The Summer Alpha

Sometimes we must do things we don’t want to but it’s for the greater good. Or at least that is what we are made to believe. My name is Ruby, and I am a member of the Moon territory’s Shadow pack. When I was 8 years old, I was dropped off at the Sun territory’s Summer Harvest pack. I had a backpack filled with a couple items. Essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, and a couple snacks. My parents looked back at me in the back seat of the car. They reminded me that I had an important job to do and to never lose sight of the goal. That I wouldn’t see them for years, but they still loved me and would be so proud of me if I pulled this off. It was wintertime so despite it normally being warm and sunny in the Sun territories, it was cold. Luckily, I was used to that. I got out of the car and started to walk from the point where my parents dropped me off. I remember that my legs were cold, and I felt scared. The trees had already lost their leaves and in the dark of night it felt like they loomed over me. Despite this, I walked on. I had no choice. I looked behind me, at that time I thought of going back to the car and begging my parents to just take me home and I would deal with whatever punishment awaited. But there was nothing back there; they had already pulled away, so they didn’t draw attention. I had no choice but to continue forward towards the warm glow in the distance. When I finally reached that glow, I stopped in amazement. It was Christmas time, and the streets were covered in glowing lights. There were wreaths and sparkles everywhere. There were families walking on the sidewalks laughing and smiling. And it smelled amazing. It was all beautiful. I had never seen anything like it. The Moon territories were not poor, but the Shadow pack specifically was not cheery. Holidays and more importantly decorating was not a priority. Our pack members were warriors and assassins, trained since birth to fulfill different missions. Our land was cold and snowy almost all year round. When I arrived, I walked through the streets receiving weird stares from adults. I knew what they were probably thinking… Why was I walking alone and where were my parents? It wasn’t unexpected. While in the Shadow pack no one would question it but here it was abnormal. I approached the big house in the middle of everything. It looked like a castle compared to where I spent the first 8 years of my life. My parents had told me there was someone living here already, someone established and trusted by this pack. A beta... Beta Xavier, the alpha’s right-hand man. I walked up and the guards looked at me confused. “H-h-hello” I stuttered out, portraying an innocent child. “I am here to see my uncle.” I said, my voice soft. Now looking at the man he seemed a bit intimidating. I was not scared but now looking back maybe anxious... I had never been on a mission before and had never left the Shadow pack. Slight panic spread through my little body. He scoffed, “Who’s your uncle kid? You probably have the wrong place. I can’t help you if you’re lost so beat it.”. “No, I don’t think so sir. My uncle’s name is Xavier. He is here.” I spoke and the man’s eyes widened slightly. He didn’t say another word as he walked over to the other guard whispering something to him and then he walked back to his post in front of me. The other guard left and went inside. I stood there awkwardly as the guard stood in front of me silently. Soon I watched as the guard returned to the gate followed by an older man. “Beta Xavier this child claims you’re her uncle. Is this true?” the first guard I spoke to asked. “Yes. She is. Men this is Ruby, and she will be staying with me now.” Xavier spoke. I had never seen Xavier before, he stood very tall and seemed strong. Even at 8 years old I knew how to access a threat and he seemed like someone many would not want to get in an altercation with. “Come on Ruby.” He gestured for me to follow him. The guards stepped aside and returned to their post. I was quick to follow my uncle into the pack home. “Welcome to Summer Harvest Pack Ruby. Your parents told me a lot about you. I understand since we are not truly related it will be strange staying with me from now on- “. I stopped him, “I am completely prepared to complete my mission no matter how long it takes. My parents prepared me. Don’t worry.” I spoke. He scoffed, “My bad. Your task is important, and I forgot how they train us out there. I know you’re prepared.”