Alpha Victoria

Knee Deep

Victoria's POV:

I woke up to quick, insistent knocks on the door, tears already streaming down my face. In an instant, memories of the previous day flooded back—my beautiful mate, the insult, and the pain. Clutching my shirt tightly, I stifled a sob. The knocks grew louder, but I couldn't find my voice, afraid of revealing the turmoil within.

The door burst open, revealing a golden-haired man whose eyes held both concern and confusion. He waited, expecting my response. Disappointment flickered across his face, likely due to Alexander's actions. By his scent, he seemed to be the Beta. He offered me a glass of water, which I accepted gratefully. After twenty minutes, I managed to compose myself enough to ask his name.

Around 22 years old, with straight golden hair and piercing light blue eyes, he appeared American but spoke with a clear Italian accent. "I'm Jake, the Beta. You must be Luna Victoria?"

The title Luna unsettled me, but I responded firmly, "Yes, I'm Alpha Victoria, supposedly mate to your Alpha Alexander." His eyes widened briefly. "You're THE Alpha Victoria Black? The hybrid?" I smiled and nodded, amused by his excitement. He hurriedly left, returning downstairs.

I got out of bed, mechanically brushing my teeth and washing my face. Downstairs, teenagers laughed over breakfast, their camaraderie a stark contrast to my solitude. Approaching the table, silence greeted me as all eyes turned. Awkwardly, I greeted them, bowing my head. "Good morning. I'm Victoria. I'll be here for a while, so let's skip the eerie stares, okay?"

Confusion lingered before laughter broke out, echoing at my sarcastic tone. "You're funny, Luna," they chimed. The title Luna pricked, but I resolved to embrace my responsibilities with sincerity.

Casual conversations followed, inquiries about my pack. Stacy, a young girl around fourteen, greeted me warmly. "Morning, Luna. I'm Stacy. Glad our Alpha finally has a mate. I wish you both good lives." I nodded politely, noting Stacy's group comprised only girls, no boys older than fifteen.

I inquired about training; it was already 6 a.m. Giggles erupted. "Only girls who want to train go. The boys have mandatory training, Luna." Anger surged. "Call me Victoria. And everyone will train."

Returning upstairs, I approached Alexander's door, hearing grumbling from within. I hesitated briefly, then entered with a determined expression. The sound of running water indicated he was showering. As he emerged, dressed casually in sweatpants and shirtless, I averted my eyes, steeling myself against the rush of heat that came whenever he was near.

He approached me, his gaze intense. I met his eyes briefly, willing myself not to be drawn into their depths. He smirked, a fleeting expression before a deeper intensity settled in his eyes, as if holding back some potent emotion. "I need to discuss pack matters," I began firmly. "The women in your pack are vulnerable. They need serious training—urgently. All these teenage girls are being raised quitters. They wouldn't even stand a chance against mere humans."

His eyes burned with rage as he pinned me to the wall and said, “Stop being a nuisance. I’ve given you enough freedom to rule the pack by my side. You don’t have to give me suggestions about improvements in my pack. Do whatever you want, except interfere.”

I cut him off. "Do your duty. But, give me a week to train them. It's crucial they learn self-defense."

He hesitated, then smirked cruelly. "Fine. Train them by midnight. If you succeed, mandatory training starts tomorrow. If not, they remain free."

Alexander stood beside me as the pack bowed in respect, his mocking tone evident. "Your Luna wants to train you all individually by midnight. Succeed, and female training starts tomorrow. Fail, and it's business as usual."

Some were indifferent, others mocking. A group of girls laughed, taunting me. With Alexander's departure, I faced the pack alone. "All seven of you," I pointed out, gesturing to the girls who had mocked me earlier. They shuffled forward reluctantly, their faces flushed with embarrassment as their pretense of innocence fell away.

"So, you find self-defense amusing?" I began, my voice calm but firm. "Judging by your demeanor, you wouldn't last a minute against a true threat. Your looks won't protect you in the real world. I urge you to train, to become self-sufficient."

Their expressions shifted from embarrassment to defiance, some sneering at me. I ignored their reactions, clapping my hands to regain their attention. "Everyone," I addressed the gathered pack, "we can do this. Let's move to the training grounds on the north side."

By seven in the morning, excitement mixed with trepidation among the group. Most of the girls seemed unaccustomed to physical exertion, likely influenced by their peers. I began with basic demonstrations of attack and defense, pairing them up to practice simple techniques.

By eleven in the morning, sweat dripped down my brow, fatigue settling into my limbs as I pushed through the ongoing training. Each girl had a turn, some delicate and hesitant, others aggressive to the point of recklessness. It was a grueling process, physically demanding and emotionally draining, exacerbated by the lack of food or rest.

By seven in the evening, I was panting heavily, my stomach growling from hunger. I had managed to train fifty-seven girls thus far, with eighteen remaining. The physical toll was immense, but so was the determination to equip them with the skills they needed.

Amidst the training, I noticed some girls were deliberately rough, their actions fueled by jealousy and resentment. Their hostility mirrored the challenges I faced as a half-vampire in a predominantly Lycan pack. Yet, I persevered, determined to prove my worth and ensure the safety of those under my care.

As the hours wore on, I continued, ignoring my own weariness as the remaining eighteen underwent their training. By eleven at night, fatigue weighed me down like lead. My body ached, every muscle protesting as I fought to maintain focus. It was a battle against exhaustion and despair, the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders.

By 11 p.m., only one woman remained untrained. Laughter echoed, drawing my attention to her as she flaunted herself, clinging to Alexander. My eyes welled with hurt and disbelief as Alexander approached with her, his eyes searching for my pain as it gifted him a new life. My stomach churned, nauseated, as she sneered,

"Wanna fight with the Alpha?"