Alpha Loves Alpha

Chapter 9:

Xavier:

The ceremony had finished. At this point any rogues interested in joining a pack could approach the Alphas. Usually, not many were interested. Some attended to see how strong the packs had become, while others just wanted entertainment. A few looked for refuge.

It was a hard life when you didn’t have a pack. A lot of rogues kept to themselves and often avoided mating; they trusted very few. It was a dog-eat-dog lifestyle outside of the packs.

Their are a few well known clans that will stick together, but they were more like gangs. They often raided small villages in outside the territories, in Rogue Land. Occasionally they would attack the packs, looking for food and any valuables they could find. Rarely their would be an up rises where the clans would try to take over the territories, but it seldom ever worked.

An Alpha was usually to fast and strong for them to overcome. There was only one time I could think of that the rogues almost overtook a pack, but they weren’t able to kill the Alpha like they had planned. The Sivika Clan that orchestrated the mutiny were killed on the spot, ending their reign of terror.

I had a few rogues ask to join my pack at the last Summit, but I turned them all down. I didn’t trust anyone outside of the territories. They never gave me a reason to. I would ask them one simple question, but their answer was never what I needed to hear.

A mob of people surrounded Alpha. Everyone wanted to talk to the leader of the strongest pack. A bitter snarl stuck in my throat. I turned and headed towards Strauss and Edgar.

“Alpha Xavier!”

I looked around trying to find the source of the unfamiliar voice. A boy several years younger than me approached me. He had spiky black hair and a scar that ran down the right side of his face. His clothes were a little raggedy and his sneakers were wearing away at the toe.

He bowed. “Alpha Xavier, may I take a moment of your time?”

I didn’t recognize him. But I couldn’t feel any ill intentions from him. “Speak.”

He raised and gave me a shy smile. “I’d like to join the White Fire Pack.”

I scoffed at the new title of my pack. He looked concerned at my outburst. “I apologize Alpha Xavier. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“You didn’t. I’ve just been in a bad mood,” I assured him as I eyed Alpha. She was talking animatedly with a group of young she-wolves.

The young wolf glanced over his shoulders, before turning to me. “With all due respect to Alpha Alpha, I think you deserve to be the top pack. She fought courageously, but you skills in every other category seemed to out do hers. I think she would be better of fighting at your side than against you.”

I chuckled at the young wolfs brazen remark. “What’s your name, kid?”

“I am Zarik.”

“I like you, Zarik. I think we’d get along, but I’m not looking for anymore members.”

A frown formed on his lips, before a look of determination crossed his face. “I’m really strong and I can fight. I already have a battle scar, see?” He pointed to the scar running from his temple to the corner of his mouth.

I frowned at him. He couldn’t be more than sixteen. “It’s a hard life outside the territories, isn’t it?” He looked down without a word. I sighed. “Okay. I’ll give you a test. One question. You get it right and we can discuss you joining my pack.”

He grinned cheerily. “Okay!”

“How can I benefit from you joining the White Fire Pack?”

He look stupefied. “Uh…” He seemed to be searching his brain for an answer.

I gave him a few moments before saying,“Sorry, Zarik. I need allies, not another kid to look after. Try again at the next Alpha Summit.”

I gave him a sad smile before walking away. I felt bad for the kid, but I had many to look out for already. I wasn’t trying to add another to the list. I just hoped he’d survive out in rogue country. He seemed like a good kid, and if he survived this long he must be strong.

I had barely taken a step before his next words had my eyes widen in shock. “The Sivika Clan still exists!”

I froze at Zarik’s words. That couldn’t be possible. The entire clan had been destroyed when their attack failed. He would have been too young to know all the details of that event.

“How do you know about the Sivika Clan? They’re extincted.” I gave him a guarded expression.

“The children of Ramone and Silvia still exist,” he said in a hushed tone so no one else could hear.

“The Sivika’s never had any children.”

He gave me a haunted look. “I’ve seen them. They were the ones to give me this scar.” He gestured to the right side of his face. “I stole food from them once. I didn’t know it was them. They were really strong. I managed to get away, but I worry that they’ll find me.”

