A Different Alpha

The Meeting

I hear Father's computer beep and look over at his computer. We just ended the call with Micah and can't imagine who would be calling my father. We had just stood up and were discussing seating and sleeping arrangements for the packs, having decided to proceed without hearing from Shadow Moon's alpha. I don't recognize the picture of the man calling and there's no name. Go figure. My father finally figures out how to do computer calls (I could have taught him faster; he was just too stubborn and refused to let anyone help. This is the 3rd computer he's had. He broke the other two) but can't connect right. Oh well. What can you do?

My father turns to look at it and clearly looks surprised, then annoyed. I don't ask since I know that look. He goes back and sits in his chair, and stares at the screen for moment before finally answering. 

"Victor, I didn't expect to hear from you at all", my father says, leaning back and folding his arms across his chest, coolly looking at the screen. I stand off to the side, waiting to see if he wants me to stay or not. 

"Well, to be honest, old man, I wasn't sure if I should or not. Considering the conditions of the meeting, I don't know if my pack would be welcome or even safe, knowing how people feel about me and mine at the moment", comes the reply, in the most gravelly and deep voice I've ever heard. At this point, I can't help but walk over and look, because most people don't have the balls to talk to my dad like that. I'm curious, what can I say?

My father looks over as I walk up beside him and he nods. I do have the right to be there, as next in line as leader of my pack. I need to meet all these other Alphas at some point. 

"Hello, there, missy. Who might you be? Looks too young to be his mate, so mistress, huh? I wouldn't let my side piece in on these meetings but that's just me", he rudely says and then laughs. He stops just as quickly when he notices my father's look.

"That 'missy' happens to be my daughter, Victor! And the next Alpha of my pack! What the f**k is wrong with you? Do you just go around speaking to all women like that?! Apologize now, Victor" my father growls, barely able to control himself or his wolf. I see his eyes flash gold and his canines grow. I know I probably look the same because what the hell! I know this man did not just say that to me! What an asshole.

"M-my apologies! I didn't realize..." he mutters and then stops, clearly terrified of offending my father anymore at this point. 

"Don't apologize to me! Apologize to my daughter! IF she forgives you, this meeting will continue. If not..." he lets the implied threat hang in the air.

Victor smiles amicably and nods to me, clearly wanting to quickly diffuse my father's rage.

"I apologize, miss. I shouldn't have spoken like that. I was wrong. Please accept my apology" he says, and he truly sounds sorry. I get he was just trying to joke around, but damn. Have some sense. 

"Apology accepted, Alpha Victor. Let's continue our meeting, shall we? This is important and I hope it's even more important to you, given your familial ties with the rogue" I say, calmly, hoping to calm the entire situation. I don't like mediating arguing Alphas. It's not fun being in the middle.

"Yes, let's. We shall be there. But there will only be 30 from my pack. I know you already have several packs coming and I feel it's best that my pack not have a large gathering just to be safe. It shall be me and my sons, my son's mate, my beta and his mate, and some of our best warriors. I feel a smaller presence from us would make people more comfortable" Victor says cautiously, as if testing to see what we think. Our faces give away nothing. 

"That's fine, Victor. If that's what you feel is best for you and yours. No one blames you for your brother. Bad blood is bad blood. You did what you had to do. If we're being honest, I'd have done the same. You can't predict everything" my father says, reassuring him that we do understand. "We'll set up appropriate accommodations. Is your Luna not coming with you? You didn't mention her."

"No, she'll be staying here. Camilla feels one of us should be" he says, shrugging his shoulders. "Not gonna argue with that one. She's one hell of a woman and not one to be tangled with". I hear lots of laughter in the back ground.

"You better hope mom doesn't hear that! She'll be mad as hell", says a voice off camera and more laughter can be heard.

"Shut up, boy, if you're smart", Victor growls and sends a glare to someone over the computer.

My father and I both laugh a little, because the way Camilla sounds reminds us of my mom.  Good thing she isn't in here or she'd give us hell for laughing.

"Well, is there anything else you'd like to discuss? My daughter and I need to start making preparations for your arrival. Three days comes pretty damn fast," my father asks and c***s his head to the side. I just smile and shake my head, realizing my dad's just baiting him. 

"No, old man. Unless you change your mind", he chuckles and glances at me. We both know what my dad's doing. "We look forward to meeting with everyone. I hope this is productive. We'll do what we can do help capture that bastard", his last words being said with anger. The betrayal and rage evident in face. I feel bad for him at that moment. I can't imagine what he's gone through, not to mention the isolation and judgement from the surrounding packs. 

"Then we'll see you in three days. Good evening, Victor", my father says and disconnects. 

He turns and looks at me right as Tony walks in, anger all over his face. I know he was outside and heard every word. I know he sees me as his niece and therefore know he's probably pissed.

"I can't believe he said that you, Aleah! I'll rip his head off!" Tony almost shouts, trying to remain calm. I go over and give him a hug.

"It's okay, Tony, really. He was just trying to show off with my dad. He apologized and he meant it. Chill," I say calmly, trying to get him to relax. I'm still upset but I'm going to let it go. It's not worth holding a grudge. 

Tony is still mad but I can see him calming down. His hands are still in fists, though. He's a bit of a hot head. 

My father just grins and comes over, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, Tony. Just remember when they get here, arena battles are always part of these meetings. Challenge him! Then you can teach him not to disrespect Lee. It'll be a fun day," he says with grin and canines showing a bit. 

It's going to be something, I think to myself as I walk out rolling my eyes and head to the kitchen. I'm going to go crazy by time this is all over with.

Little did I know that the craziest part of it all had been sitting just outside of the computer screen at the other end of the conference call...