ALPHA DARREN'S OMEGA MATE

BBQ

ANNABELLA

The music was pumping, the dance floor quickly filling, the drinks were flowing, and the food was endless. This BBQ was going great.

My mate certainly knows how to throw a party. I’m even grateful for Alpha Darren; he is the best Alpha, embodying everything an Alpha should be. He would lay his life down for any one of his pack members.

He had been Alpha for the last three years, taking over the position at 18 when his father decided to retire and enjoy life. Many Alphas won’t retire until a future Alpha has his Luna by his side, but Alpha Darren wasn’t getting lucky in that regard but his dad was ready for a break, so he took on the role without a Luna by his side.

Enough about the Alpha, though.

I found my mate a month ago: Michael. He had searched for his mate but didn't find one until he came with his Gamma to our Alpha's birthday celebration.

It was a perfect day for all of us. I was helping in the kitchen since I was an Omega. We didn’t wear anything fancy because we had to work.

Amelia couldn't attend because she was taking care of our younger sister, Annabelle, so it was just me in the kitchen while our mother fulfilled her duties as a doctor and our father tended to the garden.

At least I didn’t have to put up with anyone belittling me because I knew how to fight for myself. It was my turn to walk around with wine, serving those who needed it.

Then, my wolf, Jess, alerted me that my mate was around. I felt nervous about the possibility of being rejected, so I asked a fellow Omega to handle my shift, claiming I needed to go to the restroom. She agreed, but unfortunately, the big wolf,Michael, followed me and claimed me.

At first, I refused, insisting that I was just a pathetic Omega. His confusion was evident as he pointed out that I was not just an Omega, but someone strong. I didn’t believe him, but he insisted that no matter what I was, he would love me anyway because he had been waiting for me for a long time.

Right there, my mate took my heart; now we are strong together.

“How is my babe enjoying the BBQ?” Michael asked, wrapping his strong arms around my waist before planting a kiss on my mark. A delightful shiver ran through my entire body.

“She is enjoying herself, love. How about my handsome mate?” I replied, cheekily grinning his way. He spun me around, gracing me with his sexy smirk.

“He’s enjoying himself, although he’s looking forward to taking his baby to bed more.” Michael said, winking at me. He had such a cheeky personality, and his mischievous mind brought out a side of me I never knew I had. He pulled me tight against his body and gave me a slow, sensual kiss.

“Guys, get a room, please! And as for you, Bella, we wouldn’t want you corrupting his innocent mind, would we?” Alpha Darren said, Michael’s best friend, as he made his way over to us.

“Don’t worry, Darren. Our dear innocent Alpha could never be corrupted; he’d much rather play Scrabble than ever be swayed by the beauty in front of him.” said James, Alpha Darren’s Gamma, as he approached with his mate, Noah, and Alpha Darren.

“f**k off.” Michael shouted playfully at them.

We all erupted in laughter. I may have only been here for a month, but it honestly felt like I had been here forever in a good way, of course.

Everyone here treated me like family, and Alpha Darren, James, and Noah had become more like brothers to me.

I took a moment to think of my family back at the Claws Pack. I missed them so much.

I couldn’t wait to move here with Michael, but leaving them behind was hard. My parents are incredible people; they are the best in the world. And then there are my two little sisters, Amelia and Annabelle.

They are my true best friends, and I cherish our bond. We talk all the time, but I still miss them like crazy. They’re coming to visit me at the pack in a month, and they will be here for a whole week. I can’t wait to see them!

It was midnight when my mate and I climbed into bed. It had been a brilliant night, but we were both exhausted—not that tiredness ever stopped us. And certainly not Michael. We made love twice before curling up and passing out.

As I slowly opened my eyes, I adjusted to the beaming light shining through the window. We always forgot to close the curtains, and we always regretted it. I felt sparks on my head, knowing my mate was running his fingers through my hair. I would never tire of that feeling.

