The Alpha's Lost Daughter

Chapter 2

At Pack the house…brother and future Alpha just arrived from Alpha College. Devon Blackburn walks through the large wood doors and stands in the entry for a moment. He looks around, and inhales. Filling his senses with home. Looking around, he sees the ordinary comings and goings of the pack house. An Omega sets down her dusting cloth and wipes the sweat from her brow. She sees him, and gasps softly.

She smiles before approaching him. “Welcome home, Mr. Devon. May I do anything for you?” She asks meekly.

“My father. Can you tell me where he is?” He replies not looking at her.

“His office.” She replies.

“My things need to be brought in from the car. See to it that it makes it to my room.” He replies dryly before turning and walking toward the dark hallway leading to the Alpha’s office. He knocks once before he hears his father say “Come in, son.”

“You’re home, I know you must be eager to take over the pack. But, you must first find your mate before I will step-down as Alpha and retire. There will be a gala to welcome you home. Several other packs will be coming. And bringing their daughters.”

“I imagine mother is beside herself with planning. She does love a party.” Devon replies grinning.

“Yes, she is all fluttering with activity. She’s tried getting Heather to help, but you know her.”

“It’s not like Heather to miss a chance to show off. How about my other sister?” He asks.

Devon looks at his father and studies his face, and sees anger in his eyes, before they cloud over before turning back to their usual blue.

“You have no other sister.” He snaps.

“Yes, I do. She disappeared when my real mother was killed. Did she die?” He asks.

“There was no sister. Just you and Heather.” His father stammers.

“Katarina. That is the name that stays in my mind.”

Devon’s father slams his fists onto the walnut desk, startling his son. “Never mention that name again and never speak of phantom sisters.” He growls.

Devon throws his hands up, “Alright, Dad. I understand.” He says and then turns to leave the office.

Once Devon passes the threshold, his father calms and then walks to a large window and looks out and surveys the pack lands, his line of sight stops at the tree line. “If she survived, she would be nearly 18 and able to shift into her wolf. We need higher security.” He mutters to the empty room.

Katarina and Talia arrive at work and begin their shift.

“I noticed you aren’t on the schedule this weekend.” Katarina says as she wipes down a table and pockets the tip. “My family has a thing and I am told I absolutely can’t miss it.” She replies.

“You and that mystery family. I thought for a long time you were a foster kid too.” She says setting a pile of dirty plates into a plastic bin. “It’s complicated. You know I don’t talk about my family.” She replies.

Her mind wanders into scenarios where her best friend completely cuts her out of her life and thinks she’s a lunatic for the actual truth. That she is a werewolf, and lives on the pack lands. Or that her mother and Katarina’s mother were friends, so close they were mistaken for sisters. And the very fact that Katarina is a werewolf, not just any shewolf, is the alpha’s missing daughter. She blocks out those thoughts and concentrates on work.

Katarina notices her friend’s deep thoughts, makes a mental note but keeps working.

After the diner closes and everything is cleaned Katarina and Talia clock out and walk to Talia’s car.

“How’d you do tonight?” Talia asks. Katarina counts the bills from her pocket. “$80 tonight. How about you?”

Talia grins and counts hers “$75” She replies and places the cash in her pocket again before they drive off.

“Are you ok, Tal? She asks the concern evident in her voice. “Yes, I am fine.” Talia replies as they pull out of the parking lot.

“You seemed somewhere else tonight.” She says looking at her friend.

“Just family stuff.” She replies as she parks in front of Katarina’s foster home.

“See you Monday then.” She says before opening the door.

Talia waits until her friend is safely inside before driving away.

She arrives home to find her mother Kristina Collins comparing a few different formal dresses. “Alpha said to wear pack colors. So we were doing blue and gold.” She says holding a blue dress with gold accents to her daughter. “This one will be perfect. You are sure to attract a mate in that.” Her mother says.

“Mother!” She exclaims as she feels her face heat. She isn’t sure if it was from rage or embarrassment.

“You’ll be getting your wolf soon, then you can sense your mate. But, if he has already gotten his wolf and had his first shift he can sense you.” She says excitedly as if Talia’s entire existence is to repopulate the entire wolf community alone.

“I don’t want a mate right away. I want to go to school. Kat and I have plans.” She says. Her mother just looks at her and then smiles. “Rita would be so proud of the young woman her daughter has grown into. But, heartbroken over how she’s been treated. Especially by her own father. Throwing her away like that.” She says with a hint of sadness mixed with anger over it.

Katarina walks inside her foster home and then locks the door behind her. The house is quiet, except for Mrs. Stanton watching television.

“Get to bed.” She barks. “Yes, Mrs. Stanton.” She mumbles before climbing the stairs and finding her room.