatt was. Even Rowan was surprised.
Shaking myself off, I stretched and nodded to the wolves before racing off into the darkness at the edge of the neighborhood.
WYATT AND I made it to the abandoned warehouse in record time.
There were scattered lights all over the property, which lit up enough to somewhat see. I looked around, hidden in the bushes at the edge of the fenced area. There was a huge hole in the fencing that would be our way in without messing with anything. The large ware- house had started to fall apart; the metal siding was rusted, being ripped away from the building as the wind whipped by.
I was surrounded by my warriors, and Liam’s wolves, while Nathan and Wyatt crouched beside me, our shallow breathing in rhythm.
What’s the plan? Nathan asked, moving backward to get up and stretch his stiff body.
We are expecting two more people, but let’s make a trip around the area to find good hiding spots to wait before the ambush, I said, moving forward to go through the opening in the fencing before darting swiftly toward the door of the building.
Inside, I sneezed, sending dust flying everywhere. I shook myself off before shifting to my human form. I popped my neck and did a couple of stretches once I stood in the doorway.
Wyatt had gone left, with Nathan going right. They each were accompanied by two wolves while the others stayed behind to keep watch. I had two wolves as well, but they remained in their wolf forms, on high alert for anything suspicious.
We walked through the first floor of the warehouse, where metal trash cans and cardboard boxes littered everywhere. Something behind us rustled, and a black figure dashed for the door. The wolves pounced into action, cornering the small animal before snarling, teeth bared.
I walked forward, squatting. My eyes had finally adjusted; I could make out what the creature was. It was a cat, its light amber eyes round with fright as it hissed and spat at me.
I moved my head, ordering the wolves to stand down. They did as instructed, stepping back, as I turned my attention to the cat again. It relaxed a bit.
“It’s okay, we won’t hurt you,” I said, holding out my finger for it to sniff. The sad animal looked like it hadn’t eaten in days. Its black fur was matted and his little nose was dry. His paws were white and the tip of his tail reminded me of the end of a magician’s wand.
It stepped forward, sniffing my fingers again. I can tell you run things. I’ll grant you permission to pick me up.
The voice echoed into the air, surprising me. “What was that?” I looked around, trying to find who had spoken.
Down here. The voice sounded annoyed, as the cat flicked its tail and tilted his head back and forth.
I looked at the cat, my eyebrows raised. “Hello, what’s your name?”
He stared at me with confusion. I don’t know what this “name” means.
They nodded, stealthily moving into the shadows to investigate the rest of the warehouse. Turning my attention back to the small cat, I held my arms out for him.
He padded to me, rearing up onto his hind paws so I could pick him up gently. Cradling him against my chest, I slowly walked out of the building.
I felt him snuggle closer, purring. Just the purr alone calmed my racing nerves but I knew that wouldn’t last.
Back at the fence, I crawled through, making sure the cat was secure before he got bombarded by a group of young female wolves, who had seen the cat and came to pet him.
“Aw, what a cutie!”
“He’s adorable. Can I pet him?”
I growled unexpectedly, alarming both the group and the poor animal in my arms. “Back off. He’s scared, he hasn’t eaten in a while, and he’s exhausted.” I used my Alpha voice. I didn’t want to but I could tell the cat was getting anxious.
The group backed off, making a path for me as I walked to one of the vehicles parked down the hill. It was hidden in a large patch of bushes, with branches and leaves tossed all over it to conceal it.
Opening the back door, I placed the small cat on the seat. In the trunk, I pulled out some sandwich meat from the cooler and a blanket.
Quietly shutting the trunk, I went back to the cat. Smoothly wrapping him in the blanket, I placed the meat in front of him; he bent his head to sniff it before looking back up at me with those adorable amber eyes.
Thank you, Alpha. He turned his attention back to the meat, starting to slowly nibble at it.
Raising my hand, I gently patted his head; he growled a little but continued to eat.
“No problem. I’ll be back in a few hours, stay here and be quiet.” I manually rolled the window down, making sure he had air before I closed the door behind me and made my way back to the group by the fence.
Everyone looked tense, as if something bothered them. “What’s wrong?” I asked, gazing at them in curiosity.
They didn’t say, looking away from my eyes. I was about to use my Alpha voice, but my phone jingled instead.
Pulling it out of my pocket, I checked the screen. It was Alaric, letting me know he was here with his sister but that they couldn’t come any closer thanks to the four wolves who were blocking his way.
I texted him letting him know I was on my way.
I shifted, sprinting toward the scent of fresh leaves coming from behind the warehouse. It was like the oxygen that I’d been craving had arrived and that it was the only thing I needed to survive.
As I ran, I felt the anger rolling off one of my wolves, becoming increasingly more dangerous the closer I got.
Reaching them, I saw Nathan in his wolf form, snarling with his teeth bared while pacing back and forth in front of Alaric, who had his hands up in defense. He looked as good as he did when I first met him. His dread-locked hair pulled back into a ponytail and a black wife-beater fitted neatly to his muscular frame. He wore blue jeans and a pair of dark boots. His eyes followed Nathan until he noticed I was present, then his eyes darted to mine and he looked relieved to see me.
Beside him stood a woman with the same beautiful dark skin, her hair pulled up into a high ponytail; her outfit was a blue shirt and a pair of white shorts with flip-flops. Her skin was luscious, and her bluish eyes narrowed with annoyance when she saw me. A smile spread across her face but I could tell she was judging me.
