The Oddball Alphas

Chapter 11

Kieran

I can do this. I can do this.

My heart is hammering no matter how many times Ted rubs my back or Jake grabs my hand. Both send warmth and comfort through their touch, with Ramsey giving me a boyish grin. He seemed to be oblivious to my inner turmoil, or he was not making a fuss over it, which helped me. It is the other two that are adding to my trepidation. They even tried to help me through Marabelle’s introduction, s***h announcement where I was named the future Luna. I wanted to scoff at that point, feeling the need to open my mouth and correct her. I know it would not be good if I did that. My mates would mark me then and there.

It has been a long time since I have been to a pack dinner, too. I was not sure if I would make a fool of myself while looking so beautiful. On top of that, the memories of how I used to serve my former pack's meals are there. They were never good, and often times, I was beaten for spilling things when it was one of the hierarchies that made me do it. It made me stiff along with the stares coming from a few of them that I refused to look away from. I know they were just curious, but I could not help it.

“Luna,” Matt called just as we were served. I was too hungry to stop myself from taking a bite, so I just looked up at him waiting for what he had to say. “We found your purse. I was hesitant to give it to you while you were recovering, so I kept it locked up in my office. You can come by and get it anytime, but your phone was ringing. I peeked at it. A man named Sable called you twice…”

The three alphas roared, which made me jump and everyone stiffen. I froze immediately and flicked my eyes around, especially when their faces edged near mine. Their eyes were piercing every part of my body, sending a thrill through it. I think I would have enjoyed the feeling if I were not so terrified of the menace oozing from their auras. However, I noticed Marabelle’s disapproving look thrown at the beta while Emily covered her mouth to hide her laughter. That son-of-a-b***h did this on purpose.

“Baby, is there anything you wish to tell us?” Jake asked softly with a hiss to his voice.

I could see his fangs inching down from his gums and his eyes were red. I shivered at the thought of him running them against my skin.

“Tell us, Fiery Fox, is there someone else?” Ramsey asked sharply.

He did have his fangs down and was behind me breathing in my scent. I wanted to shudder, but that would be a bad move. It would push me closer to his mouth and would surely sink his fangs into my marking spot.

“Darling, you’re ours,” Ted snapped and grabbed my chin.

“I know,” I whimpered as I looked at his red eyes and at his fangs, feeling my body wanting to betray me right now. I want to rail at them for hurting me like this when I had just met their hierarchy. “The man…” They growled at me low and menacing, which made my eyes squeeze shut. “He is-was possibly my future employer. That’s why I was at the mall. I was applying for a job because I just moved here a week ago.”

There! I gave them more than enough information that should pacify them. It did as Ted released my jaw, and Ramsey gave me a peck on the cheek. Jake’s eyes returned to normal, just like the others had done. He pulled back and took my hand. He sent a soothing warmth through me as he kissed it. I know that they thought I had another man, but I do not.

“We’re sorry,” Jake said with his eyes cast down, which shocked me. The alpha never lowers his eyes or head. It is like an ingrained thing with them. I was touched. “Our Lycans took hold before we could stop them.”

“I understand,” I said shakily.

“Here, did I hurt you?” Ted turned my head gently and looked at my chin, where he grabbed it and gave it a kiss. I closed my eyes, feeling the sparks and tingles rush through me. It felt heavenly with the comforting wave from Jake. “Beautiful, as always.”

“Fiery Fox,” Ramsey called gently. “I think we should talk about these kinds of things before we lose it on you again, but later… without an audience.”

“Well, you’ll get a short answer,” I told him. “I do not have a man in my life and anyone I did date is a footnote in my memory. The relationship was so short that it was not memorable.”

“Ouch,” a brown-haired woman said with a deep Southern drawl. It was thicker than my mate’s drawl, even Ted’s. I looked at her, seeing her light blue eyes were playful, matching her round face coated in makeup. She looked a little chubby in her peach-colored, flowered dress. “That is horrible to say about a man you dated.”

“But it’s the truth,” I shrugged. I turned to Matt, who looked like he had just gotten his toy taken away from him. His head was tilted down, and his face tightened, looking glum. “Excuse me, Beta, you said I had four calls. Who were the other two?”

“Your mother and another without a name,” he answered softly. "I did not answer any of them, choosing to give you your privacy."

“Thank you,” I said, feeling relieved.

The one without a name might be a tell-a-marketer, but I want to be sure. Mom could have gotten a burner phone.

“Luna Marabelle, when is the Luna Ceremony?”

One of the females had shouted, nearly making me choke on a piece of sausage. My coughing drew some attention as Ted patted my back. I am panicking right now at the thought of joining this pack by becoming its Luna. People calling me by the title were okay. The ceremony itself would make things official, and I cannot have that. I completely forgot how quickly a mate’s family moves in a mating.

“Next week,” she answered as she flicked a glance at me. “There is a lot to do, so I hope everyone is ready.”

“Umm, could, could we postpone it for another week, maybe two?” I asked nervously. My voice squeaked with this request, especially when everyone looked my way. “I’m sure that you would want my family here, too.”

“Oh yes!” Marabelle gasped and touched her chest dramatically. “I am so sorry. You’re a Northerner. I was just so excited that my boys had finally found their mate that I had forgotten about your family. How many?”

