The Protector of Wolves

Chapter 2: The Alpha Ceremony

Lacy's POV

I wake up the next morning with a pounding headache, yesterday’s meeting on the forefront of my mind. The fact that Alpha Douglas and Travis would ask for me to give up my chance at finding my fated mate before I’ve even turned 18 is appalling.

For werewolves, finding your chosen mate is like finding your other half– a piece of your soul you didn’t know was missing. I have dreamt all my life of finding my mate, wondering when and where we would meet, what kind of person he would be. I don’t care how strong or powerful he is, I only care that he is kind. Regardless, I can’t fathom rejecting my soulmate like Travis did; rarely does the Moon Goddess grant a second chance at a fated mate. For Travis to reject his mate for no reason other than that she was a “weak human” truly shows how much power means to him.

Travis wants me to be his mate because he thinks being the protector gives me some great power that he could exploit as my mate. What he fails to realize is I am the one who is supposed to protect all of wolf-kind, not be a dictator. As wolves, it’s in Alpha Douglas’ and Travis’ best interest to keep my gift a secret, but I am still very worried they won’t see it that way.

“What concerns me most is how they found out,” Cecelia chimes in. “What if someone else knows?”

“Even if someone else knew, I don’t know who in their right mind would want to give Alpha Douglas that kind of information. Besides, they’re so power hungry, I am surprised they didn’t find out sooner.” I sneer. “I just hope they don’t try to use that information to force me into accepting their offer.”

Before my wolf can reply, I hear a knock at my door. “Alessia,” my father says softly through the door. “Can I come in?” I quickly get dressed and open the door.

“Is everything okay?” I ask. I’m almost certain this has to do with the meeting yesterday, but all I want is for this nightmare to be over.

“I just got off the phone with Alpha Douglas. Can we sit?” He gestures to the two large white chairs in my room.

The wave of nausea from yesterday that I worked so hard to get rid is now back full force. “What did he want?” I ask, trying to keep my voice from faltering.

“Well,” he pauses, “first he wanted to apologize to me for being so “forward” about proposing that you be Travis’ chosen mate.”

“Oh, but he didn’t want to apologize to me?” I scoff.

“They certainly should have apologized to you,” he sighs. “But at least you didn’t have to talk to those insufferable buffoons,” he jokes. “They also wanted us to know that the offer still stands should we ever change our minds.”

“Pfft. Like that will ever happen.” Cecelia states.

“Duly noted,” I say sarcastically. “Did they mention anything about me being a protector? I want to know how they know.”

“They claim that they will not divulge your secret. And as for how they found out, I’m told Travis took a liking to you after he found out his mate was human and rejected her. They were trying to find out more information about you and discovered you were born during a solar eclipse, like the other protectors. They assumed the Moon Goddess had made you a protector as well.”

“Why can’t they just leave me out of their mess,” I say through gritted teeth. Cecelia lets out a low growl. “It’s not my fault Travis was mated to a human.”

“I don’t know, sweetheart. I’m truly sorry for all of this,” my father gives me a sympathetic look. “However, it does seem that for now that this is the end of that. I don’t think Alpha Douglas is foolish enough to challenge a pack that’s bigger than his and has more allies.”

“I sure hope not...” I reply, not fully convinced.

My dad stands up and puts his hand on my shoulder. “Okay, kiddo, I have some work that needs to get done. I’ll see you at dinner?”

“Yes, dad. See you at dinner.” I give him a forced smile as he walks out of my room.

---

A few months go by without another word from Alpha Douglas and Travis. With each passing day my family is starting to feel a little more at ease. But, the possessive look Travis gave me before he left is still very clear in my mind, and it has left me feeling wary.

For now, I try to push any thoughts of Travis to the back of my mind and enjoy the rest of the day. Elijah was just appointed Alpha of our pack this morning, and it’s almost time for his celebratory lunch. I change out my pair of black slacks for jeans, but leave on the flowy, purple top I put on this morning. In the mirror I can see that my hair is still neatly settled into loose curls. From my bedroom I can smell the delicious aroma of smoked ham wafting up from the kitchen downstairs and my stomach grumbles. I quickly put on some mascara, throw on some matching shoes, and then make my way down the stairs.

Right before I open the doors to the dining hall, I hear someone shout my name.

“Alessia!” I turn around and see my best friend, Jenna, her long blond hair bouncing as she is jogging to catch up to me. “How awesome that your brother was finally named alpha today!”

“Hey, Jenna!” I shoot her a cheerful smile. “Yeah, I am so proud of him! I’m excited for Lauren to be named Luna soon as well.”

“They seriously are the best couple,” she sighs, a dreamy look in her eyes. “I hope I’m just as in love as them when I find my mate.”

I chuckle. “I’m sure you will be Jenna.” I pull the door open, revealing the large packhouse dining room. Dozens of long tables are filled with pack members, all of them wanting to celebrate with their new alpha.

Jenna and I walk to the buffet line and grab our plates. I pile on all my favorites; ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and a fluffy roll. After I’m done loading up my plate, I look around the hall, and my eyes get pulled towards a large crowd forming around one of the tables.

“I think I found where our new alpha is sitting,” Jenna giggles.

“Oh boy. Someone’s popular today,” I add with a laugh.

“Oh! There are your parents!” She points to a smaller table towards the wall, and I see my mom waving us over. We head over to them, carefully balancing our too full plates.

“Quite the crowd over there,” my mom motions to where my brother is. “We figured we’d give them some space so they can mingle with the pack without us.”

“Good call. I’m not sure I’m up for all that socializing anyway,” I chuckle. As the Alpha's daughter, I have been expected to attend most of the pack events throughout my life. Because our pack is so large, it can be difficult to truly get to know everyone. I have loved being able to learn more about our pack members and show appreciation for what they do in the pack. But now that my brother is taking over as Alpha, it feels nice to be able to relax for once.