I was shocked by the news. I had never heard of the Sivika’s having a family. If what Zarik said was true, then I needed to find them before they decided to avenge their parents. “How many are there?”

His voice got quieter. “Not here. We must speak in private. With all the rogues here I don’t know who can be trusted. The Sivika’s run the Rogue Lands. They could be working with anyone here.”

I eyed Zarik for a few moments. There was no lie in his amber eyes. I glanced at the crowd roaming around. No one seemed to be paying attention to our conversation. “Okay. You will come with me to my land.” Zarik’s face brightened at my words. “But you’re on probation,” I told him sternly. For all I know Zarik could be working with them. I needed this information as confidential as possible.

He nodded before bowing. “I understand, Alpha Xavier.”

I laughed at his formality. “You don’t need to bow.”

He raised. “Yes, sir.”

“Edgar!” He was at my side in an instant.

“Yes, Alpha Xavier?”

I gestured to Zarik. “This is the newest member of The Fire Pack.”

Edgar furrowed his brows. “Sir?”

“We will discuss the details when we get to our territory. Until then, you are in charge of keeping him safe and out of trouble.”

Edgar didn’t look pleased. He probably felt like a glorified babysitter. “Yes, Alpha Xavier.” Edgar took Zarik and headed to our rooms to pack. We had a bit of a journey, so it was best to leave early.

I sighed before walking over to Alpha and her fan club. I cleared my throat. “Alpha Alpha, may I speak with you a moment.”

She gave a polite smile to the girls surrounding her. “Excuse me, ladies.”

I waited to speak till we were a safe distance from the crowd. “I wanted to invite you to my territory. I know you must be eager to give the news to your pack, but I have important business to attend to. I just got new Intel on an old case.”

She nodded thoughtfully. “Okay. But I’d like to help.”

“This is a very serious matter. I’d like to educate the least amount of people possible. This is for high ranking ears only.”

She gave me a devilish smirk. I inwardly sighed, waiting for her sharp wit to strike again.

“The I guess it’s a good thing that I am the Alpha of the top pack. Can’t get any higher ranked than that.”

This woman was going to put me in an early grave, I swear. “Fine, but I’m trusting you as my Luna and not an ally.”

“Excuse me,” she said with an annoyed expression twisted on her face.

“It is an honor, not a form of disrespect.” Her face softened slightly at my words. “I wouldn’t even trust Sterling or Derick with this information.”

She saw the seriousness in my eyes and nodded. “I will be your Placeholder Luna, but only if you do the same when you’re in my territory.” A sly grin slid across her face.

My wolf growled at being called a Luna. “How about we call me your Lunar instead? I don’t need another hit to my ego”

She thought about my counter offer. “Fine. I’ll pack my bags once I am through here.” I glanced at the group of women waiting for her return. It looked like it wold be awhile.

“I’ll give you two hours. Meet us at the south entrance”

“I’ll be there.” She walked away from me and returned her attention to the waiting she-wolves.

“Riley!” He was the guard in charge of our journey.

“Yes, Sir?” He was at my side within a few seconds, standing at attention and waiting for orders.

“We will have two others accompanying us. Let the rest of the guards know.”

“Understood, Alpha Xavier.” He left to notify the others and prepare the vehicles.

Alpha:

“I can’t believe there’s a female Alpha! I didn’t know that was possible,” A young girl from the Silver Moon Pack said excitedly. “Can I have your autograph, Alpha Alpha?”

I smiled a the young she wolf. I signed program from the Ranking event. She squealed when I handed it back to her.

I watched as she joined her friends. They all compared their autographs. It felt very rewarding to be a strong role model for young she-wolves.

This is how I had spent the hour following the ceremony. Everyone wanted to meet the highest ranking Alpha. But many seemed to be more impressed that I was a female Alpha, rather than the fact that my rank was gold. I smiled and chatted with everyone waiting to talk to me. They were mostly young girls.

When the group of giggling teenagers walked away I saw a girl standing alone. She was petite with a thin figure. Her black hair fell to her waist in loose braids with red streaks running throughout them. Her bangs draped over her face, covering her eyes. She was dressed in all black with ripped jeans and a crop top covering a long sleeved fishnet shirt underneath. A plaid button up hung on her loosely, making her appear even thinner.

