Beyond Fate

Alpha Ceremony

(Johnny pov)

After taking Alisha back home I had followed mom upstairs carrying Alisha to her room. My poor sister looked tiny and defeated when I lay her in bed.

I left mom wrapping Alisha under her covers stroking her blonde hair while my sister cried. It was heartbreaking to hear I’d never seen Alisha so broken. She hadn’t even been this bad when Rose had died because back then she knew she’d had to be strong for Mina. Now she had no purpose Nathan and Mitchell had taken it away from her.

I was ashamed to have ever considered either one of them a friend for them to have done such a thing to my sister. They had both known how important my family was to me but their actions tonight had been to deliberately destroy my sister. I wasn’t stupid Nathan had known Alisha would be away with Mina tonight he knew she’d come back to an ambush he’d planned it that way for maximin impact. I had been ready to kill the smug little prick Beta or no Beta what he had done had nothing to do with duty or orders. Under no circumstance was it necessary or appropriate to do such a thing and where was Mitchell if he was so adamant about keeping Alisha away from his pup who he had conveniently forgot existed over the past three years, where was the coward while sentence was being past over my sister, was he that ashamed of his actions he couldn’t look her in the eye when he banished her he had to have his errand boy do it for him.

I walked down the hallway heading towards the stairs we’d left dad going over the letter Alisha had been given by Nathan. We had needed to prise it out of her hands, she wouldn’t let the damn thing go. It was probably just official documents terminating her contract as Mina’s guardian, only Mitchell had the authority to do that.

My bedroom door opened as I walked past and out stepped an irritated Tammy. Her fiery hair is a mess from where she’d been lay on my bed.

“ Where did you go? I’ve been waiting for you for hours” I rolled my eyes knowing I’d been gone barely thirty minutes. She was such a drama Queen.

“ Something happened with Alisha I need to talk to dad” I tried to side step her but she blocked my path. I huffed not in the mood for one of Tammy’s tantrums.

“ HER! again Johnny, you're always running round after that mutt, she’s always attention seeking” I growled at her, my eyes turning amber. One thing I wouldn’t tolerate from Tammy was her utter lack of respect for my family. I’d made things clear to Tammy when I first found out she was expecting the pup that I would stand by her, even go along with this stupid wedding circus that she insisted on having but she was to treat my family as her own and make an effort with Alisha.

So far she had seemed to be doing her bit but I hadn’t missed the slight comments slipping back in lately. It was embarrassing when dad had to say something. I felt like I should be the one to do it if the guy would give me half a chance.

“ Careful Tammy you know how I feel about comments like that towards my sister “ I growled and she dipped her head slightly. I may not be the Beta but I was still a high ranking member of this pack.

“ and what about me Johnny, what about our family” she was still angrily spouting even with her head dipped rubbing her flat tummy as if there was a bump there. I sighed defeated like I’d forgotten about my pup. It was the only reason Tammy was in my life.

“ What is your problem I’m giving you everything we’ve agreed to, all I’ve asked is that your nice to my family and stop showing me up” I muttered close to her looking round making sure nobody was near I didn’t want anyone knowing Tammy and I had an agreement I would play happy families with her under the condition that my family was left alone, in particular my sister I wasn’t stupid I knew Tammy was one of Alisha’s main bullies of the pack along with Nathan’s so called mate Kelly. I didn’t know why they seemed to have such a vendetta against her but I was doing everything I could to stop it.

“ Maybe I just want you to worry about me instead of your bloody sister for a change” Tammy whined, stomping her feet like a child.

“ Go home Tammy, I’ll call you tomorrow” I rolled my eyes, done with this conversation I had bigger things to think about.

“ I’m not going anywhere. I'm your mate you need to start focusing on me” she stomped like a petulant child again. I just ignored her and moved around her towards the stairs.

“ Where are you going?” She shouted at me.

“ to get a drink, is that allowed?” Not waiting for an answer or permission I strolled down stairs making down a few steps before I heard the door slam shut.

I found dad in the kitchen when I set sights on him. He was at the sink and I could smell smoke. He was burning the letter Alisha had been given.

“ Dad, what are you doing?” I asked running in, grabbing a glass of water off the worktop and throwing it on the letter. i***t was going to set off the smoke alarms.

