Rising Alpha

SAVANNAH S hallow spring water runs over rocks and the trickling of the creek usually calms me. That's why I came here, my most favorite place in the pack's little town but, not even today does it soothe my soul. How the hell am I supposed to perform the mating ceremony with a man I can't stand? The thought of tying the rest of my life with someone so revolting makes my stomach roll. Even the fragrance of the blooming lilies can't calm the storm brewing inside. I don’t know how long I've been here, but I can't stand the spectacle that's occurring right outside my home. After tonight, I'll have to move in with him and will never find a reprieve. It’s bad enough having to wear this stupid choker he gave me the night he proclaimed that I was his chosen mate. The words “Owned by Kevin” anger me each time I look in the mirror. I hate how every alpha I’ve known has been a d**k in some way. Granted, in my twenty-five years, this is only my second pack and it’s as horrid as the first one, just in different ways. Kevin, his beta, and his tight little circle of friends run the show here. All the others, mostly females, are at their mercy. I wish someone would be brave enough to let the regional leaders know, but he has friends in high places. They like to come here and partake in their sick little fantasies without their dirty secrets coming out. A branch breaks as someone heads my way. Please don't let this be him telling me it's time to head back. I'm not ready. The sun hasn't even started its descent yet so I should have at least another thirty minutes to an hour. He damn well better not be getting me early. The scent of jasmine and freesia fills my nose. Thank God, it's just Abigail, but why is she looking for me at a time like this? Maybe the wedding got called off? Could I be that lucky? Her curly black hair peeks through the trees behind me. She steps forward and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. Her black eyes stare at the ground and she tilts her head downward when she steps next to me. Great, I'm not even married to the ass and pack members are already cowering in my presence. This is off to a wonderful start. "Hey. Do you need something?" "Oh, I can leave if I'm bothering you." She begins to turn around and cowers even more. "No, that's not what I meant." Dear Lord, I refuse for them to lump me in with him. I know how it feels to have an egotistical narcissist lead a pack and I refuse to be perceived as that. "Please stay. It just seemed like something is bugging you." "Well, I was hoping you might be able to help me." She takes a deep breath then picks at her fingers. "Did something happen? Shouldn't you go to Kevin with any issues?" Why in the world is she coming to me? I'm not the alpha. "That's the thing." She kicks at the ground causing dust to cloud and fly in the breeze. "He might be causing the problem." Of course he is. He's a freaking ass-hat. "I'm sure he is." I hate how I'm lumped with him and now people are coming to me to help get them out of trouble. Like he would listen to me anyways. I'm just a trophy he can put on display. "I hate to ask even before the ritual, but I need your help." She steadies herself and glances at me briefly. "Rumors are he's going to send Charlotte to the lions’ pride." Damn, that's bad. Lions are known to be ruthless, especially to those that are different from their kind. They use wolves as play toys so for her to be mated off to one means she's going to one that has extremely low ranking and can't protect her. "Of course he is." "But she's young, only eighteen. She can't handle..." She says, but breaks off with a loud sob. "that. Is there anything you can do?" He's going to send a girl, barely a woman, to a lion pride. What the hell is wrong with him? He must be getting a hefty reward out of this. "I..." Dammit. They are already looking up to me as the alpha's mate, their only hope. There has to be something I can do. "I’ll see what I can do." Come hell or high water, I'll figure a way out for them. She lifts her heard and her mouth drops open. "You will help us?" The hope in her eyes breaks my heart. I don't know what it'll take, but there has to be a way out of it. "I'll do my best." Maybe I can barter an heir for her safety. Her curls bounce as she begins her trek back to our little village. "I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't that. Thank you." There has to be some way to reason with that man. I’ve just got to figure out what that is. This is supposed to be the time to calm my nerves, not get riled up again. But soon there won't be any peace left to find. Maybe I should run off to the abandoned shack I found a month back and hide out. Yes, I'd be alone and crazy, but it has to be better than this. Even though the woods are quiet, a vanilla scent infiltrates my senses. Holy crap, is another person seeking me? Maybe people want a chance to talk to the future alpha's mate alone and before the ceremony. "Savannah, um, do you have a minute?" Alison walks out but her belly is the first thing to appear. I can't imagine being pregnant. It’s hard enough for a wolf to carry a healthy child to term, but to have an abusive husband has to make it that much worse. When the light hits her, it amplifies the black bruises around her neck and right eye since it contrasts with her long, blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. "Are you okay?" I bet it was her prick mate. He's in tight with Kevin and they both have the tendency to be hot-headed. This is what my future looks like. "Did Freddy do this to you?" "Uhh... no." Tears fill her eyes and she quivers. "I..." Oh, hell no. She's not going to get a chance to lie to me. "Maybe I should rephrase that." Maybe putting it bluntly will prevent this from getting awkward. "Don't lie to me. I know you didn't fall down or run into something." She came to me for a reason, so I'm not going to let her lose her nerve. We have to be strong together. "He lost the poker game last night." A tear falls down her face and she closes her eyes. "It made him angry, and he let his frustration out on me.”