The Alpha King's Invitation

Chapter 1: The Invitation

Raelynn’s POV“Wake up or I’m eating your pancakes.”

I groaned and rolled over trying to cling to sleep for just a little bit longer.

“To bad too because they’re really good today.”

The voice was louder. And more annoying. I ignored him and continued to cling to sleep.

“Ok. You leave me no choice.”

I was tired but I knew what that meant.

I grabbed onto the bars of my bed and felt cold hands close around my ankles and pulled. I held on for dear life but I felt the wood move under my hands and, because I love my bed more than I need to prove a point, I let go.

I went flying off the bed and heard a thud and a “f**k” from my attacker.

“Served you right.” My sister said from the doorway, “That’s an awful way to wake up a lady, Owen.”

I groaned and sat up, “Just kick him out and get me a normal alarm clock.” I complained.

“I would Ray but you’ve broken every single alarm clock that we’ve got you. After the tenth one, I’m pretty sure that alarms filed a restraining order against you.”

I’ve never been a morning person. Never have, Never will. And when it came to waking up I had the unfortunate habit of being a bit violent when it comes to the things waking me up. I had to stop using my phone as an alarm after I threw my third phone against the brick wall of my bedroom.

I looked up at my sister.

My sister, Eve, is tall, maybe five foot six with strawberry blonde hair that fell past her shoulders in natural waves. She has an athletic body with defined muscles, a decent butt, and good-sized breasts. She’s the ideal older sister. I’m just not her ideal little sister. Her ice-blue eyes turned to glare at my attacker.

Owen’s my older brother, by like a week, he’s almost six foot with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. He’s got a good-looking face and is very protective of me. He lets me live my life but, especially when it comes to boys, the less he knows the better it is for the guy’s face.

“How many times do I have to tell you; Never use force.” Eve said, crossing her arms and leaning against the door frame.

“I tried using breakfast E.” Owen groaned, standing up, “It didn’t work.”

“Well dip-s**t, if at first you don’t succeed, don’t try force.” Eve says, rolling her eyes, “Honestly, with Brett gone, I’m the one who has to look after you two.” I watched her as she turned and walked down the hall muttering something about the goddess and gray hairs.

Owen didn’t say anything, he just got up and left the room, closing the door behind him.

I sat there cross-legged in the doorway to my adjoined bathroom. Well. I guess I’m up now. I stood up, stretched then stripped off my pajamas to take a shower.

I love taking shower, just the feeling of being clean and fresh makes me feel alive.

Once out of the shower I twist my hair into a towel, dry myself off with another towel and walk into my room to get dressed.

While I’m grabbing a pair of underwear and a bra my door opened then shut.

"Put some clothes on." Owen yells from outside.

"I was just in the shower you moron." I yell back, but I don't care. It was just my back and my ass. Whatever.

"Eve says you better hurry if you wanna make your last day of school."

I roll my eyes, "It's just a meeting. It's not school."

"I know but that’s what she said." He replies then left.

I got dressed in an oversized gray camo crop top, a black sports bra, and my favorite pair of black cargo pants with tons of pockets. I top it off with a silver-studded belt, my usual jewelry consisting of a watch, 8 piercings and a necklace that was my mother’s, and a pair of sneakers.

I’m what my sister calls ‘a rebel’ which I’m not. I’m more of a tom boy who likes pickets and pants unlike most of the girls in my pack who like dresses and mini skirts.

I only got the title of ‘rebel’ after my adoptive parents dies and left their fraternal twins to raise Owen and I. I was fourteen when my parents died in a rogue attack. After that, I saw how tough both Eve and my other brother, Brett, were being and so, as not to worry them, I decided to become tough. At least on the outside.

So I pierced my ears eight up the side, one daith piercing, one nose stud, and a belly button piercing. So not much. Haven’t gotten a tattoo though, but I want to.

I went back into my bathroom to brush my waist-length hair before brushing the other way and putting it in a messy bun. I don't have the effort it takes to deal with it. Plus it’s not like I’m trying to impress anyone. Then I grabbed my wallet and phone then headed downstairs for breakfast.

"Finally." Owen groaned standing up.

"Sit your ass down." Eve said bringing a plate of pancakes, bacon and eggs, and setting them down in my spot.

"But-" He starts but he stops when she glared at him.

"Why are you so impatient?" I asked, grabbing a piece of bacon.

Eve and I made eye contact before we laughed.

"Maya." We said together.

Maya Santiago is my best friend in the world and Owen is convinced she's his mate even though she’s not eighteen yet and it's not an exact science.

I asked Maya and all she said was that if she was gonna do the 'best friends brother' kink that she'd pick Brett instead.