“ there was nothing good to be said son I’m just grateful your sister didn’t read it” so it was a personalised insult to Alisha from Mitchell it made my blood boil. That arse hole had written his insults down on paper instead of facing her himself. I wasn't sure whether I was angry or relieved.

Moments later mom came in, she looked exhausted and had clearly been crying herself. Dad took mom straight into his open arms hugging her tightly kissing the top of her head. He looked down at her with nothing but love and devotion in his eyes. It pained me that I would never have that finding my mate was something I’d looked forward to having my parents as role models for what being with your other half could be like but I’d been foolish and was now paying a heavy price for it.

“ How is she?” Dad asked mom.

“ She's sleeping now but she’s heartbroken. I can't believe Mitchy would do this. He was such a lovely boy growing up he’d never hurt anyone,” mom said thoughtfully.

“ Loosing his mate has clearly change him, I think we all need to assume he isn’t the Mitchell we all once knew” dad said, that was an understatement the last time I’d heard from him was three weeks before Rose died he had been a great friend up until then he was even adamant about letting Alisha retake her trials as a favour to me.He had thought his fathers trial ideas were flawed as well and he’d planned to make several changes to the pack.

I hadn’t even been bothered about my own ranking I’d screwed up my trials fair and square though I had been shocked that one fight had been the deal breaker in Nathan being chosen for rank of Beta over me.

It had made me laugh when Alpha Felix had still tried to give me a high rank but I wasn’t a fool I could see he knew Nathan wasn’t up for doing the job well but he couldn’t go back on his decision so he’d tried to keep me close thinking I’d pick up the slack, it would make him look incompetent if he were to change his mind about the high ranks, there had already been talks that he was no longer up to the heavy burden of being alpha anymore and going back on his decision would only make matters worse. He wasn’t like dad who has thrived in the job Felix had been beaten down by it but if he’d been challenged by any other pack members he’d have lost the title for Mitchell so he’d been scrapping through as much as possible until Mitchell returned but Rose’s death had put everything in a tail spin and Mitchell had vanished completely, this pack was now on its knees in desperate need of a new alpha capable of the burden.

“ What do we do now?” Mom asked, her voice cracking with tears in her eyes once again.

“ We stick with the original plan, we plead Alisha’s case then hopefully when Felix and Jamie get back they can back up our claim.” Dad stated as if it was going to be that easy. He hugged mom closer to him tears spilled down moms face she clutched onto dads shirt.

“ Dad, what if it’s already too late by the time they get back?” I asked genuinely concerned he was pinning all his hopes on the alpha and Luna but I wasn’t so sure they would help.

After all they knew from witness statements what had happened that day, yet they hadn’t lifted a finger to stop the pack bullying my sister, dad would say they weren't aware of the treatment she received, not wanting to go against his old friend but I knew Felix was aware of the way Alisha was treated.

It made my blood boil thinking they would let a pack member under their protection be treated that way. I would stop it where I could but I couldn’t be with her all the time.

“Don’t worry son, we prepared for the worst, we all know the plan?” We all nodded our heads in unison, tears started forming in mom's eyes again. I placed my hand in hers and she smiled sadly. We had all discussed what would happen if Mitchell came back bent on revenge against Alisha. It would break my heart to send her away but if it meant she was safe from the monsters in this pack set on hurting her then so be it.

“ We all knew this day would come, I had hoped to get ahead of the gossipers before Mitchell arrived back but his early arrival blindsided me and now with Nathan getting the jump on us, spreading pack lies hasn’t helped plead your sisters case, we need to move fast if we are going to attempt damage control” dad said.

“ So what now?” I asked.

“ Nothing until the ceremony, let them have their celebrations and we will plead our case with Alpha Mitchell after it’s over hopefully by then Felix and Jamie will be back.” Dad ordered sternly.

“ Did you call him?” Mom asked, looking hopeful.

“ Yes but his phone is still off, we’ll be ok we can keep her safe and she will come with us to the ceremony” dad said but I rolled my eyes.

“ Dad you know she can't, she's an omega….”

“ She is Beta blood just like all of us” he growled.

“ honey all he meant was she will have to be with the other omegas, she can’t arrive with us or sit with us, she will be alone are you sure it’s a good idea she’s there?” Mom hushed dad calming him.