“You two get enough food?” My dad teases as he looks at our plates.

“Hey, a wolf’s gotta eat!” I grin as I sit next to my mom. “I just hope there is enough left over for dinner tonight.”

“I bet there won’t be; this food is so good!” Jenna groans through a mouth full of mashed potatoes.

“Jeeze, Jenna, where are your manners,” I laugh. “Your mate is going to have his hands full with you.”

“Yeah, if I ever find him,” Jenna sighs. “Feels kind of hopeless since he’s not in our pack.”

“Aww, don’t think like that, Jenna!” My mom says consolingly. “You two just turned 18, you have plenty of time to find your mates.” She gives me a knowing look.

“Well, actually Jenna,” my father begins, “The former Alpha of Crescent Moon pack just recently promoted his son to Alpha, too. He and Elijah are planning on meeting very soon to discuss the alliance between our packs. Perhaps we can suggest they invite them to bring some of their single wolves that are of mating age?”

Jenna’s face brightens at his suggestion. “Oh, that would be amazing!” She squeals and we all chuckle at her excitement.

I don't say anything but the thought of being able to find my fated mate excites me as well. I can't wait to meet him and feel the mate bond.And there is a part of me that also thinks I won't be safe from Travis until I am mated. Jenna’s parents come join us at the table, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Hello, Beta Paul and Mrs. Thompson!” I greet them.

“Hello! How is everyone on this marvelous occasion?” Jenna’s father asks.

My dad chuckles. “I’m doing well, considering I just gave over all my duties to my son today.” My dad glances at Elijah and his future beta, Daniel. “Soon you’ll be feeling just as good when Daniel takes over,” my dad grins at Beta Paul.

“Ah, yes,” Beta Paul smiles. “My dear son cannot wait for his ceremony next week. I have to admit I’m more than ready to pass on that responsibility,” he laughs.

“They will be so great,” Jenna’s mom adds. “They already have such a great bond with the pack. Everyone just adores them.”

I stop listening to the conversation, my focus pulled toward my stomach. “Why am I so nauseous,” I whine to my wolf.

“I mean, did you see how much food you just ate?” She teases me.

“Ugh,” I groan out loud. “I’m so full. I feel like I need to go walk this off. Jenna?”

“Yeah!” she says as she jumps up. “Let’s go!”

“You have way too much energy,” I mumble as I drag myself out of my chair. “Bye. Talk to you all later!” I say to my parents and Jenna’s.

“Okay girls, have fun!” My mom says as they all wave us goodbye. Jenna and I walk out of the packhouse, and head towards the perimeter of the forest.

“Oh, I’m so excited your dad is inviting more wolves from other packs! I wonder what my mate will be like. Oh, I’d love to have an alpha mate. Ooh!” She rambles, “I wonder if it’s the Alpha of Crescent Moon! He’s unmated, right?” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Or maybe he’s your mate! You are an alpha’s daughter, it’d be just perfect!"

"I don't know about that, Jenna," I playfully roll my eyes at her. She is right though, it's not uncommon for an Alpha's daughter to be mated to an alpha in another pack. But unbeknownst to Jenna, I'm not just an alpha's daughter; I'm a protector, too.

“Whoever they are, I just hope our mates are from the same pack. I’d hate to be so far away from you, Alessia.”

I stop dead in my tracks and look at Jenna.

Jenna. My best friend who I’ve known my entire life. I never really thought about how finding our mates could pull us away from our pack, from our friends, and from our family. “I guess I always assumed both our mates would be in this pack,” I reply solemnly. “But I trust that the Moon Goddess knows what she’s doing.”

“That just means we have to spend as much time together as we can now!” She asserts. “You’re never leaving my side again.” She links her arm through mine and pulls me along as she starts walking.

“Sure thing...” I laugh. We stroll along the path that traces the perimeter of the forest, our arms linked to each other the entire time. All of a sudden a strange, rotten odor hits my nose. The first thought that crosses my mind is rogue wolves. Usually rogues smell like rotten garbage, but this scent is different - and worse somehow.

“What is this scent, Cecelia?” I question my wolf.

“I am not sure...” she replies apprehensively. “I’ve never smelled anything like it.”

Jenna quickly comes to a halt, causing me to trip slightly. “What’s wrong, Jenna?”

“Sorry...” She sniffs the air. “I think..." She looks at me confused. "I think I smell humans?”

“Those don’t smell like humans to me, but there are only a handful of reason humans would be near the pack lands, and almost none of them are good.” Cecelia warns me.

I feel goosebumps creep down my arms. I look all around, and although I don’t see anything unusual, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched.

“We should head back to the packhouse now,” I say, starting to jog. Jenna nods and keeps pace with me.

“Jenna said she thought she smelled humans near the eastern border.” I link my dad and Elijah. “Something feels wrong, we are headed back to the packhouse.”

“I'll contact the patrols and send some more warriors to the border to check it out,” my brother replies.

Jenna and I are sprinting as quickly as we can in our human forms. The rotten odor is getting stronger the closer we get to the packhouse.

“I didn’t get a response from the patrol that are supposed to be out there." My brother links me. " Are you two okay?”

Before I can reply, I hear a woman shriek close by. I whip my head around in her direction and follow her gaze to a man holding a dagger over one of our packmember's body. He's already dead, but I barely see any wounds. I look back at the dagger and see the unmistakable purple shimmer, mixed with blood.

"It's wolfsbane!" I hear Cecelia shout in my head.

"HUNTERS!" I yell at the woman. "RUN!"