Rise of the Alpha (The Rise Series Book 1)

by Helen Dhanoya

  “I am humbled to have the strong and courageous Alpha Dahlia in my presence. I’ve heard marvelous things about you.” The owner turned to look at me as he spoke.

  A blush found its way to my face, making me scrunch my nose and look away. Alaric stood closer, wrapping an arm around me; a light laughter rumbled through him. “Uh, thank you. I didn’t know I was so… popular.”

  Marquis chuckled, filling the small space of the elevator; it was light and airy. “Everyone knows of how you rose to take on the people who needed you, especially with no prior knowledge of being an Alpha, and everyone admires you. In fact, I’ve had a few people ask for your autograph and even a picture.” He sighed as the elevator came to a stop, dinging as the door opened. “But, considering the occasion for your visit, I told them politely that you would get to them when you had time.”

  I took my eyes off the owner, my mouth gaping open, when I took in the beautiful apartment before me. This was a hotel, but it had a full-blown apartment inside. Money did buy amazing things.

  Grabbing the luggage from the cart, we walked into the living room. The floor was covered in a beautiful wood laminate; it shined against the lights above. In the large living area, there was a 75-inch flat screen dead-center in the middle of the ceiling; it looked like it could rotate 360 degrees. Fancy. There was a little step in the floor that held a carpeted area with two large four-person couches and a round glass coffee table set up in the middle; its frame was black and it matched the TV mount. On top of the coffee table was a stack of coasters for drinks.

  Beside the armrests of the couches were black side tables set up with lamps, the perfect reading area.

  Across from the elevator were the wall-to-ceiling windows that let us get a view of the beautiful city, with the Statue of Liberty off in the distance. It was breathtaking.

  I moved from Alaric’s side to go and stare out of the window, taking in the skyscrapers and the thin line of the ocean in the distance. I looked down, seeing the busy street down below; everything was a blob.

  I chuckled; excitement filled me the longer I stared at the different areas. From Central Park, to the Statue of Liberty, to the ocean and the bustling people below, this was exciting.

  I turned around to find Alaric talking with Marquis, who nodded and smiled in accordance with whatever my mate was telling him.

  After their conversation, Marquis looked at me, bowing gracefully. “Alpha Dahlia, it was a pleasure to meet you in person. You’re more breathtaking than I had imagined. I hope you enjoy your stay here; we are proud to have you. If you decide to come visit again in the future, give me a call and I’ll hook you up in a nice suite. I’ve given your mate my business card, so feel free to give me a call anytime.”

  With that, the elevator door opened again and the thin, lanky man stepped inside, waving with a smile before the door closed.

  Alaric turned around, holding his arms open to me. “Come here.” I chuckled, quickly making my way to him before jumping lightly, so he could catch me as he pressed my body into his. I rested my head on his chest, where his heart beat faster with me beside him. His embrace warmed me and the sparks lit up our souls.

  I broke away from his chest, looking up at his beautiful scruffy face. His blue eyes glistened as he looked into mine. “You’re always so beautiful. I’m glad you're mine.”

  As he leaned down to kiss me, we heard multiple feet stomp into the room and a throat was cleared, breaking us apart.

  With me still in his arms and his hands holding me up by my thighs, Alaric turned us to see everyone in the doorway with bright smiles plastered all over their faces.

  “If you all are through sucking each other’s faces.” Rylan laughed with a hand to her mouth. “We’ve got lunch to eat, sights to see and dresses to look at.”

  A scream suddenly escaped my lips, spooking everyone. In response, Alaric lost his grip on me and I fell to the floor.

  “Shit,” I said, as my ass landed on the laminate floor with a loud thud.

  Alaric quickly apologized, helping me stand before looking at me questioningly. “What the fuck was that scream for?”

  I rubbed my ass as Rylan handed me my purse. I smiled at her, before answering her brother’s question with a light playful smack to his arm. “Because we’re going dress shopping for the wedding, and you boys can’t come, so we’ll meet you back here after we’re through.” Alaric smiled, shaking his head. “Well, boys, we’re on our own after lunch.” He looked at Wyatt, asking, “Any good places to eat here?”

