Learning to Be Alpha

The Tattoos

**Axel's POV 

"Fine, but I can't promise anything." She told me.  

Duke: Our poor mate has been through something horrible. We need to protect her and show her she is safe. 

Axel: I agree. I’ll tell Isaiah and Eric to come and warn them that she is standoffish. I will show My Queen all the love and protection that she deserves. 

"Isaiah, Eric, you can come now. She is very standoffish though guys so be calm when you come. Isaiah, she does not trust Betas at all. So, please show her that she will be safe with you." 

"Ok. We are on our way." Isaiah responded. 

I turned back to my gorgeous mate, "They are on their way. I promise I will protect you and keep you safe. My pack is very trustworthy and my parents are going to love you." 

Duke: Tell her they adopted us. Open up to her so that she feels comfortable opening up to you. 

"I was adopted when I was 13 by the Alpha. My birth father overdosed when I was 5, and my birth mother blamed me. She would be beat me and didn't care what happened to me. I never even was told I was a werewolf. When I was 10, she got tired of dealing with me and left me at an orphanage. The staff at the orphanage was not very tolerant with me. I had some issues trusting people, was very hyper, and couldn’t handle dealing with authority, so I got into trouble a lot and didn’t really have any friends. When I was 11, I shifted for the first time and ran away because I knew that being a werewolf was going to cause even more issues for me at the orphanage. I was on the run for a few years until I came to this same lake and was found by my dad, Zeus. Him and my mom, Christine, adopted me immediately, no questions asked. I had to learn to live with a pack and I am still learning to trust and open up to the rest of the pack. I know this is going to be hard on you and but I will be here for you every step of the way and we will learn together to trust and open up." I told her as I looked into her eyes. I saw a small tear built up in her eye and fell. I reached out and wiped it away with my thumb and just like that the sparks exploded onto my hand. My eyes shot up to hers and I became entranced. Her beauty is blinding and it’s all too clear to see that she has an amazingly kind heart.  

We were so lost in each other that we did not hear anyone approaching us, until we heard a branch snap. I spun around and pulled Jessie behind me. She latched onto my shirt, which made my wolf insanely happy. I prepared myself to protect her, only to instantly relax when I saw Isaiah and Eric walking up. I looked over my should and asked Jesse to step out, “It’s okay, my love. It is just my Beta and his mate. Can you stand by my side so that I can introduce you?” 

She stepped out and nodded, “Can you hold my hand? I am a little scared still.” 

“Of course, Jessie.” I reached out, grabbed her hand, and intertwined our fingers. As I placed a kiss on her forehead, and said, “You never have to ask to touch me. I give you permission in advance until the day I die. I will be by your side always and I will do everything I can to comfort you, Jessie.” 

“Sorry to interrupt this moving moment, but you did ask us to come, Axel.” Isaiah said with a smug grin on his face to which I growled. My growled was followed by Jessie’s melodious giggle and a grin made its way onto my face.  

“I love your laugh, Jessie.” I said as I brought my nose to hers. I turned to Isaiah and Eric. “Guys, this is my Queen, Mate, and future Luna, Jessie. Love, this is Isaiah and Eric. Isaiah is the blonde. He is my Beta and best friend. He was the first friend I have ever had and is the most trustworthy wolf I know. He will always protect you and be there for you. Next to him is Eric, he is Isaiah’s mate and our top warrior. He is also the most trustworthy wolf I know. He will always protect you and be there for you as well. They are both fiercely protective of the people that they love. I promise they will both prove their loyalty to you.” 

Isaiah put his hand out for Jessie to shake. “Like that nerd said, I am Isaiah. This boy’s Beta and bestie. I will never let anyone even move a single hair out of place on your head. You are Axel’s mate which means you have to be super special and cool and amazing and that means you are special to me too. Axel was my first real friend too. I used to get bullied a lot before Axel joined the pack. People knew I was gay and I got picked on every day. Axel befriended me right away and shut down the bullying. He does not stand for the stronger picking on the weak, he does not stand for anyone to bully or make anyone else feel inferior. He is an amazing man and I will do everything I can to protect you both. I will prove my loyalty to you, I swear to you.” 

