A Queen Among Alphas

Chapter Five: Amelia POV

My day could not have been more perfect – surrounded by the people I love. The Beta family wasn’t here, not that I’m surprised. I overheard my father venting about it to my mother during lunch. He was pissed off and felt disrespected. It’s not that they are required to be here for my birthday – I sure as hell don’t want Ryker near me, or any of them for that matter. But they were personally invited by their Alpha, and rejecting the invitation for no good reason is extremely disrespectful. While I didn’t personally feel slighted – because I genuinely just don’t care – it did make me more apprehensive about tomorrow.

This just further leads me to believe Ryker is going to challenge me, and, while I don’t feel the least bit bad for what will inevitably happen to him, I do feel sad for his parents. Unless Ryker taps out, they’ll end up grieving the death of their only son and I’m certain it’ll shatter my father’s friendship with Declan. Though, I have noticed their friendship hasn’t been so great over the last few years. I think if dad didn’t know I was taking over, he would have replaced Declan as Beta ages ago. But that’s just speculation.

The highlight of my day so far was seeing Mei interact with everyone. She’s really starting to come out of her shell, and it was great getting to know her as a person. She fits right in and everyone loves her. I can’t wait to officially make her a member of this pack. This is her home and where she belongs.

Eventually, everyone went their own ways to start getting ready for the larger party. Mum headed off to check on the setup, dad went off with his Gamma and Delta to make sure the patrols are tight this evening, handle some other pack business, and maybe even scold his Beta. I didn’t ask.

I’ve decided to stay in what I’m wearing; I see no reason to change. I can still dance the night away in this outfit, so instead, I decide to go lay down in my room and take some time to reflect.

“You’re worried about tomorrow, aren’t you?” Zara asks gently.

“No, not worried,” I shake my head.

“Then what? You can tell me,” she encourages.

“I wonder how many there will be. Dad hinted that there may be more than one,” I answer.

“So? We’ll take on every single one and make them regret it. We were meant for this; I know you know this. No one is going to stand in our way,” she says confidently. I smile at her optimism.

“What if it’s too many? The more fights we have to participate in the weaker we’ll get. The last challenger might win by default just because I was exhausted from the other fights,” I say, voicing my concerns. I know I can tell Zara anything and she’ll never judge me for it.

“Hmm. That’s a valid concern. Though we’ve taken on dozens of curs at a time and come out unscathed. But then again, they haven’t had the training your challengers have. Not counting Ryker of course.” That makes me laugh.

“So, let’s go in with a game plan,” I tell her and she nods in agreement.

“I like a good plan. What do you have in mind?”

“I think I should fight in my human form for as long as I can, only letting you take over when I feel my strength waning. This would give me time to get my strength back while you’re fighting. If we’re still fighting by the time my strength comes back and you feel you’re getting weak, then we’ll come together and show them just how united we are,” I explain. I watch as she paces back and forth, full of anticipation, like she’s already pumping herself up for the fight.

See, while we’d share injuries, we’ve learned to use our individual spirits to reserve energy. We can use it and lend it to our other half to aid in combating fatigue or even speed up healing. Like I said, we’re the ultimate team.

“This is an excellent idea and a perfect strategy, though I expect no less from you. It’ll also mean potential opponents won’t be able to predict our moves as the fights go along since they won’t know what form we’ll be taking or when. This will give us an element of surprise,” she agrees. “We’re going to make a terrific Alpha, Amelia. I’m proud of you already.” Feeling and hearing Zara’s pride for me makes me very emotional. I wipe away tears as they form in my eyes.

“I’m proud of you too, Zara.”

Before I knew it, it was quarter to six and the party was about to start. I get up and slip my shoes back on and take my hair down which now has a natural wave in it from drying while up in my hair clip. I once again make the journey downstairs to the back of the packhouse and down to the training grounds, and holy crap! It looks like an outdoor club.

I’ll say this for my mother, she knows how to throw a party.

The smell of different types of foods is permeating the air, making me salivate. My stomach is instantly ready to pig out again. If I weren’t a wolf, I’d be the size of an elephant, I swear.

