Alpha Loves Alpha

Chapter 15:

Alpha:

Xavier took me on a tour of the entire territory. Our first stop was the Fire Pack Headquarters. He showed me his office and the meeting room. Then we went to the archive library.

I looked around in awe. Rows and rows of books and folders covered the shelves. A few tables were nestled in the center of the room. I hadn’t expected such extensive records.

“Wow. You guys don’t skimp on details, huh?”

“Thorough records help us avoid repeating past mistakes.”

“Can I help you find something,” a woman with black hair, trimmed into a bob, said in a board voice. She was so focused on the papers she was reading that she hadn’t glanced up to see who had entered.

“I’m just showing Alpha around.”

The woman dropped her papers and raised her head instantly. “I apologize, Alpha Xavier. I didn’t realize it was you. I thought you were pups working on a project.”

“It’s okay, Edith. This is Alpha Alpha of the Golden Sun pack. She will be spending a few days in our territory.”

Edith stood from her desk and walked over to us and bowed. “It is an honor, Alpha Alpha. I watched the summit. I didn’t know a woman could have such a high rank.”

She raised and I couldn’t help but stare. Her polite demeanor and facial features seemed familiar. “Have we met before?”

Edith chuckled at my words. “You must have met Edgar. He and I are twins.”

“Oh. I’m sorry for starring.”

“No worries. I’m not nearly as stoic as him. He takes his role as Gamma very seriously.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“Alpha Alpha, could I interview you sometime? I’d love to add you to our archives. The first female Alpha is quite historical.”

I smiled. “That would be nice. You can call me Alpha.” Xavier cleared his throat. “I mean… Luna Alpha.”

Her brows furrowed. “Luna?” Then realization hit and she glanced between Xavier and I. “Oh... Then I’ll make a whole file on our new Luna.” She smiled. “I am pleased that our Luna will be such a powerful leader to match the strength of our Alpha.”

“You are too kind.”

“When can we meet?”

I glanced at Xavier. “How about tomorrow,” he asked.

“Perfect! I’ll meet you at the Fire Cafe at noon. I look forward to it.”

“Thank you for your time, Edith. We should be heading to the next stop on our tour.” She bowed and returned to her desk, watching in wonder as we walked out.

“That covers Fire Headquarters. I’ll give you a tour of the perimeter. The land is quite large. I suggest that we shift into our wolf forms. The bathroom is down the hall. We’ll give our clothes to the guard at the front desk.”

As we walked out of the building I kept glancing at Xavier’s wolf. His fur was a mix of black with dark gray. I never noticed how burgundy highlights glowed in the sunlight. He looked mesmerizing.

“Do I have something in my fur?”

His question startled me. “No.” I avoided his eyes. I didn’t want him to know that I had been staring at him.

“Follow me this way.”

We entered the woods. I could hear animals scurrying around. Deer were nibbling on greenery to our right and birds flew overhead. “It’s so lively.”

“I try to keep the animals at peace on my land. There’s no hunting allowed in majority of our forests here.”

“Where to first?”

“Follow me. Let’s see if you can keep up.” He hightailed it to the south.

I ran after him. “Another race? Trying to redeem yourself?”

Xavier chuckled. “The best way to learn every curve of the land is to bolt through it, dodging any obstacles in your way.”

We passed thick bushes and countless trees. There was a stream I didn’t anticipate. I leaped over with ease. I could hear frogs croaking as they hunted flies.

The scenery was gorgeous. I had to admit, running with Xavier was becoming something I enjoyed. There was no one at home that could match my speed, but with him we were matched in stride.

We ran side by side around the whole territory until Xavier slowed down. I matched my speed to his.

“Why did we stop?”

“Do you hear that?”

I tuned in to my surroundings. I could hear rushing water. “Is that a stream?”

I could see the smile in his wolf’s eyes. “I have something better than that. Care for a swim?” He headed towards the direction the sound was coming from.

I followed him through the thick woods till a clearing opened with a large water fall in the center.

“This is the infamous waterfall you and Daniel have been fighting over?”

“Yes. We call it Moonwater Falls. Do you like it?”

I looked at the crystal clear water flowing over the tall cliffs. It sparkled in the sunlight. I had never seen anything like this. “It’s beautiful!” I continued to stare at the paradise that laid before my eyes.

Splash!

“Are you coming in or what?” I looked over to see Xavier’s wolf swimming around.

A smile crossed my lips. I backed up a few steps before hurling towards the water and cannon balling in.

I laughed in delight when I resurfaced. I had drenched Xavier completely.

“So you want to play games?” He began splashing me with his paws.

I let out a gruff sound before returning the favor. We played and splashed around in the water for what seemed like hours.

I was laying lazily by the edge of the water, enjoying the sun on my fur.

“Are you hungry?”

I shot up from my spot. “I’m starving!”

Xavier chuckled. “Let’s go back to Headquarters to shift, then we’ll get some lunch.”

……

We drove down Main Street. “Is there anything you’re in the mood for?”

“Anything is fine with me. What do you recommend?”

“Let’s go to Sophia’s.”

