AlphaLuna

Calm before the storm

I opened my eyes to the bright penetrating sunlight. My head felt like it was on a merry-go-round. “Aiyana!” I heard a familiar voice yell out to me. I scoffed, “she’s still here” I whispered as the door to my bedroom swung open. I sat up on my bed and looked at the woman standing in the doorway. She was gorgeous, her hair dark as night and her skin was envied by many, soft copper toned skin with a hint of bronze. She smiled widely, “mooooom” I whined. “Oh don’t give me that!” She chuckled. “It’s time!!” She exclaimed raising her hands above her head. I quickly stood up and rushed around the room looking through the tornado that had taken up residency there for my ceremony outfit. I wore a graceful blouse in our house colors, navy blue and white with gold accessories and a pair of black leggings along with some knee high navy blue heel-toe boots. I added natural makeup, nude eyeshadow and pink blush, with matte rose lipstick and body highlighter, I felt elegant. I stepped out of my bedroom into the long hallway, my mom followed behind, tears swelling up in her eyes. I nudged her shoulder slightly and held her hand in mine. “I’m so proud of you” she whispered as we made our way down the stairs into the great hall. The whole pack was there, staring up at me. I felt butterflies attacking my guts and sweat began to develop on my palms. I tried to keep my breathing steady as I walked into the crowd, I was greeted lovingly, each member bowed their head in respect and gave me a hug. I felt very lucky. We made our way to the backyard, decorative wood benches aligned in two rows and a navy blue carpet spread through the center, there were shimmering lights wrapped around pillars that stood in four corners, vines of blue and white dyed hibiscus flowers and more lights created a ceiling cover between the pillars, the smell was intoxicating, it smelled like the very ocean itself. I walked down the center as everyone else took their seat. “Welcome all” a booming deep voice came from a white stand at the end of the carpet.

I bowed my head as I neared a tall man, his hair down his knees, straight and pitch black, his skin copper and filled with wisdom and age, he had pure Native American features and wore them ever so proudly. He was dressed casually, his smile was perfection, he smelled of mesquite and mountain rain. “Elder Calian” i whispered. “My dear girl” he boomed as he chuckled. His voice was strong and deep and could shake the very roots out of the ground. He was strong and bold. “I am very proud of the long way you have come.” He gestured for me to turn to face the pack, I stood next to him as he placed his arm around my shoulder. “For many moons, we waited until this day, and for many moons we mourned the loss of our previous Alpha.” He began his speech, he bowed his head at the mentioned of our previous Alpha. I shifted in place uncomfortably. “For 7 full moons, Aiyana has completed one task. On the first moon, she retrieved the heart of the ocean, buried beneath the coral. A task most feared by any Alpha. A task of danger and life threatening. A task she completed ever so gracefully. On the second moon, Aiyana retrieved the diamond that burned at the center of the volcano. Yet another task worthy of ones fear. On the third moon, Aiyana forged her own crown beneath the earth, six feet under. A task that I