The Rise of the Tribrid

Chapter Four Naomi

The day went differently in some ways for a change. Alpha Titus had called Naomi to his office which was nothing unusual. He called her to his office often to pick her brain about pack politics. As secret as it was kept, Naomi was a natural strategist. The warriors had unknowingly used her formations in battles against the rogues for the last five years. She had been his secret right hand unbeknownst to his Beta. Unfortunately, he trusted a child more than the man that was supposed to be his best friend. Now Naomi was about to be upgraded to his secret weapon for as long as he had left.

Naomi had attempted to take the back way into the pack house in order to go unnoticed. When she looked behind her and saw Ashlynn and her cronies watching she knew it would be a long day. Ignoring them she continued on her way. By the time she reached the hallway and where the Alpha's office was she had been yelled at, shoved and spit at. 'And my luck is never ending,' she thought as she came face to face with Luna Amelia. "What do you think you are doing on the Alpha's floor," she demanded. Before Naomi could open her mouth to answer Amelia continued. "You are not welcome here you little freak.". She gave Naomi a little shove.

"What have I ever done to you?" Naomi couldn't help it. Usually she just took whatever abuse was thrown her way, but since Nova had gained strength things were different. The insults and abuse that Naomi would normally take, Nova refused to.

"How dare you speak back to me. But since you want to know. I don't like you or that wretched mother of yours. You don't think I know she and the Alpha have something going on behind my back? And you. I see the way you look at Dean. But you might as well get that thought out of your head. It's never going to happen freak." She shoved Naomi into the side table in the hallway. Naomi flicked her a glance above the lenses of her shades and allowed her fangs to peek out. Amelia froze not sure if her eyes were deceiving her. The moment Naomi took a step towards her, the door to the Alpha's study opened. Both women jerked their heads in that direction to see Dean walking out. Alpha Titus stepped in the doorway. "Is there a problem out here," he asked looking between the two.

"She shouldn't be on this floor. I was just dismissing her.". Titus grimaced at the way Amelia spoke about Naomi as though she were a servant. It didn't go unnoticed. "What? She's nothing but the pack's freak. She has no business up here."

"How becoming of a Luna," Titus drawled sarcastically. Turning away from Amelia he looked at Naomi. "Thank you for coming Naomi. Come on in," he said. The stunned look on Amelia's face was more than enough to make his day.

"What reason do you have to want to see her?"

"Doesn't concern you."

"I should be in attendance," she professed as she followed Naomi to his office. Naomi strode in and Alpha Titus blocked Amelia's way. "What are you doing," she demanded.

"You are not needed."

"It is inappropriate for you to be in there alone with her." She took a step back and gulped as she saw his eyes flicker to black. His wolf took offense to her interference. "Would you say that about another she-wolf in this pack? Would you say that about Ashlynn," he demanded through gritted teeth. She remained silent. There was nothing she could say or do as he shut the door in her face and locked it. Amelia stared at the door for a moment and walked away. No point in hanging around. The room was sound proof. If she didn't have so many duties to get to, she would have found a way to eavesdrop.

Naomi dropped in the seat in front of the desk. "What's up?". Titus just smiled. She was the only one who got away with being so informal with him.

"Happy birthday ma'am."

"You remembered."

"I remember every year do I not?"

"Yes but..."

"Naomi. I won't change. I won't ignore you or mistreat you because of what someone else says.". Naomi smiled. Alpha Titus slid a thick envelope across the desk towards her.

"What's this," she asked as she picked it up.

"Open it." Naomi opened the envelope and gasped. She ran her fingers across the hundred dollar bills. She looked up at him with a perplexed expression. "Fifty thousand in cash."

"Why?"

"I just have a feeling my days are numbered.". Naomi opened her mouth to speak, but he held up a hand to stop her. "I know Amelia has been plotting against me. I don't know who all is involved but I know that there will be no fighting it. Gentry will be here soon for Winter."

"I'll be going with them though.". He reach across the desk and grabbed her by the wrist.

"No," he said harshly. "If you go with them the covens will either kill you on sight or use you as a weapon. And knowing you, you will never bow down to let someone use you that way. You can not go with them. Please don't," he practically begged. Naomi stared him in the eyes. She opened herself up to him and found nothing but honesty.

"Okay. The money?"

"To get you started away from here. There are instructions for you to follow to get what is yours."

"What's mine?"

"The money your parents left, the businesses; everything."

"But...."

"You are not to leave anything to them. They certainly have done you no good."

"I know but -"

"Do you want Ashlynn to live lavishly off your back...off your parents back?" Naomi flinched at that statement.

"That won't happen. Dean is my mate.". Titus smiled. He had been right.

"Be that as it may. His mother has more of a hold on the boy than I do. Pack your bags Naomi. Be prepared. If it comes down to it use your magic to get away from this place."

"If it comes to that I will."

"No work for you today.". Titus smiled at her. Relieved that he had protected her the best way he could at the end. He knew without the shadow of doubt that his end was near. But his end would be her beginning.