I had sprawled myself across his chest, my legs on either side of his body. Pushing myself up with his chest as support, I grabbed my phone off the bedside table. I had forgotten to take it to the BBQ last night, and I was a little distracted when we came to bed, so I hadn't checked it. But as soon as I looked at the screen, my heart raced.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” Michael asked, noticing my sudden tension and instantly growing worried.

“I don’t know. I have so many missed calls from Amelia since yesterday and a text saying I should call immediately. What if something’s wrong?” I spoke quickly, my anxiety spilling over.

“I would say everything is fine, but all those missed calls mean something is really wrong. Call her to check,” he advised, nodding.

I checked the time; it was early morning, the time when she would typically be waking up for school. I dialed her number.

Ring, ring… then she picked up.

“Hey, Bella! I’ve been trying to call you since yesterday, and you haven’t answered. Why didn’t you answer?” Amelia asked hurriedly.

She was speaking so fast. What was wrong with her? I waited for her to explain, expecting it to be about a boy or maybe a misunderstanding with our parents. But what she told me was far worse than I could have imagined. She shattered my world with her words.

They suffered a rogue attack, and everyone is dead—even our parents.

“No, Moon Goddess, please tell me it’s just a prank.” I whispered, my heart racing with disbelief.

I tried asking her about Annabelle, but everything else was just a jumble of words, a chaotic blur of panic and sorrow.

I then turned to Michael, detailing what had happened, even though I knew he had already heard everything. For some reason, I needed to tell him, and as my words spilled out, tears began to fall.

Michael gently pulled me off his lap and onto the bed, and I saw him mind link someone. He then took the phone from me. s**t, I had completely forgotten Amelia was still on the line while I sat there in shock.

As Michael spoke with Amelia, there was a knock at the door. Michael answered, and Alpha Darren, James, and four warriors entered the room. Michael motioned for them to come in, then went back to talking to Amelia.

He didn’t say anything to them but returned his focus to the call.

He was extremely gentle with Amelia, and I couldn't be more grateful right now. I was a mess, my thoughts swirling. I could barely hear what he was saying to her; everything felt like a blur.

Alpha Darren called out for me, but I just stared at him. I couldn’t form any words, and I couldn’t even tell him that my parents were dead. Because if I did, it would make it all the more real, and for some reason, I needed to cling to some semblance of hope that this was all just a dream.

I pulled my attention back to Michael, focusing on taking deep breaths. I could hear Amelia on the other end of the phone, expressing her thanks to Michael.

I loved this man so much. Both my sisters were alone, and he didn’t even hesitate to ask about their well-being. He instantly committed to taking on the role of protector alongside me, and at that moment, I felt more in love with him than ever.

“Michael, what happened?” I was jolted out of my thoughts by Alpha Darren’s voice.

“I don’t know all the details yet, but Sunday night, Annabella’s pack was attacked by rogues. So far, only two survivors are known: Amelia and Annabelle, both her little sisters.” Michael explained to them.

“What do you need from us?” Alpha Darren and James asked in unison.

I sent them a grateful smile. Even though I had only been here for a month, they didn’t even know Amelia and Annabelle yet didn’t hesitate in offering their help.

“James, I want you to go and collect Amelia and Annabelle from the motel they’re staying in. I’ll text you the address now. Jake, Johnson, and Peter, I need you to go with James. It’s a two to three-hour drive, and you need to drive straight through. Get them as soon as possible. These girls are our family, and when you knock on their door, she will ask for a password code: it’s Black Moon Pack.”

“Of course, Michael. We’ll get to her as quickly as we can. We’ll keep them safe, Bella,” James assured me as he finished speaking.

“Michael, it’s Annabelle’s birthday tomorrow. What kind of birthday can she have after everything she’s been through?” I told him, my heart aching for my sister.

“It’s her birthday tomorrow... Wow, poor girl.” Darren looked at me sadly.

“Dammit, but we’ll make it simple for her to celebrate, even if it’s not ideal.” Michael said, trying to comfort me. I smiled and nodded in agreement.

They all headed out to collect my two baby sisters.