I looked to see that Jessie had tears in her eyes and shook his hand. My Beta’s little speech moved my mate, I am so glad she has more protectors in her life. She truly has an amazing heart. She looked at me with adoration in her eyes. I silently said a mental thank you to my best friend, he sure knows how to talk a wolf up.  

Eric then told her, “I'm Eric and it’s all true. Axel made our pack much more welcoming and made it possible for everyone to feel to safe with who they are. He has made our pack absolutely the best pack in the country, I genuinely believe. And that is not to knock our Alpha, he is an amazing man too but he never saw the bullying the way Axel had. We are all quite happy now. I was one of the wolves that bullied my amazing mate. I was terrified that people would realize that I was gay too and bully me as well. I regretted everything I had done but was too scared to say anything or to stop bullying him. When Axel joined the pack and put an end to the bullying, he didn’t hurt me at all though he had every reason to pummel me. Instead he just gave me a long lecture that changed my life for the better and I try to live everyday by what I learned that day. When I learned that Isaiah was my mate, I figured he hated me and would want nothing to do with me. For a year, I tried to find the courage to tell him but I never did. It didn’t help that I thought he had a thing for Axel. When Isaiah learned that he was my mate, he welcomed me with open arms and so did Axel. He immediately l included me in their little group and their daily activities. He helped me train and to become the fighter that I am today. Had he not talked to me back when he shut down the bullying, I never would have had the courage to face Isaiah or become the wolf I am today. I can see in your eyes that you have had a very painful past and I want to protect and support you in any way that I can. I will prove my loyalty to you. You are in my protected group.” As he finished his speech, he reached out to shake her hand.  

I glanced over to realized, my beautiful mate was crying lightly. Damn, I have some amazing friends. She reached out, took his hand, and murmured, “Thank you both.” 

As soon as her hand enclosed around Eric’s, a bright light surrounded him. I pulled Jessie to me, and covered her eyes. Isaiah gasped and watched until the light began to fade. Once the light was completely gone, we all rushed over to Eric who looked completely confused. 

“Babe, are you ok? What just happened?” Isaiah said, voice filled with worry. 

“I’m okay, hon. Calm down. My left hip just burned a bit but that’s it. I feel completely fine.” He responded.  

I had completely forgot about the tattoos but before I could even say anything, my mate said, “That happened to me a few years ago too but my left shoulder burned. I never figured out what happened. Are you sure you are ok?” 

“Love, can you turn around so that I can see your shoulder? If it is what I think, I can explain to you both.” I said as I ran my knuckles lightly across her cheek. She blushed lightly but turned around. When my eyes landed on her shoulder, I gasped. Her tattoo was almost identical to mine, the only difference was a yellow and red rose on the crown and it was on her left shoulder. 

She quickly turned to me, “What is it? Is it bad? What’s wrong with my shoulder?” 

“There is nothing wrong, I promise. It is good news. I will explain in a minute.” I then turned to Eric. “Can you show us your left hip?” 

Eric nodded, turned, and lowered his swim trunks just enough to show us his hip. I knew before he showed us what happened but I had to confirm it. He had a tattoo of a knight holding a sword and yellow and red rose in front of him, with the moon behind him. He quickly asked, “So what is it?” 

Jessie gasped and said, “You have a beautiful tattoo. I love it.” 

“What tattoo? I don’t have any tattoos.” Eric began panicking “What is going on?” 

“Jessie, is there somewhere we can go to talk? I think it would be best if we all talked about this.” I looked into her eyes but it was clear she was talking to her wolf. 

**Jessie’s POV 

After the light faded, I looked to see a gorgeous tattoo on Eric’s hip but when I complimented it, he said he didn’t have a tattoo. What in the world is going on? 

Moon: He was marked. 

Jessie: What do you mean he was marked? 

