The Alphas Hidden Mate

Chapter 15

CRACE'S POV

"What do you mean 'something isn't right'?" I asked as a I paced the small area of Serena's bedroom. I had woken up to a sharp gasp and found Serena sitting upright in the bed, her eyes wide and fear surrounding her. I instantly had panicked and asked what was wrong, ready to attack any threat to her. It was then that she informed me that the fairy nymphs had told her that there was an unknown, unwelcome presence lurking near the packs outskirts. 

"I mean, exactly that. The nymphs are unsettled from the presence and its causing unrest amongst all the forest fauna. This never happens, Crace. Especially the nymphs. They were really, really unhappy." She said, rubbing her face and yawning. She appeared to not have gotten a good sleep, despite me being with her.

"Did you not sleep well?" I asked, momentarily distracted by her wellbeing. 

"No, it appears nightmares have resurfaced." She said, frowning. 

"What do you mean 'resurfaced'?" I asked her, suddenly sitting by her side. She tried to avoid eye contact but I made her look at me by grabbing her chin gently. Her beautiful green eyes met mine, and her lip pouted out a little. 

"Weeks before we found each other, I wasn't well. I was running a high fever, losing sleep due to nightmares and generally altogether a wreck. I had drawn it up to the nearing of my 16th and our mateship nearing. Though, it appears as if I was wrong." A small tendril of hair fell forward and I tucked it behind her ear, tenderly.

"Why didn't you tell me about it?" I asked her, worry forming in my mind. It was stressing that they had come back and my presence wasn't enough to deter it. 

"Like I said, I thought it was just my wolf forming and such. They only resurfaced last night." She told me. I frowned and held one of her hands in mine. I traced small circles on it and it seemed to soothe her the smallest bit.

"Tell me about the nightmares" I asked her. She took a breath to steady herself and began to describe them.

"I'm Anika, I am in our forest. I seem to be chasing after something or something is chasing after me. That part is never certain. Anika is determined - to catch this thing or to get away...I don't know. All I ever truly know is that it's a threat to us and the pack. The forest is deadly quiet and still besides from my paws hitting the ground and my panting. The nymphs are no where, every flora in the forest has died, the trees are bare and the branches and bark are dead. It's eerie and unsettling. No one else is around, it is just me and the threat. Seeing as this is the first time that I have had the dream - correction, nightmare - since Anika has been awaken, she hasn't told me her thoughts. She seems agitated and restless too, distraught even. Crace, I have no idea what this means - if it means anything at all. All I know though, is that something isn't right." She said, distressed. I ran a hand through my hair. 

"Okay, well, I will do what I can to ensure your safety and the packs. I will double the security around the perimeter and I will have two wolves patrol it as well in wolf form. As for the forest, I'm not sure the inhabitants would appreciate it if I sent people to disturb it, so unfortunately there is nothing to be done for it. Though, I have no doubt that you will protect it the best you can, my princess. You are the Fairy Nymph Queen after all. It is your duty to protect your subjects, fearlessly and courageously." I said, trying to make her smile. It worked as the beginnings of a small smile formed. 

"You have your pack, I have mine. I just hope that I am up to the task." She said, picking at her fingernails. I immediately grabbed her hands. 

"Hey, you were born to be my Luna. The Moon Goddess wouldnt have chosen you to be it if she didn't think you were up to the task. If you are strong enough to lead a pack alongside me, then you are strong enough for just about anything, my queen." I assured her and I believed it with my whole heart. 

"You're right. I can do this." She said, nodding to herself. She was honestly so cute sometimes. 

"I also think we need to train harder too. I know you're working hard in your training classes with Archer but I was thinking we could also do one on one sparring lessons too. I want to make sure you're ready for any threat. Not that I have a doubt but it doesn't hurt to be extra prepared. Besides, it would give us more time to be together without having to sneak."

"That is an excellent idea. What about Gabriella, though? We have to do something about her." She asked me, concerned. Ugh, that spoiled, egotistical, whiny little gnat of a she-wolf. I have never held such contempt for a person before. She pops up everywhere, whining in my ear.

"Yeah, unfortunately, I do need to unofficially make her my mate. No mark or anything. Just become a couple or whatever so she can shut up. She has also insisted on being apart of everything pack related. She will have to be at the meeting today when I bring up the security changes. God I just wish she would move on to the next guy already." I complained, flopping back on to her bed. I know though, that she wouldn't because I am an Alpha and in her books, there was no one better than me. I also know that for her to go away, I would have to announce Serena as my Luna. Even then, there was no guarantee.