“ Yes, she is strong, she will go and hold her head high she has done nothing to be ashamed of and I will not have that evil little prick Nathan thinking he’s won” dad growled again with conviction showing just how much he hated our pack Beta.

(Alisha pov)

I sat at my dressing table watching my mother pin back the last piece of my freshly curled hair.

“ There baby, all done, look how beautiful you are” she smiled adoringly in the mirror. I looked at my reflection not recognising the beautiful female staring back at me. Mom had done an amazing job but on the inside I was still the crumpled looking mess she had dragged out of bed an hour before.

I’d spent all day in bed crying over my never ending nightmare of a situation I was in.

When I first woke up for those initial blissful moments I’d forgotten about the events of last night. I glanced at the clock seeing it was ten past eight. Panicking I’d scrambled out of bed to get dressed, I’d reached the bathroom before I realised I had nowhere to be. I dragged myself back to bed and cried till darkness had claimed me again.

My family had left me to wallow until lunch time before they all came in telling me their plan. As soon as my dad had mentioned going to the ceremony tonight I had thrown my covers back over my head refusing his request. Mom had dragged my sulking behind to the bathroom and thrown me in the shower fully clothed with me whining like a baby.

Yes I sounded like a child but can you blame me I’ve put up with being treated like crap for the past four years, I lost my closest friend and they all blamed me just to add Salt to the wounds, I’d never been allowed to grieve properly for Rose, I wasn’t even allowed to go to her funeral, so I had devoted myself to her pup instead, now I had nothing.

Dad and the others were convinced if we could just speak with Alpha Mitchell face to face we could talk him round, make him see that I’m not the person this pack accuses me of. Dad still believes in the system and the high ranks using their power to protect their pack. But that was when the pack wasn’t being controlled by werewolves like Nathan who used their power to manipulate everyone and as for Mitchell, well let’s just say I’ve always wondered what he thought of me and now I know.

I'd always hoped Mitchell would come home and see the truth about what happened. Rose had always told me how compassionate he was that he always believed in equality between the pack but I guess that wasn’t the man he was now.

I knew he spoke with his parents occasionally. I just assumed they would have told him what truly happened that day but I guess I was wrong. Clearly I had no allies apart from my family. It was clear now Alpha Mitchell despised me as much as the rest of them and judging by Nathan’s smug smile he’d obviously gotten into Mitchell’s head and convinced him of all the lies about me.

Dad was certain that was the only reason Alpha Mitchell would be so quick to banish me from Mina; he thought that by showing him the original statement of what happened then Mitchell would change his mind. I wasn’t so sure any more but I wasn’t ready to give up on Mina. I couldn’t imagine my life without seeing her. All I could think was how she wouldn’t understand why I wasn’t there when she woke up this morning. Was she ok? Who was taking care of her?, had they kept her locked in her room all day to make sure I didn’t go near her.

I felt like I was going insane. I just wanted to storm over there and see her, just to make sure she was ok. I could text Colton but if he wasn’t allowed to say anything I didn’t want to cause him any aggravation.

I looked back at mom in the mirror. She looked stunning. Her dark hair was pinned into a fancy updo with a long black silk gown with a long split up the one leg, Smokey eyes and red lipstick she looked amazing, a complete contrast to myself. She had picked out a pale pink gown with spaghetti straps. It was loose on me so it didn’t hug my curves the way my mom's dress did. She had then applied natural looking makeup but effective all the same. I don't think I’d ever looked so pretty before but it was understated. They were going for sweet and innocent with my appearance tonight. I guess they thought it would help.

I turned around hugging mom, thanking her. She looked at me with a sad smile. Neither of us knew what would happen tonight and I could see the worry in her beautiful brown eyes. Alpha Mitchell could execute me on the spot if he wanted to after tonight or have me grabbed to the dungeons whilst we were at the party. I didn’t want to think about any of it.

Dad shouted from down stairs that it was time for them to leave, mom gave me one final hug assuring me everything would be ok. She left to go to the ceremony with dad, Johnny and Tammy. I stayed in my room until they left not wanting to watch them go without me.