Moon: He was marked like we were but he has been marked as our protector. Both he and Isaiah, the moon goddess has told me. Now, you need to answer mate. He knows the answers. 

“Sorry. Yeah, I live in that cave over there.” I said as I came back to reality. “Follow me.” 

As I moved to pull my hand away, Axel tightened his grip. “Please let me hold your hand at least, love. I have been waiting a long time for you and I need to feel you so that I know you are real.” 

I smiled and kissed his cheek before I began walking to my cave. I had been trying to expand it over the years, making it more like a home than a cave. I had dug out more the rock face to make the cave deeper and have multiple room, carved longs into couches, beds, tables, anything that I could need. I used leaves and bird feathers to make pillows and my bed. 

As we walked to the cave, I realized that Axel had been referring to me as love and his Queen. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s super cute and Moon and I like hearing it but there is no way you can love someone you just met. “Hey, Axel, how can you already refer to me as your love when you just met me?” 

“I know it is a lot but I have been waiting for you for a very long time, Jessie. I already loved you as soon as I saw you. You know about the mate bond and what it means right? You meant the world to me the second I knew you were mine but I will also be working hard for us to truly love each other. I want true love with you, Jessie. Not just our mate bond.” He told me; his eyes full of sincerity.  

“I actually don’t know too much about the mate bond. My parents were killed before they could teach me too much about it. Daddy was always concerned about me growing up too fast. I know that our mate is our soul mate, that they can never hurt you, and that they will always love and protect you but that is about it.” I told him. I hadn’t meant to let it slip about my parents. “I want true love with you too, Axel, but you will need to patient with me. I told you I don’t trust wolves very easily.” 

“Is that because of your parents? You don’t have to talk about it now, but in time, I hope you trust me enough to tell me what happened to you. I will always be here to talk and comfort you.” He responded. I had been hoping he didn’t catch that but he’s not pushing. I really respect him for that. “The mate bond is the finding of your other soul half. We have always been destined to love, honor, support, protect, and respect each other. The Moon Goddess selects your Mate, the one who is destined for you. The bond is what we feel transfer between each other; the sparks, the instant love. Once we have fully mated, our bond can come with special gifts that vary for each mate.” 

“Yes, my trust issues are because of what happened with my parents. Thank you for not pushing, Axel. I will tell you eventually. I just haven’t gotten past it quite yet.” I told him and opened the door to the cave. “And thank you for explaining more about being mates.” 

“Holy s**t, Jessie. You’ve done a lot of work on this cave. There was no door when I was here, it wasn’t nearly this big, and you have all this furniture. Did you make all of this?” He asked me staring around the room. 

“Mostly, the solar lamps and books that you see, I took from abandon homes up north from here or had to steal to survive. I hope you aren’t mad at me for that?” I asked, truly worried that I possibly made him angry. 

“I’m not mad, love. You did everything you had to do to survive. I could never be angry at you for that. I am so proud of how strong and resourceful you have been. Most young wolves would have gone feral or died being alone this long. You are truly amazing, Jessie.” He told me as he cupped my left cheek with large and slightly calloused hands. I snuggled my face into his hand as it caused a wave of relaxation to crash over me. 

“Thank you, Axel.” I stared into his eyes, I wanted him to see that I truly did appreciate him and was glad I hadn't scared him away. I turned to Isaiah and Eric, and immediately blushed. “O..ok..le..let’s have a seat. And you guys can explain what has been going on.” 

Isaiah and Eric both giggled. They both went to the couch, sat down, and then Isaiah yelled, “Dang girl, this couch is super cute and comfortable, but we can trade out these leaves and feathers for some actual cushions. They will last longer that way.” 

I laughed, “Well thank you. I worked with what I have.” 

“Well, when you move to the pack house, when can add whatever you want to the cave. It will become our little vacation house, ok?” Axel asked me.  “This place had already held special significance to me, and now that I found you, it is even more special.” 

I blushed but then quickly stiffened, being in a pack house is not really something I thought about ever doing again. The thought still scares me. What if someone tries to kill me? What if someone tries to kill Axel? What if someone tries to hurt all of us? 

