Female Alpha's Choice

Caramel and Raspberries

Chapter 9

Ava

I could feel Darcie’s anxiety coming from her body like waves as I finished braiding her hair. She had requested two long side braids to keep her hair neat while during the games and she’d never been able to do them on herself. I smiled at her in the mirror, “Darce, I’m almost done, stop fidgeting. I’ve never seen you like this before,” I laughed at the slight panic in her eyes, “Surely, you’re not worried about the games? You’ve got them in the bag and it’s just for fun.” I stood back to admire my work as she replied, “No, I’m more nervous about meeting my mate.” I looked back up at her, surprised by her honesty. We were best friends, but it was rare for her to show any sign of weakness so willingly. Usually, it took me ages to get her to open up. “Well,” I mused, “firstly, you might not even meet today if he’s not here. Secondly, a mate is made for you and will love you for who you are. How could that be scary? I can’t wait to meet mine!” I walked over and sat crossed legged on her bed. “It’s different for me,” Darcie replied, “If they’re another Alpha will they stay with me and my pack? Will they force me to move with them?” Her voice started getting a little higher and panicky and she got up and started pacing her room, “What if he’s weak? The pack won’t accept him, will they? What if he’s not even ranked? Wait, should I even care about that?” She had stopped abruptly and the confusion on her face made me laugh out loud. “Geez Darce, calm down. You sound like a crazy person. I should worry more that our future Alpha has lost her mind rather than who her mate is.” I giggled again and she sighed, “Ok you’re right. I need to get a grip. He might not even be here…” “Exactly. Now help me choose an outfit for today. It needs to be practical for running but still sexy in case my mates here today.”

I started pulling clothes out of my bag I’d brought with me as Darcie smirked and shook her head at me, “You’re unbelievable. Of course, you would think of that.” We laughed as she helped me pick my outfit and I forced her to pick something she looked good in too. We both wore high waisted leggings and long sleeved crop tops but my colour choices of white and hot pink were much brighter than her navy blue and light blue combo.  “It’s not a fashion show,” she muttered but I saw her check her reflection and nod, satisfied with my choices. “Ava,” Max spoke in my mind, “are you ready and able to come now? I know it’s a little early but I need extra hands in the training center.” “Sure bro, on my way.” I grabbed my matching hot pink scrunchie and quickly tied my hair up into a high ponytail. No time for a fancy hair style I guess.

“Right,” I grabbed Darcie by the shoulders, “I have to go, Max needs a hand. Do not freak out again, it’s going to be really fun and we’re going to kick butt.” She nodded and gave me a thumbs up, “Thanks Ava, I’ll see you soon.”

I left the pack house and made my way down towards the training center. I could smell the different scents of newcomers in the air and see people from other packs moving around and assessing our lands. The accommodation for the visiting Alphas, Betas and their families wasn’t too far from the packhouse, and Freya was suddenly up and pacing in my mind. ‘I think our mates here today Ava!’ I almost stumbled and shook my head from surprise. It was different thinking about meeting your mate and having it a strong possibility. ‘Freya! Why did you tell me! Now I’m nervous like Darcie was!’ ‘Well take your own advice then.’  What a sass queen. I kept moving, my nerves making me walk faster than usual. I almost walked into Max as I entered the training center, I was so distracted by my thoughts. “Oh good you’re here, that was quick,” Max steadied me by holding my shoulders, “I need help moving some of the sandbags out onto the field. We don’t have to carry them, just load them onto the trailer just outside the back door, it’ll be quicker to drive them all over.” I nodded and got straight to work while Max went off to order around more people. I casually chatted to the other warriors there; we were all pretty good friends considering how often we trained together, and everyone was so excited for the games today. It was the perfect distraction I needed. Once the trailer was packed, we drove it over and Max was already at the area they needed to be offloaded. It was only 20 minutes until start time and a few of the visiting leaders were starting to gather around and assess the obstacles. We were almost finished unloading when I caught the most amazing scent and Freya started howling like crazy in my mind. It was a deep caramel smell, not overly sweet, and so delicious. I dropped the sandbag I was holding and my head swiveled quickly, hunting for the source of the smell. Max noted my stance and grabbed my shoulder, “Aves, you ok? What’s wrong?” I couldn’t answer him, my eyes still searching the crowds and Freya frantically jumping in my head. I felt excited with a million butterflies in my stomach, and my breathing was shallow. Max’s face swam in front of my vision, his face concerned. He grabbed the side of my face to get my attention, “Ava seriously, what is going on?” Before I could respond a huge growl filled the air. ‘Mate,’ sighed Freya.

Christian

 I watched Evan limp towards a room, no doubt planning a shower after our trip. I couldn’t help the twinge of guilt I felt seeing my brother struggle slightly. Seven years on and, even though Evan had told me numerous times I was not to blame, I still regretted my actions that day. I had been so stupid and reckless. ‘Wait until he shifts, there is still hope.’ My wolf Argo was always very positive but I didn’t want false hope to lead to more sadness. ‘I hope you’re right. Does Arion ever mention it?’ Being twins meant we were close and our wolves were close too, our combined mental connections were really strong. Evan and I had to learn how to not mind link when we turned 16, we were constantly listening to each other’s thoughts unwillingly. ‘No, but I know he thinks the same as I do.’ ‘Of course he does,’ I rolled my eyes at how ‘typically twin like’ they were.

