The Alpha's Unexpected Mate

CHAPTER 1

Lucas

The wars for territory are getting fiercer by the day, not just for packs but for humans too. Packs are fighting each other, rogues are becoming more savage, killing anyone who gets in their way. Farmers are shooting first, asking questions later. Right now, Montana, USA is not a very nice place to live. the rumors are that it's gang violence. Many humans and werewolf packs have abandoned their lands and homes in fear of their lives and livelihood. Even though my family, the pack is the richest in Montana I Lucas Lankford am feeling the toll and strain. My family business, cattle ranching is even becoming dangerous with all these attacks.

I wasn’t supposed to be Alpha. Even though my brother and I had both been groomed to be Alphas, I never wanted it. I wanted to enjoy my life, travel, finish my archeology degree, be the free-spirited brother. Jericho was the serious one and a good Alpha, with friends, a mate, and a beautiful daughter. I wasn’t really the social bug, I had a few friends, not even best friends – shocking I know but I was never the typical ego static werewolf – but the pack still respected me. Some had doubts when I became Alpha when my father and elder brother were killed not so long ago by rogues while out on one of the cattle ranches.

The Moon Shadow pack got revenge for them. How dare they think can attack and kill a former Alpha and Alpha? They called themselves Rogue Nation! Fifty wolves against 2, cowards that’s what they are. I growled angrily! I could feel my wolf wanting to take control from the hurt and anger but I had to keep him calm and be strong for the pack now.

“Uncle Lucas!” A little voice squealed running.

I turned around just in time to catch my 6-year-old niece Lucy. She wrapped her arms around me in a chock hold. I hugged her back. She was all that I had left. Both my mother my and sister-in-law died when their mates died. If a mate dies so does the other mate. It's almost instant as if they were there themselves getting torn to pieces.

 Once you have a mate, your life becomes tied to that person. Their strength, their weakness, everything. When my mother and Lucille collapsed dead in front of me, blood coming out of their mouths and noses. I knew then and there that my father and brother were gone. After that, I decided that I didn’t want a mate, not if that meant dying. Stupid werewolf mate bond. That’s the only thing that sucks about being a werewolf My wolf whined at my thoughts.

“Alpha.” Gloria panted entering my office bowing.

Gloria was Lucy’s governess. She was a 50-year-old lady with grey hair pulled back into a tight bun and had a limp from fighting rogues when she was younger. Lucy pulled away from and stared at Gloria before sticking her tongue out at her, she quickly hid her face into my neck.

“Lucy!” I scolded. She dug her face deeper into my neck.

I let out a sigh, Lucy had been acting up badly ever since the funerals. Now that I paid attention to Gloria’s appearance, I saw that she was covered in dirt and by the smell of it horse dung as well.

“I’ll handle her Gloria, why don’t you take the rest of the day off.” I said feeling guilty for what Lucy had done to her.

“Yes, Alpha.” Gloria replied with sadness. She bowed then limped away.

“I’m sorry.” Lucy whispered with a sniffle.

I went to sit down on the couch still cradling Lucy. “You shouldn’t be apologizing to me.” I said firmly looking down at her.

She had beautiful long black hair, pale skin with rosy cheeks, and lips with green eyes. She looked like her parents and grandparents. I only the other hand had light brown hair and blue eyes and didn’t look anything close to my parents. Not even personality-wise, I preferred to stay out of the limelight, unlike my brother. It happened once every 4th generation in my family and often the men accused their mates of cheating, but werewolves can’t cheat because of the mate bond. It supposedly feels like getting stabbed in the heart. It was just some genetic glitch.

I glanced down are Lucy who had gotten very still and quiet. She had fallen asleep. Lucy had been having such horrid nightmares and refused to sleep, that’s usually when she would act out. I held her tightly, rocking back and forth even though she was fast asleep already. It was more to comfort me and my wolf.

Emma

I’m sitting in my father’s New York office waiting to hear if he’ll let me work at his bank in Montana City, Montana as the new manager. The current manager Morgan is doing a horrible job. Our bank is losing money fast and loans were not been paid back. It was rich land despite the rumors of gang violence going on there.

“Miss Barclay.” His secretary called to me.

“Yes.” I answered looking up from my newspaper.

“Mr Barclay said to meet him at home.” She said with regret and sadness.

I felt my heart sink. The only reason why he ever wanted to talk to me at home was to avoid a scene that I most likely would cause. I was too outspoken and strong-willed and was always frowned upon by men even by some women too.

“Thank you.” I said getting up to leave.

I walked out onto the busy streets of New York when a cab pulled up. An elderly couple got out; the driver helped them with their luggage. There was a hotel about two buildings away from the bank.