We walked into a quaint bistro. It had vintage black and white pictures hung on the brick walls. Private booths ran on either side of the room with small tables placed in the center of the space. Each one was covered with a red tablecloths and an ivory candle in the center.

“They have the best Italian food! I recommend the alfredo, but they also make amazing meatballs.”

“We aren’t open until four.” A petite, old woman walked out of the kitchen and lit up when she saw us. “Xavier,” she yelled in a thick Italian accent. He gave her a hug. When they parted she gave him a smack on the arm. “Why don’t you come visit Aunt Sophia?”

He chuckled at her. “I’m sorry, Auntie. I’ve been busy.”

“To busy for your favorite Aunt?”

“Never.” He leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

She glanced over at me. “And who is this Bella?”

“This is Alpha. She is staying with me for a few days.”

She grabbed my hand and pulled me close to whisper in my ear. “Be careful of this hungry wolf. I’ve known him all his life and he never showed interest in any girls. Don’t follow this starved wolf into his lair.” I could see the teasing expression on her face.

“Auntie! Don’t be filling Alpha’s head with your stories.” I looked over to see him pouting.

“It’s okay, Auntie. As his mate, it would be natural for him to invite me to him lair.” I gave her a wink.

She looked surprised. “Mate?” She turned quickly and gave him another swat on the arm. “You find your mate and don’t tell, Aunt Sophia?”

“Come, Bella. Let me feed you.” Aunt Sophia pulled me to a large booth and sat next to me. “What do you like? A skinny girl like you needs to eat more if you’re going to keep up with this hungry wolf.” She gestured to Xavier. “You need your strength to conceive pups. I’ll bring you a little bit of everything. And espresso!” She ran to the kitchen and started barking out orders to the chefs.

“You know she’s going to make you eat your weight in food, right?”

I laughed at Xavier’s statement. “She seems very kind. Is she really your Aunt?”

He nodded. “My Great Aunt on my father’s side. The only family I have left.”

“I see why she spoils you.”

He gave me a cheeky smile. “It’s not just me anymore. You’ll never go hungry with Aunt Sophia around.”

“More pasta! We’re feeding our Luna! I need more meatballs too!” Sophia’s commands had us laughing.

“I’m in trouble.”

Aunt Sophia burst through the kitchen door with a bowl full of assorted breads. “I brought every kind of bread and butter. Be sure to save room for pasta!” She dashed back into the kitchen and came out a second later with two cups of espresso. “Give me a shout if you need more.”

I glanced at the large basket of bread. I grabbed a slice of multigrain and covered it in butter before taking a bite.

I gasped. It felt like the warm bread was caressing my tongue and the flavors of the herb infused butter spread throughout my mouth. “Wow!”

“I know. She’s the best chef in town.”

“How are you not three hundred pounds?”

“Lots of training.”

Sophia brought us bowls of several different kinds of soups.

I looked over at Xavier, after she returned back to the kitchen, with wide eyes. “We’re going to have to go for another run.”

“Don’t worry. Our next stop will give you plenty of exercise.”

I tilted my head and furrowed my brows slightly. “You’ll see,” he said before taking a sip of his espresso.

I gave him a sly grin. “Planning to take me to your lair?”

I caught him off guard and he nearly spit his drink out. He coughed and wheezed, trying to catch his breath. I attempted to stifle a laugh, but it came out anyway.

“Do you like leaving me gasping and panting, Alpha Alpha?” He leaned over the table. “I can arrange that.” He had me pinned with his intense gaze and wicked grin.

Images of our bodies pressed together flashed through my mind and I could feel a warmth spread through my core. I could hear my wolf whimpering. Why did he always seem to effect me like this?

He leaned in and whispered in my ear. “Your cheeks are bright red, Alpha. Do you want me to claim you right here?”

I could hear the humor in his words, but a part of me wanted to say yes.

He retreated back to his side of the booth just before Aunt Sophia and a waiter came out from the kitchen. “I have lots of pasta. I hope you two are hungry.”

I tried to steady my breathing as I looked at the large assortment of food on the table.

“Don’t just stare. Eat, eat!”

“Thank you, Auntie. It smells amazing!”

She sat next to me and asked me questions about how we met and my life at the Sun Pack.

“You’re the Alpha of Golden Sun Pack?” She let out a loud laugh. “The Moon Goddess has quite a sense of humor! Huh, Xavier?”

He rolled his eyes. “Yes. Hilarious,” he said in a monotone.

“Are you going to continue to maintain your role as Alpha to your pack while being Xavier’s Luna?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer her question. At this point I wasn’t even sure if I would accept him as my mate.

“Xavier and I have yet to figure out the details. I’m visiting him for a few days, then he will be accompanying me to my territory. After that, we have a lot to discuss.”

Aunt Sophia nodded.

Xavier gave her a charming smile. “Auntie, can I get three dozen cannoli to go?”

“You got it! Vincent, I need thirty-six cannoli,” she shouted then grabbed some dishes and headed towards the kitchen.

I widened my eyes at him. “Are we feeding an army?”

 Xavier chuckled, “Something like that.”