She glanced at me sheepishly before looking down at her combat boots. She seemed nervous.

I walked up to her and gave her a smile. “Hello. What’s your name?”

She looked up in surprise. She looked around, not sure if she was the one I was speaking to. “Me?” I nodded. “I’m Zara.”

I chuckled at her shyness. “What pack are you from?”

“Um… I’m not from a pack.” I looked at her surprised. “Did your parents come with you?”

“I’m all by myself.”

I looked at her sadly. Their were a lot of orphans in the Rogue Lands. She looked to be a few years younger than me. Poor thing didn’t have anyone. I knew what that felt like, but at least I had a pack.

“Do you want an autograph?”

She nodded her head. I took her program and signed my name.

“Alpha Alpha, are you accepting applicants into your pack?”

I looked up at her. Her face was tilted down looking at her boots again. She looked like a lost puppy.

“Zara, look at me.” Her face tilted up towards me. “I won’t be in my territory for the next five days. Why don’t you meet me there in six days? I have Alpha business to attend to, but why don’t we discuss instating you into the pack then?”

“Thank you, Alpha Alpha.” She jumped into my arms and gave me a squeeze. Shocked by her actions she released me quickly and bowed her head. “I am so sorry Alpha Alpha. I don’t know what came over me.”

I stepped forward, giving her a hug. “It’s okay, Zara. Let’s be friends.” I parted from her and gave her a smile. “Just call me Alpha.”

“Thank you, Alpha! I’ll see you next week.” She sped away like she was worried that I would change my mind.

I watched her scurry off. Poor thing. I hope the Golden Sun Pack can give her what she needs.

The Golden Sun Pack? I like the sound of that. I was so focused on the crowd of people that wanted to speak to me that it hadn’t sunken in yet. I smiled to myself.

Gold. A rank even my father wasn’t capable of securing. I knew where ever he was he would be proud. He must be laughing at the fact that I had challenged my own mate to get my position.

My mate? I had to spend ten days with him. I looked forward to this case of his. I didn’t get much action in my territory.

A part of me was itching for a fight. I had trained my entire life and never really utilized my skills until today. Training with Saphir was no longer a challenge, but competing head-to-head with the other Alphas had me elated.

I wanted to see what else I could do. Maybe spending time with Xavier wouldn’t be so bad. I could train with him. I’d love to do some hand-to-hand combat. I smiled at the thought of me beating him again.

“Do I even want to know what you’re thinking?” Saphir impeded my thoughts. “You have this devious grin on your face.”

“I have a mission that needs my attention. I’m looking forward to kicking some ass.”

A look of concern crossed his face. “Is something wrong? Did something happen back at the territory?”

“Nothing like that. I’m helping Xavier with some business in his territory.”

Saphir’s brows furrowed. “Since when are you guys buddies?”

I forgot that I hadn’t had the opportunity to tell him, or any one from my pack, that Alpha Edward had told us to get to know each other before we officially rejected being mates.

“I have to spend five days with Xavier in his territory, then he’ll be spending time with me, at mine, for five days. We promised the King that we would try to bond before rejecting each other.” Saphir’s eyes opened wide at the news. “He’s concerned that us fighting will cause a war between our packs, and that could give the rogues an advantage.”

“I see.”

“And we’ll have a new member joining our pack. Her name is Zara. Expect her arrival in six days. I’ll discuss it further with her when I return with Xavier.”

Saphir nodded, then looked at me like you would look at a young sibling you were worried about. “Will you be okay going alone?”

I laughed at his question. “I’m the Alpha of the top pack, and you don’t think I can protect myself?”

“I’m more worried about Xavier than you,” he said smiling.

“We are trying to behave, We have to keep the peace.”

“Okay. I’ll let Mason and the guards know, but you get to tell Tallia.” He walked away with a teasing grin.

I looked to the sky and groaned.

“Have fun,” Saphir sang in a mocking tone, as he continued to head towards the castle.

 I forgot about telling her. She was going to flip. F*ck!