  As we climbed into the elevator, Wyatt had his phone in his hand; he stared into it while looking at something on the screen. “Well, I’ve never been here before, but it looks like there’s a nice pizza place a few streets down. We can walk there.”

  Alaric pressed the bottom to take us down, as Rylan surfed the web on her phone. “I’ve found the cutest little dress shop just a block from there! It’s perfect. I’m sure we’ll find what we need there.”

  AFTER LUNCH, I went to the restroom to wash my hands and face.

  With Rylan and Ellen behind me, I laughed and joked before exiting the bathroom, before we met up with the guys out front.

  Alaric pulled me close, kissing the tip of my nose while smiling like a fool, before he hugged me and turned to follow the guys in the opposite direction.

  “I love you. I’ll see you later,” I called, waving to him as he turned to wave and smile back at me. His tall frame disappeared around the corner when Rylan gripped my hand, tugging me away from my thoughts.

  I ignored the looks of disgust from the people around us, who probably noticed the height and age difference. I didn’t care what they thought.

  “Come on.” She started to drag me behind her. “We’ve got dresses to see. You can continue to drool over my brother another time.”

  Ellen chuckled as she followed us. I had straightened and released my hand from Rylan, falling in line between both of them.

  We passed several interesting shops, some with books, others with jewelry and trinkets to catch your eye.

  Ten minutes later, we stopped in front of a cute little dress shop. The building was cream-colored and the windows held writing that read “Nelly’s Place” on top in gold lettering. The windows were squeaky clean and the lacy curtains were a nice touch.

  Rylan opened the door; a golden bell above us chimed with our entrance.

  “Welcome!” A woman about my age greeted us; her blonde hair was curled and cascaded down her shoulders. She wore a black pair of jeans and a white shirt with the name of the place in gold lettering on the front.

  She smiled brightly at us. “Rylan?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at either of us, unsure who was who.

  Rylan moved forward, holding out her hand. “Hi, I’m Rylan. We talked on the phone about some dresses you had?”

  The woman smiled warmly and took her hand. “Isabel. It’s nice to meet you.” She peered over Rylan’s tall shoulder, eyeing me and Ellen. “And these two lovely women behind you are your bridesmaids?”

  I smiled as she made her way to us, taking in our appearances and holding out her hand. I took her outstretched palm and suddenly, her eyes widen as she steps back. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were the Alpha. Please, forgive my rudeness.”

  Isabel bowed deeply, her gaze to the floor. “I had heard there was an Alpha couple coming into town for the next few days. My father had mentioned a little while ago that a female wolf had been appointed to the Alpha rank, but I didn’t think we’d be graced with your presence so soon.”

  Rylan, Ellen, and I each exchanged a glance. I was even more confused. Ever since I had entered New York, these rumors had begun to circulate. Why I hadn’t heard of them before, was beyond me.

  I shrugged my shoulders, turning my attention back to Isabel. “Stand, please. I don’t know where these rumors came from but I appreciate the hospitality. Thank you, but this visit isn’t about me.”

  She relaxed as she straightened, smilin
g at my response. “Of course, Alpha. I apologize. Let’s get you in the fitting room so we can go through some different dresses the bride has had her eye on.”

  She led us through the small store. The walls were white and inviting and all around us were a multitude of different kinds of dresses in every color. Some dresses were thin, short and lacey; while others were big, fluffy and they looked heavy. But they were all beau- tiful in their own way.

  We reached a door in the back. Isabel opened it and waved a hand to let us through. Inside, there was a row of cushioned chairs that lined the wall on the right, while on the left, there were floor-to-ceiling mirrors. In the middle of the room was a round stand, where the bride or bridesmaids stood to examine the dress carefully. To the right of the door was a closed closet.

  “Come, sit down. I’ll grab a rolling clothes rack and I’ll prepare the dresses for you to go through,” she said before rushing from the room.

  We sat down, when Ellen laughed suddenly, causing us to turn our attention from the door to our companion.

