Alpha Lucien

Arrival to the Royal Pack

MAYA

“Alright, everyone! We’re here at the Royal Packhouse!” The driver’s voice rings out, snapping me from my daze.

I blink, weakly lifting my head off the bus window, my eyes barely able to focus. It’s still bright outside, the evening sky hanging in the distance.

What I see steals the breath from my chest.

The Royal Packhouse—massive, imposing, and regal. It towers above us, a four-story fortress of stone and rich wood. The doors and windows are grand, designed to impress. Beautiful, yes, but it doesn’t change anything.

Not with the rumors swirling about the Alpha King and his brutal reputation.

How am I supposed to survive here? How will I serve someone like him? I’ve spent my life walking on eggshells, and now I’ll have to perfect the treacherous art of it.

I push myself upright with a groan. My arm and leg still feel numb, my body weak and uncooperative. Damn, I hate feeling like this.

Slowly, I shuffle off the bus and catch sight of a young man standing in the yard. He’s tall, blonde, and built like a wall of muscle. A ranked member, no doubt. Despite his intimidating size, an awkward smile pulls at his lips.

“Welcome to the Royal Packhouse!” He greets us with forced cheer. “I’m Beta Mason Lance. We’re… thrilled to have you join the family. I’ll show you around, introduce you to the common areas, and get you settled with your pack sponsors.” His tired eyes give away the effort behind his words. “Follow me.”

The five others with me exchange restless glances, but we fall in line, stepping toward the large wooden doors. As they swing open, I’m greeted by the warmth of the foyer.

The space is cozy, inviting even, with tan walls, exposed wooden beams, and high vaulted ceilings. A stone fireplace crackles softly in the common room, and leather couches are scattered across the polished marble floors. I can’t help but admit—this place feels like home, at least on the surface.

Beta Mason leads us through the Royal Packhouse, showing us everything from the common room to the game room, which makes me raise an eyebrow, to the main hall, conference rooms, a massive industrial kitchen, communal showers, guest bunks, and even offices—though he makes sure to point out that the Alpha King’s office is off-limits.

We end up in one of the conference rooms, gathering around a long table as Mason clears his throat and begins speaking again.

“There are certain rules here, rules the Alpha will make clear once he arrives. But for now, let me tell you a few.” He pauses, his eyes scanning us. “The Royal Packhouse looks cozy and welcoming, doesn't it? Well, don’t let that fool you. All you’re expected to do is your job. No slacking. There’s no room for fun or games, and there are no mistakes here…”

I let out a sigh, the weight of his words pressing down on me.

“…You’ll only have access to the ground level. Doors lock at 9 PM, and the intercom system is always monitored. From now on, this is your home, and there's nothing like escaping because you can't, and it’s better you don't. Now, for now, all we need from you is to fill out these forms for pack records. After that, we’ll set you up with your sponsors. Tonight’s your welcoming ceremony. You have a little time, just enough to get settled before then.”

I glance down at the form in front of me, my frown deepening. I bring it closer to my face with a heavy sigh.

ROYAL PACK MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM

SECTION 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION

Please fill out all required fields accurately.

I can fill this first. I am given a pen and I start writing, or marking.

• Full Name: Maya Diane Calder

• Wolf color: White.

• Date of Birth: 05 / 19 / 2007

• Age: 18

• Sex: ☐ Male ☑ Female ☐ Other

• Hair Color: Blonde

• Eye Color: Green

• Height: 5’5”

• Current Address: Royal District, Royal Pack Territory

• Previous Pack (if any): Oakwood Pack

SECTION 2: FAMILY & AFFILIATION

This is where it gets tricky. Family. A tangled mess of half-truths and things I’d rather not revisit, and this is not something I want recorded in my pack file. I don't want anyone’s pity once they find out who I'm associated with or what happened to me. I don't want problems with Oakwood either as much as I want them to suffer.

I swallow, gripping the pen harder. This part don't need to know too much. No one needs to know. I don’t care to explain the damage they did to me.

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to focus on the task. I don’t need more complications than I already have.

• Guardian/Parent (if applicable): Finral Calder

• Relation: Father

• Siblings (if applicable): Tara Calder (Sister)

• Pack Rank (if known): ☐ Alpha ☐ Beta ☑ Warrior ☐ Omega ☐ Other: __________

• Are you a former rogue? ☐ Yes ☑ No

SECTION 3: SKILLS & TRAINING

• Combat Experience: ☐ None ☐ Basic ☑ Intermediate ☐ Advanced

• Special Abilities (if any): Speed

• Weapons Training: ☐ Yes ☑ No

• Previous Training (if any): Hand/Hand combat.