Shifting quickly, my voice boomed. I knew it probably wasn’t a good idea to be this loud, but Nathan needed to understand that this was not okay. “Nathan, back the fuck off. These two are with me.”
His gaze snapped to me, searching for anything he could use to go against my order. When he didn’t shift back, I ordered him to. “Nathan, switch back now.” I gave him a stern look; he squirmed under my gaze before he reluctantly did.
Back in his human form, one of the others handed him a pair of sweatpants as he spat at me, “Who the fuck are these people? Do you just allow rogues to stroll free on our territory like it’s theirs?!”
I saw Alaric’s blue eyes change to a dark ocean color, but he calmed himself down as he watched me. His gaze met mine, and a breathtaking smile formed as he winked at me.
I rolled my eyes, irritation flowing through me. “Nathan, this is Alaric and his sister. I said they’re with me. They are here to help us with the meeting.”
Nathan’s mouth hung open, realizing who the large man and the woman standing beside him were. Anger found its way in his eyes, but he said nothing as he walked away, glancing back at Alaric with hatred.
Once he was out of earshot, I turned back to my mate and his sister.
He came to me, quickly pulling me to his chest. I was surprised as he wrapped his arms around me. “I’ve missed you.”
I felt his rapid heartbeat before I quickly squirmed out of his arms, smiling up at him. “I missed you too, but we’ve got to be on the down-low with this since you’re a rogue. I’m sorry. Let’s go back to the waiting area and I’ll introduce everyone.”
He nodded, smiling at me, as his sister came forward, holding a hand out for me to take. “My name is Rylan. I’m Alaric’s little sister.”
“Dahlia, the Alpha.” I smiled, taking her hand.
She suddenly laughed, and it was the fakest thing I’d ever heard. She was not friendly. “You’re an Alpha!? How did they let you be one?”
Alaric growled at her, placing a hand on her shoulder and causing her to look up at him. The emotion in his eyes was serious and as a result she backed off.
“I’m sorry,” she gave a half apology, before turning away from me and stalking off into the darkness.
Alaric sighed, stepping to me. “I’m sorry about her. We don’t have time to wait around… it’s almost dawn.”
I looked up, realizing the sun had begun to rise. It slowly got brighter and I knew we needed to hurry and get everyone into their places.
AFTER THE INTRODUCTIONS, I spread everyone into groups of six.
We had made a little dirt map of the area, and where everyone would be positioned.
I purposefully placed Nathan further away from Alaric, so that they wouldn’t get into a fight in the middle of this meeting. I had pulled Wyatt aside and asked him to keep an eye on Nathan, in case he tried to do anything idiotic.
I looked at everyone, meeting their gazes, and gave them a nod of encouragement. “Is there anyone who is confused by this?”
They shook their heads, remaining quiet.
I nodded, satisfied. “Good. Now, everyone, be on your guard and try not to make any noise. We have to make it seem like I am alone. Be sure you cover yourselves with dirt or mud to mask your scent—that’s the easiest way. We will make it out of this fine, but everyone has to follow the plan. Understand? Now, head over to your assigned hiding spots. We should be starting soon.”
“Yes, Alpha!” they chanted, bowing before they shifted or started to head over to their designated spots.
Nathan gave me a look, shifting before heading in the opposite direction with his group hot on his heels. Wyatt shifted, shaking his fur, as Alaric stared at him in disbelief. The large jaguar-wolf hybrid yipped in laughter before rushing off, with his group following in his foot-steps.
Now it was Alaric, Rylan and me who stood in the area where everyone had been.
Rylan shifted first, her body transforming into a majestic gray and cream-colored wolf. Her blue eyes stayed the same. Her left ear had two piercings, while her right had a ring at the tip of her ear. She shook her fur, looking at me with disgust, before rushing off to her spot.
“Sorry about her,” Alaric said, now next to me with an arm wrapped around my waist.
He leaned down, smelling my hair and causing my heartbeat to
rise. “Damn, I missed your scent. Lavender and peach.”
I smiled, before releasing myself from him.
Looking up at him, I said, “We’ll have plenty of opportunity to hang out after this meeting, but it’s almost time, don’t fuck around.”
His quiet laughter filled the air, before he winked at me and shifted himself.
I stared in awe, as the massive gray wolf stood in front of me. His paws were the size of my head, and his claws extended out when he quickly stretched his body before shaking himself out. His blue eyes stared at me, laughter filling them, as I continued to look him over. He stood taller than me, with both of his ears pierced with three different earrings.
I laugh silently, realizing my mouth hung open. Closing it, I shook my head as he lowered his and licked my forehead, before touching his nose to my hair.
It was time. I was nervous; the knots in my stomach reminded me of that.
He left after that, going to his own spot as I prepared myself to meet this man. I made sure Alaric’s scent was off me before I started my trek to the middle of the abandoned yard.
The sun had risen into the morning sky; the rays beamed down on my exposed skin, making it hot to the touch. I looked up at the clear blue sky, enjoying the slight breeze that whipped my hair back and forth.
I looked around the yard, noticing how bare it was. There were a few loose tumbleweeds rolling about with the dust, with a worn-down blue dumpster in the right corner and cardboard boxes thrown all around. There was broken glass spread all over the border of the building, like some teenagers had come in and bashed out all the windows.
I heard the rumbling of an engine as it got closer, the sound growing louder. It was followed by three more vehicles. I looked in front of me, where the black vans turned the corner and stopped abruptly. Clouds of dust whipped around the vehicles.
Rise of the Alpha (The Rise Series Book 1) Page 15