Alpha's Chosen

10

Meredith's POV

I almost miss the deep sigh Cole lets out before exiting the truck... was that nerves?

"Yeah, I'm sure the warrior Alpha is nervous" I whisper quietly to myself as I too jump down from the enormous vehicle.

I see Cole has paused but as I come up beside him he falls into step, keeping pace with me a step behind, slightly shielding me behind his right side.

"Alpha Antony" Cole greets as we approach the awaiting Alpha.

Alpha Antony holds himself very differently from the three Alpha's I have met, his posture subtly slumped and his hands rubbing together seemingly nervous as we approach.

His Luna beside him also holds the same timidness, biting her lip as she refuses to look up.

Cole nods in respect to the Alpha as we come to a stop before him, as well as offering his hand.

Alpha Antony slowly replies "Alpha.. Cole" as he takes Cole's hand.

Cole somehow seems to shrink a little smaller as he softly asks the Luna "and you are?".

The small woman peaks up, a soft smile from Cole encouraging her "Keira, Alpha".

"Congratulations on finding each other" Cole smiles as he looks between the pair, Keira peeking up to smile at her mate.

Cole's attention then moves to the man standing to the left "Beta Dilan" he nods, "always a pleasure. Have we set up a central base yet?".

"Alpha Cole" the Beta bows deep, straightening as he adds "not yet, but the demolitions have begun in the worst affected areas. Mostly independent housing along the eastern border".

Cole nods, looking back to Antony as he asks "my men?".

"Inside", the smaller Alpha replies, stepping to the side as he extends his arm to welcome Cole inside.

I notice a look of curiosity from Red Lake's Beta as I follow along behind Cole, only now realizing I haven't been introduced yet.

I smile at the Beta as I attempt to answer his unasked question "Pleasure to meet you Beta, I'm...".

"Meredith" Cole calls, cutting me off, his curt words instantly making me pause.

"Come" he orders and I instantly frown ....but obey, his words cutting my confidence a little.

Cole gives me a look of warning, softly holding his hand against the small of my back to keep me at pace alongside him.

"Beta" he calls over his shoulder, Beta Dilan quickly appearing beside him, "yes Alpha".

Cole pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to the Beta as he explains "The cross is where we will set up base. We will keep our resources there as well as build a makeshift tent for the men to rest and replenish. Make sure we have enough room for Embry pack's men too. They should be here by tomorrow. Also, I got your email and will accommodate your new trainees a week after I have returned home.... or more Hugo will. And yes, you are welcome to accompany them also".

"Where is Hugo?" Beta Dilan asks absently as he looks down at what I now recognize as my map.

"Home" Cole replies bluntly, smiling to himself as he adds, "Don't worry your little boyfriend is safe, just doing his job for once, that's all".

Cole doesn't even look back but smiles wider as I see Beta Dilan smile too.

Beta Dilan then jogs back to his Alpha, the trio pausing as the Beta explains, holding the map between them.

I continue to stare back until suddenly I feel a soft barrier in front of me.

I close my eyes, inwardly wincing as I realize Cole's arm now in front of me, stopping me from walking into a door.

"Thanks" I sigh, looking up to him as he lowers his arm.

Cole nods, looking back slightly before whispering "you just have to trust me for a little and stay beside me, okay?".

"Okay" I nod before we both return to looking forward.

Cole opens the colossal door effortlessly, walking in confidently with large strides.

However, I feel his steps slow as I fail to keep up.

But even with his slower steps I struggle to keep pace without looking like a complete lunatic running alongside him, so I am thankful when we finally reach his men.

"How much longer you think?" Cole asks one of his warriors.

I notice the man's fire red hair, a bright light among the dimly lit room, and he offers me a slight smile and nod before answering his Alpha, "About another hour I'd say".

"Link me if you need me, I'm going to survey the damages myself" Cole says quietly before turning around to the Alpha, Luna and Beta now approaching.

"Mind if I take a look around?" Cole asks, to which Alpha Antony immediately shakes his head "of course not Alpha Cole... are you in need of a guide?".

"Nah, should be fine... I'll be back by the time my men have finished up. I shouldn't be more than an hour", Cole's hand again moves to the small of my back, guiding me to exit alongside him.

I can't help but look up at him still confused, but seeing his glazed eyes I know better than to interrupt.

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Cole's POV

'Don't tell them who she is... if they ask just defer the question' I link quickly as I guide Meredith from the room.

'Yes Alpha' Callum replies quickly before cutting the link.

Once we are a safe distance away my hand drops as I begin to explain "I didn't think it was the best idea for them to know who you are just yet".

"Oh" Meredith pauses looking back at the packhouse "I .... I didn't really think about that".

"They also probably don't know you exist either... as I didn't" I add before gesturing for us to walk again.

"Worse than you thought?" I ask as we walk, Meredith's steps soft beside me.

"Definitely" Meredith sighs, her face not at all hiding the anguish she feels for the owners of the destroyed houses surrounding us.

"We'll rebuild it soon enough" I say to her but also to myself, looking around and being thankful to each home that still stands.

"Some things aren't replaceable" Meredith sighs, my eyes drawn back to her as she does.

A small wolf teddy resting in her hands, the smear of mud on her fingers as she works to find its colours beneath the mess.

"We have to do more than just rebuild" she says quietly, her eyes moving up to meet mine, a mix of sadness and determination.

"We will" I reply, the words not even thought out before the promise is made.

Because the look in her eyes.... I have no choice but to agree.