Female Alpha's Choice

Stressful Alliance

Chapter 8

Darcie

“Of course whatever, it’s my job.” James smiled and grabbed his stuff before rushing out with a hasty, “See you at breakfast!” ‘Darcie, what the hell! Were you about to kiss him? We might find our mate soon. Why would you do that?’ Celeste was so annoyed with me, but I didn’t think I was about to kiss him, was I? I felt like my brain was coming out of a deep sleep and everything had been moving in slow motion. ‘I’m sorry Celeste, I don’t think I would’ve. I don’t know what that was.’ She huffed and went silent. I moved through the motions of showering and changing, replaying the conversation in my head. Was James suggesting more than just his Beta role as well? Had he considered us being mates too? I wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about that. Surely not, he had said it was ‘his job’ and that meant as a Beta only, right? My anger rose slightly again when I thought over his words about the pack acceptance. I knew it came from the right place but after the dinner last night, not being accepted was a sore topic for me.

As I walked to breakfast, I decided to put aside our whole conversation for another time. This weekend was going to be busy enough and I didn’t need to be distracted with things that may not be necessary. ‘Exactly, we’ll just find our mate and then problem gone.’ I was relieved that Celeste was speaking to me again, so I didn’t roll my eyes at her attitude.

Breakfast wasn’t as awkward as I thought it was going to be. James seemed to be happy to pretend our conversation didn’t happen and the excitement in the room was the perfect mood lifter. “Darcie,” my father grinned mischievously, “ready to show these Alpha brats who’s the strongest future Alpha in the region?” I smirked while my mother rolled her eyes. Alpha Dylan was well known for being competitive and it brought out his immature side. “Of course Dad. I already warmed up on James this morning.” We all laughed as we looked over at James, his spoonful of cereal almost at his wide-open mouth and his eyes showing his shocked indignation. “Hope you took it easy on him.” My dad winked at me and James muttered under his breath, “She didn’t.” which brought on another round of laughter. I continued chatting to Ida, James’ mother, as she asked how my training was going. I couldn’t help but notice James was clearly mind linking someone, as his face blanked in and out. Before I could ask, he spoke, “Sorry to interrupt,” he looked at Ida, “Dad said he’s still got stuff to do so he’ll eat in his office and meet you at lunch.” Ida looked concerned but nodded. Why wouldn’t Trent just mind link her himself? I mused. Before I could ponder on it for too long my mother spoke, “Now darling, listen, I know you’re excited for the team activities but you’ll have to leave them early so we can prepare you for the ball tonight.” I groaned and slapped my hand to my face, “Come on mother, you can’t be serious. They finish at 5 and the ball doesn’t start until 7:30. How is that not enough time?!” ‘Clearly some people need more time to be made beautiful.’  James teased me and barely stifled his laughter as I slapped his shoulder. “Darcie you will not argue with me on this,” she continued, “I already let you choose an outfit that I am not overly happy with. We all need to make compromises.” I stabbed my pancakes harder than necessary and kept eating instead of replying what I wanted, which would’ve scored me a smack over the head for sure. “Fine,” I grumbled, “I’ll leave them at 4.” Great. Only three hours of fun before the ball tonight, which was surely going to be dull. What if people saw me leave early and thought I was too weak to complete the tasks? ‘Even more reason to kick ass tomorrow.’ That’s a good point. Celeste always knew how to cheer me up.

Trent

“Derrick, I told you, this weekend would be the worst time for you to try anything. The whole region of Alphas have gathered. You’d be out of your mind to try it.” Goddess rogues were dumb, and this groups Alpha was one of the dumbest wolves I had ever had to deal with. “Trent, I’m getting tired of just sending threats. I’m not a patient wolf and my pack are hungry for blood.” I rolled my eyes, thankful we were having this discussion via phone and not in person. “Look just send another message or target someone on the border patrol to really show you mean business.” My stomach recoiled slightly at the thought of one of our pack members getting hurt but wasn’t one casualty worth the greater pack number? “Fine, but I want more money, right now.” “I’ll wire you another $2000 from my personal account. Don’t call again this weekend, it’s too risky.” I hung up the phone and threw it down on the desk. What am I doing? I had asked myself this question so often lately I was probably going mad.