The training ground is almost unrecognisable, except for the bleachers. The track and sparring field have been covered by a massive light-up dancefloor that can fit the whole pack. Tall speakers surround the dancefloor and down on the far end, a DJ booth has been set up. Closer to the packhouse are tables with all assortments of foods. I notice there are strobe lights mounted into the trees pointed towards the training ground.

This has to be the coolest 21st birthday in the history of 21st birthdays.

As soon as I get towards the dancefloor, I spot Torie down at the DJ booth. She gives me a smile, a nod and starts the music. She’s awesome.

She’s twenty-six and has brown hair down to her bustline that is combed over to the right side while the left side of her head is shaved clean. She also has this tribal design of a wolf tattooed onto her scalp where her hair is shaved off. She’s wearing her usual black tank top, black skinny jeans, and probably black leather boots. She’s 5’3”, has pale skin with a peachy hue to it and she is built like a linebacker. Broad shoulders, thick thighs, head to toe muscle. She has forest green eyes and an armband tattoo around her right bicep. She looks like a stereotypical badass, and honestly, she is.

People often don’t believe she’s an Omega and maybe that’s why she worked so hard to bulk up, but that’s not my business.

She picks up the microphone and holds it close to her mouth. “Come on Invictus Pack, time to get on the dancefloor and wish the birthday girl a happy twenty-first birthday!” She shouts, pumping everyone up. The grounds erupt into cheers and I watch my pack members merge in from all directions and start occupying the dancefloor.

I’m immediately swarmed by my best friends, but I notice no Mei. That’s okay; her coming to lunch was a big step and I was very grateful for it. I know a party like this would have been too much. I dance my way over to Chris.

“You don’t have to stay here. Don’t feel like you have to choose between us and Mei,” I tell him.

He smiles at me. “She and I talked about it. I want to be here, and she encouraged me to have some fun. She felt proud that she took steps forward today, but it was still overwhelming for her. She wants some time alone and partying with my favourite people will help me not to stress about being away from her,” he explains and I nod in understanding.

“Then party it up and return when you’re ready,” I tell him, but he blindsides me and pulls me into a hug. I rub his back, taken aback by the gesture. “Are you okay?” I ask him, feeling concerned. He nods and briefly presses his forehead to mine. This may seem overly intimate, but this is how wolves show affection. It’s not inappropriate for us.

“Thank you, Amelia. For how supportive and welcoming you have been to her. She warms up around you and it means everything to me. I’ll be very proud to call you my Alpha tomorrow.” Each word is more heartfelt than the last and I can’t help but well up with tears.

“See, this is why I didn’t wear make-up,” I joke while wiping my eyes as he laughs. “I promise we will keep her safe. Anyone messes with her; they answer to me. That’s assuming I survive tomorrow,” I say with a playful wink, but he immediately stiffens and obviously the others were listening because they surround me instantly.

“What do you mean if you survive tomorrow?” Evalyn asks worriedly. I sigh. Well, that joke backfired.

“The Alpha told her to expect multiple challenges at the ceremony tomorrow,” Vitali answers for me, eliciting growls from Chris, Tyson, and Evalyn.

“d***s!” Tyson exclaims. “I know it’s tradition and keeps us fair but it’s disrespectful as hell. Name another pack that has had multiple challenges during a single ceremony,” he spits in indignation.

“Alpha Bruce of the Messis Luna Pack had two challenges in a single night. Lost to the second challenger, which led to Alpha Edwin taking over the pack,” I say casually.

Tyson rolls his eyes. “Alpha Bruce was an asshole, half the Alphas in the country wanted to challenge him. But that was for the betterment of his pack. This is different,” he says sardonically.

“They’re only doing this because you’re a woman,” huffs Evalyn.

And there it is.

Yes, I am very well aware of their reasons, but it doesn’t matter and I’m choosing not to care because it changes nothing.

“So what? Guys, a challenge is a rite of passage, whatever their reasons it doesn’t matter. A challenge must be upheld, and I say bring it on. Unless you four think I can’t handle it.” I raise my eyebrow in question at them. They each scoff.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Tyson says.

“Of course, we think you can win; we just don’t appreciate a bunch of morons disrespecting our Alpha,” Chris says scornfully.