I wasn’t allowed to go with them the high ranks went to the ceremony early to speak with other pack high ranks that had come to see the new Alpha it was normally a long and exciting event however with Alpha Mitchell moving the ceremony up by almost a week it meant many visiting packs were unable to get here in time even Alpha Felix and Luna Jamie wouldn’t be back in time. Dad had finally gotten through to them this afternoon. They had been more than angry about the fact Mitchell had misled them about where he was but what was worse was Mitchel had appeared to have gone behind their backs and brought in a council member to do his coronation.

Normally when a new Alpha takes his position the current alpha performs the ceremony that passes over the pack to the next generation alpha only in situations where the current alpha has died unexpectedly is then a council member brought in to hand over the pack. Mitchell had gone over Alpha Felix’s head in doing what he did; the only reason he was getting away with it was because it had always been the plan for him to take the pack, it was just a tad disrespectful to say the least. I thought Mitchell would have more respect for his father.

I had to wait until the ceremony was about to start before I could go. Omegas were only allowed to watch the ceremony and only if the new Alpha allowed would they be able to stay for the after party.

I paced my room feeling like I had ants in my pants. I was so nervous I needed to get out and get some air. Not able to stay in the house any longer I decided to get out and get some air.

Walking out of the house I headed towards the pack house. It wasn’t cold tonight so I didn’t bother with a jacket, there were people all in the streets dressed in their best clothes the men wore suits or tuxedos if they had them while the women wore beautiful gowns in an array of styles and colours I passed a mother and her son, the boy was probably about ten, the mother was fussing with his hair while he tugged at the Collar of his shirt as though it was too tight, I chucked slightly at the sight. A man and woman close by drew their attention to me and both scowled recognising me, I tipped my head hanging back from them both.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I thought to myself.

No s**t Sherlock. My wolf growled not liking the attention I was suddenly getting.

A group of males spotted me from the crowd, their eyes turning black with lust and I decided to get out of the crowd of people I ducked off the Main Street heading up the dirt path that led around to the gardens at the back entrance to the pack house. I knew no one would be going in that way; they would all want to greet the new Alpha at the main entrance.

I made it to the gardens without incident. My feet suddenly hit the stone path leading to the small water fountain at the far end. I figured it was as good a place as any to wait till the ceremony, I stumbled on the hard ground losing balance in my stupid heels. Running around after a pup every day for three years wasn’t exactly a job for heels and as you can imagine I didn’t exactly get out much.

Eventually after a few stumbles I made it to the fountain, it was worth it too. The entire house inside and out had been decorated for the ceremony, there were hanging string lights spread throughout all the surrounding trees, the pathways had lanterns dotted along it like a runway leading to the main back doors the main feature though was the fountain a beautiful three tiered Greek stone waterfall style white marble with a spotlight lite pool underneath. Tonight there had been flowers added all around it and pink water lilies floating in the pool. It was so peaceful and tranquil almost making me forget all the troubles I was facing at the moment. I sat on one of the stone benches near by marvelling at its beauty listening to nothing but the sounds of the running water as it flowed down the stone.

“ Beautiful” someone spoke, making me jump up from my sitting position. The figure in the shadows moved towards me slowly.

“ y..y..y..yes” I gasped trying to steady my heart from the shock, only when I could make out who it was did I attempt to relax.

“ oh it’s you…Lucas? ” I said as he came into the light his handsome face held a mischievous glint. His tattoo covered arms were nowhere insight tonight covered by the expensive tailored tux he wore.

“ it’s nice to see you again Alisha” he smiled, coming closer towards me out of the shadows completely. Now I could get a better look at him. He held himself with such authority. He was clean shaved with the longer parts of his blonde hair slicked back completely changing his earlier casual mischievous bad boy image.

“ How do you know my name?” I don’t remember giving him my name yesterday. He looked sophisticated and very at ease with it too not like Johnny who much like the pup I’d seen on the way up here had looked awkward and uncomfortable in formal clothes.

“ Well when I save a female twice in one day it’s only polite that I catch her name” he smirked. I just looked at him puzzled. Did he say twice?

“ Last night you put yourself between the two idiots having a pissing contest, you didn’t seem to notice though you were quite upset” wait Lucas was there last night. Did he see what happened.

“Right, I’d just had some bad news” I lowered my head embarrassed that he had seen me in such a state he probably thought the same as the rest of them now.

