The Crimson Alpha

Chapter 7: I Am Who I Am

~Mabel's P. O. V.~

I woke up that morning still in the arms of Seth. He was snoring heavily. I wanted to laugh at how loud he was. Laila licked my face. I had to wiggle myself out from Seth's grasp to take her to use the bathroom. Once I was out of bed, I went into the bathroom and changed into clean clothes. Laila scratched at the door. I dug through my bags to find her leash and then hooked it to her collar. Slowly, I opened the door to not wake Seth. Doing the same thing to shut it. I walked down the stairs with Laila to the crisp morning air. It felt amazing to be able to go outside whenever I feel like now. Walking for a few moments, Laila found a spot. I took this chance to stretch and breath in the coolness. Autumn was on its way, I couldn't wait for it. I loved how the leaves turned color. The frost that always crept up my window. Then, winter would follow. I haven't touched snow in 12 years. Maybe this year I can experience it once more. I remember the sound of the crunching, the beautiful shimmering crystals, the ever-growing icicles. What I really wanted to do in the snow? I want to learn how to snowboard. The maids told me that it was an extreme winter sport. I thought it sounded like fun. I giggled to myself.

"Oh, wow." I said to myself. I looked around and noticed many birch trees. The grass was in patches but the sand around them made this place look like a fairytale. I took off my shoes and socks. I have never felt sand before. Even before my captivity. We never went to the beach. Mom hated the ocean. It scared her. I placed my foot on the sandy parts. The roughness of it tickled in between my toes. The warm rays of the sun shone through. I just sat down at the base of a tree and closed my eyes. Letting the warmth pulsate on my skin. Laila crawled on my lap. She wasn't heavy, but it did surprise me. After my nightmare last night, I didn't think I would find this peace today. "Thank you, Seth." I whispered. He gave me freedom again.

After another 30 minutes in the sun, I got up and headed back to my room with Laila. I made sure to bring this key card with me. I scanned it and let myself back in. Seth was still snoring. I couldn't contain my laughter now. I silently laughed at him. I looked at the bedside clock. Nearly 10 am?! I have never slept for so long. I had to admit, though, it felt nice to wake up when I wanted to. Not when someone told me to. I decided that I needed a shower. The things that Roxy and I bought at the mall were also soaps, body washes, shampoo, conditioner and other assortment of body cleansing stuff. I wanted to listen to music as I showered, but I didn't know what type of music I liked. I grabbed my new phone and started looking for anything that had music on it. I found one app that I liked and typed in music. It gave me a bunch of stuff; I almost didn't know what to choose. So, I went with a random song. It was by this one band named Fallout Boy. Immortals was the name of the song. I liked it, but not today. I skipped that one for now and added it to my liked list. Another came up called 7 Days to the Wolves by Nightwish. I liked the lead singer. She sounded pretty. I decided to let that playlist play. I turned on the shower and striped down. Not before closing the door, though. The steam rose, I stepped in and let the warm water wash away the stress. I moaned. God, this felt amazing. I can take my time and do what I wanted. I hope I am not being too loud.

I rinsed out my hair from the sweat of last night and used my new shampoo. It was from Bath and Bodyworks. A strawberry scent that I enjoyed. I lathered that carefully in my hair. Rinsing it out, I used the matching conditioner. Letting that set, I grabbed my new razor and shaved for the first time in a few days. I don't think I ever felt so heavenly in a shower before. I sat in the shower for a bit letting the music sway my body as I listened to this band. Several of their songs played, but my favorite was The Crow, The Dove and The Owl. I dried my hands and put it on repeat. It reminded me of what happened. 'Don't give me love, don't give me faith, wisdom nor pride, give innocence instead.' That line stuck with me. Before I knew it, I was singing to this song.

I got out of the shower once it turned cold and dried off. I grabbed my hairdryer and began untangling my night black hair. When was the last time I got my hair cut? It was stupid long. I think I want to get it cut. Not go short or anything. But not have it reach my ass either. Maybe, mid back would be nice? I wonder if Seth would like it shorter. I suddenly felt my cheeks heat up. Oh, last night we slept together. In my room. I mean, I know he didn't do anything. And his cologne soothed me into a deep sleep. Come off it, Mabel! You like the guy, right? So, what if he just slept next to you. You wanted more.