Axel must have picked up on my anxiety, he immediately wrapped me up in a tight hug. “Hey, Jessie. Please calm down. We will talk about this more later, we won’t do anything you are not ready to do. It’s ok. I will take care of you, no matter what. It’s ok.” 

I wrapped my arms around Axel’s waist and buried my face in his chest. “I’m sorry. I knew it would happen at some point. I was just wasn’t prepared and I am still not ready to trust other wolves.” 

As he stroked my head, he whispered into my ear, “We will learn to trust other wolves together. We will learn to be mates together. As long as we have each other, we will get through everything together.” 

His words melted a part of my heart. I stood up on my tip toes and kissed him quickly. As I pulled away, I could see the shock in his face. He quickly grabbed the back of my head and kissed me soundly on the lips. He didn’t push to deepen the kiss, just took his time enjoying the kiss. He pulled away slowly and leaned his forehead against mine, “Sorry, Jessie. I don’t know what came over me. I just couldn’t resist after you kissed me. I’m sor..” 

“It’s ok, Axel. I really enjoyed it.” I told him as I kissed his cheek lightly. 

“Jessie, you’re making it very difficult to pull away,” he whispered through gasps as he was trying to control his breathing. 

Eric cleared his throat and Axel let out a low growl, “Guys, I hate to break this up.” 

“Then don’t,” Axel responded grouchily, his eyes never leaving mine. 

“Axel has been waiting for his mate for so long and seeing you two together is absolutely amazing but we really need to talk about these tattoos and what the hell is happening.” Isaiah said with concern in his voice. 

Axel and I were pulled from our trance. We looked to Isaiah and Eric; Isaiah nodded his head to Axel. Axel turned to me and motioned for me to have a seat. I grabbed his hand and pulled him with me. I knew that this conversation was going to be intense and I was going to need him near me.  

As I sat down on the love seat, Axel sat on my left side so that he could look into the eyes of all of us. He grabbed my hand and entwined our fingers, and then placed our hands in my lap. “First I need to let my dad and mom know that they need to come here. They are going to need to meet you and welcome you into the pack. Please don’t worry, they are going to love you.” 

“Ok, Axel. I trust you.” I told him. I don’t know why but I why I was already starting to trust him but I was. I could see that he was a good man and wolf. It is clear that he defends and protects the people around him and that he is doing everything he can to make this easier for me. 

When he finished linking his parents, he looked at us and began, “Ok. They are on their way. So, I will start with the tattoos and what they mean.  Jessie, your tattoo is a mark that the moon goddess gave to you marking you....” he told me hesitantly, “ as the queen of all wolves.” 

I lost my breath and didn’t know what to do. I started panicking, what does that mean? I can’t be Queen. Who the hell would want me as their Queen? What kind of f****d up plan is this? 

Moon: Breath, Jessie. I told you the Moon Goddess said that we were special. Axel is speaking the truth. 

Jessie: Moon, I can’t be the Queen. I couldn’t even be a Female Alpha. I can’t even trust other wolves, let alone lead them. There is no way the Moon Goddess could pick me to be the Queen. There must be some kind of mistake. 

Moon: Jessie, you really need to breath. You are scaring mate. There is no mistake, you will be Queen. You have changed so much, become so strong and resilient. You are more than capable of being the Queen. You just have to start believing in yourself. 

Jessie: Moon, I am no one, though. 

Moon: Jessie, you are very special; you are smart, resourceful, kind, and very strong. Talk to our mate. He is becoming overly stressed worrying about you. 

I snapped out of my stupor, and looked to Axel. He had my face in the palm of his hands and looking into my eyes. He was repeatedly saying my name, his thumbs caressing my cheeks. He had nothing but concern and love in his eyes as he looked into my eyes. 

“I’m ok, Axel. I mean I am kinda ok. I am just a little freaked out about all of this. I am nothing special, I don’t know how I can be Queen. I am not good enough to be Queen. I don’t even know if I am good enough to be your mate,” I told him what I was truly feeling. 

