Alpha's Chosen

13

Meredith’s POV

Even with the sun just peaking over the horizon the car park is already almost empty.

“He’s gone” Bella remarks beside me and seeing dad's car missing I breathe out some of my nerves.

At least I don’t have to face him yet.

But my small smile falls as I see just where Bella is looking..... Cole's gone too.

“Sh*t” I sigh, giving up and turning back towards the pack house only to bump into Callum.

His fire red hair as vibrant as his smile as he looks down at me.

Callum’s hands press into my shoulders as he keeps me from falling but not unlike others his grip too is painfully tight.

I try to politely tell him but Bella beats me to it “hey hands off!” she near yells as she swats his hands away.

Callum’s smile turns to confusion as he looks between us before raising his hands in surrender “I was just trying to help”.

I glare a little at Bella before apologizing “sorry and thank you, Bella’s just a little protective, that’s all”.

Callum shrugs, almost relaxing until he sees the frown on Bella that is.

I nudge her again, but it does nothing, her eyes still burning into him.

“Are you off to Red lake today too?” I ask trying to break some of the building tension between the pair.

“Ah yeah” Callum answers still uncomfortably looking between Bella and I before giving his entire focus to me.

“Alpha left me behind for a few stragglers, to see everyone got off okay”.

“Good” Bella cuts in curtly “you can take us too then”.

“Ummm. . .” Callum mutters obviously trying to find a way to decline.

“Your Alpha invited us. Surely you saw him bring along Mere yesterday” Bella returns even more sternly, obviously not taking no for an answer.

And before Callum can even think Bella has taken me by the hand, and we are climbing into his car.

As the door closes I scowl at Bella, but she only shrugs “I got us a lift, didn’t I?”.

Shaking my head I relent.... it wasn't the way I would have wanted... but at least we are going.

Bella uses her spare time to suss out the different gadgets in the high tech SUV before Callum slides into the front seat along with another Hunter's moon member in the passenger seat.

The man is shorter than most his comrades, thinner too.

His hair cut into a more professional look, matching his contrasting business attire rather than the workout gear his other pack members were wearing.

As the man’s sits silently staring down at papers in his lap Callum tries to cover for his rudeness introducing him instead “ahhh Meredith and . . .” “Bella” Bella informs.

“Right” Callum tries to smile “Meredith and Bella this is Henry, our pack's council ambassador”.

“So does that make you a council member or a Hunter's member?” Bella asks, not at all phased by Callum’s shocked expression to her boldness.

Henry finally looks up as he simply answers “both”.

Bella gives him a knowing look before leaning back against her chair again, whispering to me “that means council”.

I knew members of the council weren’t exactly popular, seen more as fastidious rule-keepers, a mere annoyance rather than helpful at all. But I also hadn’t seen him along the Hunter's moon warriors yesterday, making me wonder why exactly he's here today and whether Cole invited him or whether he even knew of his arrival.

The ride to Red lake passes in silence, even Callum seeming uncomfortable by Henry’s presence.

So when we do arrive it's no surprise we are all out of the truck before it can even fully come to a stop..... except Henry.

Whom waits, and slowly exits the vehicle with agonizing calm.

Even with his speed, Callum doesn't quite pry free, the four simple words of "Take me to him" making him turn with a soft sigh and return to Henry's side.

“How about I take you?” I offer with a small smile, Callum's eyes lighting up at the offer.

Henry turns, surprised, while a relieved looking Callum mouths a quick 'I owe you one' with his lips before repeatedly bowing his thanks in his retreat.

I fold my lips between my teeth, maintaining my composure... barely... as I look back to a very serious looking Henry.

I clear my throat, plastering on my best 'however I can help' smile before holding my hand out.... in the wrong direction.

I decide to take the long way around, giving Callum time to prepare Cole.

“So what brings you to Red lake?” I ask Henry as Bella reluctantly follows along a step behind.

Henry looks down at me, a little annoyed, before curtly replying “I have some things to discuss with Alpha Cole. Nothing to do with Red lake or the pack's joint efforts. Therefore, also none of your business”.

“Rigggggght” I breathe out a little taken aback by his rudeness.

I look back to Bella, her eyebrows raised as she looks at the back of Henry's head.

The words 'Fu*king what did you just say?!' written all over her face.

Maybe I shouldn't have taken the long way......

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Cole’s POV

“What do you mean Henry is here?” I ask a puffing Callum in front of me.

“What the hell is he here for?” I add, asking Callum but also pondering the question myself.

“Wouldn’t say” Callum answers, his hands resting on his hips as he tries to regain his breath.

I nod my thanks, waving my hand to dismiss him to join the others whilst I get back to the plans before me.

I'm just going over the final adjustments when my phone begins to ring. “Yes” I answer not recognizing the number. “Alpha Cole, Alpha Austin regrets to inform you that he has been delayed two days. A threat to the pack needing his attentions before his departure” a small female voice comes through the line.

“Okay” I nod, trying to hide my annoyance before hanging up.

Fu*king great.

I take the papers in front of me, scrunching them before ripping them.

All plans now pointless without the Embry pack and their pick up from Winter crest.

Could this day get any worse?

“Alpha Cole” I hear Henry’s voice behind me, reminding me that yes, yes it can.