The moment he says that I watch as each of their eyes begin to glow, like neon orbs shining in the dark. This happens when their wolves show their presence. I can see it in their faces, their respect for me, their future Alpha. I swallow the lump in my throat at the sight of the people I cherish most accepting and acknowledging me as their Alpha.

“We have amazing friends,” Zara tells me, equally choked up.

“We sure do, Zara. We sure do,” I reply pulling my friends into a big group hug. “Having the support of you guys gives me more strength than you will ever know.”

“Trust us, we know. But we promise you will always have our support,” Evalyn tells me. I beam at each of them. It’s also good to see they’ve relaxed, and their eyes have returned to normal. But I have to admit, seeing four wolf spirits push forward in solidarity with you feels amazing.

“What’s with the group hug?” Asks a tinkly voice behind me. I smile as I turn and see Jennifer. Instantly everyone’s mood improves. I walk over and pull her into a hug.

“Oh, they were just being all sooky. Don’t worry about it,” I tell her with a wink as she returns my hug while giggling up at me.

“Happy Birthday Alpha,” she says gleefully, making me chuckle.

“I’m not Alpha yet, Jen, but thank you all the same,” I tell her.

Jennifer is an absolute treasure of a person, not just to me, but to our pack. She’s an Omega and, sadly, much weaker than the average one. In some packs, she would be considered a runt, but everyone adores her. She was the pack’s miracle pup.

She’s 4’8” – which for a wolf is extremely short. She’s got short, curly, light brown hair with blonde highlights that reach her chin, piercing blue eyes, cute chubby cheeks, and pouty lips. She has cream skin and a narrow waist but is surprisingly busty and she looks beautiful in a soft pink blouse and black leggings.

“Are you excited for the Vernal Ball?” I ask her. Her face breaks into the most radiant smile as she nods excitedly. The others behind me chuckle.

“You’re eighteen now, Jen, time to find your animai and break the heart of every other man out there,” Vitali tells her with a wink, making her look down and blush. “That blush could stop hearts you know,” he says flirtatiously and she blushes even more. Evalyn elbows him in the ribs, making him wince.

“Don’t mind Vitali,” I tell her. “But he’s not wrong, whoever he is he’ll be lucky to have you.”

“You really think so?” She asks, her eyes alight with excitement.

I nod, unable to stop smiling. “Absolutely. But if he ever gives you grief he’ll answer to me,” I tell her seriously, but that makes her smile more.

“You’re the best, Alpha.” I smile shaking my head. She gives me a tight hug and then runs off when some friends call her. I smile, watching her skip away.

“Aww the little runt found herself some friends,” says a shrill voice to my left. Growls resound from all around, and I turn to face the culprit.

“Jealousy looks about as good on you as that makeup, Jane,” I comment brightly.

Jane Lahde. A proverbial pain in my ass. She’s like the female version of Ryker. Thinks she’s the Gods’ gift to men and that she’s the most special person in this pack. She’s not even good enough to lick my boots. Jane could be beautiful if she wasn’t such a raging b***h. Plus, she’s wearing enough makeup to make a clown blush.

“What’s wrong with my makeup?” She hisses. My friends are instantly pissed off because she’s openly talking back and disrespecting her – and their – future Alpha. It’s a big no, no when it comes to pack etiquette and is a punishable offence. Ryker gets away with it because he’s too pathetic for me to acknowledge. And the whole, his dad is the Beta, thing.

The pack members around us are a mix of pissed off and excited. They’re listening in, probably looking for a fight to entertain them.

“Where do I even begin?” I say rolling my eyes. I can’t wait for the day she gives me a reason to kick her out of the pack.

“I think the reason you’re friends with that runt is because you can relate to her. Face it, Amelia, you’re a wannabe Alpha that nobody wants. I’d say you should stick to being a Luna, but I don’t even think you’d be good at that either,” she sneers and there are several gasps around us. Despite the music, this is all easy to hear thanks to our advanced hearing.

Zara is growling like crazy at the disrespect and tries to push forward, but I remain calm as I take slow steps towards her. I project my Alpha Spirit onto her.

An Alpha Spirit is an energy that an Alpha can exude that can intimidate lower wolves, bring wolves to heel, or even make them follow commands. I may not be Alpha yet, but because I’m of Alpha blood, I’m able to do this.