Two months ago, when Darcie had been able to transition to her wolf, I decided it was time to encourage her into finding a mate, specifically my boy James. I could remember when she turned 16 and it was clear they weren’t fated mates; I could see he was upset but I was devastated and angry. How could the Moon Goddess overlook my son? Surely, he was the best match with Darcie to lead the pack. They had grown up together, were best of friends and made a perfect team. It wasn’t right. Then I heard her whispers of pack members not wanting a female Alpha, especially one that wasn’t mated. As Beta, I had to think what the best course of action for the pack and my future Alpha was. Then I met Derrick. I was at a bar out of our pack lands, and he was there, complaining loudly about wanting to move into our land and attempt to take over. Normally I would have killed him and moved on, but I decided to try and use him. Surely it was a sign that he was there at the same time I was? I convinced myself it was a second chance at correcting fate. I told him I would help him take over eventually, but he would need to wait for the right time. Fear can weaken a pack, especially if they begin to lose faith in their Alpha, so I persuaded Derrick to write threats. I was hoping that if he directed enough threats at Darcie being a solo female Alpha, then it would push her to find a chosen mate, and I had no doubt she’d choose James if she felt pressured enough. Of course, I’d dispose of Derrick then, no harm to the pack would come. I thought it was a brilliant plan, but Derrick was really getting on my nerves. I was stressed enough that someone would find out. Alpha Dylan was my best friend, but he’d kill me or banish me if he found out, there was no doubt in my mind of that.

This weekend was going to stress me out even more. All this planning would be worth nothing if Darcie found her fated mate among the visitors. I hope she doesn’t, or if she does, that he isn’t worthy of Alpha status.

Evan

We finally reached the Jamala pack border and their guards greeted us warmly, already knowing who we were and where we had come from. We were directed to our temporary villa for the weekend and I took in the pack village as we drove through. Their village was quite large and spread out, and the scenery surrounding it was beautiful. Arion had been quiet throughout the drive but perked up and gained excitement the further in we drove.

Christian, Jarrod and my mother were all commenting about the village, and they were all impressed by the layout and how modern everything seemed. Don’t get me wrong, our pack was financially well off and my father made sure the pack lands and town were updated regularly, but there was something about the Jamala lands that seemed superior somehow. “Damn if these are the omega houses, I can’t wait to see our villa.” Jarrod exclaimed. Christian replied, “Even better dude, we get our own place. Dad and mum are getting an Alpha apartment closer to the main pack house.” They bumped fists enthusiastically. “You know what that means bro? Party time.” I rolled my eyes at my brother. Lucky he didn’t say that aloud, he knows mother wouldn’t be happy. “You just want to meet girls.” “And you don’t? Come on Evan, once you meet your mate you’re locked down to one she-wolf for the rest of your life! Live a little…” I rolled my eyes. “I call my own room. If any of us have to share it’s you two pinheads.” After another 5 minutes of arguing over rooms, and my mother threatening us in Spanish, we finally arrived at our accommodation. The arguing had been pointless; the villa was large enough with an open plan living area and kitchen, and a hallway leading to three bedrooms, all with ensuites and small walk-in robes.

I limped slightly through the living area, I had really cramped up from the car ride, and took in the space. The whole house was modern and sleek with a grey and white colour palette and expensive feeling furniture. The fridge and pantry were full of snacks and drinks, and I helped myself to a bottle of soda water and a doughnut. I was definitely going to enjoy this weekend.

“Alright boys,” my mother called, “I’m off to my accommodation and to find our Alpha. Behave! We will come and bring back lunch for you soon so we can make sure we’re ready for the training events today. Do not leave this villa for now, understood?” We agreed and settled into scoping the villa more. I choose a room and decided I needed a quick shower to loosen my muscles before the events today. ‘I wish I could phase into you Arion, I don’t want to seem weak in these events. What if our mate is here and she doesn’t want us?’ I was so glad I had my wolf to be honest with, he was always so supportive. ‘You’ve achieved a lot already Evan. Anyone who doesn’t recognise that isn’t worth your association anyway. And our mate will want us. It’s destiny.’ I nodded to myself. I started to undress and sat on the edge of the bath to remove my prosthetic leg and sighed, ‘I hope you’re right.’