myself could not bear. On the fourth moon, she climbed the highest mountain and harnessed the wind. On the fifth moon, she went in search of her spiritual epiphany and managed to gain communication with our ancestors. On the sixth moon, she bared her true self for all to see, she announced her intentions and emotions, she connected and linked with her pack. And On the seventh moon, she shifted.” An uproar of applause filled the air. I felt my cheeks burn red. I bowed to the pack. “And with this I announce to you all, your new Alpha, Alpha Aiyana!” I felt a rush fill my heart as the entire pack began to howl as loud as their lungs would allow. I took a step forward. Everyone fell quiet and looked upon me, waiting patiently. I swallows the knot in my throat and began. “My father... Alpha Chetan, was proud of all of his pack members. He knew you all by name. He made it his mission to memorize and celebrate each and everyone’s special days. He created this family. He strengthened this family. His loss was greatly felt.” I choked. “I plan to follow in his footsteps. I am not as smart” I laughed, “and I am not so great at remembering. But I ask that you please have patience and faith in me.” I bowed again. A bit lower this time. Everyone stood from their seats and made their way to me, each giving me the warmest embrace they could muster. I felt so many emotions take over me, tears falling like rain from eyes. I bonded with each pack member. After the announcement was done, we all made our way onto the tables that were set up next to the decor, plates were being served, music began to play in the background, very one enjoyed a buffet of variety home cooked meals the pack wives had prepared. I sat at the end of the table. My mother sat next to me. She patted my shoulder in comfort. “You have done fantastic” she smiled. I nodded at her and began to take small yet satisfying bites of the food, I only took small bites in order to sample each and every single dish the pack members had made. They were grateful. After it was over, and everyone had made their way home, a few members stayed behind to help clean up. “You go rest dear. I will catch up” my mother said as she shushed me into the house. I stood in the corridor, staring at a picture of my father. He was handsome, tall, long black hair down to his knee, he always kept it neat and braided. His features were prominent and strong. I barely remember what his scent was like. It was that smell of rain hitting the dirt when it first arrived mixed with crackling fire and a hint of peppermint. I missed it. His voice boomed also, like Elder Calian, except his was tougher, meaner, with much more authority. It brought fear to those who didn’t know him. His death was of natural cause. Unexpected and shocking. I was only 14. I felt a hand heavy on my shoulder, I looked down next to me and my mother handed me a small box, I reached for it. “Happy Birthday Aiyana” she smiled. I opened the box and inside found a bracelet with a letter underneath. The bracelet was gold, it had an inscription written in another language. It fit perfectly against my wrist. I made my way into my bedroom and sat on the gaming chair next to my desk. I swung the chair around a few times deciding whether or not to read the letter. I opened it slowly, I immediately recognized the handwriting as I felt my throat close against my will:

