Shadow Moon: Secrets

Alpha Duties

Carter POV

                “You wanted to see me, Dad?” I asked after knocking and slowly opening the door to the Alpha’s office. Because we were still in school normally, I’d spend Saturday’s hanging with my friends. But today was my 18th birthday, and after I finished school, I would be inducted as the ranking Alpha of the Shadow Moon Pack. I assumed that’s why my father, Nolan Grey, had requested my presence in his office this morning.

                “Yes, Carter, Happy Birthday, son.” He started with an almost unnoticed smile on his face. “I know today is all about your introduction, as well as Scarlett’s. However, you’ll be the Alpha soon and I have some things we should discuss ahead of that.” He gestured towards the chairs in front of him and I took my seat as indicated. I wanted to grumble but being an Alpha came first. Regardless of whether I wanted to be alpha or not.

                I had been working under my father for years. Learning the ins and outs to how to run a pack. I wasn’t sure what could be so pertinent to interrupt me on my birthday. I mean regardless of having gone to training this morning, I had planned on just hanging out with my friends until it was time to prepare for tonight’s ceremony.

                My father cleared his throat, opening a folder in front of him on his desk. “The last few days we’ve been in meetings with your future gamma, Scarlett. I’m sure you’ve all noticed.” He spoke clearly to the point. Sometimes I wished my father was more relaxed.

                “Yes. We’ve all noticed that. After that rogue attack, I assumed it was related and in assurance that she was handling it well?” I answered.

                “To an extent. But as future Alpha you’ll need to know more. “A moment later I heard a knock interrupting my father’s thought. I turned in my seat standing to open the door. I was surprised to see Scarlett standing they, as well as Riley. I raised my eyebrows and turned to my father.

                “Just in time, Beta Riley, Gamma Scarlett, please come in and join Alpha Carter and me. I’d like to keep this visit short and to the point so we can get on with tonight’s festivities. Beta Adrian and Harry will be along shortly.” Now I was confused. What could need both the current and future generations of ranked members in the office? This was obviously more important than I had expected.

                I returned to my seat watching as Scarlett and Riley took a seat on the couch. As my father had stated Adrian and Harry joined us shortly after. Harry took a moment to lock the door to ensure privacy. Without a doubt this was going to be much more than a simple lecture of how to conduct myself as an alpha after all.

                “Beta, Gamma.” I nodded in their direction and switched seats, to be closer to Scarlett and Riley. Once more Alpha Nolan cleared his throat. “Great everyone’s here. As you all know, Scarlett and Lily were attacked by a rogue at the mall. We’ve had him interrogated in the dungeons, and while it took a few days in the early hours of this morning he finally spoke. As we suspected, Lily was not the target, but instead he was hoping the distraction would blindside Scarlett allowing him to capture her. He was ordered by a hang ranking rogue that goes by the name of Death. Obviously, it’s an alias. However, we must take this threat seriously. Being that we are barely over a month away from a transition in power, I felt it best to come up with a plan of action with the three of you.”

                Why would they attack Scarlett? Evan, my wolf asked out of curiosity. I mentally shrugged at him waiting to be briefed further on the situation.

                Scarlett raised her hand by her side, as if to gain the attention from my father. “Alpha Nolan, if I may? I feel we should fill them in on everything. Not just the attack.” Her words quivered as she spoke as if she was afraid to speak. “If I’m to remain truly protected the ranking members of the pack need to know everything.” She said with a little more certainty.

                My ears peaked up at her comments. My blue eyes scanning over the petite girl I’d grown to love as one of my closest friends. I felt slightly concerned and betrayed that she had a secret from us. Something we didn’t know about her that would indicate she end up being targeted. “I agree, father, if this has to do with Scarlett, we all need to know the full story.” Riley shook his head up and down in a fever of agreement. “I agree with my Alpha and Gamma, Alpha Nolan. If there’s anything we need to know.”

