A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

Becoming the Alpha Pt. 2

        I looked around and most seemed approving of the change. I continued, “The next thing that will change that I encourage my allies to follow is wages. Omegas choose the jobs that they do around here as well as other pack members. From now on you will be paid a fair wage. I know it’s typically seen as payment for living here, but your ranked wolves are paid. Our lead warrior is paid as well as our warriors. It’s not fair to expect you to do what you choose to do when you graduate and not pay you. Those in the kitchen, I have spoken to Mrs. Blanch prior to this ceremony. I let her know our kitchens are hers to run as she wishes. Consider her your lead there. Other leads will be appointed for all aspects of the work around here. There will be a pay scale based on that structure similar to warriors pay. Leads will be determined by the end of the week, and the pay scale for positions will be posted by Gamma Marshall in the pack house tomorrow. Other than the kitchen lead, the other lead positions are open for application. If you wish to be a lead let us know quickly. Once we choose a lead, the other positions within those venues will be their prerogative to fill. If there’s a position you wish to apply for with your lead, please do so. If you wish to work in human businesses, we are going to allow that. We of course encourage the businesses that we own as your first choice. I have several business ventures I will be opening in the next year. I encourage our graduating class to look at the list posted by Beta Caleb tomorrow as hiring is taking place for several of those. Six businesses will be opening after graduation. There will be more coming as well. Before I took over as Alpha, I asked all my brothers to come up with four proposals for business ventures they will head to start showcasing their leadership skills. We will start with Jackson’s. Once we determine what to move forward with, it will be announced.” 

            I knew the pack link was going crazy with the news. I was focusing on blocking it out so I could continue with my thoughts. I said, “Black Mountain Pack, I am going to lead us through these changes. I will be by your side. My office and my door are open to you. ALL of you. Beta Caleb is available to you, as is Gamma Marshall. My mother and Father are taking a well deserved break. They will be traveling for the next two weeks before returning to us. I have spoken to Mrs. Blanch and Your new Beta Female Luce. They will be stepping up to fill the ear of the Luna role since I have not found my own yet. This is a time of transition and change; however, this is a change that needs to be made. We will be the pack others look to see how these changes go. I am confident others will follow our lead when they see our success. I will not judge this pack based on gender or rank. If you are an omega and you want to continue training past basic self defense. Do that. If you are wolf less and you want to work towards being a warrior, do that. You will still have to pass all the tests our warriors do, but I will not stand in your way. You will have to work harder, and be faster, and stronger, but I will not say you cannot do that. We are all as capable as we wish. You will have my respect no matter how far you go. We are not going to hold you back. If you work your way to becoming a warrior, you will have that rank the moment you pass all the tests. I look forward to seeing these new changes and where everyone decides to go with them. If you love working in the kitchens, do that. I want to see people achieving their dreams here. We are meant to be a big family. Whatever your dreams are, we want to help you get there. We are your leadership, and we are here to support you.”

            I saw a few older men with grim set faces. I knew the changes would be hard for them, but they could leave if they didn’t like it. I continued, “As your new Alpha I will now lead you all in our first pack run.” Yips of excitement rang out. I quickly took my jacket and shirt off, placing them neatly on the ground so Haley’s present wouldn’t get messed up. I took off my pants and shifted. My wolf spoke to me, “We will do great things together Eric. I am proud to be your wolf.” I smiled, “I’m proud to have you too Thor.” He preened when I said his name. When I shifted at sixteen Thor accessed my memories. He told me his name was Duke, but after accessing my memory with the note he changed it for our mate. He goes by Thor now. He was very excited knowing his fated mate was coming. He told me he’d never met his fated mate with any of his past human Alpha’s. They all took a chosen mate. He thought the moon goddess was never going to give him a fated mate. I told Thor, “Run the border with Alpha Frank Daniels and back.” Thor took off. Once we’d run the border we started to come back. Mated wolves began to break off from the group. I linked Glenn Henderson, our lead warrior. His oldest son, Liam, would likely become our lead warrior in a few years. “Glenn, make sure we run more than our regular patrols tonight. I doubt anyone would come for us, but we did just change Alpha’s. I’d rather be safe than sorry.” Glenn replied, “Yes Alpha” I linked Caleb, “Run off with Luce…. you know you want to.” Caleb answered, “Thank you Eric.” I said, “I’ll make sure your boys are watched.” Caleb and Luce tore off from the group. 

