The Arrangement

The Meeting

Alaina stared out on the open sea. The smell of saltwater hit her ,as it brushed against her face. Her thoughts ran wild, the rainforest along the coast was her home and the full moon would be in two days and it wasn’t just a full moon, it was the Blood moon.A great time for a wedding. She rolled her eyes at the thought, such a great way to end a war. She got up and removed her clothes before making her way out to the reef. The cold water against her skin withered away her thoughts. She took a deep breath and dipped her head underwater. Coming up, she saw a large figure on the beach and swam back. The figure was a man in his early twenties. He was muscular with broad shoulders and black hair. His eyes beamed of Amber in the sunlight. “Alaina?” The strange man asked to confirm. “That is me.” she replied, coming out of the water exposing her breast, causing him to instantly turn away. “What’s the matter with you? Never seen a girl before?” her remark was snarky and she meant it that way. “I am here on behalf of my Alpha, you are to be his bride and I should not see my future Luna in such a way.” A burst of laughter came as she slipped on a yellow dress to cover her copper brown skin. “I see, we do things much different here than the Dark Shadow Pack. Where is your Alpha? Could he not come meet me himself?” The man turned to face her. “He is discussing wedding expectations with your father, I assume you already did that.” another chuckle came from Alaina. “I talked of no such thing. I have no desire to marry the son of my mother's murderer. On top of that, I’m not even of shifting age, that's in a month. I suppose you are here to direct me to come meet my betrothed, so please come let me show you the way.” his eyes rolled, not amused with Alaina’s attitude. “My name is Riot by the way.” he turned to follow her. “One hell of a name Riot did you live up to it?” She continued down the dirt path that led to the pack house. “I have plenty of stories.” Riot said proudly. “Stories of Alpha Nicoli and I, that’s how I became a Beta.” Alaina gave a snarky grin. “Well, I was born a Luna and raised around the omega’s. We seawolves do things differently.” She continued walking until she came to a large house with double doors. “You can go freshen up if you like, I know the sea and sand must not feel good on the skin.” Riot snarked back. “Careful riot your Alpha might hear you.” she said walking towards a small hut. Riot shook his head as he walked into the pack house.

“Where is she? You were supposed to retrieve her.” Alpha Nicoli stated in a firm tone. “She went to freshen up and let me tell you your wife is snarky!.” Alpha Nicoli’s eyes flashed coal black. “Riot, you will remember your place when you speak of your Luna.” Riot gave a slight shiver. “Yes sir, but are you sure we should go about ending the war this way? She’s only sixteen and you are twenty-one. She hasn’t shifted yet, she doesn’t know.” A long sigh came out of the Alphas' mouth. “She hasn’t made any wedding plans she-” “She absolutely has made wedding plans. She made her own dress, spinning it with Seacell and Pearls. According to her father, she dived for the pearls she placed on her dress.” Riot stayed silent, knowing the conversation that he had prior with Alaina, there had to be more to that story. “Good afternoon gentleman, my name is Mela, I am Lainies best friend, and I am here to talk about the feast. Alaina requested her favorite dish: grilled salmon, steamed rice and asparagus. Is there a certain dish you would like? I know it is short timing but, I'm sure we can find what you would need at the trading docks.” Mela had long black hair and her eyes were a tint of yellow, her skin was darker then her friend, you could tell she was taken into this pack. “There, will be Oysters as they are Aphrodisiacs, It may loosen Lainie up a bit.” Riots face paled as his Alpha looked at him in concern. “There is no worries, Alpha she is just a bit, what do you say? Jittered Up. She is ready to marry.” Alpha stared at this sixteen-16-year-old girl, giving her some time to let thoughts sink in. “I must talk to Alpha Acoba once more, Please excuse me.” His palms were sweaty and he could feel a slight rage go through him. He took a deep breath before he entered the Alphas quarters. “Alpha Nicoli, What seems to be the problem, please sit.” The older Alpha welcomed him back into his office. “I am concerned if this is the right way I should handle ending this war. I understand that Alaina is not really comfortable with this arrangement.” Alpha Acoba grunted at his words. “My Father nor anyone knows how comfortable I am with this arrangement.” A soft voice interrupted, before anyone could say anything else. Nicoli turned, his eyes meeting a young wolf, no taller than five foot. She was petite and wearing a white see-through dress and bathing suit, slightly covering her copper skin. Her long white hair, beautifully French braided around her head, ending across her right shoulder. Her white eyes met his. “I’m sorry, let me introduce myself. I am Alaina Soto, Future Luna of the White Coast Pack, Daughter of Alpha Acoba, and the prized war strategist. I turn Seventeen next month, the only thing I desire is to be home for my shifting ceremony with my friends and family, along with saving my pack.” Nicoli’s face flustered. “I didn’t know you were here. My apologies if I have offended you,” he anxiously replied, walking towards his bride to be. He grabbed her hand, kissing her palm. Her eyes never left him. He looked to be almost seven foot and even more built than Riot. His black hair was neatly done drooping over his red eyes. His lips were soft and she welcomed the soft gesture. “There is no need for apologies, I understand how critical all of this truly is. I ask if there is anything particular you would like me to wear in honor of the Dark Shadow Pack. If I am to be their Luna I would like to show them that I represent them too.” a smile came across Nicoli’s face. “I appreciate the thought, I actually do have a wedding gift for you. Would it be okay if I took you on a date tonight? With the permission of your father, of course.” Glancing over at her father, he gave a nod. “Permission granted.” She nodded back to Nicoli. “You can pick me up at seven. My hut is on the corner, by the pack house. I will see you then.” Nickoli Kissed her hands one more time before she left to go meet up with Mela. “Well, I suppose that eases your concern?” The old Alpha said with a chuckle, but Nicoli was just struck by the feeling he got by touching the beautiful woman before him. He watched her walk away, wanting to pursue her more. He needed to be near her. How did she not feel it? How did she not turn immediately? Did the moon goddess make a mistake? He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. Alpha Acoba watched and smiled. “I suppose you had better get ready for your date. I wouldn’t dress in anything too fancy..