Female Alpha's Choice

First Introductions

Darcie

True to my promise to James, Ava and I ran through the inner circle of our pack lands and didn’t take any risks. At one point I let Celeste take full control and watched her happily as she ran and played with Avas’ wolf Freya. “Ok Celeste, we need to head back. Mama will lose her mind if we’re late.” Celeste quickly gave me control; even she wouldn’t mess with the Luna. Ava and I reached a tree line close to the pack house and shifted, getting dressed again before stepping out. “Thanks so much Darcie,” Ava gushed, “Freya says Celeste was really fun and we can’t wait to run again!” I smiled back at my friend. “We loved it too, it’s been a while since we could run free. Once this rouge issue gets sorted we can venture out more. There’s a few waterfalls I’d love to show you.”

We chatted easily into the pack house and then went separate ways. I really had needed that couple of hours running free. I had felt some of my tension lifting as I enjoyed the fresh mountain air and peaceful forest sounds. I should’ve known the tension would pile back on as soon as my mama got her hands on me.

“Ah good you’re here Darcie! Quick, into the shower. The hair and make-up girls will be in soon.” I waited until I moved into the bathroom to roll my eyes. My mother was a force of her own and I had learnt long ago to just give in to her wishes, Future Alpha or not.

The next couple of hours passed more quickly than I thought they would. My hair was given a blow dry with big waves that swept halfway down my back and my make-up was, thankfully, kept tasteful with gold highlights to bring out my brown eyes. My dress was simple; a halter necked, deep green satin dress which hugged my hips and flared out slightly to just under my knees. As I stepped into my matching heels and straightened up my mother returned from her getting dressed in her own room.

“Oh you look perfect darling! Just right for a formal dinner.” I murmured my thanks while looking at my reflection. I was surprised that I liked the outfit and felt comfortable in it. I generally didn’t wear dresses and for the ball tomorrow night I had fought hard to wear a pantsuit instead. My dad had to help me convince my mother on that one. “She’s going to be Alpha soon my love, you can’t control her outfits forever.”

I was nervous as I followed my mother downstairs towards the dining room. I wasn’t sure how the other Alphas would receive me. Were they old school misogynists who would laugh at me? Had my father already told them his heir was female? What if they thought us weak or strange? “C’mon girl, we’re the future Alpha,” Celeste encouraged me, “don’t show them anything but your strength. You were born for this, it’s our birthright.” I felt her confidence fill me too and I pulled my shoulders back. She was right, I had worked hard to earn my future title but it really was my right. As we reached the main doors we stopped. I could hear my father formally greeting the Alphas and their Betas. He sounded so excited, not nervous at all, and that encouraged me further. My mother turned to me. “You ready Darce?” she smiled encouragingly. “Hell yeah.” The doors opened as my father announced, “Please let me introduce my beautiful Luna Rachael and my future Alpha, and heir, Darcie.” I stepped into the room and there was silence.

James

“Well, you certainly made an impact.” I had finally found a moment with Darcie alone after dinner. She had retreated to a balcony outside, and I’d given her a couple of minutes before following her out. I knew she needed a moment of quiet with her thoughts, but I wanted to check in with her. Dinner had been interesting to say the least…

*3 hours earlier*

Luna Rachael and Darcie stepped into the room where I was seated with the visiting Alphas and Betas and you could have heard a pin drop. The stunned silence was almost painful and I saw Darcie’s shoulders drop ever so slightly. As they walked to their seats Alpha Dylan cleared his throat, “Please everyone, let’s begin our meal. There will time for personal introductions after at drinks.” As he went to sit down a voice called from towards the end of the table. “Alpha Dylan, my friend, is this a joke?” Heads swiveled towards the man who I recognised from the files as Alpha Sammus from the Zaro pack. He had a smirk on his face and didn’t seem afraid of causing a scene. “She’s a female! Are we here to negotiate who will take over your pack?” He laughed loudly but no one dared to laugh with him; not even his Beta who suddenly looked incredibly nervous. I wondered if he was sane. The tension in the room rose and the aura Alpha Dylan was emitting was frightening. “You dare to question my daughter’s birthright? You dare to laugh at our packs future?” Alpha Dylan was visibly fuming and I saw Luna Rachael gently touching his arm, trying to get him to remain calm. As I looked back to Alpha Sammus, I noticed he had lost some of his confidence, but the i***t kept going. “I’m just surprised Alpha Dylan. Surely with such a large pack you’d want a stronger hand in charge.” Before Alpha Dylan could reply Darcie shocked everyone and spoke quietly but clearly. “Strength isn’t just physical, Alpha Sammus. For example, it takes a great deal of strength to hold one’s tongue and think before they say something stupid. Clearly this is a strength you are lacking in.” The silence ensued again but was broken a moment later by another Alpha; Alpha Jacob of the Mahru pack laughing loudly. Slowly others joined him and some even applauded. I turned to Darice and smiled, “That’s my future Alpha.” She didn’t reply but I could see the relief in her eyes. The omegas started bringing out food and drinks and the group settled into comfortable conversation. From the corner of my eye I saw Alpha Dylan smiling at Darcie and give her a slight nod. They seemed to be mind linking and Darcie flushed a little, apparently pleased with her fathers’ remarks. Dinner had followed on without any other dramas, but you could still feel the intrigue in the air. There were more than a few glances towards Darcie and I didn’t like the way some Alphas looked at her. It almost felt like some were sizing her up; as a possible easy target or a strong female for their own future Alphas?

Drinks had followed and I hardly had a chance to talk to her. I was always near her though. Being her Beta meant I needed to be by her side and make introductions also. Of the 11 Alphas only Alpha Sammus kept his chat brief, clearly still angry at being humiliated at dinner. The other Alphas were polite and keen to make a connection with Darcie. She kept smiling and talking animatedly but I could tell she was getting over the introductions. She hated trying to remember names and I could sense her weariness of adding more people that she had to remember over the weekend.

**

She turned from facing the balcony. “They think I’m funny at least,” she sighed, “but I felt them sizing me up. They think I’m weak.” She looked so sad, I couldn’t help but pull her into my arms. “Hey, don’t worry about what they think now. They were surprised you’re a female, of course, but you’ve already shown them you’re strong in character. Once you start beating up their future leaders at the fights this weekend, they’ll see how strong you are physically too.” She laughed a little and I felt her relax a little more into my chest. I rest my chin on her head and just enjoyed having her close, my fingers slowly tracing down her shoulder blades. She smelt amazing and her bare back was smooth…

“James…” she pulled herself away from me to look into my eyes, “thank you. I couldn’t do this without you. You’re the best Beta an Alpha could want.” I returned her smile and released her. She said goodnight and walked inside to say her goodbyes. Her words made me proud but stung at the same time. Would I always just be her Beta to her?