            Marshall hadn’t met his mate yet either so we both ran back to the platform for our clothes. I shifted and quickly put on my pants. I didn’t bother buttoning my shirt. I threw on my jacket and went to search for Nick and Jim. I found them with an omega family. I said, “Your mom and dad will be back later. Are you guys ok here?” They both nodded. I turned to the family, “Do you have them? I can bring them to my mom to watch for a few hours.” The woman smiled, “No Alpha that’s ok. We have them.” I turned to leave. The husband spoke, “Do you know my name?” I turned back, “Yes, your name is Eli. I hope to see you and your daughter in warrior training tomorrow. She’s quite good, a very quick study. You should’ve been a warrior for many years now.” Tears filled his mate’s eyes. He asked me, “You knew I trained my daughter?” I said, “I did. I’ve seen you both train with many others. Like I said tonight...I expect some ranks to change yours is one. If your wife doesn’t apply for lead groundskeeper, I will be very sad. She’s quite good in the gardens, but if she has another passion I will understand.” Eli said, “It seems you watched far closer than we all thought.” I said, “I wouldn’t be a very good Alpha if you knew I was keeping a close eye out. My job is to know what goes on around here.” I nodded to him and left. Both he and his wife were wiping tears away, but they were smiling. 

            I quickly ran back to the main house. I needed to talk to Rachel, but I wanted to talk to the Cambridges before they left. If they hadn’t left. I cursed myself hoping I didn’t miss my chance to give them Haley’s birthday present. I wished I could’ve linked them to hang back. I ran inside and found all three of the Cambridge brothers sitting on the couch. Bjourn smirked, “Looking for us?” I said, “Yes, actually.” Marcus said, “Well, here we are.” I reached in my jacket and pulled out the necklace. I said, “Will you give this to Haley. I got it for her birthday.” Drake said, “You missed her birthday. It was several months ago now.” I said, “Yes, I know that. I was busy, and so were you. I hadn’t seen you guys in a while, but just…. will you give it to her?” Bjourn held out his hand. He said, “I’ll give it to her.” I said, “Does she know about me?” Bjourn said, “If by that you mean does she know we have a werewolf friend named Eric Conners? She doesn’t, but she will now. You bought her a present.” I sighed. Marcus said, “I got my sister a book for her birthday. A fictional werewolf series about a wolf named Eric. She loves them. She got all the books in the series and anxiously awaits the next book. She even wants my father to bring the author to our realm to meet her. My brothers are jealous she loves my gift so much.” I said, “Why not give her an actual book on werewolves?” Marcus said, “She’s five.” I said, “I know the books you're talking about Marcus. If she reads them, they are all high school level reading. She’s obviously mature and could handle a book about actual werewolves.” Bjourn said, “You have no idea.” I said, “If you’d let me meet her, I’d have a great idea.” 

            The brothers all looked at each other for several moments. Drake spoke, “She’s only five.” I said, “I just want to meet her. To see her. You all know why even though we dance around what we all know.” Bjourn said, “We want her to have the childhood she should have. We want her to grow up as she should’ve. We are protective of her. Honestly, we are overprotective. You will meet her one day, we just need her to be a kid first. For the girl from another reality who didn’t get to be one. We have to give ours the chance to just be a kid and a teenager.” My heart sank, “Then you don’t plan to introduce us for years.” Bjourn said, “She’s only five right now Eric.” I sighed, “I just….” I closed my eyes. I gritted my teeth changing the direction of the conversation. They weren’t going to agree to me meeting her sooner. Instead of arguing with them I said, “If you ever need anything protecting her...you come to me. Promise me that. I know she’ll go on missions one day. If there’s anything I can do to make her safer let me know. I’ll assign my best guards. I need her to be safe.” Marcus said, “That’s not a bad idea Bjourn.” Bjourn studied me, “No, it’s not. We will cross that bridge when we come to it. We all want her to be as safe as possible. I will take any avenue to do that.” I said, “We had a meeting tomorrow, but here.” I took the memo out of my jacket and handed it to them. They read it quickly. Drake’s hand went into a fist, “They want to take her?” I said, “We knew they would. There are whispers about what Aiden can do. For some reason they seem to think his powers mean he’s some sort of special fairy which makes Arion and Haley special too. I’m working on what that means, but my sources are unclear on it.”

            Bjourn said, “Oh, we learned what that meant at Haley’s birthday.” I frowned, “What does it mean?” Bjourn said, “That it is good you are requiring all in your pack to know how to defend themselves. Aiden has a gag order on the Fairy’s until Haley turns eighteen, but some other supernatural’s have started to suspect. He’s kept it contained for now, but the three of them are the promised siblings. We knew that, but until her party we didn’t know what that meant. Haley is the pure of heart fairy. The ONLY fairy in the history of fairies deemed worthy of being pure of heart. She has the ability to take supernatural’s powers. Aiden is the most powerful fairy Faerie has seen in a long time. Haley is his balance. Arion is basically the enforcer for his family. He is close to Aiden in power but cannot do all the things Aiden can.” I snorted, “Arion is an enforcer?” Bjourn said, “Haley said he’s very adept at fighting. That Aiden is better, but Arion can hold his own.” I said, “Great…. promised siblings? That sounds like something people will want. This is why there’s a movement on the fairy side to take her to Faerie?” Bjourn said, “She can make people tell the truth, and take their power. They don’t know what else she can do. Aiden tests her and she always exceeds his expectations. They believe she belongs with them.” I growled, “No, she doesn’t. We all know who she belongs with one day.” Thor was growling murderously in my mind. 