“Jessie, you are very special and I am truly blessed that the Moon Goddess gave you to me as my mate. You are the most amazing wolf I have ever met; you may not be ready to be the Queen yet. I promise you though, you will be an amazing Queen and we have time before we will actually become the King and Queen.” 

“Thank you, Axel. I’m ok. Finish the story,” I pleaded with him. 

“Ok, love.” He said, grabbing my hand in his again. “Eric was marked by the Moon Goddess as a first knight and protector of the Queen. He will always keep you safe, Jessie. Isaiah was also marked as a first knight and protector of the King. I was marked as the King. Isaiah and I have tattoos but ours on the right side. Mine is on my right shoulder and Isaiah’s is on his right hip.”  

With that he began lifting the bottom of his shirt and turned to show me his right shoulder. I got a delicious glimpse of his abs, then to his solid and toned back, and to his wide shoulder. On his shoulder blade was a beautiful tattoo of two wolves entwined howling at the moon surrounded by a crown. I reached out and traced the tattoo with the tip of my fingers. I felt Axel shiver, drop his shirt, quickly turned to face me, and grabbed my hand, “Love, that mark is very sensitive. You touching it is getting me a little too excited. I’m sorry, sweet. I would have warned you that it is was sensitive but I didn’t know, no one has ever touched it before.” 

I smiled at him and nodded. He is being such a gentleman. Making sure that I felt comfortable with every little thing and making sure we take things slow. How did I get so lucky to have such a kind mate? 

He kissed the back of my hand, lowered our entwined hands back to my lap, and continued. “4 years ago, I found a secret room in the pack library. It was a book with prophecies from the Moon Goddess. When I entered the room a book on a podium opened on its own to a page with a quote, I read it out loud feeling that I had to. After I read it, Isaiah and I were both surrounded by light. The same light that Eric was surrounded by today. We the light subsided, we both had tattoos. I have spent the last 4 years reading every book in that room so that I could be prepared for the day I found my mate. I have read and memorized almost every book, all but one. I believe it is meant only for you, Jessie. I cannot even open it.” 

There was a knock at the door, I stiffened, stood, and began getting ready to attack. Axel realized I was going on the offensive, and immediately grabbed my wrist. “Love, it is my parents. It’s ok, I promise. Isaiah can you get the door for me. Jessie, look at me. It’s ok, they are going to love you. I will be right here by your side the whole time. No one will hurt you. I promise, you will be ok. I will never let you suffer or be hurt again.” 

He just slayed me...I looked in his eyes with adoration, love, respect, and hope. I leaned on my tip toes and planted a small kiss on his lips. It was obvious that he was shocked by impromptu kiss but soon enough I felt him return the kiss, it was soft and sweet. His hand reached up and cupped the back of my head as his fingers tangled in my hair. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and played with the bottom strands of his hair. 

We soon heard someone clear their throat, when I remembered that his parents were on their way into the cave. I pulled back and felt a blush crawl across my cheeks. Axel leaned his forehead on mine as he chuckled. He slid his hand from the back of my head, to my shoulders, and rubbed my arms. 

“Love, that was wonderful. Don’t be embarrassed, they will be happy,” he told me with a smile in his voice. 

“We are quite happy,” I heard an angelic voice say. I turned to see a gorgeous brunette woman, with hazel eyes. “My baby finally found his mate!” 

Axel turned to her and wrapped his arms around my shoulder. “Mom, this is Jessie Lamont. She is my true mate.” 

With that she bolted across the room and enveloped me in a hug. I hesitated at first to return the hug but the warmth of her hug made me cave and return her hug. Over her shoulder, I saw a man with black hair and what appeared to be black eyes walk into the cave. He was built like a brick house. As I saw him, I stiffened. The woman hugging me, let go, turned to the man and sighed, “Would you quit scarring the poor girl and come introduce yourself, Zeus?” 

He tamped down his Alpha aura and said, “As my mate as said, I am Zeus and Axel’s father. I did not mean to scare you nor do I mean you any harm.” 