SECTION 4: MEDICAL & RISK ASSESSMENT

• Do you have any medical conditions? ☐ Yes ☑ No

• If yes, please specify: N/A

• Allergies (if any): None

• Have you ever been marked as a run risk? ☐ Yes ☐ No

I hesitate, my mind racing. Should I mark yes or no? I know they must already have a file on me from Oakwood. They don't like me so the Alpha there would surely have written something—probably not flattering.

If I lie, then the Alpha King will definitely know and kill me.

I glance at the next question first, trying to ignore the pit forming in my stomach.

• Have you committed any violations in previous packs? ☐ Yes ☐ No

• If yes, please explain: __________________________

Am I not dead already?

My fingers hover over the box. Should I mark yes?

I bite the inside of my cheek, knowing the consequences of both options. The truth seems to be the only thing keeping me from death’s door right now.

Afterall, today isn't my first time running away. It’s my fourth.

I take a deep breath and scribble down my answer.

• Have you ever been marked as a run risk? ☑ Yes ☐ No

• Have you committed any violations in previous packs? ☑ Yes ☐ No

•

If yes, please explain: Four escape attempts from previous pack territory

SECTION 5: AGREEMENTS & SIGNATURES

By signing this form, you acknowledge that you will abide by Royal Pack’s laws and regulations. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action or exile.

• Applicant’s Signature: Maya Diane Calder

• Date: 01 / 31 / 2025

For Pack Officials Only

• Reviewed by (Name & Rank): __________________________

• Decision: ☐ Approved ☐ Denied

• Remarks: __________________________

• Official Signature & Date: __________________________

I scan the room, my gaze landing on Beta Mason, who’s already pairing up the other five shifters with their sponsors. A nerdy guy in glasses and a suit is heading to the tech department, while an auburn-haired girl is off to the kitchen staff. A guy with a smirk and lust in his eyes—too much like Kevin—is being assigned to security and surveillance.

I notice a brunette girl in the group, trembling and clearly uncomfortable, being sent to the accounting department. And a young guy, looking more nervous than the rest, is heading to the Healers and Medic Division.

As the others slowly file out of the room, I’m left alone, no sponsor in sight.

I raise an eyebrow at Beta Mason. “Don’t I get a sponsor?”

He hesitates before turning to me. “Oh, uh, yeah. That’s me. Let’s get you to your quarters.”

I’m confused, and it’s obvious he notices

“You’ll be living on the second level with the other unmated warriors,” he explains, his tone casual. “I’m in charge of patrol schedules and training for the Warrior Division, and of course, the Alpha King mostly leads that. If you need anything, I’m your guy.” He motions for me to follow him.

My stomach drops at the mention of the Alpha King leading the Warrior Division. I’m doomed. Why couldn’t I have learned to cook or done something easier?

With a displeased frown, I follow Beta Mason out of the conference room, trailing behind him as we make our way to the second floor. He continues to explain the packhouse layout.

“The second floor is for warriors, as I mentioned. There’s a laundry room through here, and each suite has its own bathroom. The Alpha King’s office is right there, so be careful.”

I swallow hard, uneasy.

He gestures toward a set of stairs. “The third floor is where I live, along with a few top-ranked warriors. The fourth floor? That’s strictly for the Alpha King.” He turns the handle of a door next to the stairs. “This is your room.”

He opens the door, then steps back. “Go ahead. Make yourself at home. Your patrol and training schedules are on the desk. I have some business to attend to, but I’ll be downstairs if you need anything at all, Maya.” With a nod, he leaves, pulling the door shut behind him.

I step into the room, a small, amused smile tugging at my lips. After all, I live in the basement of my own home and this is completely different from it. The plush bed and spacious space are a far cry from the mat I do lie on. Since my mom died eight years ago, I hadn’t slept in a bed this comfortable, let alone have a walk-in closet, though I don’t even have clothes to fill it.

Gee, there's even a TV mounted above the desk—this place isn’t as bad as I thought.

For a prison, the Royal Packhouse is surprisingly cozy.

Then I remember Beta Mason’s words. ‘Don’t let the coziness fool you.’

I head to the bathroom, and it’s just as nice. A large, roomy shower with glass doors catches my eye, across from a vanity with lights surrounding it.

The memories flood back.

My family lived in Oakwood’s Packhouse when my mom was alive. She was a warrior, my dad the beta, and my brother eventually took his place. Life wasn’t always so bad—until rogues attacked, and my mom was killed on patrol. After her death, everything changed. I never realized how much my family hated me until after her death. Five years later, my dad was given his own home.

A cold shiver runs down my spine as the memory resurfaces, but I push it aside and head back into my new room.