“I’ll be right back.” The driver said in acknowledgment.

I nodded climbing into the cab to wait for him. My father had been against me going to college to study finance and follow in my mother’s footsteps. She had been auditing our one branch in Manthan when it was robbed and she was shot dead, but I ignored him and got my master's in accounting. I just had a knack for figures. I felt my face grow red with anger as we continued to the Barclay condo. My father wanted me to marry young. He still believed women had to stay, sit, fetch the slippers.

“Like Hell!” I spat kicking the seat in front of me.

“Everything alright ma’am?” The driver called back to me.

“Yes, thank you” I answered in a tight voice.

If my father wasn’t going to give me that job then I would go and take it. And prove to him and everyone else that I can run a bank at 18 years old – almost 19 years old – better than Mr Henry Barclay himself. The taxi pulled up to our condo apartment which was on the top floor. We had luxury apartments all over.

“Stay here!” I ordered climbing out and racing up the entrance stairs.

Leaving him looking very confused. I raced to the elevator which would open up to the apartment which had an entertainment floor for parties alone and a rooftop pool.

“Hi, Alfred.” I greeted racing past our butler as soon as the elevators doors opened.

“Mary!” I yelled out racing up the stairs to my bedroom.

I started grabbing my clothes out of my walk-in closet which was as big as my room and the bathroom was just as big. I found it unnecessary and wasteful.

“Yes, ma’am.” She answered staring at the commotion.

“I need my suitcase please.” I said going to my draws.

She still stood there with confusion and concern.

“Now Mary!” I raised my voice to get her moving.

She snapped out of it and went to fetch my suitcase. I could see that she wanted to know what was happening but she knew better than to say anything. I let her pack while I sat down at my desk to write my father a letter. When Mary was done, I called for Alfred to help take the bags downstairs to the waiting taxi. I could see the protest and pleading in their eyes but they knew very well not to try and stop me. I stopped at the front door sighing before turning to Mary and hugged her.

“Please give this to my father.” I said pulling away to give her the letter. “And take care of yourself.”

 “Ma’am please.” She pleaded. “I’ll let you know once I’m in Montana.” I reassured her with a small smile.

I turned to Alfred and pulled him into an unexpected hug. “Take care big old bear.” I mumbled before pulling away.

I climbed into the taxi and waved goodbye to them then settled back into my seat.

“Where to ma’am?” The driver asked. “Grand Central Station.” I said seeing his surprise.

He nodded and pulled into the traffic. It was unusual, well almost unheard of for a rich woman or someone so young like me to travel via train and alone. But I didn’t want to struggle with flights and baggage check-ins, besides I liked traveling, seeing nature all around me. I had backpacked through Europe last year. My father almost had a heart attack because for one I was alone and second according to his standards women don’t do such things. I should be home, married and pregnant with my 1st or 3rd child by now. I completely disagree with him at every corner and aspect that I am able to. A woman should be independent and at least have done something significant in her life and alone, it builds charter and prepares you for life. After buying my ticket for a private first-class compartment, I settled into my seat for the long journey.

Lucas

“Alpha?” Boone my Beta called pulling my attention away from the window.

I had been staring out of it watching Lucy sit on her swing looking sad and refusing for anyone to push her. I frowned at Boone and my open office door.

“I did knock.” He defended quickly.

“My apologies.” I said feeling a little guilty for my behavior.

It seems Lucy’s temper is rubbing more off on me or was it mine rubbing off on her.

I motioned for Boone to continue. “Alpha, there’s been another attack. We lost another pack and ally. The Blue Moon pack in Wyoming, Jackson.”

His eyes shifted from blue to black. He is, was my brother’s best friend and Beta but now he is mine. To be honest, we aren’t very close, never were.

“Was it Rogues?” I asked feeling his anger and pain which was as raw as mine.

He nodded unable to answer shaking with rage.

“Boone!” I warned in my Alpha voice.

He shook and cringed before relaxing a bit breathing hard. “Forgive me.”

“It’s ok”

“Should we retaliate?” he asked clenching his fists.

“No, not with them being in a different state. Are there any survivors?” I asked feeling sad for the loss of a pack.

But I couldn’t afford to stretch my warriors so far and thin.

“Yes, Alpha. About 20 wolves.” He answered hanging his head.

“Send aid to them. I will go with to accept them into our pack and home.” I ordered firmly.

Boone bowed and left my office to make travel arrangements. I as Alpha had to personally offer sanctuary otherwise, they would be torn apart without an Alpha and be cast as loners. And a loner or lost wolf is more feral and dangerous than rogues as they are confused and disoriented. As to where rogues choose to become feral but they don’t, well most don’t go rabid.

