The Unexpected Alpha (and Her Wife)

Chapter 2: Problems and Porters

Hazel:

Back at the Packhouse I have just enough time  to shower before dinner. When I get out I have a text from my best friend Dani asking me to meet up for a beer later that night. I shoot back a quick "OMG YES" reply, throw on a pair of black leggings, solid v-neck and oversized cardigan and run downstairs to join the rest of the pack for dinner. I slide into a chair next to Huxley, who is the only one in the kitchen so far.

 "Hey Dude, so tell me more about this mate of yours," I say. His eyes flash with excitement, then he looks at the table. Her name is Ashley, and she won't be 18 for three more months." "Ooooooof! So, she can't know until her wolf wakes up.. in three more months?" I respond. "Three more months." He says as he looks up at me.

 Werewolves are not shy about s*x. We all understand from an early age what happens when someone finds their mate, when she wolves go into heat. When old enough we get that it is a biological and primal need and that it is an act of pleasure. These are things we can talk about openly, even with family. And we all are told from an early age how strong the need and attraction becomes when you find your mate. I know that these three months will be a challenge for my brother, but I also know he is has amazing character and is up to the task. He is going to be an awesome Alpha. "You are literally the best guy I know," I say to him. "Besides, she's your wolf's mate too, which means he knows it's your job to protect her and keep her safe. I think he'll do everything he can to make it easier, not harder." "Hazel, you are so wise. I can't wait to create an advisory position for you!" My brother says as I see him start to relax. 

At that same moment, the rest of the pack begins to trickle in for dinner. We all sit and eat together, chatting with excitement about the festivities planned for the next day. I can tell Hux is nervous, but I know he will be amazing. Our dad isn't actually going anywhere, so he will be here to help him through the transition as well. If we're being honest, I will be glad when my brother is married to his mate. The Alpha's wife is the Luna of the pack. This comes with its own duties. Since my father is widower and unmarried, I have taken on many of these duties since we turned 18. This is not a job that I love. If my mate ends up being an Alpha, at least I will have some experience with it, but I am excited to have some time off from the job for sure!

After dinner I head to mine and Dani's favorite brewery. It sits on the border between our pack's territory and that of the Moon Stone Pack. The Moon Stone Pack has not inhabited the land long. They relocated a less than a year ago after their original territory flooded. Everything was damaged beyond repair and their Alpha, Alpha Simon, bought this new land from us when their pack voted on a fresh start. I know that Alpha Simon has children similar in age to Hux and I, but with the extra trainings and preparations for tomorrows ceremony, I simply have not had time to make a visit.

As I approach the brewery I take a deep breath, enjoying the night air. There is a hint of something delicious and out of place in it, like baked apples with cinnamon and honey. I close my eyes and let it sink all the way into my body. As I get closer I see Dani sitting at our favorite picnic table outside, right by the fire pit and the water. "Oh, Hey Bessfrennn" I say to her, our customary greeting. We've known each other since we were pups. "The usual?" I ask. "Wanna do a pitcher and tell me all about your Unofficial Luna Stress?" "goddess, yes! I will be right back!" I say as I spin on my heels to go inside and grab a pitcher of our favorite dark beer. I love this brewery. I love the woody exterior, the exposed beam vibes. I push the giant barn door open only to be hit with the baked apple smell again. This time it is much stronger, like someone has opened an oven door. "I wonder if there is a special event tonight" I think out loud as I make my way to the bar. "Long time, no see" the bar tender, Lacey, greets me. "What will it be tonight?" "A pitcher of the Porter, please. and two glasses." "Dani's outside, is she?" She pushes a blonde curl behind her ear before grabbing a pitcher from the shelf, " are you sure I can't get you anything else?" she drops her voice before adding "I get off in an hour." Lacey is a cute little thing. She has a straight, athletic build, big pink lips, and even bigger blue eyes. The truth is, in the past I would have taken full advantage of this suggestion. An hour from now I would have snuck off to meet her in the dark and then made her whole body shake with desire, then pleasure. But tonight I am distracted by two things. First of all, Lacey loves the way I touch her, but she does not touch me back. She is attracted to men and will be just as happy with the way her future mate touches her, but for now the other boys just don't compare to a woman's touch. If I'm going to finish the job myself anyway, what's the point in sneaking away from my best friend? and Second This baked apple smell has gotten really f*****g strong and is really distracting. It is easily the best thing I have ever smelled and is making me hungry for something specific that I can't quite pinpoint.  I look at Lacey and say "Not tonight, I have a big day tomorrow and can't stay out late. Hey is there something special going on here tonight? It smells like baked apples or pie or something?" "Oh that's right! The Alpha Ceremony!" She replies! "I'm sure it will be great!.. and no.. I don't know what you're talking about. I don't smell anything." 

We trade cash for the pitcher. "Thanks, Lace" I say as I start to turn to walk out the door. As I turn, I come face to face with the person in line behind me: a gorgeous woman with curly brown hair, about my age, taller than me, softer, with warm brown eyes. My wolf starts pacing and exclaims "MATE". I see the strangers eyes grow huge just before she turns and shoots past me to the bar. "f**k" I mumble, take a breath, and make my way outside. At least now I know why I'm not interested in eating Lacey out tonight, I guess. 

Sammy:

There is something in the air tonight. Something that smells like blueberries, whipped cream, and spring time. It really stands out against the crisp fall night. Inside the brewery the scent is even stronger. I am not complaining because it is delicious and makes my mouth water. I am relatively new in town. My dad is the Alpha of the Moon Stone Pack. We've moved here within the last year and I have heard that this brewery is the best place to meet people my age, so here I am. The service is not great, though. The bar tender is very chatty. I think I just heard her mention an Alpha Ceremony? That must be Alpha Theodore's daughter. I hear she is about my age. They live on the other side of the brewery from us and I have heard they are a great pack. Is this bartender FLIRTING with her? The f*****g AUDACITY-wait. Why does that make me mad? I'm sure it's just the slow service. 

I check my watch and start to swipe through things on my phone trying to occupy my mind to ease some of the irritation. I am normally very patient and don't understand why I want to come over the bar at the blondie. I sense movement ahead of me and look up just in time to make eye contact with the woman in front of me. My inner wolf starts spinning and says loudly and clearly, "MATE". "Oh, f**k. I have to have imagined that" I tell myself as I dart to the bar to order my drink and get away from those captivating eyes as quickly as possible. 

Out of her gaze, I can think a little more clearly. I take my beer and grab a high top in the corner where I can watch what's going on around me. My older sister, Jade, walks in with her Husband, Devin. He gets in line for their drinks and she comes to sit with me. Jade and I have never had secrets. She knows everything about me. Werewolves don't have shame around s*x or intimacy, so she knows that I have experimented physically with both boys and girls.

"So, the weirdest thing just happened.." I say to her before telling her about my encounter at the bar and the irritation leading up to it. "What do you think that was? Can a she wolf even HAVE another shewolf as a mate?" Jade tilts her head to the side and says "I've heard stories from the past, especially ones passed down from our ancestors where the gods DID create same s*x mating pairs, but I've never actually seen it happen in real life. I have always heard it is a great gift and privilege bestowed only upon the strongest women and not to be taken lightly or disrespected. Sis, I think you need to go talk to her." I take a few seconds to let her words sink in before responding. "Jade. I will. But can we keep this conversation between us? Just for now?" 

"For as long as you need, Love bug."