  A look of concern flashed in my eyes. “Are you okay?”

  She laughed again, wiping a stray tear from her eye. “Yes, dear, I’m fine. I’m just so happy to see you get flustered by your new fame. Your mother would be proud. The Werewolf Community really looks up to you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have wolves at your doorstep asking to join in your ranks. And...” She smiled light-heartedly.

  Rylan and I exchanged a glance before Ellen continued, “It’s just my son hasn’t found a woman to help and care for him. After what that girl did to my son, I didn’t think I’d ever see him happy again. Ever since we joined your pack, his attitude and engagement has completely changed. He’s happy. And, Dahlia, it’s you whom I have to thank. I’m so glad, Rylan, that you invited me to be a bridesmaid and that I get to be here when you pick out your dress. It means the world to me.”

  Her tears flowed now. She sniffled and wiped at her eyes.

  Out of instinct, I got up and went over to her, wrapping my arms around her. “Of course, you mean the world to me. I know my mother would be proud of you and how you raised your son. He’s a great man and he’s a great Gamma. And I’m not just saying that because I'm Alpha; he truly has stepped up and is doing wonders for me and my pack. He’s a blessing from the Gods.”

  She cried again, crushing me in a tight hug. “Thank you. You’re the daughter I never had.”

  I could hardly breathe, but I didn’t move because somehow, we both needed this.

  The door opened and in came Isabel, practically slipping with how her feet wouldn’t stay underneath her as she pulled the rack inside the room.

  Ellen and I broke apart as we all stared at the clothes rack that was jam-packed. Surprisingly, the dresses weren’t wrinkled. I sneaked a glance at Rylan. Her expression was one of pure happiness as she got up and started looking through the pink and black dresses.

  Isabel went to the door, closing it before she stood back, hands on her hips as she watched Rylan rifle through the dresses. “I searched my whole store, and my inventory, to find every unique dress I had that matched the description you gave,” she explained before turning her gaze to Ellen and me as a smile lit up her face. “I also have a rack of bridesmaids dresses for you two to pick out, but let’s get the bride settled first.”

  When it came down to three dresses, Rylan couldn’t make up her mind. The first dress she had chosen was strapless, thin-waisted and had a knee-length skirt. It was fluffed out and had black fabric under- neath. It was lacey and adorable. The second dress was black with pink underneath; it had one strap and a pink rose on the back that concealed the zipper. It was fluffy and when she twirled in it, it flowed. The last dress was personally my favorite. It was long and thin until it hit halfway down her thighs. It then cascaded in layers down the back but the edges were laced in black. The whole dress was a light pink with the black accents. The front had a slit along the middle, slightly showing some cleavage but it fit the dress. It had two spaghetti straps holding it in place.

  Rylan twirled in the third dress, and a smile spread across her face as she dreamily looked at me. “Take a picture so you can show Alaric! I know he would want to see it, so hurry up!”

  I laughed, pulling out my phone from deep inside my purse, and instead of taking a picture, I FaceTime him.

  He picked up instantly, a look of concern on his face. “Beautiful, is something wrong?”

  I smiled, shaking my head. “No, silly. Your sister wanted to show you her dress and since you can’t be here physically, here you go.” I rotated the screen, so that he could see the dress.

  Rylan squealed, twirling again. “What do you think?” She smiled brightly.

  There were no sounds from Alaric, who just stared at her through the phone. I moved so I could see his facial expression. His face softened and he looked at his sister lovingly. “Damn, little sis, you look breathtaking. I love the dress. Is that the one you chose?”

  She smiled, nodding. She wiped the tears away, as she took my phone for a moment. “Yes, this is the one. I wish mom and dad were here to see it. Thank you for being here to support me, Alaric; it means a lot. Your loving mate is the best friend I didn’t know I needed.”

  Alaric chuckled, stating, “She is wonderful and amazing, I know. Now, get back to the dresses. We’ll meet up with you guys in front of the dress store so we can go sightseeing.”

