The Alpha's Daughter

Chapter 18: Meeting the Alpha

Quicker than I would have liked, we appeared in front of the Alpha’s office. Lucky knocked on the door, and I heard, “Come in,” as he put his hand on the knob. I grabbed at his wrist to stop him. He glanced at me.

I exhaled loudly, “I need a moment.” I closed my eyes and raked my fingers through my hair, taking three deep breaths.

When I opened my eyes, Lucky was staring at me. “You have nothing to fear from our Alpha, Vivian; he will not hurt you.”

I nodded, “I'm ready, let's get this over with.” I tried to sound brave.

Lucky opened the door. I was immediately surprised by his office. Instead of the dark wood and overly manly look of my dad's office, Kaleb's office was neat and inviting. The walls were white, with a large window on one side that let in plenty of natural light. The strangest thing was that his office had no desk. All the Alphas I had ever known liked to position themselves behind their desk and stare you down. The intimidation factor remained as I looked around and noticed Kaleb. He sat at a large glass table surrounded by ten chairs. Kaleb looked up from the paperwork in front of him, smiling at me. I’m not sure if that made me more or less nervous.

He was younger than I expected. The way my dad spoke, I thought he would be my father’s age. However, he looked only a few years older than me. He had piercing blue eyes and a smile that made my heart start beating faster. He has blonde hair like Valentine, which is neat and well-kept. Yes, he was very nice to look at. He was large, and his muscles could be seen bulging from the way his shirt sleeves were rolled up to the elbow.

Then he ordered, “Lucky, you can go. I'm sure Sophia needs you to stay with her after the trip, but make sure both of you report for training this afternoon.”

“Yes, Alpha,” and then Lucky turned and winked at me before he left.

“Please sit down, Vivian,” Alpha Kaleb requested kindly with another smile. I bit my lip as I stared at the table. I was unsure of where to sit; there was always a proper place for people in front of my father. As if sensing my hesitation, Alpha Kaleb spoke,

“Vivian, you may sit anywhere you like as we are alone. That chair over there is the farthest from me, but I do hope in time you will feel safe to sit closer,” he chuckled softly, helping to relax my nerves.

It was strange, but I didn't feel fear, as if I were in danger. “I'm not afraid of you.” I stopped talking and looked at my feet.

Kaleb stood up and approached me. Making me draw a quick breath as he moved closer, when he asked, “Are you not?”

“I'm not afraid of you,” I declared boldly. My father had always instructed me never to show fear, especially in front of an Alpha. “I am uncomfortable because I don’t know this pack, your rules, and don’t want to offend you.”

Kaleb gently placed his hand on my shoulder, drawing my gaze to him, “There's no need to be afraid. Your father and I are not the same kind of Alpha. We are not the same kind of man. I have no desire to keep you in line by fear. However, we do have much to discuss, so please relax and sit down.” I smiled as he slid out of a chair, and I took a seat. Kaleb handed me a glass of water and returned to his seat.

“Viviana, I need to ask you a question, and I need you to think hard about the answer before you answer it,” Alpha Kaleb began.

“Okay,” he looked earnest, but his eyes did not agree with his tone. Meeting his gaze, I nodded for him to continue.

“I know your father. I believe you were days away from your 18th birthday before you ran. Is that correct?” he paused.

As my eyes filled up with tears, I choked back a sob and breathed deeply. “It was the day before my birthday that the challenge was issued, the night before.”

“And you ran that night?” he asked hesitantly.

“Yes, I was left with no other option. If I stayed, I would either find I was mated to the right mate, as Alpha Rex had put it, or he would deal with me. I'm pretty sure he wanted me dead, and Gamma Ray was sure whoever my mate would be would end up dead as well,” I explained. “He in no uncertain terms instructed me to have no contact with others, specifically other potential mates.”

Kaleb sat forward, bringing his elbows to rest on the table, and interlocking his fingers, he looked at me. I could tell he was debating what to say. He closed his eyes briefly before speaking, “Vivian, I value honesty above all else. Are you leaving anything out?” he questioned.

I was confused as to what he could mean, “I don't know what you're talking about,” I replied.

“About your mate,” his eyes seemed to be searching mine for truth.

“What, mate? I already said I left before my eighteenth birthday!” I declared that I was starting to get defensive. “I have no mate!”

“You have no idea who it is, then? That's what you're saying,” His face frowned like he doubted I was telling the truth.

I felt myself shrink lower in my seat. “I was afraid to know,” I whispered as I dropped my head and played with my fingers. “I left in the middle of the night so I would never have to know who it was. It was just easier that way.”

His face remained impassive as he spoke to me. “Vivian, I'm going to read you two letters I have received concerning you today,” he said, sounding a little annoyed, which I did not understand. He seemed perfectly pleasant a few minutes before.

“Then they know I'm here,” I stated weakly as I raised my head, looking into his eyes fearfully. A shiver ran through my body, and I contemplated whether or not he would send me back.

“Indeed,” he confirmed.

“Do you want me to leave?” I asked tentatively.

“I want you to listen to the letters, Vivian.” He opened a folder that had been in front of him and pulled out two letters. “Vivian, the first is official pack correspondence,” then he began to read the first letter.

To Alpha Kaleb Black of the Black Wolf Pack,

I have been informed by my elite trackers that Viviana Strong has sought refuge in the Black Wolf Pack. No doubt she has informed you that her father lost the Alpha challenge, and you may feel obliged to help a defenseless she-wolf. However, she is not as defenseless as she looks. Viviana escaped from a holding cell and is considered dangerous. Please be advised that she was trained as a warrior due to her father's orders. She should be considered dangerous. I request that you make the necessary arrangements to return Viviana Strong to our pack to face the charges laid against her.

Alpha Rex of the Black Mountain Pack

“Gamma Ray was right!” I exclaimed. As I covered my eyes and tried to control the rage building inside of me, “killing my father was not enough; he wants me dead too.”

“Viviana,” he said, my head jerked up, “sorry, Vivian, I will not be turning you over to the Black Mountain Pack. There is no charge laid against you except for being the heir of the former Alpha. Alpha Strong and I had an agreement that supersedes anything that useless Beta or Alpha, as he now calls himself, believes.”

I reached forward and touched his arm. “But can you deny the request of my Alpha?”

“Do you consider him your Alpha, Vivian?” He questioned. He rested his other hand on my hand.

I looked up with a small, defiant smile. “No,” I replied calmly.

“Me neither,” He replied, his face relaxing and his eyes looking calmer, “I hope you will come to see me as your Alpha and my pack as your pack.”

His touch was soothing and comforting. I pulled my gaze away. “You said there were two letters,” I said shyly. I was sure my face was beet red.

“I did,” he smiled, “Shall I read you the other letter?” I nodded, and he went to the second letter.

To Alpha Kaleb Black,

I'm not sure how my mate came to be in contact with you, but I tracked her to your land. I know she is there. Please accept her into your pack. She must never return to the Black Mountain Pack as long as Alpha Rex is the Alpha. His son found his mate Saphira two weeks ago. He has no use for Viviana, except for death. He sees her only as a threat to his leadership. The pack only mildly accepts him as Alpha, and many people have been silenced who speak of Alpha Victor or Viviana. I am not in a position to take care of my mate, but I fully believe that you are best equipped to keep her safe from everything I have heard of your pack. I hope that if I see her again, she will be running towards me this time. Let her know I found her, but let her go. I will not be looking anymore.

Victor