Resisting the bond

A bright light made me stir from my dreams as I stretched my limbs and yawned. Glancing at my clock on the wall I noticed it was already 5am which meant I has about to be late for the morning practice. I dashed into my walkin closet tossing on a black sports bra and some sweats along with my black tennis shoes. Jogging out the front door while throwing my throwing my deep black hair into a ponytail; I took note of all the pack members scurrying inside. It seemed like people stopped talking when I would approached them; which is strange because our pack members are usually very friendly. I exchanged a couple 'goodmornings' before entering the training field. "Goodmorning bestfriends," I chirped flashing John and Beta Terra my biggest smile. "Well somebody's cheery this morning," Terra giggled as I engulfed them in a hug. "Its probably because of that extra sleep you got," John chimed in as he pulled from my grasp. "Oh whatever. Let's just get this over with so I can get to my paperwork before the Alpha meeting tonight." We trained for the next few hours until Tiffany, an omega, came and announced breakfast was ready. Pack members were already piled into the dining areas, some were devouring plates of food while others filled into like at the buffet tables. Omegas continuously brought out fresh food as the wolves scarfed down every bite clearing their plates. Once in line I grabbed two plates piling them with waffles, ham, biscuits and gravy, a few doughnuts, and some fresh fruit. I made my way to an open seat and made began eating. The pack knows I'm not a talkative person unless something needs to be said, so usually during meals I eat quietly taking in my joyous pack. When finished I excuse myself to clean up before I head to my office. Todays agenda consists of a pack meeting at 5pm followed by a meeting and dinner with Alpha Zander at 7pm. Since Zander is my uncle it's not uncommon for him to stay for meals. Hes always welcome in my pack territory. About 6 years ago my pack, ColdRose, was attacked by a group of rogues. We werent a big pack nor very strong at the time, so the attack nearly destroyed us. All ranked members fell in the attack including our Alpha and Luna. The fatality count ended up being 200 pack members and 350 rogues. After the attack Alpha Zander watched over Coldrose so that I could attend the alpha academy and become the leader my pack deserved. In the years that followed my return to the pack I installed new security measures along with more rigorous training. We have now grown to be the second largest pack in NorthAmerica and the strongest in the world. Our territory has grown exponentially also. Stepping in front of the mirror I began towel drying my think black hair before putting on some eyeliner and mascara to accentuate my emerald green eyes. "b***h where are you?!" Beta Terr screamed as the bedroom door flew open. "bathroom T," I chimed back while rolling my eyes; damn will this girl ever learn to knock? She swung around the corner with a big grin on her face holding out my clothes, "put these on and let's go. hurry" terra demanded. I slipped into my jeans and black tank top throwing on the green plaid button up before sliding on my black leather biker boots. "okay T, where are we going?" She grabbed my hand pulling me behind her down the stairs and out the front door. Terra just giggled as she forced me into the black suv. She looked at me mischievously while starting the engine. "Shopping" was all she got out before slamming the gas knowing I would jump out at that word. There was nothing I hated more than shopping; especially with Terra, this girl could shop for hours and still not buy enough. "Ugh fine. but we have a meeting at 5 so this needs to be fast." I groaned "Dont worry doll just a few stores then we can leave." After 5 hours of shopping we were finally done and heading to the food court. Before we sat down with our food Terra noticed a*****e full of fancy gowns and suits. "J when were done can we please go in there?" She begged. "Why T? We only attend a couple balls a year and I'm sure we have plenty of gowns already." "I know, but we haven't gotten any new ones lately and I know you only actually like a couple of the ones you own." Terra stated matter of factly I groaned, "Fine, but quick, okay?" She squealed and hugged me, "Oh yay! Thank you J." We finished eating quickly and headed into the store. Walking in a tall woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes greeted us only to be interrupted by an older woman who told her to go do something. "Hello Alpha J, I may help with anything you and Beta Terra need. Please dont hesitate to ask." She gave me a bright smiling before Terra took over. "Thank you dear. We are looking to two formal gowns. Could you find us something?" The woman beamed. "Ladys please have a seat, and I will be back in a few moments." With that she scurried away only to return a moment later holding two beautiful gowns. "Alpha I take pride in my work as a dress maker and pack member. I would be honored if you'd wear one of my designs." She handed me the dresses as I stepped into the changing room. The first one I tried pooled at my feet, so I handed it to Terra to try on while I slipped into the second dress. It was a beautiful strapless emerald floor length gown with a slit up the thigh and black sequin roses decorating the bottom. The gown fit perfectly around my body. I stepped out of the changing room to see Terra with tears in her eyes staring at me. "what's wrong T?" I was worried at this