Bite-Size Luna

Chapter Four: Alden POV

The rest of training was a total blur. I couldn’t stop thinking about Sorrell. Not about her beauty but the longing and sadness in her voice when she talked about fighting for the pack.

“Face it, you were also thinking about her beauty,” Atlas sniggers.

“Okay, so what if I was? Why can’t you just tell me if she’s our animai or not?” I ask in irritation.

“Because not even I know for sure if she is, I admit we are sometimes given signs, but I could be reading the signs wrong. I don’t want to risk it and find out she’s not the one,” he whines. I wish we could know from birth who our soulmates were. Would be sweet, actually. Maybe grow up side by side with the other half of your soul, always having them close, never wasting time with people who could never hold a candle to that person.

“Oh yeah, nothing like baby soulmates, how romantic,” says Atlas almost repulsively.

“What would be so bad about that? It’s not like I’m talking about intimacy. I just mean having that person your whole life as like your best friend,” I say, defensively.

“It’s a sweet idea Alden, but it’s not as beneficial as you think. I think Zarseti has the right idea of waiting until becoming eighteen.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because it means you have a chance to grow up and become your own person. Learn who you are and who you want to be, and not make all your life decisions based on someone else. Maybe that’s why it takes some people so long to find their soulmate; because they’re not mentally mature enough to handle it. Whoever our soulmate is, we’ll meet them when the time comes, just be patient,” he reassures me. I sigh. I never can argue with his logic. I just hope I don’t have to wait much longer. I don’t want to get our hopes up either, but something deep in my soul tells me Sorrell is the one. I’d stake my life on it.

Walking towards the Alpha suite I catch the scent of my parents, and I immediately want to turn around and walk in the opposite direction, but like a man, I suck it up and open the door. Stepping in I see mum in the kitchen making some food and dad sitting on the couch reading the paper. I’d love to just walk to my room and pretend dad isn’t here, but I’d never just ignore my mum.

I walk over and kiss my mum on the cheek, “Morning Mammina.”

She gives me her bright, beautiful smile. “Good morning, angioletto, how was training?” She asks, warmly while she whips up an omelette, instantly making me salivate.

“It was good, things are going great,” I say proudly.

“So the women haven’t cracked under pressure yet?” Asks my dad, snidely. My mum sighs, and I have to take a deep breath to resist the urge to turn around and give him a piece of my mind.

“They’re rising to the occasion just like I knew they would. Everyone in this pack is capable of doing more, you just have to give them the chance,” I say, grabbing a carton of orange juice from the refrigerator and pouring myself a glass.

My dad snorts, “Since when did I raise some flower-loving hippie?” Atlas is snarling in my head and I’m trying hard not to shatter the glass in my hand.

Every morning before training or after, my dad has laid into me about how I changed the training regime to allow the woman to really push themselves and test their skills, and dad was even more livid when I had Roland change the patrol rosters so that the women weren’t always paired with men. The man has to step into the 20th century and accept that this is 1972, not 1952. He can lose his s**t all he likes but it changes nothing. I’m the Alpha now and what I say goes, and so far the changes are working. Some of the guys are resistant, but the women are loving it. They’re being given a chance to show what they are really capable of and each of them is rising to the challenge, and it fills me with so much pride.

“How does having faith in my pack and wanting them to strive to be better make me a hippie? If you ask me, that makes me an Alpha,” I say, sipping my drink.

Dad gets up from the sofa, his light brown eyes glowing as he stares me down, “Did you just sass me, boy?” He asks, aggressively.

“Amazing how disagreeing or standing up for myself is sass in your eyes,” I say indignantly.

“Please don’t fight. Can’t we have one morning of peace, please?” My mum pleads.

“Keep out of this, Monica!” Dad hisses at her.

Alright, now I’m pissed off.

I step in front of mum, my eyes glowing, “Don’t speak to her like that,” I snarl, “You want to lay into me, go ahead, I don’t give a s**t, but show your soulmate and my mother some f*****g respect,” I spit.

“Alden, it’s okay,” soothes my mum, placing a warm hand on my arm.

“It’s not okay, no one should speak to their animai like that,” I say, squeezing her hand.

“You’ve got a set on you speaking to me like that,” says my dad through gritted teeth.

“You may be my dad, but I’m the Alpha now, and there’s some s**t I won’t put up with. You better start showing mum more respect or so help me…”

“What will you do?” He mocks.

“You don’t want to find out,” I warn. I turn, kissing the top of my mum’s head and head to my room to take a shower. I turn the hot water on high and let the sting of the burning water ease the tension in my muscles.

My dad wasn’t always like this. Once upon a time he was a good man and growing up we didn’t butt heads this much. Something seemed to change in him when my grandmother died. Grandpa became a nasty son of a b***h and for some reason it rubbed off on my dad, and not even mum could fix it.