We are going to have to stock up on medical and food supplies if we are going to take in 20 new members. I think a pack barbeque will help everyone to meet and mingle and maybe take some stress off.

‘Gloria, Abigale, Charlotte, Andrew, Carson, Louise please come to my office.’ I mind-linked the groundskeepers and housekeepers.

A few minutes later I heard a screaming Lucy coming from the hallway, clearly throwing another tantrum. As everyone piled into my office Gloria had a kicking and screaming Lucy in her arms.

“Lucy!” I growled making her stop with a fist full of Gloria’s grey hair. “Apologise now!” I said in a stern tone.

Gloria put her down and Lucy looked up at Gloria seeming ashamed of her behavior. It's as though she gets possessed and blacks out.

“I’m sorry.” She said in a thick voice before going to sit in the corner.

I sighed before turning my attention back to the housekeepers. “We are going to be accepting 20 members from The Blue Moon as tragedy has struck them.” I said taking in their shocked and sad faces.

 “Please prepare rooms on the third floor. I am not sure how many are families or unmated wolves. I was also thinking of having a barbeque to welcome our new members.” They all nodded in understanding.

“Excuse me Alpha.” Gloria said bowing her head.

“Yes, Gloria.” I acknowledge her.

“Lucy’s clothes are getting too small for her; she only has dress clothes left.” She said bowing her head again.

I looked at Lucy and realized that Gloria was right. Lucy had been a bit too fancy-dressed lately and now that I come to think of it, she’s grown at least 3 inches.

“Very well, all of you are to go to town and shop for your preparations. Gloria get Lucy some clothes.” I said with a nod. “Gloria as much as I don’t want her to leave this estate, I feel that you will have to take Lucy with you to get her new sizes. Maybe get some bigger sizes too.”

Gloria nodded in understanding, I hated that my niece was to leave in the middle of all these wars and fighting.

“Take guards with you.” I ordered dismissing them.

They bowed then left. As soon as the door closed, I went to where Lucy was sitting with her head against the wall tracing patterns with her fingers. I slid down onto the floor sitting next to her with my back against the wall.

“Lucy. I know you are sad and angry but you can’t hurt Gloria like that. It’s wrong, rude, and not very ladylike, young lady.” I scolded in a gentle voice.

“I’m sorry.” She said with a sniff.

She wiped her nose roughly on her dress’s sleeve. I now could see how tight her dress was pulling across her back and arms. Alpha children do grow slightly faster and shift at 13 years old before normal wolf children at 16. Her hair was longer and her small frame seemed to be gaining mussels but Lucy was too young to even going through these changes. She started screaming and crying, kicking the wall. I jumped a little at her sudden outburst.

“My legs burn!” She screamed out in pain.

Growing pains, I realized, and being a wolf, was more intense.

‘Gloria, get something for growing pains as well.’ I linked her as I started rubbing Lucy’s legs

‘Yes, Alpha.’ She replied.

Lucy’s screaming lessened a little but she still sobbed, eyes red and cheeks puffy.

‘Boone, when is James due back from North Dakota?’ I asked still rubbing Lucy’s legs.

‘He should be back soon, Alpha.’

‘Ok, he needs to go with me. I need you to stay here and take charge.’ I ordered.

‘Yes, Alpha.’ Boone answered.

I cut off the mind link. James had gone to a human college friend’s funeral a few days ago. Lucy had had finally calmed down and started drifting off to sleep. Her poor face was red and tear-streaked. Oh, poor child, I thought with a heavy heart as I gently picked her up to go and put her into bed. I had no idea how to a father. An uncle that spoiled his niece, yes but to be a parent to her after losing both parents and grandparents all at once. I was just as lost as a loner would be. Gloria met me halfway down the stairs.

“Don’t worry, I’ll put her down.” I said with a small smile.

“We’ll leave straight after her nap.” Gloria informed me bowing stepping aside.

I nodded then headed upstairs.

Emma

After the train stopped, I collected my bags and hailed a taxi. I was about to climb in the waiting taxi when a man tried to jack my cab.

“Hey! I hailed him first.” I yelled in anger. “Get the next one.”

He snared at me trying to open the door. I pushed myself in front of and slammed the door shut.

“I’m from New York. So, I know how to hold my ground and cab Jackass!” I spat staring daggers at him.

“Please, no fight.” The driver pleaded. “Where you go?”

The blonde man and I had a stare-off glaring at each other.

“Montana City.” He snared.

“Same.” I spat.