I chuckled at the memory and ate in silence.

"You know," Eve said sitting down, "you could dress more feminine."

I rolled my eyes and kept eating, “I like the way I dress.” I said flatly. It’s not like we haven’t had this conversation before.

Eve and I had different tastes. Eve always loved to try and dress me in 'pretty things' like mini skirts and glittery tops. But I liked pants and shirts that didn't catch on things. I liked to keep my ass covered and not wear a shirt that basically says 'here are my boobs, like their display case? They are conveniently packaged for your easy access’.

“I just don’t understand that with your curves, you chose to dress like a 1990s hip hop star.” She groaned, leaning back in her chair.

“I have to agree with E on this one.” Owen nodded, “You could dress a little feminine but I like that I don’t have to beat boys away.”

I sighed, there was no arguing this point. True, I had the hourglass figure that men were dying to f**k and the s*x drive to back it up. And it had been mentioned to me that if I dressed a little different I could be the hottest girl in school but I wasn’t looking to be the center of attention.

I went to wash my dishes but Eve stopped me, “Leave ‘em. I’ll wash them later. You’re late.”

I looked at my watch and chuckled, “I’ve got ten minutes to walk, maybe five minutes, to the training grounds.”

“Don’t worry,” Owen said, jumping up, “I’ll give her a ride.”

“Aren’t you going anyway?” Eve asked.

“Yeah, but I wanted to wait and make sure that my dear sister got there on time.”

I rolled my eyes, “You just know that if you show up with me, you’ll be able to see Maya.”

He blushed but waved his hand as a dismissal. “Let’s just go.”

I settled into Owen’s truck and looked out the window. Owen and I had graduated school last a week or so ago but there was a message sent to everyone in our class to meet at the training field at ten-thirty am for an announcement.

I thought about what it could be. Our Alpha’s son, Xavier, was in our class and now, had graduated. Maybe his ceremony would be announced. I looked over at Owen, he was going to be Xavier’s Beta so he would know, wouldn’t he?

“Any idea what this thing is about?” I asked him.

“Not a clue.” He shrugged.

Well maybe it wasn’t Xavier’s ceremony, after all he hadn’t found his mate yet. He turned eighteen like four months ago and has been hitting on me since a week before his birthday. It’s not that I don’t like Xavier, I just don’t want to be his Luna, but I am worried that he might feel a pull towards me but is just waiting until I turn eighteen to tell me.

I don’t know my exact birthday because I was found in the woods by my grandmother when I was a little less than one year old. We were never really sure but I narrowed it down within a four-day period when I turned sixteen and got my wolf, Charity.

Charity was mostly silent when it came to everyday tasks but we got along really well, other than when it came to s*x. I have Alex who I have an understanding with, we’re f**k buddies but there’s no romantic feelings involved. Alex is the future Gamma of the pack and a really decent guy. Charity doesn’t like it because he’s not our mate but I couldn’t imagine staying a virgin till I find my mate. Who knows how long that could take.

Other than Maya, Owen, Alex, and Xavier I don’t associate much with people, unless they’re bullying or teasing me. But if they are and their girls I let them have it. Guys don’t tend to pick on me because they know I have the future pack leaders on speed dial. It’s not that I hate people, I just hate the drama that seems to follow all the wolves my age that aren’t total idiots.

I’m jerked from my thoughts as Owen hits a pothole in the road and my head hits the window. “Jesus Owen.” I groan, rubbing the side of my head.

He shrugs and keeps on driving while I sigh in relief cause we’re almost there.

I can smell the rain that’s on it’s way as I jumped out of the truck the minute he stopped. The sky is a little overcast but not too bad. It’d be a nice day for a run.

“Ray-Ray!” The voice of my best friend called.

I looked over to see a blonde-haired blue-eyed girl in a short pink faux fur mini skirt and crop top sauntering over to me. That was Maya for you.

“b***h what are you wearing?” I asked, my eyes going wide.

“Like it?” She beamed turning around.

“It’s definitely…. Unique.” I replied.

Owen walked backward away from us so he could check out her ass. I rolled my eyes, classy.

“Do you know what this whole thing is about?” She asked, linking her arm with mine and walking towards the crowd of people from our class.

I shrugged, “Probably just something about us being graduated but we’re not free or some s**t like that.”

“Well I’m not worried. I’ll find my mate and start a family. That’s my plan.” Maya said.

Maya helped out in the child care center at the packhouse at least three times a week. Being a mate, wife, and mother was her whole goal in life. That and designing clothes that would embarrass me to be seen with them. And she was really good at that so I had no doubt that she’d be a wonderful wife and mother.