After my shower, I get dressed and head to my office, doing my best to ignore my dad’s glare and my mum’s sympathetic face. Once in my office, I sit at my desk and rub my face already feeling fatigued and famished since I didn’t stick around to eat anything in my suite. It’s amazing how a small argument can zap the energy right out of you, but I’ve got s**t to do.

“Lark, can I see you in my office?” I ask him through the pack-link.

“Be there in a jiffy!” He says, cheerfully. Not a moment later, Lark is walking through my door and sitting in front of my desk, excitement and eagerness rolling off him in waves. “What can I do for you, boss man?” He winks.

“I want to discuss something with you. I plan to do it regardless, but I want to hear my Beta’s take on it first.”

“Fire away,” he says brightly.

“You know Edward Deslandes?” I ask, as I get up and go through my filing cabinet where I keep a record of every pack member.

“Yeah, he’s one of our warriors.”

“Right. Well, he has a daughter named Sorrell, I saw her in the woods this morning watching our training session and following along, and she was good, Lark. Really good,” I tell him while flipping through files until I find Sorrell’s.

“That doesn’t surprise me, with Edward as her dad he’s probably taught her everything he knows, but why was she training in the woods?” He asks in confusion.

I sit back down with her file, “Because she’s an Omega.”

“Oh. I see,” he says sadly.

“Yeah, but Omega or not you should have seen her, her form, her technique, it was amazing,” I gush.

Lark gives me a pointed look, “Okay… where are you going with this?”

“I’m going to invite Sorrell to train with the pack and see how she fares,” I say, sitting back.

“Your dad will just love this,” he says sarcastically.

“My dad can kiss my Alpha ass. You know I want training to be for everyone in the pack, not just a selected few. Sorrell can be the test subject, so to speak. She wants to be a warrior and I believe she has what it takes,” I say confidently.

“Never heard you speak so highly of someone,” he says, leaning forward, “Is there something I should know?”

“No,” I say defensively.

“Come on, Alden, I’ve known you since we were pups. You know you can tell me anything,” he says softly.

I sigh, rubbing my face, “I think Sorrell might be my animai, but that doesn’t even matter because I know she would be a great asset to this pack.”

Lark sits up straight, blinking rapidly, then his eyebrows knit together, “Wait, you think she’s your animai? You’re not sure?”

“She’s seventeen, so it’s only a gut feeling, and like I said it’s irrelevant. I want to see her train with the pack and see how she handles herself against real opponents.”

“But she can’t shift, something could happen to her, and Alpha or not, Edward will lose his s**t if something happens to his daughter because of you,” he says with concern.

“Trust me, this girl is tough as nails, she can handle herself. So, do you have my back on this or what?”

“Come on, you made me your Beta for a reason. Of course, I have your back. If she’s anything like her dad then we’ll be lucky to have her, and you know I’ve always agreed that the best way to keep the pack safe is by making sure everyone knows how to fight. We’re not the scariest monsters out there, and if it’s not curs or other packs we need to worry about it could be any number of supernatural beings. Just last month a neighbouring pack lost three of its members to an eyti. A f*****g eyti, Alden. No training can help us if we come across one of those,” he says gravely.

“I know and it’s been on my mind since Alpha Kenan sent me the warning. I’ve already contacted the Delegation to find out if there is anything we can do to ward the pack against an attack from an eyti,” I say, running my fingers through my hair. If it wasn’t so short it would look ratty as hell from how often I do this from stress.

“Have you heard back from them yet?”

“Not yet, but I hope to soon.” Before I can say more, the door bursts open and in saunters Romona, Lark’s animai and a massive pain in my ass.

“And mine. If Lark wasn’t such a good Beta and it wasn’t against supernatural law, I’d encourage you to order him to reject her ass,” snarls Atlas.

“Even if it wasn’t against the law, I would never do such a thing. Yeah, she’s a b***h, but forcing my best friend to practically rip out his own heart is a level of cruelty I don’t have in me.”

“Hi baby,” Romona coos, planting herself on Lark’s lap, and the lovesick fool eagerly wraps his arms around her and smiles up at her like a man glancing upon the stars for the first time. Part of me envies him, not for who his animai is, just that he has one.

“Romona, we’re in the middle of a meeting and I don’t appreciate you just waltzing into my office like you own the f*****g place, now get out,” I growl.

“Gee, you’re crabby today,” she huffs.

“Actually, I was doing just fine until you walked in. You want to spend time with Lark, do it on your own time and not mine,” I say, getting to my feet as I push my Alpha Spirit forward. Romona tries to resist but is quick to bow her head in submission.

“Ease up, Alden, she just missed me. You’ll understand when you find your animai,” says Lark, defending his soulmate. I admire his loyalty, I really do, it’s what makes him such a great Beta, but how he doesn’t see through her s**t is baffling.