“Maybe you can share?” The driver pleaded.

“Fine, we can share.” He hissed pushing past me.

I wanted to protest to sharing a cab with the jackass but the vibe was getting from my travel companion told me to zip it. He was slightly too intimidating and scary even for me. We traveled in silence as I was replying back to so many texts from my father. He had tried to phone me. He had tried to call me many times and left angry voice mails. I deleted all the voice mails,not even listing to the rest of them then turned my phone off again. After that, I got my newspaper out and checked the financial pages. The stock figures had me mumbling in discontent while the man closed his eyes with nostrils flaring.

“Stop!” The man shouted all of a sudden making me jump a little with fright.

The taxi slammed on breaks. I frowned in annoyance at the blonde-haired man as my purse went flying off onto the ground and the safety belt hurting me with the jerky stop.

“Goodbye miss.” He hissed getting out of the cab grabbing his bags.

Good riddance I thought as relief washed over me as he left. Even though he was very hansom with chiselled jaw and blonde curls and blue-green eyes. I just didn’t like him, he’s just too tense, he has a darkness to him.

“I need to back, need gas.” The driver announced nervously.

“What?!” I growled angrily. “Can’t you just refuel after you dropped me off at the hotel?”

“No, will not make it.” Hi said in a high-pitched voice.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Clearly he’s not getting a tip from me.” I grumbled crossing my arms over my chest.

I stretched out onto the seat, resting my head against the window staring out the other one. It was no where near lady like but I didn’t care I would act the way I wanted to and no one could tell me otherwise. It wasn’t long after the cab was back on the road when two SUVs came up behind us and slowly over took us. There was a little girl with a pink hat and her head out of the window and huge grin waving at me. I couldn’t help but wave and smile back at her.

Her governess pulled her back in scolding her for not behaving like a lady. She grumpily crossed her arms over her chest puffing her cheeks up and I couldn’t help but giggle. Seams like they are going on a shopping spree I thought as the other SUV passed with more staff, they all had uniforms on. Must be one hell of a rich family and one hell of a party being planned.

Lucas

I saw James get out of the taxi and caught a whiff of strawberries and fresh rain. My wolf stirred from the scent. I saw someone else sitting in the taxi, a blonde woman but the cab pulled away before I had a chance to see her face.

“Alpha.” James greeted bowing his head.

James smelt of the scent but it was fading and my wolf was becoming jealous for some reason.

“Who was your travel companion?” I asked in a tight voice.

“Some woman New York.” He answered a little irritated as he stared off after the cab.

I just nodded as he made his way to greet everyone.

“How was it and your trip?” Boone asked shaking his hand.

“As good as you can expect and tiring, thought I would get some sleep in the cab but the kept me up half the time grumbling about figures in the paper.” He explained frowning.

I shook my head somehow amazed at the information. Lucy came running out to escape Gloria who was trying to put a hat on her.

“Alpha.” Gloria bowed panting, out of breath.

“She’s getting faster.” Boone noted with a frown.

“So she is.” I said a little anxious.

“Lucy, put your hat on.” I ordered in a stern voice.

She growled a little making everyone stop dead in their tracks and making my heart skip a few beats. She’s too young I thought with panic in my eyes. A transformation at this age could kill her. She let go of my leg and went to Gloria who with shaky hands put her hat on.

‘We need a pack doctor’ I linked Boone and James.

They nodded; our pack doctor had died a year ago from a heart attack when he learned his son had died in one of the battles. Werewolves might be strong and fast but we’re not invincible. Sliver and wolfsbane are just a few things that can kill us and pack doctors were being killed like crazy as to weaken a pack. So most just upped and left Montana or were kept hidden so well away that it near impossible to find them, that or they just stop practicing medicine completely.

After the two SUVS were full with guards and staff I kissed Lucy in the forehead before the driver pulled away gently. The 3rd SUV pulled up for me, James and two guards. I didn’t want to stretch my warriors too thin.

“Boone is in charge while James and I go to the aid of The Blue Moon pack. We should be back later today or tomorrow depending on what we find.” I explained to everyone gather around. “Make preparations and be safe.”

I climbed into the back seat of the SUV with everyone bowing before getting to work. I nodded and we pulled away two extra 4X4 Double Cabs following us.

“I hope not too man are injured.” James said staring out of the window.

He was Boone’s cousin and was my brother’s best friend too.

“Sorry to spring this onto you straight after your loss” I apologized feeling bad for the poor guy.

“I need the distraction. Ben was a great roommate and friend. He’ll be missed.” James replied sorrowfully.

“Me too.” I agreed in a tight voice.