“ I know, I know who you are too” I looked up at him wide eyed. Did he just say he knew who I was, that meant that Alpha Mitchell was telling everyone what he thought of me.

“ your Alpha Mitchell’s friend?” I wasn’t sure why I said it out loud. I'd come to the conclusion when we met yesterday. Having a dad as the Beta of England’s most well known pack had its perks, one being that I knew all the high ranking wolves from every pack, plus Lucas was an American, Alpha Felix hadn’t invited any packs from across the pond purposely he never liked that their ancestors had left their homeland behind. I wasn’t sure why. He was stubborn like that. Lucas had to be one of Alpha Mitchell’s companions he’d returned with. I was suddenly very aware of how alone I was with this wolf.

“ I know what you're thinking Alisha but I mean you no harm in fact I want to help you” help me? I had to be dreaming. It had to be a trick reel me in with the promise of helping me to later smash my hopes. He took one step forward and I took one back the tree behind me becoming very close.

“ how? How can you help me?”I said trying to hide the tremble in my voice. More importantly, why would he want to help me? Nobody helped me. Why this complete stranger who appeared out of nowhere would want to help me.

“ I’m not sure yet but for now I can try and keep you out of harm's way, and although you look very beautiful tonight my advice is for you not to go to the ceremony” he urged coming closer still I backed up until I hit the tree behind me Lucas kept advancing slowly. My heart rate picked.

“ I have to, it's mandatory for the entire pack to attend” it wasn’t but it would be considered disrespectful and that was the last thing I wanted to do. It would do nothing to help me get Mina back if I pissed off her father more than I already had.

“ Please Alisha if Mitchell see’s you I’m not sure what he will do and I can’t challenge him in front of the pack if he tries to hurt you” he urged coming towards me. I could feel his body heat now he was so close, he looked down at me sincerity written in his features.

“ What happened that day Alisha?” Lucas whispered my expression changed instantly thinking about that day and how I wished everyday since I could have done more to save my friend. Lucas must have noticed because he reached out running his fingers gently through my hair that my mom had left hanging down by my cheek.

“ something that changed me” I whispered looking into his eyes wondering if what Lucas was saying was true did he really want to help me. His finger grazed my cheek ever so gently attempting to offer me comfort.

“ Please sweetheart go home” his eyes showing so much sincerity he was genuinely concerned for my safety.

Lucas stroked my cheek one last time before walking away. I stood there stunned and confused. Why would this guy want to help me. I saw in his eyes he was genuine but could I trust him.

I walked back from under the tree and stood by the fountain watching the water trickle down the stone thinking about what was best to do. I hadn't thought coming to the ceremony was a good idea but dad had, and while this Lucas guy seemed to mean what he was saying to me just now I had to trust in the man that had been there for me all this time. Dad was the former Beta of this pack. If he thought it was a good idea to be here then that was good enough for me I would walk in and hold my head up high. After all, I really didn’t have anything to be ashamed of, I had done nothing wrong. Hadn’t I?

Sometimes I wondered. With all the hate I’d been given over the years I’d begun to doubt my own innocence. Did I do everything I could do to save Rose, or did she die as a result of my actions.

I reached the back doors peering through the glass window seeing into the main ballroom. It was stunning decorated in whites and golds all around the room, I could see that the flowers were white lilies and peonies with baby's breath, they were the same ones Rose had picked for her wedding ceremony only she had chosen pink roses to go with them. I felt glad that they had used part of the arrangement and I knew it would make my mom so happy.

Glancing around I saw several high ranking pack members I recognised including Nathan and Kelly. She was wearing a tight red dress that was way too short for a formal event. Her long blonde hair curled to perfection flowing down her back and killer black heels to finish the hooker look. Nathan on the other hand was wearing a dark blue three piece suit that looked expensive, his blonde hair was slicked back and his stubble was shaved clean. He looked good. Damit. He looked really good. Kelly hung off his arm like a leach. They were laughing and talking with Colton and Katie. It hurt my heart to watch them all so happy while I was so miserable.

Tearing my gaze away from the happy couples I caught sight of my parents talking to someone I couldn’t quite get sight of. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea I went in. Everyone seemed so much happier that I wasn’t around and I knew if I went inside all I’d be met with was disdain and scowls.

“ Hey, what are you doing?” I heard an angry female voice behind me.