“She has a functioning brain, Lark. Her strolling in her, not giving a flying f**k that it’s her Alpha’s office or that we’re in the middle of a private meeting has nothing to do with your bond, and everything to do with her lack of respect and I don’t plan on tolerating it, especially since it’s not her first warning,” I say, authority coating my voice and my Alpha Spirit still projected in her direction.

“I came to make a complaint, Alpha,” she says, the hint of a sob in her voice. Oh, for the love of the Gods, not this performance again.

“What, someone paint your nails the wrong colour?” I question, crossing my arms.

“Alden,” Lark growls in warning, but I ignore him.

“One of the Omega staff was mean to me. She insulted and threatened me, she should be punished for such behaviour,” she says as she forces out crocodile tears.

“Baby, I’m so sorry, are you okay?” Asks Lark in concern.

“Oh come on! How can he not feel that she’s faking it?” Exclaims Atlas.

“You see what you want to see, I guess.”

“You felt threatened by an Omega?” I ask dubiously. Oh please, Romona sees Omegas as vermin, as if she was scared of one.

“She wasn’t like the other Omegas, she’s nasty and cruel!”

“Try telling that story again, only with honesty this time,” instructs Roland as he steps into my office, shutting the door behind him.

“You know what she’s talking about?” I ask.

“Sure do. Romona here decided to start slinging insults at the Omegas, as usual, only this time she found herself up against an Omega who can sling them right back, and quite well I might add,” he says proudly. Why do I get the feeling I know exactly which Omega they’re talking about?

“Did you catch her name?” I ask.

“Sorrell, she’s Edward’s girl,” he says with a goofy smile on his face. So Romona tried to verbally attack Sorrell and Sorrell didn’t take it lying down. I would have paid to see that.

“Me too!” Yips Atlas, wagging his tail excitedly. With how he’s reacting, how can she not be my soulmate?

“I don’t care whose girl she is, she should be punished for insubordination,” Romona shrieks.

“Baby, I know you’re upset but it just seems like a misunderstanding. I don’t think anyone deserves to be punished for it,” Lark says, trying to soothe Romona, but she’s not having it.

“If anyone deserves to be punished, it’s Romona,” spits Roland.

“Why do you say that?”

“Because she tried to attack Sorrell without provocation, and back talking is not provocation in my book,” he says, glaring at Romona with disdain. My fists clench at my sides and I can feel my eyes glowing as a growl builds in my chest. All I can see is Romona trying to lay one of her filthy hands on Sorrell and it has Atlas and me seeing red.

I lean forward, my hands on my desk as I push my Alpha Spirit onto Romona with greater force than before, “Is this true?” I ask through gritted teeth, my Alpha Spirit radiating off me. Romona clutches her head, dropping to her knees, crying out in pain, and Lark, unfortunately, clutches his head, feeling the echo of his soulmate’s pain.

“Alden, please stop, you’re hurting her!” He cries.

“Answer the f*****g question!” I shout at her.

“YES!” She screams as the weight of my spirit crushes her, forcing her to speak the truth.

I stand up straight, pulling back my spirit and watch her slump in relief as Lark drops to the floor pulling her into his arms.

“You didn’t have to do that Alden, for f**k sake,” he says, glaring daggers at me.

“Then she shouldn’t have lied to me, and she shouldn’t have dared lay a hand on a member of my pack. I’m getting really sick of your s**t Romona. For lying to your Alpha and attempting to harm a pack member under your care, I ban you from shifting for the next two weeks,” I order with my Alpha Spirit.

Her head snaps up to me, her eyes wide as saucers, “You can’t do that!” She shouts.

“I can and I did,” I look at Lark, hoping he can see the remorse in my eyes. Romona has pushed me too many times and I’ve been lenient only for Lark’s sake but enough is enough. I hate that by punishing her I’m hurting him, but she’s left me with no choice. “Take her to your suite, we’re done for the day,” I instruct. Without a word, Lark picks Romona up into his arms and carries her from my office.

I slump into my chair, dragging my fingers through my hair. Heavy hangs the head, as they say.

“You did the right thing, Alden,” Roland says, coming over and clapping me on the shoulder.

“I know, I just hate hurting Lark,” I sigh.

“You’re not the one hurting him, she is. She forced your hand.”

“Is Sorrell okay?” I ask, not hiding my concern.

He waves his hand dismissively, “She’s more than okay, she’s a little spitfire. She was giving Romona a taste of her own medicine and I was nearly doubled over laughing,” he says leaning against my desk. I beam with pride. I’m not surprised. Sorrell had no issues talking back to me, Romona would have been a piece of cake by comparison.

“In that case, I think you’re going to like my news,” I announce, as he looks at me with piqued interest.