Dearest Aiyana

My Lomasi, I love you so much. This bracelet is to be in your possession by your 18th birthday. It is a protection bracelet to shield you from enemies if need be. Do not remove it under any circumstance. If I don’t make it to then, I want you to know I am proud of you. You will one day make a wonderful Luna my dear girl. I have arranged for you to meet a match on the day following your birthday, it is time for you to find your mate and so many different packs will be visiting in the days to come to present suitors. I hope you find your mate. Do not be afraid my Lomasi. Love can be scary but, it is also very beautiful. I could not have asked for a better mate than your mother and I hope you find that as well. Lomasi, you will do great things. Between you and many, I have met with most of the suitors and I can say, I have chosen only the best for you. I can’t wait to see the woman you become. Love-Your Papá.

Tears flooded my eyes until I lost vision. “If I don’t make it to then...” I repeated. Do you think he knew? I called out to Seven, He was an Alpha of many skills and talents and blessings. He could’ve known. Or he could’ve just written it as a shot in the dark. Either way, we are getting a mate! Seven exclaimed way too enthusiastically. I had just a few minutes of being 25 and already she was trying to trap me into a lifelong relationship with a complete stranger. This made no sense. I folded the letter and placed it underneath my rose quartz pyramid my friend Alyssa had gifted me for a birthday a few years ago. It was my most favorite object. I stood from the chair and proceeded to get ready for bed, but something felt, off. Something was tugging at me. I couldn’t quite figure out what. I stepped out of the room and into the hall. It was quiet, too quiet. I made my way down the stairs and into the living room. Not a person in sight. I shrugged my shoulders and before I could turn around, I heard the basement door creek open. I peeked over at it, expecting someone to appear. I inched closer to the door, I opened it but all that was there was darkness. I stepped past the door and continued down the steps, using the wall to my left to guide myself until finally I stopped and felt the light switch, I flicked it upward and let out a screech. “SURPRISE!!!!” The entire room bellowed, I winced at the loud sound that had startled me, my hand immediately clutching onto my chest, my friends came stampeding toward me and embraced me in the most aggressive group hug. When they finally released me I stepped towards the back of the room as I saw one of my friends, Tay approach me, he gave me a side hug and kissed my cheek, I smiled, “happy birthday Alpha. So... have you found your mate?” I nodded in disagreement, his face lit up with enthusiasm, “good” I giggled, “why’s that?” I said slyly, “because I still have a chance” he smiled as big as his huge pearly whites could shine, he towered over me and his skin was light, he had eyes blacker than coal you couldn’t see his pupils. “You’re literally 17” I chuckled at him, placing a hand on his shoulder, he stepped closer and placed his hand on my shoulder as well, “you know I’m more than willing” he glared at me, I laughed nervously and stepped farther away from him, “not until you’re 18!!!” I mumbled as I turned to walk away, just then I felt a hand grasp my forearm and pull me to a halt, a wide grin on her face shone bright as ever, “Alpha” she bowed her head, I smacked her arm playfully, “shut up!” I responded as she handed me a red cup, “here drink, there’s food and games! And oh my gosh, so many hot guys!” I chuckled at her excitement. Alyssa and I were childhood friends, we grew up together side by side. I trusted her more than anyone else. She stood beside me and I could feel her swaying against my side, she was buzzing. I scanned my eyes around the room and realized some of these people were strangers. “Uhm... who are all these people?” I ask warily. “Oh... uhm well... during your ceremony, alphas from other packs began to arrive... apparently they’re suitors.” She shrugged as she took a sip. My eyes widened, I poured the liquid into my mouth, it was sweet and sour, I felt it leave traces of heat burning in my throat, I coughed at the sensation, “suitors?” I asked as she handed me another cup full of liquid gold. “Yeah... they didn’t want to wait any longer. They heard of your Alpha ceremony and came straight away” I excused myself and walked over to a table where drinks were being mixed. I was feeling queasy and nervous and I could feel the drinks start to hit a little to hard. “Happy birthday my Alpha” I heard a familiar voice chime to me. I turned around and saw my friend Sherry, she was my height, straight brown hair always tucked into a high bun, she was curvy but slim and her eyes were as blue as the sky. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips full, she wore large gold hoop earrings and a set of gold chains. She liked jewelry a lot. She smelled like roses to me. Although, I wasn’t too fond of that scent. It was okay on her. I smiled at her, and nodded my head as I took another sip, she stepped closer and placed a kiss on my cheek, it left a prickly sensation behind, “I’ve seemed to be getting a lot more kisses today than ever” I smirked. She stepped closer, “are you enjoying the party? I hear all these people are here for you” she placed her hand on my thigh and I felt a tingling sensation at my core. She inched much closer, I could smell the alcohol on her tongue, my mouth watered, she intertwined her fingers into mine, then it hit me like a sack of bricks.