point. She turned me to the mirror and that's when I saw it. "Dear I knew the Luna for many years. This is exactly like the dress she..." I cut off the older woman. "She wore on her 16th birthday.." Tears were brimming my eyes. There is a giant picture in the dining area of the pack house of my mother and father the day they met; which was also her 16th birthday. The first day a wolf may find its mate. "Dear I hope you're not offended. The Luna was an amazing woman and you just look so much like her. I thought this would be a good way for me to honor her." The woman had tears streaming down her face. Engulfing her into a hug I whispered, "Thank you ma'am I would be honored to wear your dress" Once emotions died down Terra and I payed then made out way home. Putting my clothes away I checked the clock, 3pm. Take a short nap or do some paperwork before the meeting? Nap it is. I tossed on some shorts and climbed into bed; snuggling into my pillows. As sleep was beginning to take me my door flew open. "What are you doing woman?!" Terra came barging in with Jesse, a young omega I've grown close with. "ugh. Why must you always bother me?!" I just wanted a quick nap "We came to get you ready, duh" Terra sighed "Ready for what?" I snapped "You really dont remember what today is?" Jesse seemed shocked "Yea its July 11th... why?" Now I was annoyed "J, I thought you were just playing stupid earlier. July 11th is your birthday stupid" Terra rolled her eyes at me Oh my God I had totally forgotten. All wolves awaken at midnight on your 16th birthday, except mine. When I was 9 my younger brother was attacked by a rogue while we were near the border. That was the day I met Katara, my wolf, and killed my first rogue. My brother, James, wasn't hurt too bad thankfully, and I earned new respect from the pack. "I completely forgot..." shrugging I gave them a sheepish smile. "Well that's okay. Now let's get you ready." Terra always understood the pressure of being an Alpha at my age. While I am an exceptional Alpha, I am a horrible teenager; which is where she comes in. I sit in a daze while Terra and Jesse get my hair and makeup done, not allowing me to look until the end. When finished, they turn me to the mirror and I gasp. My midnight hair is falling in soft waves over my shoulders with small sections pinned back out of my eyes. They've applied some eyeliner and mascara adding some definition to my eyes. T insisted that I wear my new gown tonight with some black pumps so I slipped it on while her and Jesse began to get ready. Exactly at 5pm we descended the stairs together only to be greeted my a resounding, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALPHA J!" from the pack members gathered. We partied and drank for a few hours before I received a mindlink from the warriors at the front gate, "Alpha there is another Alpha with some warriors here demanding entry. What shall I do? They are getting angry." He sounded scared. "Hold your ground warrior I will be there soon." "James, Sam follow me" "Yes Alpha" I closed the mindlink and allowed Katara to take over. My bones began popping as I shifted into my wolf. Katara was a small wolf for being an Alpha; usually the higher the rank the bigger the wolf, but Katara was the same size as Beta Terras wolf. She is midnight black with a crescent moon on her chest and striking emerald eyes. While she is small she is more lethal than any other wolf. We charged to the front gate about 3 miles away. If another Alpha is at our gate I will be the one to stop him. As we arrived I heard yelling and noticed 4 black SUVs pulled onto the drive. I was on edge now feeling the power of not one, but four other Alphas. Katara released a warning growl as we circle the vehicles trying to gauge their intent. I dont smell the putrid smell of murderous intent so I relaxed slightly and approached the yelling men. My warrior instantly bowed as he saw Katara, but his eyes never left the yelling Alpha. The Alpha turned and rolled his eyes as he smelt my approach. "Katara call off your boys so I can give my niece a proper greeting." She growled and crouched into a playful position with her tail wagging. "Oh no you dont. You know very well I have never been able to beat you young lady." He scolded me causing the warrior he was yelling at to release a protective growl. "Trever this is my uncle Alpha Zander from Bloodrock. Please allow them onto the territory" "What about the others in the car?" I thought it over for a moment. "If Alpha Zander trusts them they are welcome, for now" With that I now to Zander and turn back to the pack house with James and Sam in tow. "Terra where are you? Alpha Zander is arriving with a few other Alphas. I'd like to Beta to be by my side for the introductions" I mind linked Terra as I slipped my dress and heals back on. "Hey Alpha." Terra makes me jump as she pops around the corner. "There you are! We have Zander along with three other Alphas coming up the drive. They are friends with Zander so I'm not concerned about the party, but I'd still like to have you with me so they know who is in charge of the pack." She followed me out of the party and to the front of the pack house. Just as the suvs pulled up. The Alphas piled out and stood shoulder to shoulder as Zander introduced them. "This is Alpha Thomas, Alpha Maxwell, and Alpha Marcus. They have each come on business to see you, but we do deal with that in the morning. And you of course know my warriors," He gestured to the men behind him. "Thank you Alpha Zander and welcome visiting Alphas. It is a