After I inform Roland and then Carey about my plans to invite Sorrell to training, I head off in search of her. At least now I know why I’ve smelt her scent around the packhouse the last few months, it’s because she now works here as staff. Literally under my nose all along, and me too dumb to notice. Clearly, I need to start putting my money where my mouth is. I talk about wanting to improve life for Omegas, but I don’t even know anything about the Omegas who work in the packhouse. Great going Alden, well done.

It's not long before I find Sorrell, following the trail of her sweet and spicy scent. I find her sitting at the kitchen table eating and laughing with another girl. She looks so happy and carefree, and her laugh is like the sweetest music to my ears. I could hear it forever.

“Are you going to speak to her, or just stare at her like a creep?” Atlas sniggers. I snap out of it and step into the kitchen clearing my throat. The other girl jumps in surprise and is quick to her feet, bowing her head. Sorrell glances at me, rolls her eyes and stands beside her friend, but doesn’t bow her head.

“Ladies, I don’t mean to interrupt.”

“Then why are you?” Questions Sorrell. I have to suppress my smile as her friend looks at her with wide, fear-filled eyes as she elbows Sorrell.

“Because I was hoping to have a word with you, Sorrell, if you don’t mind,” I say politely.

“Do I have a choice?” She sighs. I frown at her question. I’m not a tyrant, what kind of Alpha does she take me for?

“Of course, you do, Sorrell. I’d never make you do anything you don’t want to do,” I say with sincerity. She stares at me as if assessing me, then nods her head.

“Okay, we can talk,” she concedes.

“I’ll give you two a moment,” says her friend, who can’t get out of the kitchen fast enough.

“Where’s the fire?” I joke.

“What did you want to talk about?” She asks. Guess she’s not in a joking mood.

“How would you feel about spending some time together? You and me. Maybe getting to know each other better,” I ask, stepping closer.

She gulps, blinking rapidly in surprise. Her skin looks so soft, and it takes all my self-control not to reach out and caress her cheek with my fingers just to know how it feels.

“Nil interest,” she says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“What?” I ask in shock.

“What?” Atlas asks at the same time, equally shocked.

“I’m sure you’re used to the women in this pack fawning over you because they have nothing better to do, but I’m not one of them. I’m happily waiting for my animai, so thanks, but no thanks,” she states, and proceeds to exit the kitchen.

I’m frozen for a minute. I’m not sure whether to be impressed or offended… actually I’m both. I just got rejected and insulted at the same time, what the f**k?

I quickly chase after her, grabbing her wrist and spinning her around, “Look, Sorrell, I don’t know what you’re problem is, but maybe you shouldn’t go around judging people you don’t know. I’m not like that and I’m offended that you think I am,” I say, breathing heavily as anger flows through my veins. Am I angry about what she said, or the fact she was the one who said it? I honestly can’t tell. “Believe it or not, I’m not trying to get into your pants, so don’t flatter yourself. I actually came down here to invite you to join our training sessions, but if that’s how you’re going to act, then you can just forget it,” I snap, walking off in irritation. This girl might be the death of me. One minute I can’t get enough of her, the next she’s pissing me off. Why are girls like this? Maybe it’s because she’s a teenager.

“Wait!” She shouts, running in front of me, stopping me dead in my tracks. “I… I’m sorry. You’re right, I was being judgemental. Reese always says my mouth will get me into trouble one day. I didn’t mean to offend you, Alpha, I… I guess I’m just not used to people showing me any respect around here. If you want to punish me, that’s fine. I’ll do chores, I’ll run laps, whatever you want, just please don’t take away the offer to train with the pack. Please, I’ll do anything,” she begs with tears in her eyes.

Once again she has my head a mess. For a split second, my mind went straight into the gutter picturing the dirty and pleasurable ways her mouth could get her in trouble with me, the next she’s fracturing my heart with her tears. She has me wrapped around her finger and she doesn’t even realise it.

I take a deep breath, “I won’t punish you, Sorrell. The invitation is still there because I think you’ll be an asset to this pack, but I want this pack unified, so maybe on top of perfecting your fighting skills, you could try not painting all Alphas with the same brush. So, let’s make a deal, I won’t judge you if you don’t judge me,” I suggest, offering my hand. She nods furiously and shakes my hand, and I’m surprised by how strong her grip is.

“You have my word. Thank you, thank you for giving me this chance,” she beams up at me, her smile so bright it could turn night into day and the sight of it sends my heart into a frenzy.

“Don’t let me down. I’ll see you bright and early at 6:30 tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll be there with bells on!” She announces.

“I look forward to it,” I smile, stepping around her and heading back upstairs. Tomorrow I get to see Sorrell in action and spend more time with her. I just have to try not to chase after her in the meantime.