Alpha's Embrace

Green with Envy

Ersae was watching Tovias and the stranger. She was fuming when she saw Tovias step closer to the woman. It was obvious they were attracted to each other. She cannot let this newcomer spoil her plans to mate with Tovias and become the next Luna. She saw them heading towards her and the pack members she was talking to. The pack members in the circle all bowed their heads at Tovias. “Alpha.” They are said softly.

Ersae’s jaw nearly dropped when she finally got a look at the stranger. She was breathtakingly beautiful. No wonder Tovias seemed so enamored with her, but she was not going to let this newcomer spoil anything. “I would like you all to meet Alysslin. Alysslin this is Brisom, Ersae, Metthyrth, and my Beta, which is my second in command Vad.”

Alysslin smiled at them all. “Nice to meet you all.” All of them but Ersae nodded in her direction and said hello. Alysslin noticed that Ersae was glaring at her and she wondered why. She just met her.

“If you excuse us. I want to introduce Alysslin to the others.” They all bowed their heads at Tovias. Ersae watched them and her hatred for this Alysslin was growing by leaps and bounds. “This is my house. It has my office, library, and a strategy room. Also houses several bedrooms.

“Your home is beautiful.” She said in awe when he allowed her to go inside ahead of him. A delicious aroma filled the room as they walked further inside.

“Thank you. It appears my mother has already started cooking for the celebration.” Tovias said as he placed a hand on her lower back and directed her in the direction of the kitchen. “Mother, I would like you to meet Alysslin.”

She walked over to them and smiled. “Well, hello young lady. I am Irre. I am so glad you are feeling better.”

Alysslin returned her smile and the warm welcome. “Thank you, so much. Do you need any help?”

Irre shook her head and smiled. “That is so sweet of you to ask, but I am almost finished.”

Tovias looked at Alysslin. “Do you mind mingling while I finish up paperwork before the ceremony?”

Alysslin smiled up at him. “You do not need to babysit me.”

He didn’t care what she was. All he cared about is that he was attracted to her. “I know, but I certainly like your company.” He whispered as he took her hand and brought it up to his lips and kissed it. Irre grinned as she turned around to finish what she was doing. She could see the spark between them and she knew her son deserved to be happy after what happened to Nessa.

Her blue eyes sparkled at him as her smile grew bigger. “Well, I certainly like the company too. Promise to find me when you are done.”

Tovias winked at her. “Count on it my dear.” She blushed at the endearment. He led her to the front door and watched her walk down the steps then he turned and headed to his office. He wanted to get this paperwork done so he can quickly go join her. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her company.

Alysslin walked around. She feels so out of place. Now she wished Tovias was with her. She knew he wouldn’t make her feel out of place. “You look a little lost.” A soft female said from behind her.

Alysslin looked over and saw Methyrth sitting on a log. “I guess I am feeling out of place. Not really knowing anyone.”

“I can understand that. Come sit.” Methyrth said, patting the log beside her. “We can talk and get to know one another.”

Alysslin nodded as she walked over and sat down next to her. “I would like that. Thank you.”

“Of course, no need for thanks. How do you like our compound?” Methyrth asked.

“I find that I like it very much. Everyone has been very pleasant.”

“Especially Alpha Tovias?” She said with a slow smile. Alysslin looked at her sharply. Methyrth laughed and waived a hand at her. "Believe me, Tovias is obviously attracted to you. I am sure you are attracted to him. If not, you are the only female not to be.”

Alysslin swallowed the lump in her throat. “Okay, I admit he is the sexiest man I have ever seen, but we are very different.”

“If you are referring to him being a shifter, that won’t matter to him. If you two are attracted to each other then I say go for it.”

Alysslin chuckled. “Believe me, it has crossed my mind to jump him.” Methyrth laughed and patted her hand. Alysslin looked around and her gaze met Ersae’s eyes from across the yard. She could tell Ersae did not seem to like her. “What is the story about Ersae? She doesn’t seem to like me all that much. I don’t even really know her. I noticed when Tovias introduced them to me.”

“Oh, that is because she sees you as a rival.” Methyrth answered nonchalantly.

Alysslin’s head snapped in Methyrth’s direction. “Whatever do you mean?”

Methyrth arched a brow. “Because she is madly in love with Alpha Tovias and is hoping he will choose her as his mate.” Methyrth saw the look on Alysslin’s face. She patted her hand and then squeezed it. “But you have nothing to worry about.”

"Oh, and why is that? I mean if they get together, I certainly don’t want to stand in their way.”

“Believe me, the Alpha has no intention of mating with Ersae. Everyone knows that, but Ersae is convinced he will come around. However, he won’t.”

“How do you know that?” Alysslin asked, genuinely curious.

“She had been like that for years and thought he would choose her, but he chose Nessa instead. When Nessa was killed, she got it in her head that it was fate and she was intended to be his mate.”