  She handed me back the phone, before following Ellen into the bathroom to take the dress off

  I was alone when I sat in my chair, resting against the back of it. “I love you,” he said, smirking as he studied me. I smiled, rubbing my face with my free hand. “I love you too.”

  He tilted his head. “Tired of looking at dresses? I thought you would’ve been thrilled.”

  I laughed, slightly shaking my head. “I love dresses and I love your sister, but we’ve been at it for hours. It’s finally taken a toll on me, but I’m excited for the wedding and to see the look on Eric’s face when he sees her in her dress. It’s amazing how much love one person can hold in their eyes. We’ve picked out our bridesmaids’ dresses so we’re almost done here. See you in twenty?”

  He smiled again, blowing a kiss to me. “Yes, my love. See you soon.”

  I smiled as we disconnected the call.

  Ellen and Rylan returned as Isabel brought in all the dresses.

  Our bridesmaids’ dresses were knee-length, light pink and lacy with a black rose in the back, just like Rylan’s dress. They each only had one spaghetti strap to hold up the bodice but they were beautiful. “All right, ladies,” Isabel said, as she placed the dresses in the

  closet. “Let’s get you checked out.”

  Back at the register, she rang the dresses up. The number that showed on the register was $6,500.

  When I glanced at Rylan, her eyes looked like they were about to pop out of her head. She shook her head, stating, “No, you can’t. That’s too much.”

  I opened my purse, pulling out my wallet before handing Isabel my card. “No, I told you before it’s our gift to you. Don’t worry about it.”

  She grumbled as Isabel handed me my card back and said, “I’ll have them touched up and ready for delivery in six weeks. They should be at your house three days before the wedding.”

  I smiled, hugging her. “Thank you so much, Isabel. Tell your father I send my regards and here’s my number if you need anything.” I handed her a card with my name and number, then with Rylan and Ellen by my side, we exited the dress shop.

  I smiled when I saw Alaric and the boys stalking toward us. He had a smile on his face when his eyes met mine.

  He rushed to me, crushing his arms around me before twirling me in the air, as I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Are you ready to go sightseeing?”

  “Yes!” I squealed as we headed toward the hotel.

  THAT EVENING, WE all gathered in the parking lot of a local club. Music loudly echoed through the door as people cam
e and went. The night sky above us twinkled as we made our way toward the entrance. We figured it wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t at least go to one club while we had the time in New York. As we got closer to the entrance, two large burly men stood in front, eyeing Alaric and me suspiciously.

  “May I help you?” The first man’s voice was thick and heavy. I wasn’t sure what kind of accent it was, but it wasn’t any that I could distinguish.

  Everyone got their IDs out, handing them to the burly man. “They’re good,” the man said, handing us our IDs back before moving to open the door.

  As we passed the two bouncers, they told us to have a good night; then they closed the door behind us.

  The music bumped through the building, shaking the walls around us. I could hear shouts and loud dancing as we made our way through the dark hallway. Alaric held me close, an arm around my waist as we moved toward the main area.

  Lights from the disco ball filled the room; it was a shining silver and glowed from the other lights around it. The area was packed with people, making it hard to maneuver. Our group stuck together, as we made it to a large empty table in the corner of the club.

  As we took our seats, an older woman in a tight revealing shirt and jeans strode over, holding a little notepad in her hand with a pen behind her ear. “Welcome to the York Club. What can I get started for you?” A fake smile lit her face as she hissed through her teeth

  Terry, Rylan and Ellen ordered water and tea as I looked through the menu.

  The waitress turned to me, her dead smile still plastered on her face. “What can I get for you, dear?”

  I eyed the menu once more before looking up at her. “Can I get a lemonade and a burger? No tomatoes, please.”

  She jotted down my order. “I’ll be right back with your drinks,” she said before turning on the heel of her boot to make her way back through the crowd.

  I watched the sea of bodies move up and down to the music.

  Our waitress returned with the drinks, setting them down on our table before telling us that our food would be right out. After she left, Alaric rose to his feet, grabbing my hand with a mischievous grin on his face.