            Drake cleared his throat, “She will remain with us. They won’t take her. We will give this list to Aiden. Did you ever call him?” I snorted, “I leave messages that do not get returned. I doubt he even gets them since I’m not an Alpha. Maybe now…. his annoying ass secretary will give him my messages.” Drake said, “We could tell him.” I said, “I don’t know how I wish to play this with him. I need to get a feel for him. He doesn’t know we are friends yet. I don’t know if I want to show him my whole hand.” Bjourn said, “Lord knows he doesn’t share his. He only told us about Haley because she started using her healing powers to heal things, he didn’t even know she could. He felt we needed to know to protect her.” I said, “We needed to know five damn years ago. We could’ve had plans in place to protect her.” Bjourn said, “You’re preaching to the choir Eric. We gave him hell. He took it like it takes everything. lightly.” I said, “I’m so looking forward to dealing with his crazy fairy ass.” Drake smirked, “All fairies, even partial fairies are mischievous.” I said, “I can handle mischievous. Taking someone’s security lightly and hiding information that affects how to properly make sure we have everything covered…. not so much. That s**t I cannot handle.” Bjourn said, “Fair enough. I’ll give Haley your present. I’m sure she’ll send you a thank you note.” I smiled. I hoped he was right. I’d keep it forever. I said, “Whenever I can…. I want to meet her.” Marcus said, “We know. I hope you understand our reasons.” I said, “I do. It doesn’t make it less hard. I don’t think knowing me sooner would impair her childhood. All the wolves here who learned their mates are better for it.” Bjourn said, “She’s just our little sister. Who knows how this reality will bring that meeting about?” I snorted. I’d take it wherever I could. I resigned myself that I would not meet her for quite some time. It was a hard pill to swallow, but they were trying to protect her. To give her what the version they met of her from a different reality didn’t have. I couldn’t fault them for that. I wanted the same thing for her. I’d be waiting for her if I didn’t know who she was anyway. I could do this. 

            Marcus shook my hand, “Congratulations on making Alpha. It’s impressive.” I shook his hand then Bjourn, and Drake’s. They opened a portal and left. I sat down for a moment to collect myself. I stood and went off in search of Rachel. I found her in the room she’d been assigned in the pack house after we took over her pack. Her eyes were puffy. I knocked on her open door. She said, “Come in Alpha.” I walked in. I sat down in the chair she had while she sat on her bed. She said, “I’m not really in the mood tonight to have sex.” I said, “That’s not why I’m here.” She turned to face me. She wiped her tears. I said, “I thought this was the same for both of us, but that’s clearly not the case.” Rachel said, “How could I not fall for you?” I said, “We don’t really talk much. You don’t know that much about me.” Rachel said, “That’s not true.” I said, “Tell me something then.” Rachel said, “You’re strong.” I raised an eyebrow, “I meant unique information you know about me.” Rachel flushed then said, “I just like you, ok. My wolf likes yours…. I just hoped…. you were wrong and we were mates.” Thor said, “Her wolf is fine…. I wouldn’t say I dislike her. I knew she wasn’t my mate though.” I said, “I’m not going to say that Thor.” Out loud I said, “I’m sorry. I told you I knew you weren’t my mate. I thought we were both clear that this was a no strings attached deal.” Rachel said, “It started out that way for me, but the strings grew in.” I asked, “Why didn’t you tell me Rachel? I feel like such an ass. I hate that you’re crying about this. Your mate is out there, and he’s getting a great girl. I’m just not him.”

            She wiped her eyes, “I wanted it to be you.” I said, “I’m sorry Rachel.” She sighed, “It’s not really your fault. You said you couldn’t tell me how, but you knew it wasn’t me. I just…. after time passed…. we are good together.” I didn’t say anything. We didn’t go out on dates. We had no idea if we were good together anywhere but in bed. She shrugged, “Let’s just keep doing what we are doing until one of us meets our mate.” I said, “I was fine with that plan until I learned this made you cry, and you were upset about it.” Rachel glanced up sharply at me then whispered, “You’re ending this?” I said, “I think we have to. I don’t want to lead you on. Before I thought we had the same things we wanted, but Rachel you clearly want a relationship. I don’t. I want you to have what you want. That’s just not with me. There are plenty of guys around here who would jump through hoops to be your boyfriend.” Rachel said, “But not you.” I said, “It’s just not what I’m looking for. I’m looking for fun and no strings.” Rachel whispered, “I know.” I said, “You will find your mate Rachel. He’s going to be a great guy. You deserve that.” She said, “I want to try for a warrior position.” I said, “You should then. I know you’ve got some wrestling skills.” I wiggled my eyebrows and we both laughed at my innuendo. She said, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I had feelings for you. I suspected we’d end, and I wasn’t ready for that.”