pleasure to meet everybody; You may refer to me as Alpha J and this is my Beta Terra. You are all welcome to join the party and stay the night, but while here please respect my pack members and their home," I paused. "Warriors, some of the omegas had to clean the house last time you were here. Please be sure to pick up after yourselves this time or next time you visit we will only supply sleeping bags and land to sleep on. Understood?" I glared at them. "Yes Alpha" The men responded solemnly as if they were children getting scolded my their mother. "Good now go enjoy the party boys! Jesse is back there waiting for you. She keeps mind linking me demanding beer pong players." With that the warriors started cheering as they bolted to the back yard. I crawled out of bed the next morning and immediately climbed into the shower to wake up. Last night got a little rowdy; I'm not even sure how I wound up in bed. Throwing on sweats and a sports bra I made my way downstairs for breakfast. Jesse had her arms full of fresh waffles and biscuits. "Hey doll need some help?" "Ugh thank you J! There's some fruit and a pan of gravy in the kitchen. Could you bring it out?" She scrunched up her forehead a sure sign of her stress levels rising. "Jesse have you eaten yet?" I asked worried. "No.... I've just been too busy cooking extra food.." She stuttered out. "Its okay dear. Please take those out then get in line for some food. I will handle the rest." Gripping her shoulders I spun her around and pushed her to the dining area. Alpha Zander, Alpha Marcus, and Alpha Thomas were all seated and eating when I entered the room carrying the fruit and gravy. They were deep in conversation about pack problems when Alpha Maxwell walked in. "So where is the child Alpha at?" He questioned Zander while taking a seat. "I'm not sure. She's probably in the kitchen, Zander shrugged off his comment, "you should probably get a plate before the pack eats it all," He suggested. "Yea I will as soon as I find an omega to take my order," at this Zander chuckled. "Alpha Maxwell, the omegas here cook the food and clean afterwards. They wont be serving you. The buffet tables are over there with plates on both ends." I sat listening to their exchange trying to gauge the men from across the room. Alpha Maxwell looked taken aback. "I am an Alpha and I will be treated as one," he reached behind him as omegas Alex was walking by and grabbed her wrist making her jump. "You, omega, go get me some waffles, bacon, and sausage. Now," Maxwell demanded. "Get it yourself boy!" Alex snapped pulling her arm back and walking away. Maxwell stood releasing a warning growl from his throat before following Alex. I rose from my seat and made my way towards them; while Alpha Zander followed me with his eyes. He began snickering and nudging the other Alphas getting their attention on me. Maxwell was reaching forward to grab Alex's firey red hair as I approached. Grabbing hold of his wrist he spun around. "Well there is our little Alpha. Your omega here is being truly disrespectful and needs to be punished." I saw his eyes flash for a moment signaling he was on the surface. "How was alex being disrespectful Alpha Maxwell?" I questioned "She refused to serve me then walked away as if she didnt just ignore an Alphas request." He was pissed "I believe Alpha Zander had already explained to you that my omegas sever nobody, Alpha request or not," I paused allowing Katara to raise to the surface. "Now Alpha Maxwell please go get some food and return to your table. Do not bother any of my pack member on your way." With that I turned to Alex. "Alex please accept my apology for my rude guest. He clearly doesnt know how to treat people." I bowed to here causing the visiting Alphas to gasp. "Alpha J please stop, you know I hate it when you bow to others. I accept your apology, but do not blame you for having such a rude guest." The rest of breakfast continued without problems. While the Alphas finished eating I excused myself to go clean up before our meetings. After my shower I tossed on a black pants suit and proceeded to the meeting room. All four Alphas were sitting around our large oak table with Terra at the head. They all turned and smiled as I approached. "Okay Alphas what business do we have to discuss today?" I wanted to get this done with. Meetings are always so boring. "Well Alpha J, Thomas and I would like to employ some of your protection personel for our Lunas. We know how good your men are and need the very best to protect them," Alpha Marcus stated. "and why is Alpha Maxwell here?" Raising my eyebrow I questioned him. "I was visiting my brother Marcus when he told me of the visit to your pack. Rumor has it your land and pack are beautiful, so I took the opportunity to see for myself." Maxwell spoke clearly without hesitation. "and?" I responded "the rumors are true Alpha. Your land and pack are extraordinary. Thank you for allowing me on the Coldrose territory, it is an honor." "Well thank you Maxwell..." "But may I ask how you became an Alpha so young? I dont mean to be disrespectful, but you're only 16 with and strongest pack in the world," He interrupted. I paused for a moment deciding what to tell him. "My parents died when I was 10," that was all i would willingly tell him. Nobody outside of my pack knows what happened that day. Alpha Zander made sure to shut down rumors after the attack. All anybody knows is that my parents died and I took over, but not that I fought in the war. That was the day I gained my packs respect, and I've held it ever since.