"I have got to stop romanticizing this." I told myself. It was still too soon. Not even a week ago was I betrothed to another. It hasn't even been a week since I had to say goodbye to Zaine. My mind went blank. Zaine. I hope he didn't see that article. I held my hand to my heart. I meant what I said. I loved him. I hope wherever he is, he's happy. I hope he dates another girl. "Stop it." I splashed some water in my face. Enough of the tears, girl. It's time I start being who I really am. Father only made the timid form in you, but it's not you. I was trying to put aside everything I have ever known. "Time to show the world who Mabel Winifred Lennon truly is." I am not going to cower anymore. I am not going to be weak anymore. I straightened myself up and decided that I would go for a bolder makeup style. Something was telling me to go white and lilac. When I was finished, I put my clothes back on. I chose my blue jeans, a white camisole, matching white bra with the same patterned underwear and my black socks and white tennis shoes. I put my hair into a high ponytail and walked out of the bathroom. And there was Seth, looking at his phone. His jaw dropped when he looked.

~Seth's P. O. V.~

I woke up to the sound of music playing. Yua sat at the edge of the bed as she stared into the bathroom. Steam coming out from the floor crack. I smiled thinking that Mabel probably hasn't had a decent shower since the day of the meeting. I waited for her to come out. I grabbed my phone and saw that there were several texts from Reed and Noah. Nearly 11 am.

Alpha. We caught a girl last night. She came to us seeking you. Reed's text said.

Alpha. The others are questioning if Mabel is just using you. I put them down, but they are starting to lose faith in you. Noah's text was more urgent. It seems that I need to remind them who I am.

Tell them if they don't shut their gobs, I will kill them. Do they need reminding of who I am?! I responded. Those weaker alpha's are trying to challenge me. I welcome their challenges. They will die if they do.

Yes, Alpha. Noah responded.

Now, who is this girl? I asked Reed.

Alpha Eustace's niece. Or so she claims. She overheard some rather disturbing talks from her uncle and his Beta. It concerns Mabel directly. Blake growled in my head.

He still is after her?! Blake being awake now, meant that he will want to hunt soon.

It seems so. What do you want us to do? He asked me.

Keep the woman there. I will talk to her myself when I come home. I replied.

Girl, sir. She's 15 and just gained her wolf. What?! If that's true, then she risked a lot to get us this information.

Very well. Keep her in the packhouse. Let her wander a bit. But keep guards on her at all times. We don't want Eustace coming for us just yet. And sent.

Yes, Alpha. Reed replied. I heard Mabel talking to herself. "Time to show who Mabel Winifred Lennon really is." Pep talking herself. I am glad to hear that she wants to be herself again. A declaration I am excited to see the outcome of. The blow-dryer turned on and I figured it would take another 20 minutes for her. I wasn't going to rush her. I just started absent mindedly playing a game on my phone.

Her scent hit me like a truck when that door opened. I looked to her and my jaw fell to the floor. I was at a loss for words. Those bellbottom jeans worked in my favor. The white cami showing off just enough cleavage to stir Blake up. Her makeup.

Blake: My Orchid's colors.

Saw that, did you?

Blake: Of course, I did. Not thrilled that she didn't let me be there. But I am happy to know what my mate will look like.

I had to clear my throat, "Mabel, you look fantastic this morning." I got up and pulled her closer to me.

"Thank you." She took a deep breath. "I have decided on something." She backed away a little and straightened her posture. "I am not going to let my father control me any longer. I want to become stronger. I want to put this timid girl away and I want to learn to face my fears head on. It's time I became who I was meant to be." A leader? A Luna? My woman? Pick one.

"And who is that?" I asked her. Pulling her to the bed.

She sat in my lap of her own accord, this surprised me. "My full name is Mabel Winifred Lennon." She smiled for the first time around me. "I grew up thinking I was only a tool. But," she paused and looked at me, "That is not who I am." Her arms wrapped around my neck. "I am Mabel, daughter of Sylvia Katrina Lennon and Heiress to Lennon LCC. It is my right to take back what my father gained. I am meant to play a leading role in my mother's company when she steps down." I smiled at her. A leader, then. I laced my arms around her torso. "And you, Seth Lakeland, I have to thank for this. Without you, I would still be engaged to that man." She did something unexpected. She kissed my cheek. "So, thank you." I held her tighter.

"You're welcome." She leaned into my neck. "On that subject, how would you feel about going on a date with me?"

"I would like that." Blake started doing the zoomies in my head again. Howling and causing me a headache.

"Do you want to ride with me today? Or stick with boring old Roxy." I laughed a little.

She gasped playfully, "Boing and old? That's just mean." She giggled. "I will ride with you today." She closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't know why, but I feel safe with you. Is that weird?" Weird? No. I love it that she feels safe.

"Not at all." Her stomach growled. She blushed in embarrassment. "I think we need to get food." She got off me and held out her hand. I gladly took it.