“One, my mother,” I answered, hoping beyond hope that I did not have to tell her.

“No others?” Marabelle asked, knitting her brows together.

“No,” I answered breathily, feeling pained by my answer. “I have no other family.”

“Well, that’s not a shock from a rogue,” a brunet-haired man scoffed, giving me a narrowed look with his green eyes.

“I’m not a rogue!” I said hotly. “I’m a lone wolf.”

“You can’t be a lone wolf or that means you shun packs.”

I looked in the direction of the female who spoke. I could not see who it was on this long table, but I arched my brow, daring them to say one more word. My face was hardened into a “so what” look that spoke for itself. I was not backing down from whoever spoke, nor would I be put down for my decision. I made it for myself. And the fire burning inside me said that I should stand up for that decision.

“That explains why you want to postpone the ceremony,” Marabelle said with a laugh. It broke the silence and the stare-down between me and whoever. “I’m sure that she will change her mind once she gets to know our pack.”

I wanted to contradict her, but I could not do it. I did not want to start an argument, especially while feeling my mates’ eyes on me. They seemed not to like my response, and yet, they did. It was confusing, so I just went back to my meal and let the conversation roll over me. They were mostly chatting with Marabelle, anyway. It was not until I was nearly finished eating that someone called my attention.

“Luna Kieran.” It was a blonde-haired woman who had a chipper voice that pierced through my head. I looked up, seeing her gray eyes shining at me with a smile on her slender face. “Since it is apparent no one is going to ask you the basic questions, I guess I’ll be the first. Where are you from?”

Wow! This woman is blunt and sounds like she is a “Northerner”, just like me. I must tread carefully, or she may know exactly where I am from. She could find out about me and that would send some very unwanted people my way.

“Maryland,” I replied obliquely. "Around there."

“Oh, I’m from Pennsylvania,” she squealed. “Did you even grow up in a pack or was it around rogues?”

“I grew up in a pack,” I stated, which drew shock from the man from earlier towards me.

“What den?” he asked as he tightened his narrow face. “I might know it.”

“Then, you are no one I want to associate with,” I responded, as I missed his insinuation. My face twitched as I tried not to let my anger get a hold of me.

“Easy, Darling,” Ted said as he rubbed my back, sending a fresh wave of warmth through me. “Your wolf is showing.”

“Besides, he is our Head Gamma,” Jake pointed out. “And Robbie will start being nicer or lose his position.”

“Yes, Alpha,” he nodded.

“There,” Jake smirked as he grabbed my hand and kissed it.

“You should take him out and beat him for angering our mate,” Ramsey muttered, and everyone heard it.

Jake acted as if he had settled everything, while Ted thought his glare at Robbie would make a point. Ramsey’s idea of beating him into submission sounded nice, but I don’t think it would stop this man. He is not the type to give up so easily. He will come back to me, and since he is Head Gamma, I will be seeing him for training. It is standard in any pack. That will be his opportune moment to ambush me with questions I don’t want to answer. I will have to watch myself around him so that I do not give anything away.

Then, I noticed the looks of worry and anger aimed at Robbie and me. I almost swallowed back the fear that tried to slither up my throat. I think I just stepped on a hierarchy’s toe, and some are planning retribution while others show their dislike for his pestering.

“I’m sorry you came from a bad pack,” the woman said, interrupting the silence, “but I promise, this is a good pack. And I’m sure you’re wondering why Lycans are alphas over a werewolf pack…”

“No, Andy,” Marabelle said, laughingly. "That’s my job." The woman blushed but still held her smile. "I will tell her that." She turned to me, still wearing that bright smile. “She has always been like that. I guess that is why she is our Head Omega.”

“I love history,” Andy squealed in delight. “I just couldn’t believe my luck when I became mated with Jewel and moved here.”

“Your wolf’s eyes are yellow-orange,” an older man wearing a white shirt and black pants pointed out. He is seated a few seats down from the beta and gave no indication of who he is on the hierarchy scale. He puzzled me for a moment until he spoke again. “I’m Elder Teets. Only one was sent today for breakfast.”

“Oh,” I nodded. “A pleasure.”

“I find it interesting that your eyes shifted to that color instead of their original coloring,” he stated.

“How do you know that they changed colors?” I asked curiously.

“I’m an Elder,” he chuckled. “We know more than most people should. It is a part of the charm.”

I nodded, refusing to say anything else. I let him direct the conversation while I did damage control. It worried me that an elder, who is unlike the elders I know, could sense the difference in me. Moonbeam’s eyes were golden until her heart was broken by our mate. She has not been the same since. I think he knows that.

"Well, if everyone is done with their meal," Jake said, sounding amused, "then I think it goes without saying that you will protect our mate. Anyone in the pack that attacks her is attacking us. We will not tolerate it. Understanding?"

“Yes, Alpha,” they chorused.

“Good,” he nodded. “Mom, remember, only a half day today, not a full one. She has an appointment with the doctor.”

“Of course,” she purred. “I want time with my new daughter.”

“Don’t worry, Fiery Fox,” Ramsey purred in my ear, sending a thrill through me, “I’ll be with you.”

That thrill went straight between my legs. I wanted to revel in that feeling and even act on it, but I could not. It will only cost me if I do.