. I felt a little more confident in myself hearing his words. He stopped. We had been walking down a long hallway. The home was beautiful, though I knew it was wrong I was excited to be able to live here. “You will follow me inside this room. I will speak with the alpha and luna. Stay quiet”. I nodded. He opened the door. The room was extravagant. A fireplace crackling and a giant Christmas tree in the corner decorated with twinkling lights and red and gold ornaments. The alpha and luna sat on the couch. Besides the fact they were the only ones in the room it wasn’t hard to tell their status. The woman was beautiful and elegant. Her brunette hair sparkled like the sun’s rays were shining on it, large brown eyes, tan skin and she smelled like sunflowers and fresh linen. The alpha was huge; short dark brown hair, black eyes, a short goatee that was well cared for. He smelled like cinnamon and whiskey, though that wasn’t too concerning since werewolves cannot get drunk. “My alpha Romeo and Luna Laura. I introduce to you my niece, Ruby. She is from the Riverwood pack. Her parents have passed away in an unfortunate accident and I have accepted responsibility as her guardian.” Xavier spoke respectfully to the large werewolf before him. The Riverwood pack was on the outskirts of the Sun’s territories. It was far enough that it was unlikely anyone would go searching for holes in our story but it was still in Sun territory so there was no suspicion of me. “I see Xavier... I apologize for your loss. She will be welcomed here. You can have tomorrow off to get her settled and enroll her in the school. The same my boys go to; Lottie already drives them every morning I’m sure one more won’t be a problem.”. I was surprised. I heard so many bad things about the alpha... Stories of his rampages and cruelty towards those living in the moon territories. My mother particularly hated the alpha as he had killed her brother, my real uncle. I reminded myself of this as I refocused on the mission. “Thank you, alpha Romeo.” Xavier bowed slightly. The luna watched but did not speak. She looked at me with pity in her eyes and maybe somewhere deep down I felt guilty for pushing this lie. But I ignored that feeling. I had a job to do. Xavier placed his hand on my shoulder. “Let’s go Ruby.” he said in a hushed tone as if trying to not disrupt the room. I nodded and followed him out. We walked down the hall and when I knew we were alone I spoke to him still in a hushed tone, “How long have you been part of this pack?” I asked. He chuckles softly, “It’s been a while… 33 years to be exact. My parents dropped me off here like you when I was 10 years old. Unfortunately, I never saw them again but that’s what I was prepared for.”. This made me sad hearing it. Was I never going to see my parents again? But I knew I couldn’t think that way. My job came first, and everyone was counting on me. That night I was given a room already prepared for me to stay in. It was twice the size of my old room with a queen bed that had the softest bedding. The next day I enrolled in a beautiful private school. Then I got to go shopping for a new wardrobe, books, school supplies, and a new phone. I was dropped off this young to establish trust and familiarity within the pack, the plan would not go into motion until I was 18. Though it kind of felt overwhelming I was determined to make the best of the situation. When I met alpha Romeo’s sons I was surprised. The first born was only 3 years older than me and the younger of the two was my age. I already knew their names and had a brief description of what they looked like. The oldest was Atlas and the one my age was Silas. My first impression of them wasn’t great. They seemed arrogant and spoiled; yet that didn’t matter to me. After my mission was done, they would be nothing to me. The weeks turned into months and the years blurred. I excelled at school getting straight A’s and becoming liked by many though I can’t say I particularly had a close group of friends. I was able to get closer with Atlas and Silas. Silas and I were in the same class. I still thought he was spoiled and honestly, I couldn’t stand him, but I acted sweet and respectfully. Even laying foundation for my plan by flirting here and there with him. The same was to be said about Atlas in terms of being spoiled and rude tough there would be moments where he would be the voice of reason truly showing that he was a bit older. I couldn’t really say I enjoyed my time living here because I simply didn’t allow myself too. I still missed my parents and wanted to make them happy. Though there was one thing that made my time here kind of nice... To keep up appearances I spent a lot of time with Xavier and grew to enjoy each other’s company. I think parents would disapprove but honestly, I had begun to consider him a close confidant and maybe even like family. Maybe even like my parent, since mine weren’t there to raise me. Today was finally it though. It was my 18th birthday, and I now had an opportunity to find my fated mate. At least that would be the scenario if it wasn’t part of the plan to manipulate the alpha’s son with this milestone. I look at myself in the mirror. Wavy long blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin; just some mascara and lip gloss. I wore a black low cut long-sleeve shirt with jeans and sneakers. It was comfortable but wouldn’t compromise my movement. I have been preparing for this, I told myself. I was ready. I was ready to complete my goal. I was ready to go home. I was ready to see my parents. I was ready to be done.