“I’m sorry, Alpha.” I said with my head bowed. “I didn’t mean to get scared but it had been a very long time since I have been around an Alpha.” 

“Jessie, you never have to bow to me. You are our future Luna and Queen,” he stated matter-of-factly. “My Alpha aura jumped when I heard your name. I know that name, I had been told you were dead.” 

My face fell. He knew me, he knew my pack. Oh God! He can’t give me over to Alpha Kevin, he will kill me and I will never see Axel again. Axel saw my fear and ran to my side. He, again, cupped my face in his hands. “Jessie, it’s ok. Look at me. Calm down. Deep breaths, in and out. Come on, sweets. I need you to breath.” 

“He’ll kill me if you send me back,” I told Axel and then turned to Zeus. “Please don’t send me back He killed my parents and tried to kill me. Please don’t send me back. I can’t die now. Please.” 

With that, my knees have out but Axel held me up to keep me from falling to the floor as the tears streamed down face. Axel growled low in his chest and asked, “Who tried to kill, Jessie? Who killed your family?” 

“Alpha Kevin,” I told him between sobs. Axel carried me to the love seat and sat me down in his lap while he rubbed my back and buried his nose in the crook of my neck, inhaling to try to calm himself down. The room was quiet you could hear a pin drop. Every began sitting down and waiting for me to calm down. 

“Love, I know you weren't planning on telling your story today but I think you may have to now,” Axel told me after I finally stopped crying and caught my breath. “I am not trying to push you, so if you can’t, you don’t have to.” 

Moon: Jessie, he is right. Alpha Zeus clearly already knows about our parents dying. He needs to know the truth.

Jessie: Are you sure it is ok? I thought we need to wait until we got to know them better and if they are trustworthy.

Moon: They are trustworthy, the Moon Goddess told me and beside this is the family of our mate. They will protect us. And if they try anything, I will be right here with you.

Jessie: Thanks, Moon.

I looked into Axel's eyes and found the strength I needed in them to be able to tell my story. I nodded to him and quickly kissed his cheek. I looked around the room before my eyes landed on Alpha Zeus. “What do you know about my family and former pack? What were you told happened?” 

“I know that your former pack is the Devil Dog Pack located in Colorado. We were all told that there was a rogue attack in which the Alpha family was killed,” he stated. “They said that the attack was directed specifically at the Alpha family and that the rest were just a distraction to get to the them. They said that your body was mauled and they could not locate all of the pieces. That Beta Kevin was then made Alpha. That is clearly a lie as you are clearly breathing and are a spitting image of Alpha Robert. Please enlighten us as to what happened. We need to make sure you are protected and get your back to your rightful place as the Alpha Female of the Devil Dog Pack.” 

"Dad, she is our Luna. How can we handle that? And she is to be Queen." Axel spoke, clearly not liking the idea of me leaving him. 

"Son, we just to get her back to her rightful place as the Alpha. She can decided to appoint someone else, keep the pack, merge the packs, whatever you two decided." He said, trying to calm Axel. "But first we need to know what actually happen as it is clear we were lied to."

"Who is that told you this?" I asked and trying to get my emotions under control.

"Alpha Kevin and his Luna, Trinity." He responded.

That two faced b***h betrayed me! She had to have been in on it. she knew what they were going to do to my family, to me. She was my best friend and she was going to let them murder not only my parents, but me as well. No wonder they were able to drug my family. Rage ran through my veins like a hurricane, I know she had to be the one that orchestrated the drugging. I could feel Axel's hand rubbing my circles on my back trying to calm me back down. I took a deep breath, and through gritted teeth told them, “That mother fucker drugged and murdered my parents to take over the pack.” 

The room went deathly quiet, as the impact of my words sank in. You see, another wolf can challenge an Alpha to a fair battle to take his title. However, if is not an honorable fight, the title cannot be given to the challenging wolf and that wolf must be put to death by the pack, which clearly did not take place with my former pack. 

I took a calming breath and began telling them the story of my parents' death.