I went off to have a quick shower of my own and by the time I was dressed and entering the living area my parents had returned with lunch. “Alpha,” I grinned and went to hug my father. “Christian,” he returned my hug before grabbing my shoulders and pulling me back to face me, “did you give your mother a hard time coming here?” One eyebrow was raised but his tone was teasing. “Of course he did,” Evan laughed as he also entered the room and went over to lightly punch our fathers arm, “Hey Dad. How were the meetings?” We all sat down to lunch as my father briefly discussed the meetings agendas and some interesting stories from the other Alphas. “What is this Alpha Darcy like? Is he really such a big deal for us all to come here?” I asked. My mother and father looked at each other and I saw my father subtly wink at her. My mother looked like she was trying not to laugh but there was also a look of…anticipation? I couldn’t quite understand it. ‘Dude, what are they hiding?’ Evan had always been better at reading them. ‘Don’t know, something must be weird about this Darcy guy. We’ll find out today I suppose.’  I gave him a slight nod while Jarrod asked, “Is he strange or a total loser?” “He is just not what you’d expect,” my father said mysteriously, “but it’s a good thing. I’m looking forward to you all meeting this Alpha.” Though Jarrod, Evan and I asked more questions we were only met with shaking heads and small giggles from my mother who had obviously got the down low from dad.

We finished lunch and decided to head towards where the games would be held a bit earlier so we could look around the training center a bit. It was easy to find as many people, visitors and Jamala pack members who would spectate, seemed to be gravitating towards the area with ease. As we got closer, a large field opened up and we could see the different obstacles spaced out widely. They hadn’t quite finished set up as I noticed a few people in groups, unpacking trailers or laying out cones. As I was taking in the course the wind shifted and my mind exploded. ‘MATE.’ Argo was howling like mad in my head and even Evans’ voice was there too ‘Christian, tell Argo to shut up, what is going on?!’ I tried to get control of the situation while the smell of raspberries clouded my thoughts. “You can hear him?” I asked Evan, my eyes roaming wildly. “Yeah, he scared me to death,” Evan replied, still holding a hand over the side of his head, “I’m guessing your loss of control opened our minds again.” I vaguely nodded that I understood, but I couldn’t care less. My eyes had finally found the source of the enticing raspberry smell and I was already moving towards her involuntarily. Holy s**t she is hot. I could see her eyes widen as she caught my scent. Her black, silky hair was in a high ponytail and her almond eyes started looking around the field. She was thin but I could tell she was strong; I could see the faint lines of her muscles through her tight clothing and the gap between her top and leggings displayed perfect cream coloured skin. Though she wasn’t overly tall her legs were long and I couldn’t help but imagine them wrapped around me. Goddess, you’ve outdone yourself. My pace increased as another male near her grabbed her shoulder, Argo growling angrily in my head. However, as I was only a few meters from her the guy moved his hand to her face, and I couldn’t contain Argo’s menacing growl from escaping. “MINE.”

Two sets of eyes swiveled towards me; one in confusion and the other in anticipation. Rage was coursing through me at someone else touching my mate and controlling Argo was near impossible.  I stalked hurriedly towards them. “Dude chill! Look at them,” Evans’ tone was serious but I could tell he found my behaviour amusing, “they have to be related. Don’t make a fool of yourselves in front of the new family.” I heard his snicker as I reached my mates side, my anger still simmering but Argos growls contained. She had stepped back to, thankfully, put distance between herself and the guy with her. I couldn’t take my eyes off hers and my anger quickly vanished. Her raspberry smell was intoxicating and I stepped closer to her subconsciously. She was staring into my eyes with a hint of amusement and a small blush on her cheeks. She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head slightly, “You weren’t growling at your future brother, were you?” I was lost for words as I slightly panicked that I had messed up our fated relationship already.  I glanced quickly at her brother who also seemed amused but quickly looked menacing as he crossed his arms over his chest. I opened my mouth to respond but she had moved even closer to me and I couldn’t form a coherent answer. “I’m tougher than I look,” she said quietly, as she grabbed the front of my top and pulled my ear to her lips, “so you should apologise before I make you.” Her seductive whisper made my mouth dry and I was feeling anything but threatened. I wrapped an arm around her waist possessively and glanced up at her brother. “My wolf and I apologise.” I said formally, lowering my head slightly. Argo wasn’t impressed but even he was willing to be on our mates good side. I looked up and her brother laughed, “All good dude. You shouldn’t give into her so easily though.” He reached out an arm, “I’m Max.” “Christian.” I returned his hand shake. “And I’m Ava.” I turned back to my mate, my Ava, looking at me happily. I stroked her face, relishing in the tingles erupting from the contact. “Ava…” I sighed.