"Well, then, let's pack up and hit the road. I am excited to see what you planned." She winked at me. I had to hold myself back from grabbing her waist and pulling her closer to me. "Laila. Come on, girl." Yua stood and wagged her curly tail slowly. I know I shouldn't tell her. I want to, but Yua made me promise to keep it a secret.

We packed up everything we brought in for the night, I grabbed her stuff while she held Yua in her arms. Out loud I have to say her new name. My Delta had taken the driver's seat as things were getting thrown into the trunks of the other cars. Roxy's Beta was helping with the car arrangements.

"So, what happened?" She came over to us.

"Oh, I had a nightmare. Seth came to check on me and helped me sleep better." Mabel innocently said. Roxy lifted her eyebrow and grinned.

"He did, did he?" She was looking around Mabel's neck for any marks. Damnit, Mabel. I sighed in disappointment.

"We only fell asleep together. Noting sexual." Not that I didn't want to be s****l with my mate. But she is still adjusting.

"Alright, alright." Roxy held up both hands in surrender. "So, where to now? Are we just straight ahead until we get to the place? Or we are stopping for food?"

"We're getting brunch, Rox." Mabel snickered. My own stomach rumbled.

"Yeah. I didn't eat last night. Food first." I pulled out my phone and searched for any nearby restaurants. One caught my attention. Black Wolf Pub and Eatery. It just opened for lunch hours. "Alright. I have our destination!" I called out to everyone. Most were wolves themselves. "Search Black Wolf Pub!" I yelled. They took out their phones and searched.

"Guess it's a wolf-y kind of day. " Mabel snickered. What? Does she know? Did I do something last night to tip her off? "First 7 Days to the Wolves by Nightwish, now Black Wolf Pub." Oh, thank goddess, that's what she meant. I could feel beads of sweat sliding down my back.

"How many people are here, Seth?" Roxy asked. Well, there's myself, Roxy, My Delta Jericho, Mabel, Roxy's Beta Alden, her driver Carson, 3 of my pack warriors, 3 of her pack warriors. Her assistant whose name I forget and is human herself and one other human who came with me. I needed someone to watch Mabel who wasn't a wolf. So, 14.

"14 people. Yeah, it's a lot. But for security reasons, they are needed." I answered. Mabel picked Yua back up and got in. I sat next to her while my other human sat in the passenger seat up front. My 3 warriors sat behind us.

I mind linked Jericho. Have everyone return to the pack after we get to the cabin. And drop Tobias off at Queen's Garden. Poor man doesn't need more headaches. Tobias Richardson is the human I brought.

"Are you okay?" She asked. "Your eyes kind of went strangely still." s**t! I forgot about the eye thing.

"I am perfectly fine, Mabel." I wrap my arm around her.

Yes, Alpha. Does she know yet? Jericho asked. I slightly shook my head. He started the car and drove away from the hotel. This was just the beginning of the trip.

"Seth?" She leaned against me.

"Yes?" I need to come up with a pet name for her.

"I-I..." She readjusted herself. "It's hard for me to come to terms with my feelings. Especially, since they didn't matter when it came to the deal." She bit her thumbnail. "I lost a lover before. And, I guess I am afraid to try again." I never did get a name for him. "I am falling for you. Hard and fast. And it's scaring me." She continued. Goddess damnit, I want a name.

"Is that a bad thing?" I questioned her.

She shook her head. "It's scary, though. And I don't know how to deal with it." I leaned her back on my shoulder then rested my head against hers.

"I am falling for you too, Mabel." Well, fell for and am absolutely in love with her.

"You are?" Her voice became soft.

"I am. I can see a fire in you, one that needs to be roaring and bursting. I am sure that once you are more at ease with yourself, you will fan those flames." She sighed happily and closed her eyes. I don't want to flat out ask, but for f***s sake, I really want that name.

"That day at the meeting." She took my hand in hers. Goddess, they fit so perfectly. "I was pissed. I hated what those men did. I can't even call that man my father." She looked up at me. Those gorgeous topaz eyes, they stare into my souls. "Why me?" He question caught me off guard.

I should tell her what I told the others, "As I told everyone in that meeting, I felt connected to you." Not exactly a lie, but not the whole truth either. "When I saw your eyes burning with hatred, sadness and every negative emotion therein, I saw passed that and found a wish to be free. So, I challenged both."

She smiled up at me, "You weren't wrong. If you hadn't done what you did, I don't know where I would be."

I kissed the top of her head; this made her blush a little. "Well, you know my story. But I don't know yours." She chuckled.

I smiled and looked out the window. "Where should I begin?" I asked.