The Alpha's Choice

Chapter 5: Something strange!

"I take offence at anyone trying to intimidate a woman just because he's weak."

'I'm just being friendly, Othello. Today's a significant night for our oldest Beta,' Gabriel growls, closing the gap between them, "It must be exciting knowing your partner is only hours away from finding you. Right?"

With a sly smile, he tilts his head and asks softly, "Are you thinking the same thing, hoping you will be the one to hear her call?"

I swallow hard, my focus fixed on the two men near my car, uncertain why I am awaiting Othello's response.

After a tense moment, the warrior's jaw twitches. "I'm certain whoever is mated to Beta Brenda-nora will be worthy of her," he growls back.

"That's why it won't be you," he adds, grinning.

The expression on Gabriel's face was like that stung by a black ant.

He raises his fist, stopping just short of striking the warrior's face.

When Othello remains unruffled, he lowers his hands and turns back to me, "Once again Spineless, good luck tonight." He murmurs, before striding away.

My eyes return to Othello, still watching Gabriel's departure.

They remain fixed on him until he disappears around the building's side.

As I struggle to start my car, I feel his gaze on me, and when I turn to look at him, his face is slightly flushed.

Shifting into gear, I drive toward the packhouse.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see the warrior had vanished.

Once I arrive, I grab my files and travel mug and head inside.

"Hey, Nora!" I turn to find the striking woman with black hair approaching me—Ellen, Gabriel's younger sister.

Unlike her brother, she's incredibly lovely and is close friends with my sister Bianca.

I smile and awkwardly wave while juggling my load. "Hello," I greet her. "Where's Bails? I thought Doctor Meadows had her on a tight leash," I tease.

Ellen chuckles and shakes her head, "Your dad insisted she train," she replies. "She's managed to dodge every session this week, so he tracked us down and dragged her out to the pitch."

It's common knowledge that my sister isn't particularly athletic, and in the werewolf community, some don't place much emphasis on physical prowess.

Ellen falls into step beside me as we ascend the stairs to the ranking bedrooms, now occupied by Derek and me after leaving our father's house at twenty.

"She must be thrilled," I remark. I miss my younger siblings, but having my own space is great.

It's the standard for all ranked wolves to move into the pack home a year before reaching adulthood for training purposes. The door closes behind them, and I hear Bianca lamenting about her hair getting sweaty.

Ellen's words bring a chuckle to my lips.

As I reach the top of the second flight of stairs, I bid farewell to Ellen and make my way to my room, as my mother's voice fills my mind through the mind link.

"Where are you, Brenda-nora?" she asks anxiously, "What's taking you so long?" I place the files on my desk, take a sip from my lukewarm coffee, grimace, and head into the adjoining bathroom to pour it down the sink.

"I'm in my room, Mom," I grumble in response. "I just got back from work. What's up? Who told you to finish early? I need to get ready," my mother groans in frustration.

I frown at my reflection in the mirror, irritated by the upcoming ceremony for the umpteenth time.

To make matters worse, I'm the only female wolf who turned 21 today, which means I will be going alone.

"I can't quit my job. I have responsibilities, Mother." I grunt. I stomp back into my room, my previous cheerful disposition replaced with a sense of gloom.

"Besides, we still have six hours until this event, and it's only six o'clock. I will head over to the hall for some dinner and return around 10." I promise.

"Brenda-nora Sparks," my mother's voice echoes through the link. "You will come over to this house immediately. I command it."

"But Mommy," I try again, adopting my little girl voice, "I wanted to see Selena before tonight. I will be out there all by myself, and I'm nervous," I add for good measure, but she is not budging

"You are a Beta's child, the first to go through the claiming, and you will not disgrace your father by presenting yourself to the Alpha like you've been dragged through a hedge backward." My mother retorts, grumbling to herself. "Don't you dare try that with me, child. I've raised five children. I'm not as easily fooled as your father." She adds, half-playfully, "And mind your language. You're not too old for a bar of soap in your mouth."

I sigh, feeling the weight of my mother's expectations pressing down on me. "Alright, Mom," I concede, my voice laced with resignation. "I'll come over right away."

As I end the communication link with my mother, I hastily change into a more formal outfit, a dress that shimmers with a hint of moonlight, tailored to fit the occasion. I run a brush through my hair, trying to tame the wild waves that seem to have a mind of their own.

Steeling myself, I step out of my room and make my way to the front door, grabbing my coat on the way out. The night air is crisp, and the familiar scent of the woods surrounding our pack house fills my nostrils. The moon hangs low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow on the path ahead.

Arriving at my parents' house, I'm greeted by the comforting aroma of my mother's cooking. She's bustling around the kitchen, preparing a feast for the pack members who will attend the claiming ceremony. Despite her stern demeanor, her eyes soften as she looks at me.

"Brenda-nora, my beautiful daughter," she says, her voice gentler now. "I know this is not easy for you. But remember, you carry the strength of our pack within you. You are brave, and you are loved."

I nod, suddenly feeling the urge to scream. The claiming ceremony looms in the distance, and I can't shake off the nervous energy that courses through my veins. But deep down, I know I can't let my pack down.

"Where are you going?" She questions as I made for the door.

"At least I showed up, mom. I need to take a quick walk right now. " I grumble as I dart out of the room.

As I race across the grass, I notice the training grounds are empty.

It seems my dad finally allowed Bianca to pack up and head home.

Grinning, I'm relieved that I don't have to worry about my training schedule anymore, since I no longer live with my parents.

My father's no longer my trainer too. I quickly head toward the charming homes to the right of the pack house, climbing the pathway to one of the largest buildings around, and forcing open the door.

I gasp at the sight before me. It is nothing I ever expected.