Jane immediately whimpers and her head drops in submission.

“Say that again. I’m not sure everyone heard you,” I say in an amused voice, as I continue to project my spirit onto her. I can feel her and her wolf cowering under its force. She says nothing. “What happened, Jane? You were more than happy to openly disrespect your future Alpha in front of your entire pack, surely you can do it again. Perhaps you’d even like to challenge me at the ceremony tomorrow.” My voice continues to sound amused, but there’s a sadistic smile on my face.

Her eyes nearly bug out of her skull and even under all that makeup, I can tell the blood has drained from her face. She reeks of fear.

“No?” I ask her. She rapidly shakes her head. I step up to her, getting into her personal space and now she’s full-on trembling, which Zara and I take great satisfaction in. “Disrespect me or a member of this pack again and see what happens,” I whisper calmly in her ear. She shivers and audibly gulps. “Say ‘yes, Alpha’,” I tell her.

“Yes, Alpha,” she says through gritted teeth.

“Louder,” I command.

“Yes, Alpha!” She says loud and clear.

“Good. Now run along,” I say, like a parent to a child. She quickly rushes off.

“I can’t tell if she’s crazy or has gigantic balls,” says Tyson.

“Or maybe she has a death wish,” says Vitali.

These two.

“She’s not worth the headache. Let’s just enjoy the rest of the evening,” I encourage.

The drinks are flowing, the food is disappearing, and I am dancing up a storm on the dancefloor. A couple of hiccups here and there and the occasional fight needing to be broken up but overall I’m having an absolute blast.

I’m just finishing my umpteenth drink when the music comes to an abrupt stop. People start to whine but then I see the crowd part as my parents carry out a massive six-tier birthday cake with sparklers on it.

I smile wide as everyone starts singing me happy birthday. The cake is absolutely stunning, too pretty to even eat. It’s white with gold swirls and each tier base is surrounded by roses. I get close to it, and it smells… oh my Goddess it smells divine. There’s a white buttercream frosting, but on the inside, I can smell chocolate and… caramel. Oh yes! Caramel is my absolute favourite.

I hug and kiss my parents thank you as they set the cake down and hand me a knife. Taking it, I make my way over to Torie and borrow the mic from her and she throws me a wink.

I turn and address the pack. “I just want to say thank you to every single one of you for the birthday wishes, the gifts and for celebrating with me tonight. This birthday wouldn’t be the same without all of you to share it with,” I declare, and am met with cheers and howls of joy. “Before I cut this cake could Leo Meyer, Daniel Owens and Joanna Johnson please join me up here,” I request.

Slowly the people I called make their way over to me with big smiles. I smile back at them as I lead the pack in another round of ‘happy birthday,’ but this time directed at Leo, Daniel, and Joanna. Joanna looks embarrassed, Leo looks relaxed, and Daniel looks proud. I hand the mic back to Torie and walk over to the cake. I motion for the other three to join me. I have them place their hand on the knife along with mine and the four of us cut the cake together as the pack cheers.

“Happy Birthday, you guys,” I tell them with a wide smile they return.

“Happy Birthday Alpha,” they say in unison.

Obviously, I was not the only person in this pack born on February 21st. Having big parties in your honour is a pretty cool perk of being the Alpha’s daughter, but it’s just not in me to ignore my pack members who share my birthday. I mean they’re here, why not celebrate it together? It’s not like I have a monopoly on birthdays.

“Have I told you how proud I am to have been paired with you?” Zara asks me.

“Once or twice,” I say cheekily.

Torie starts the music back up and I help my parents distribute cake amongst everyone, setting aside an extra slice for Chris to take to Mei. Once everyone who wants one gets a piece, I go and take a seat on the bleachers with my friends. We smile, c***k jokes, and enjoy each other’s company.

I bask in the moment, taking in all the happiness around me because as of tomorrow, a lot is going to change. I’m ready for all the challenges that await me, literal and metaphorical. I don’t expect the road ahead to be an easy one, but it’s the one I’m proudly taking. I just hope I can do my pack the justice it deserves and bring us into a new era. If I can’t, I’ll at least die trying.