"You know that nothing will ever truly make her go away. You're an Alpha, she's a Beta and though this pack is large, you will still be around each other often. Also you both live in the pack house." Serena said, smiling down at me, amused. 

"I know" I groaned, covering my face with one of her pillows. She took the pillow of me and gave me a shy smile. "What?" I asked her, rolling onto my side. I leant on an arm and placed my head in a hand.

"Well, I was thinking...I'm almost ready to be announced..."She said, quietly. I looked at her for a moment before smiling.

"Really?" I said, surprised. This was certainly a surprise. Seiko could barely contain his excitement. I wanted to approach this carefully though.

"Yeah, Anika reminds me that I am strong and made for the role. I would never doubt the Moon Goddess and her choice. Soon, I will be ready." She explained. Her wolf was a true warrior - as much as Seiko was.

"What led to this?" I asked, curious. She pursed her lips, thinking.

"Well, I think most of our obstacles would be moved if I overcame my fear and anxiety of being Luna and accepted it." She began. I laughed at her choice of words.

"By 'obstacles', I assume you mean, Gabriella?" I said, laughing still. She chuckled a little and smiled.

"Yeah, she is one of them." I gave her a pointed look. "Ok fine, she is the main obstacle we are facing. Still, I thought 'stop being a little b***h and just become who you are meant to be'. It's worked a little. I think I will finally be ready when Gabriella pisses me off and I shut her down first without being Luna. It's like a true test for myself by me, to see if I am ready to be Luna. If I am worthy." She explained, and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride elate me. 

"Believe me, princess, there is no need to prove your worth, but if you feel this is something you must do before being Luna, then so be it. I will not stand in your way. Ever." I said, pulling her to me. She giggled as she rolled on top of me. 

"Crace, we have to get to training soon" She said, as I began to leave a trail of kisses down her neck. I nuzzled her, inhaling her scent of pine trees and earth.

"I know. I'm sure Archer will be very understanding." I said, nipping at her skin. I placed my hands on her waist and squeezed her a little. She gave out a little squeak and wiggled, rubbing a very sensitive area. "You sure you want to be doing that?" I said, smiling into her skin. 

"Crace..."She warned, but she didn't sound committed to it. I pulled back a little and smiled.

"I know, princess. You don't have to tell me more than once. I will always respect you" I promised her, before kissing her on the lips. She melted into it and we lost ourselves in each other up until we were only 10 minutes late for training. 

When training had finished, Serena and I parted ways for the day. I went back to the packhouse to shower before summoning a meeting. I found Gabriella in the drawing room, writing on her laptop. She sensed my presence before i was announced. She closed the laptop and pushed it away....interesting.

"There you are! You know I was looking for you everywhere yesterday. I couldn't find you anywhere!" She huffed in annoyance. I fought back the urge to roll my eyes at her and bit back a snarky remark.

"Well, I am here now. I'm having a meeting with my Beta and Gamma. You are expected to attend as well." I told her, giving her.a smile - albeit forced one.

"Really?" She said, shocked for only a split moment before suddenly realising that she was the one who come up with the idea. "I mean, of course. As expected, I am invited. So it shall be, I will be there." She said. I pursed my lips at her. Insufferable....

"You told me you wished to be apart of these things now, so you will be. If you are to be my Luna, we have to start behaving like it." I said, simply. Gabriella pursed her lips and I could see wheels turning behind her eyes. She was thinking. More importantly, she was hiding something from me and she knew something. I gave her another forced smile and hoped it came across as legitimate. 

"Of course. Like I said, I will be there." She said, dismissively. She brought the laptop closer to her but still didn't open it. 

"Hmmm, well, it's happening in an hour. Make sure you are there." I said, turning to leave the room.

"Crace..." She called out, stopping me in my tracks. I sighed a little before turning and smiled at her, hiding my annoyance.

"Yes, dear?" I said, sweetly. She narrowed her eyes at me.

"Why the sudden urgency for a meeting? What is it about?" She asked me, curious.

 "Nothing too important. Just some cautious steps that need to be taken is all." I explained. I only told her enough that she wouldn't complan but still held details back so then she wouldn't get too curious.

I left the room, finally and headed to the office to start preparing for the meeting. I was sure that my father would also make an appearance some stage today too, once he hears about my plans. The only thing that was saving this day from being a s**t show was that I got to see Serena afterwards. I don't know how I survived without her and I don't think I could know that I found her. I hope that day never comes.