A Different Alpha

The Alphas Meet

I run quickly to the house, jumping over the gate and going up the steps two at time. People step aside as I move past as fast as I can without running into someone.  I see Beta Tony standing outside the office. He smiles as I approach. 

"You're late, Lee" he says gently, using my childhood nickname. Tony is basically my uncle. He treats as his own since he's yet to meet his mate. He says that doesn't bother him, but we all know better. I hope he finds her soon. He's a great match for anyone. And handsome, too. All the women like to look at him. Tanned skin, blonde hair, jade green eyes, broad shoulders and chest, with just a dusting of hair and very muscular. He's almost as big as my dad. Honestly, though, he's a gentle giant. I've never seen him hurt anyone or anything unless he absolutely has to. 

I stand there for a second just staring at the door. He nudges me forward. "Go, kid, before he really gets angry", he says quietly, although we both know Alpha Ivan probably heard him anyways. His hearing is exceptional, even for a wolf. Nothing gets past him. 

I knock and gently open the door. I see Father sitting at his desk, staring at a computer screen and typing away furiously. 

"Hello, Father. Sorry I'm late-", I start to say before he holds up his hand and I instantly shut up. He points to the chair next to him. I walk over and sit down. Immediately I notice Alpha Micah on the screen. They're having another video call. 

"Good evening, Alpha Micah. It's good to see you again, sir", I say, inclining my head in a greeting and a small smile on my face.

"Aleah!" he booms, grinning widely and slapping his desk. "How are you, youngin'?!"

"I'm well, sir. Thank you for asking. How are you and Luna Rachel? It's been a while since I've talked to you both" I respond, smiling and laughing a little at his use of 'youngin'. He's only 6 years older than me. 

"My Luna is pregnant again! I hope this one's a girl. I don't think she can handle 4 of me in this house", he says with a proud smile and a laugh. I can hear the boys in the background. If they're anything like Micah, I hope it's a girl for Rachel's sake, too. But it'll probably still take after him. 

"Well, if she can handle you, I'm sure she can handle any pups of yours, too. I know she keeps you all in line", I say to him, earning a chuckle from my father and full on laughter from him.

"That she does, Aleah, no doubt about it. She says we're all too wild, even for wolfs" he says, sitting back in his chair.

"The wolves in the woods aren't as wild as you all, my love!" Rachel says, walking up behind him. He scoots the chair back and pulls her on his lap. I can see her round belly from here. He puts his hand on her stomach and smiles happily as she hugs him.

"Hello, Aleah. How are you?" Rachel asks me, giving me a small wave. 

"Rachel! I miss you! And look at you! When are due? I need to send you a gift for the baby" I respond, so happy to see her again. Rachel used to be part of this pack, until she met Micah at a meeting of the packs a few years ago. Micah smelled her as soon as he stepped out of his car, and immediately found her. It was like a love story when they saw each other. They marked each other and mated that night. I was happy for my friend. She's the sweetest woman ever and deserved the love she found with Micah. I want that for myself. 

"So you'll both be attending the meeting, then?" Father asks, breaking up our idle chatting. He's always straight to business. He doesn't really do pleasantries. Ever. 

"We're having another Meeting of the Packs?" I ask, surprised that we're doing so, given the pack of rogues roaming the states right now. It's been bad. Two of our allies have been attacked. One of them completely wiped out. The other had only 20 members that didn't get killed and we brought them here and offered them a place with us. 

My father nods grimly and Micah gets a hard look on his face. Rachel gives a nod and leaves, taking their two children out of the room. They don't need to hear this. No need to scare them. 

"It's getting worse, Aleah. Another attack happened this morning, to the East Pine pack, in Oregon. They left no survivors. A member from the Black Ash pack was expected there today and he just barely got out. I've sent some of our warriors to go check it out" father says, anger and grief evident in his voice. The East Pine pack was more than an ally, they were family. Father's cousin was their Alpha. 

I try to hold back my tears. Their Luna, Marie, was expecting twins in two months. They had a small daughter, my goddaughter, Sarah. She was only 2. And my cousin, their Alpha Stephen. Gone. All of them. 

I nod my head and blink a few times, to keep the tears from falling. I will be strong. I need to be strong. It's what an Alpha does. I jump when I feel a hand on my shoulder and look over. My father knows how I'm feeling. He tries to reassure me by that small gesture. It helps a little. 

"When do we expect the packs?" I ask, my voice hard, as I try to contain my anger. I'll turn my sadness into anger, knowing we're all going to train harder and take on these rogues. They'll pay for this!

"In 3 days. I've heard from 4 of the 5 packs invited", my father says, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest, looking a little annoyed. Micah raises his eyebrows. 

"Who haven't we heard from?" I ask, genuinely surprised someone would honestly keep my father waiting. No one did that. Unless they were trying to piss him off. 

"Shadow Moon pack" he says, his face showing his annoyance with them.

I sit in shock, wondering why we would contact them, knowing the leader of the rogues was the brother of the Shadow Moon's alpha. I don't think that's a good idea...