The Hidden Queen

Fiona POV I run down the shoreline and off of the dock jumping into the ice-cold water. The lake had not frozen yet this year, which was weird but helpful since long runs were not permitted for the human’s deer hunting season. I swim across the lake and layout on the beach staring up into the sky, I did not have much time before I was needed back into the packhouse, but this was probably going to be the last nice day of the year. Minnesota winters came fast and hard, especially up north. I swim back across the lake and throw on my clothing leggings and oversize sweater and wander back to the packhouse. “Fiona, Alpha wants you in his office…” Becca says as I walk in the big double front doors, “Your hair is frozen, you weren’t swimming again were you?!” “I needed some exercise, and I just couldn’t wait until Monday,” I say pleadingly. Becca is the head omega of the pack and is always making sure that us kids were staying safe, fed, and healthy. I ran past her and up the stairs to Alpha Andrew’s office on the second floor. The packhouse has five stories, with the Alpha family on the top floor, the Beta family on the fourth floor, Delta and Gamma families sharing the third floor. The second floor has all the unmated warriors and the offices; the main floor has the kitchen, living rooms, and more quest rooms. The Alphas’ office is the first double door at the top of the stairs. I walk up and push them open not even bothering to knock. “ FIONA! Have you ever heard of knocking?!” Alpha Andrew bellows at the top of his lungs. He is sitting behind his desk, and James, his son, is leaning over his shoulder as they both look at his computer. “Nope, must have missed that lesson in school.” I joke back plopping down on the leather sofa across the room. James comes over and sits on the other one followed by Andrew. “Fi, what I am going to do with you?” James jokes. “James, what would you ever do without me?” I taunt back. When my dad passed away a little over two years ago, I took over as Beta. I was the youngest Beta in history when I took over at 19, and the first Female in the Midwest packs. When James takes over next summer at 21, he will have the first full set of ranked women below him in all of history. “James, Fiona,” Alpha Andrew interrupts, “We need to be serious. I just got word from the council. Forest Moon was attacked by rouges, and this year’s Harvest Festival needs to be moved. We were supposed to host it next year, so they asked us to take over..” “ The Harvest Festival is a week from yesterday! That is only 6 days to get ready to host all 15 Midwest packs, and plan a ball, and a feast…” I start listing the things that need to get done. Both men run their hands through their dark brown hair, as I continue down my rabbit hole. “Fi, mom already started planning the ball with Grace they have the basics already figured out. Joey is figuring out sleeping for all the guests, and Sarah is contacting packs to set up travel arrangements,” James starts to detail the plans that I missed while out on my swim. His mom and the Delta Female Grace are amazing at party planning, and his sister Joey and her mate Sarah (Grace’s daughter) are the two most organized people after me. “So what is left for us to do?” I ask Alpha Andrew. “ We need to set up the schedule and the treaty meetings and get all the paperwork in order. And as the pack lawyer and Beta, I figured it would be good for you and James to work on.” “Sounds good Alpha, We will get right to it. There is so much to do, and I will have to contact Forest Moon and get all the paperwork sent over to us here.” I go to stand up and head for my office. My hand rests on the doorknob before Alpha speaks up. “Fiona, I know you. You are to attend the ball and feast. You are Beta of this pack now, and we are hosting it. “ Alpha Andrew states. I stop reaching for the door and turn to face him. His dark brown eyes focus on me. I had managed to not attend a ball in my two years as Beta, the first year I blamed the deaths of my parents and morning, and the second year I said my brothers were not ready to be apart from me. “I will go to all the meetings and set up all the conferences, but Quinn still isn’t sleeping through the night, and what if I am not there when he wakes up?” I question. There, my solid excuse to get out of this, and I hoped it would help me again this time. “Fiona, you are Beta of this pack. You need to show up. Becca can help with the kids, she will enjoy the quiet night.” Alpha Andrew states and stands from his spot behind on the couch trying to send me his Alpha Aura. “ FINE! But you and I both know there is no such thing as a quiet night with the boys.” I state narrowing my eyes at him. I turn to go again when James speaks this time. “Mom set up dress appointments for tomorrow for all the girls.” I just roll my eyes and head out to my office. I just want to spend the rest of the day doing paperwork, counting down to the weekend, attempting to forget about dress appointments, and finding more ways to try and get out of at least the ball.