“Oh look girls, it must be a funeral instead of a party.” Rebecca sneered with her annoyingly nasally voice.

I rolled my eyes. “Just so long as it’s your funeral.”

Rebecca Peirce was the packs resident ‘Mean Girl’ she was popular, pretty, and loose. She had this rumored ‘romance’ Xavier, but I knew for a fact he wouldn’t touch that walking STD with a ten-foot pole.

Xavier had been trying to get into my pants a few months now and the only time he didn’t sleep around with almost everyone but Rebecca, was when he wanted one particular girl. Lucky me. But I knew his game. Love ‘em and Leave ‘em. I’d seen it many times. As one of his friends, I got a lot of shade thrown at me for being close to him, but I wasn’t gonna be one of them. I felt sorry for whoever his mate was.

“Hey, Maya where’d you find Wednesday Addams?” One of Rebecca’s friends chimed in.

This really was getting old. Just because I didn’t wear pastels and had more than three piercings meant that I was the epitome of darkness. I got referred to as Wednesday a lot. But that’s ok, Wednesday Addams is awesome.

“I think you forgot your meds, Jessica. This is Raelynn.” Maya glared.

I smirked. I love my best friend.

Maya led me to the small stage where Xavier and his group of guys were waiting for the meeting to start. When he looked up and saw me Xavier jumped off the stage and made his way towards us.

“Hey there tall, dark, and gorgeous.” He said, grabbing my hips and closing any distance between us.

“Hello, Xavier.” I said in my best-disinterested voice.

Don’t get me wrong, Xavier is delicious. He was tall, dark-haired, tan, muscular, and smelled like the woods but he wasn’t my type.

He leaned down and placed a kiss below my ear, “You look so fuckable right now that I could just pin you against a tree and take you right now.”

A shiver went down my spine and I could feel him smile. I didn’t like that even though I told it not to, my body wanted him. I felt myself getting turned on but tried to think about something else when the perfect thing arrived.

“I’d keep it in your pants.” I muttered looking over his shoulder at the people stepping onto the stage, “Your mom just showed up.”

He turned around and sure enough it was Alpha Damien, Gamma Don and Luna Tiffany. Xavier took a clear two steps away from me, winked, and then turned around to go join his parents and Alex on the stage.

Brett, my brother, stepped up as the packs Beta when my dad died four years ago. Just until Xavier became Alpha and Owen could become Beta. But he was on a business trip for both the Alpha and business so he couldn’t be here.

Everyone quieted down as Alpha Damien raised his hand, “I’d like to congratulate all of you on graduating high school. But now, your lives will begin.”

“Some of you will find your mates,” Luna Tiffany chimed in, “While others will have to wait for a while. The Moon Goddess values her children and blesses those who serve her through their pack.”

“Speaking of serving the pack,” Gamma Don says, “It’s time that you all start upping your training time. Those who are doing just two hours need to double it. Since you don’t have school, I’d suggest that you use your school time to train, find a job or better yourselves.”

I considered that. I knew I’d have to up my training time, and I was prepared for that, but would I have to find a job or a way to better myself?

I didn’t need to make money, mom and dad had left a business and several chain restaurants to Brett and Eve. The money kept the four of us comfortable and provided for, so money wasn’t an issue.

“While I won’t tell you what to do,” Alpha continued, “I will say this. The Moon Goddess has a place for all of you, and it’s now your job to find that place.”

“While you're finding your place, I would suggest you discontinue any romantic relationships that are not with your mate.” Luna added, “It’s in the interest of peace and being thoughtful of how your mate might feel.”

I made eye contact with Alex. Sure, it wasn’t romantic but I’m sure my mate would hate it that I have a f**k buddy. But who knows how long it could take for me to find my mate? Besides Alex and I had a good thing going, till one of us found our mates I didn’t see why we couldn’t continue if it meant we both were satisfied.

Luna pointed to someone in the back and I heard a boy ask about just s****l relationships. She sighed, “I won’t tell you to cut off all relationships, because I know you young adults are very physical. But I’d just like you to keep your fated mates in mind when you're having your rendezvous.”

“Now we didn’t just bring you here to lecture you about the future. Our Alpha has a very important announcement that he’d like to tell you all first.” Don said, trying to put authority into his voice to command attention.

Everyone was silent and I looked from the stone-faced Alpha Damien to his smirking offspring. If he’s announcing Xavier’s coronation ceremony, I think I might hurl.

“In three days,” Alpha said, “There will be a gathering at the Royal Pack. There, unmated wolves of eighteen or older will be able to search for their mate in all sorts of situations. There will be a Beach party, A ball, a mountain retreat and a fair. You will have two days and one night for each event and at the end of the week if you have still not found your mate then you will simply have to wait for them. But you can leave the retreat having had a week in a half of fun.”