So much for this being a fast meeting. It had been hours. We went over everything of what they suspected of Scarlett’s history and pedigree. I couldn’t help but agree with them. I was shocked to hear that Scarlett seemed to possess supernatural gifts that were not natural to wolves in general. As was Riley, he was still sitting there with a shocked look on his face.

                “We’ll need to increase security patrols. Any rogues found close to the territory need to be questioned or killed. We cannot have any weak fronts. If Scarlett is gifted as you suspect, they won’t stop trying to come for her.” I surprised myself when I spoke. I was often the goof of the group, rarely serious. I couldn’t let my nature stop me from protecting those closest to me though.

                My father smiled widely. As though he was proud to see my protective instincts shine through. I ran a nervous hand through my shaggy brown hair, looking over at Scarlett. “Gamma, as I understand it, they must have been following you and Lily. I would like to order an escort for you anytime you leave pack grounds. I understand you were able to protect yourself this time, but next time they may bring more.”

At first, I expected Scarlett to argue with me, but she didn’t. She simply nodded. “Yes, Alpha.” She spoke simply, calmly. The small blonde woman never ceased to amaze me with her ability to always stay so calm and proper. I used to think it was because she was shy, but I’ve come to learn it was just her nature.

Alpha Nolan stood up to address the group. “I’ve taken up enough of your big day with pack business.” He waved his hands indicating Riley, Scarlett and myself. “I look forward to the ceremony with you all tonight. It will be a pleasure to introduce Carter and Scarlett into the pack. As will it be for you next month Riley. I look forward to seeing you all take on your birth rights.”

Always so formal, my father. The three of us stood and nodded at Harry and Adrian before leaving the room. As soon as we were a way from the office I spun around and grabbed Scarlett by the arm. “What the actual hell, Scarlett? You held a guy to the wall without even touching him?! And you didn’t think to tell us?!”

I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Carter. Apollo my wolf spoke a fierce warning. She wasn’t our mate why was he being so damn protective. And then it happened. I flew backwards and landed on the couch in the alpha living quarters. “Oomph! What the hell!?” I was fine, but dazed.

Scarlett and Riley laughed heavily amongst themselves as Scarlett turned to jog over to me. “Sorry Carter, you caught me off guard. I can’t really control it yet.” It was as if she had done it simply to prove her story to me. But she was still laughing heavily as she fell to the couch next to me.

                I couldn’t be mad at her though. Watching her golden hair bounce around her as she laughed harder. Was it so funny? My pride was slightly wounded after all.

“My gamma is an Alpha. With X-Men like freaking powers. And you wait to warn me until I’m practically already flying across the room. Thanks a lot man.” I muttered to Apollo. “We find out she’s got some form of telekinesis and you think it’s a great idea to just randomly grab her. I’d say you deserved your little flying lesson. “Apollo snorted back at me.

He was right. I should have considered that my attempt at grabbing her could be sensed as threatening. I shook my head looking over at Riley who was still smirking and laughing at me. “Alright, alright guys. I get it. Scarlett just whipped me into place. It’s hilarious. Ha. Ha. So funny.” I smiled grabbing Scarlett’s hand. “Let’s just say I’m so thankful you’re my gamma and not my enemy.” Scarlett squeezed my hand and stood up pulling me with her. “Come on boys, we’ve got a ceremony to prepare for and you both may have found that funny, but let’s face it, if I’m late, Lily will do a lot worse than throwing me across the room.”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed at Scarlett’s statement. She wasn’t wrong. Lily probably had Scarlett’s entire day planned out. Thankfully Riley and I simply needed to dress in suits. But I had no doubt in my mind that Lily would turn into a fireball force that was impossible to reckon with if we didn’t all fall in line. “Let’s get to it guys. I’ll see you tonight!”

Scarlett rushed off downstairs. I’m sure she had headed to the Gamma floor. I turned to look at Riley. “Want to play some call of duty or something? I highly doubt it’s gonna take us hours to get ready for tonight?” I asked with a smirk. Riley moved to sit on the couch reaching for a control. “You’re on, man. But you better play that game better than you took that flight.” He laughed again.