The smell enveloped me into a trance, my pupils dilated until my eyes were completely black, Sherry pulled back, “Alpha? Are you okay??” She asked, her voice trembling in fear. I took a deep breath letting the scent fill my lungs, it smelled of whiskey on ice on a hot summer day mixed with honeysuckle. Mate! Seven exclaimed and perked up. “Mate” I repeated aloud. Sherrys eyes widened and I could hear her stomach fall into a pit, I could see how her heart had broken. I flicked her hand away from mine and stood to follow the enticing scent leaving her behind. I walked to the center of the room as I was getting closer to the scent when it caught me by surprise. A different scent slapped me in the face, this one was butter on fresh toast with strawberry jam and hot chocolate. My mouth watered. That scent was on the other side of the room. I walked toward that one when another scent attacked my senses, this one much stronger than the others, it smelled of cinnamon and smoking Cherry wood. it was coming from the doorway. Aiyana... there are three? Seven questioned. Is that possible? Maybe I’m too intoxicated. Maybe I’m just tired. Or confused. There’s no way. AIYANA! We have three mates!!!! Seven resonated within me, startling me. I had never known her to be this happy. I supposed having more than one companion is a gift to her. I tried to make sense of what Seven was saying, completely lost in thought I ignored the scents that were getting closer. “Alpha” a strong and deep voice pulled me from my own mind. I turned around and there they stood, three, each 6’2 platinum white short hair styled into a combed over high fade, their jawlines could cut diamonds, their noses were perfection, their brows low and a bit darker than their hair. Their eyes were as white as snow, it was like looking at the clouds. I felt hypnotized. Their body’s looked well kept. They smiled as they looked me up and down and everywhere in between. I felt my heart racing. My eyes were still dilated. They took slow deep breaths. “Lotus flowers and ocean breeze” the middle one said. “Chamomile tea and honey” the one on the left stated. “Mango, oranges... coconuts... A FRUIT BASKET” the one on the right shouted. I laughed. “What are you taking about?” I tilted my head. The middle one looked at me in awe and raised one eye brow. “Your scent” I scoffed. “But how can I have three different scents? Impossible” I spat. “It’s what you smell to each of us. Pardon our manners” the middle one bowed, “We are the Alphas of Adair” the others bowed along with him. “We are of Scottish descent. Born and raised in the highlands.” The one to the right commented. I scrunched my face and pursed my lips. “And... your names?” I questioned. They straightened up, “I am Anthony” the middle one said firmly. “I am Michael” the one to the left said, “and I am Zachary” the one to the right smiled gently. I smiled, “pleased to meet you. I am Aiyana. Aiyana Adsila.” The one on the right lifted his eyebrows, “your name is ‘eternal blossom, blossom?’” He scratched his head. I let out a laugh that filled the room. “Yes. But we don’t really count the second blossom... just eternal blossom” I smiled. “Hmm” the middle one hummed. “Well Lomasi, we should discuss this situation” i snapped out of my trance immediately as I heard him call me that name. I stood in shock, I felt a cold wave of pain wash over me. “Will you excuse me?” I stammered. I shook my head and walked around the three brothers, I walked as quickly as I could past the living room, past the great hall, and stumbled up the stairs. “Damn this buzz” I said as I kept pushing myself. I reached my bedroom and slammed the door shut. Sweat was trickling down my forehead. My breathing was heavy and I felt like I was stabbed in the chest. Lomasi. The word repeated in my mind, his soft Scottish accent echoed the word. He didn’t know, he was being sweet. You’re not thinking rationally. He couldn’t have known. They are from Scotland. Please... explain to him. Don’t let them go. Please. Seven begged. I quieted her down and kept to myself. I rushed into the restroom and began to strip my clothes. I turned on the hot water and slipped in. I let the shower pour around and on me. I sat in the middle of the tub, letting the water splash against my skin. The steam rose quickly. I hugged my knees and buried my face in them. I felt my heart ripping to a million pieces all over again.

I ignored a knock at the door. I stayed out. No sound came from the other side. I washed up and made my way out of the tub, I covered myself in a large beach towel and turned off the water. I wrapped my hair in another towel and stepped out into the bedroom. “Alpha” Sherry stood from my bed and bowed her head. “Sherry... uh... you okay?” I smiled softly. She nodded and smiled back. She stepped closer to me, I could hear her heart racing, I could hear her breathing heavier and heavier, her scent of roses was mixed in with the heavy alcohol scent from her lips. She placed each hand on my shoulders and stared deeply into my eyes. I began to squirm in place. “Alpha. I know it can never be” she began, I twisted in place, “Sherry... uhm I thin—“ she crashed her lips onto mine mid sentence, my eyes widened, I felt her tongue hot against mine, I relaxed and let it happened. With one swift movement she loosened my towel and let it drop to the floor, she was aggressive and hungry, she groped my breasts and kneaded my skin in each place she set her hand on. I moaned softly into her mouth, she grabbed me by the waist and led me to the bed. She disconnected her lips from mine and made her way down, I felt shocks intensify inside me as she placed her hands against my inner thighs and spread them apart, without a second thought she ran her hot tongue from the top of my cl*t down the lips on each side and finally she inserted her tongue, she s*cakes all my juice from within me as I squirmed against her face in slow motion, moving my hips in circles. She focused the tip of her tongue on my cl*t and shoved two fingers deep into me. I let out a cry, she thr*sted her hand quickly and desperately, I felt hot flashes wash over me as I finally released and squ*rted all over her face, letting out a moan that shook the bed.The door slammed opened.