The crowd of my peers erupted into cheers and excited chatter but I said nothing. Was mating so rare that we had to do a week’s stint at the Royal Pack just to find them?

“I’d like you to all go shopping and start packing now.” The Luna called over the chatter, “Buses will be here in three days at eight am to pick up all of those who are over the age of eighteen. Those who are turning eighteen within the next week,” I could have sworn she looked at me, “Will be allowed to attend.”

I let out a breath, was I relieved? I’d be able to go, so would Maya but was I really so worried? I wanted to find my mate, I really did. I wanted to find my place in the pack but was it really contingent on finding my mate?

During my life I’d learned to trust in the Moon Goddess, when she deems the time right then it’ll happen. Was this her way of saying the time is right?

“The Royal Alpha.” Alpha Damien said, and the crowd went silent again, “Is hoping that this gathering will bring more mated pairs together, including a mate for his son, Prince William who will soon after finding his mate, ascend the throne.”

The muttering was scattered, but I understood why. A new Alpha King would be incredible. And the possibility of having the Luna Queen come from our pack, that would be amazing for both her and our packs standing.

"I want you all on your best behavior during this trip." Alpha glared at everyone, "And it goes without saying but I'd like our pack to make a good impression on all the packs, and not just on the Royal Pack."

“So boys, best behavior. Girls, put the goods away.” Luna said, looking towards Rebecca and her group of sluts.

Maya next to me nervously tried to move her top so less cleavage was showing.

I gritted my teeth. I understood what the Luna was saying, and it wasn’t a terrible suggestion but to make a woman feel bad for expressing herself was crossing a line. In my opinion at least.

I raised my hand and saw everyone turn to look at me. I took a deep breath, “With all due respect Luna, I believe that if someone is expressing themselves, say through their chosen fashion then they shouldn’t be ashamed of it. Even if it can be a little provocative.”

Her eyes narrowed a bit but I saw her lips briefly turn up. I decided to push my luck.

“And furthermore, I believe that if we are so fortunate to find our fated mates, they would want us no matter what we were or were not wearing.”

Her eyebrows knitted together as she considered me. “That may be but it never hurts to present your best self.”

People looked at me thinking that I’d continue but I respectfully bowed my head slightly to show I had nothing to say to that. When I looked back up she had decidedly turned away from me and I saw Xavier wink at me.

“As your Luna said,” The Alpha said, commanding the attention back, “Put your best self forward and don’t disgrace our pack on this trip.”

Then he reached over to grab the Luna’s hand and walked off of the stage.

“Raelynn,” Maya said, releasing a breath she’d been holding, “What the hell was that?”

“She made you feel ashamed of expressing yourself. I don’t care if she is the Luna, I won’t stand by while someone makes you feel ashamed of your hard work.” I knew she’d made the outfit herself and I may not like it, but hell would have to freeze over before I’d let someone pick on my friend. Even if it was the Luna.

“That’s an admirable quality.”

I felt like I’d been doused in cold water. I turned around keeping my head high to see the Luna with Xavier at her side. “Luna?”

“Your loyalty to your friend, it’s an admirable quality.” She clarified.

Luna Tiffany was beautiful and intimidating. Her hair was the color of wheat and her eyes the color of the sky. She was wearing a red v-neck t-shirt with a pair of faded blue jeans.

“Your Alisha’s baby right?” She asked.

“Yes Luna.” I said lowering my eyes as a sign of respect.

My mom and Luna Tiffany used to be very close, she respected Luna Tiffany very much and when she died, the care that the Luna showed towards my family grew my respect for her.

“Raelynn wasn’t it?” she said putting a finger under my chin to make me lookup.

“Yes Luna.” I nodded.

“She’s the girl I’ve been telling you about.” Xavier pipped up.

“Oh. Really?” Luna Tiffany seemed shocked and impressed, “So your the girl who can challenge Alex and kick his butt?”

I’d once challenged Alex and kicked his ass. I still think it was more of a ‘if I beat you I’ll never get laid again so I’ll let you beat me’ type of a thing. But a win is a win.

I bit my lip to keep from smiling at the memory, “Yes ma’am.”

“Maybe we’ll have to see you against my Xavier.” she mused.

“I’ll go up against her anytime.” he winked at me.

“And I’ll kick your ass.” I countered. He wasn’t talking about fighting, I knew it, and I wouldn’t let him get away with it.

“Well, I hope you girls get a head start to the mall. I have a feeling that things may get a little scary there soon.” she advised.

“Yes Luna.” Both I and Maya said bowing our heads.