“She sounds a little unstable to me.”

Methyrth laughed again. “Believe me, you are not the only that thinks that. I think Alpha Tovias cannot see her as his mate or the Luna of the pack.” Alysslin thought about what Methyrth told her. She can now understand. She can see the craziness in Ersae’s eyes. She knew she will have to watch her back.

“Ladies.” Alysslin looked over to see Tovias and her heart did a silly thump against her chest at the sight of him. “Methyrth, do you mind if I steal Alysslin away?”

Methyrth smiled. “Of course not, Alpha.” Then she winked at Alysslin. She blushed, making Methyrth chuckle as she watched Tovias lead Alysslin away.

“I see you made a friend?” Tovias said, looking at her.

She met his beautiful golden eyes. His gaze seemed to devour her. “I did. Methyrth is very nice.” She paused suddenly and he c****d his head and knew there was something else she wanted to say.

“What is it, Alysslin?” He asked, concerned.

“Not sure if I really should say anything.”

Tovias frowned and stopped making her stop too. He made her look at him. “Please, tell me. You can tell me anything.”

She slowly nodded. “Well, its Ersae. I am not sure, but I don’t think she likes me. Which is okay because I just met her. However, it is the looks she was giving me when talking to Methyrth. I just get a really bad vibe from her.” When he didn’t say anything, she rushed on. “I am sorry.”

Tovias shook his head. “No need to apologize, Alysslin. I would rather you tell me than have someone in my pack harm you.” He hurried on before she could say anything. “Not that anyone would, but I would rather know if anyone is making you uncomfortable.”

"Thank you. I honestly don’t think she will do anything. However, the looks she was giving me I thought you should know.” He nodded and she continued as she sighed. “Are you certain you are alright with me staying in your compound? I really don’t want to intrude.”

Tovias smiled and she sucked in her breath. Damn, the man was sexy. “I am positive. Besides, what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t offer you sanctuary? Unless you decide you want to go home, then I will escort you myself.”

Alysslin returned his smile. “I really appreciate it, Tovias, really I do.”

He winked at her. “Don’t mention it and to be on the safe side. I will give you a room in my house. There are plenty of bedrooms. I honestly don’t see Ersae doing anything. If she does, it will be a direct attack against me as well.”

“I don’t want to impose upon your space.” Alysslin said softly.

Tovias waved a hand at that and his smile was back in place. “You won’t be and I wouldn’t have said anything if I didn’t want to offer.”

“Thank you again. Your hospitality is very warming.”

He laughed. “Don’t tell no one. I have a reputation to maintain.” Alysslin laughed. Then he went on. “I am sure Methyrth has some clothes she can let you borrow. You both appear the same size.”

Alysslin nodded and her blue eyes seemed to sparkle. “If she is willing to do that, then I will accept.”

“The way you two hit it off I am pretty damn sure she won’t mind.” Then he winked at her and took her hand. She didn’t protest. In fact, she liked the feel of her hand in his. As if it is something they have always done.

The celebration was getting under way. Alysslin felt a little out of place again. But she had Methyrth next to her to keep her company since Tovias was officiating the ceremony. “Are you sure about lending some clothes?” Alysslin whispered.

Methyrth waved her hand dismissively. “Of course, I don’t mind.” Then she looked at Alysslin. “So, I hear you will be staying at the Alpha’s house.”

“How did you know that? He just offered not long before the ceremony began.”

Methyrth laughed. “Ersae told me. You will be surprised how fast news travels in the compound.”

“Especially with her spreading it.” Alysslin said, more as a statement than a question.

Methyrth chuckled. “You could say that.” They both laughed as they watched the ceremony. Alysslin was intrigued by their ways. She had never seen a ceremony like this. She blushed when Tovias’ gaze met hers.

Ersae couldn’t stop glaring at this Alysslin. It is like she has completely taken over. As for Tovias, he seems so enthralled with the newcomer that she just wants to scream in frustration. How can the Alpha be attracted to someone like that? She will have to do something about her. She cannot allow this Alysslin and Tovias to mate. Tovias is hers. He should have been hers years ago, but no, he had to choose Nessa as a mate. With Nessa’s death, she had a chance again. Tovias seemed oblivious to her feelings. Now, Alysslin is here threatening everything she has worked so hard for.

She watched as Methyrth and Alysslin were talking. It was obvious those two were getting along. That just pisses her off, Alysslin should not be made to feel comfortable. Alysslin should be locked up. They have no idea who she is. She could be a danger to the pack. Once she is Luna, she will be making some definite changes. Ersae shifted her gaze to Tovias. He was still officiating the ceremony. She cannot see his face clearly, but she has memorized every contour. The way his golden eyes light up when talking about something that he is passionate about. All she needed was one look from him to give her hope. She saw him look at Alysslin and winked. Her blood boiled. She turned on her heel and stormed off. Alysslin will regret the day she came to their pack territory.