            I took her hand, “I am truly sorry this hurt you. It was never my intention.” She smiled, “Oh, I know. That’s part of your charm. You’re super honest, and you don’t intend to hurt people. It’s one of the reasons I like you. Plus, my friends all said you had to feel something for me to only be sleeping with me.” I frowned. She said, “I know it’s not true…. I just hoped.” I whispered, “I’m sorry.” She smiled, “I’ll be ok Alpha.” I bent down and kissed her cheek. I said, “I hope you make a warrior rank, and get your dreams Rachel. If I can help you as your Alpha, I will.” She smiled “There you go being a good guy again.” I said, “I’ll see you around.” She nodded, “Goodbye Alpha.” I left. I walked back up to the main house.

         Harold was sitting there with Darrin. Harold said, “Tell me you did not just tell that Rachel girl you’d see her around.” I frowned, “How do you know? The pack house was empty.” Harold said, “Rachel told her friends about the whole conversation. I’m talking to one of her friends. I might even ask her to be my girlfriend. Rachel kept hoping you’d tell her to call you Eric instead of Alpha. It’s apparently the sign to her that it’s really over. I told my possible girlfriend not to encourage the girls who are telling her there's hope. We all know there isn’t.” 

        I walked over and poured myself a glass of whiskey. I drank it and poured another. I turned, “Someone explain to me how this happened. Rachel and I had MANY conversations MULTIPLE times about what this was. We BOTH knew this was just sex.” Darrin said, “Apparently, you are good in bed and with your tongue. The other girls said she was your first and she trained you on s*x, so you’ll probably come back to her.” I winced, “Harold….” Harold said, “Already telling my potential girlfriend that’s just not true.” I said, “I don’t want a girlfriend. I don’t want some girl to be heartbroken over me when Haley shows up. I just wanted to have s*x. That’s it. I don’t even know how she can have feelings for me. Our conversations were surface level. She doesn't know anything about me other than I’m strong and the Alpha.” Harold said, “And that you’re good in bed.” I said, “She cried, and she doesn’t even want me.” I clenched the glass in my hand, “She wants who I am. An Alpha. She wants the title of Luna. Not me.” My dad came in, “There are plenty of girls who will want that, Eric.” I said, “I know that.” My dad said, “Son, people know things about you because of who you are. This doesn't mean that Rachel just wanted to use you for your position. Some will though, and you need to prepare for that.” I nodded. I wasn’t going to date. That wasn’t going to change. I wanted no strings s*x. I didn’t want to have a laundry list of women i had s*x with just a few. Something told me this new development would make that hard. Did I lead Rachel on by only having s*x with her? I thought I’d been honest enough. Maybe we were together too long, and it gave her the wrong impression.

        I shook myself. This night was not going how I planned. At least most of the pack seemed accepting of the changes. I was sure I’d have plenty of meetings tomorrow about those that didn’t agree. I drained my whiskey. I said, “I’m going for a run.” Thor was as upset as I was. I shifted and we ran. Thor linked me, “This wasn’t your fault. You were honest. We only want to date mate. You told her she wasn't our mate.” I sighed, “I know. I thought I was being so smart sleeping with someone not from the pack. I should’ve anticipated we would take over her territory. I won’t make that mistake again.” I reached the opposite side of the lake on the mountain side. I shifted and grabbed some shorts that were around. I linked Jackson, “Did you go see Molly?” Jackson said, “Yeah, you ok?” I said, “Fine. Just curious about where you were.” I laid down on my back staring up at the sky. I smelled someone. I whirled. I didn’t see anyone then I heard a chuckle. A little boy’s chuckle. I said, “Who are you?” A boy appeared. I knew who he was the moment I saw him. He was unmistakably a Cambridge. I said, “You must Logan.” He smiled, “You must Eric.” I said, “I am. What are you doing here?” The boy said, “I don’t have much time. No one is currently looking for where I am.” I said, “Ok…. what are you doing here?” Logan said, “I heard Drake say you wanted to meet Haley.” I said, “I do, but they said not now.” Logan said, “Yeah, I know…. I just...I was recently told who my mate was, and I love spending time with her. I thought...well here.” I took the envelope he handed me.