The Female Alpha

Chapter 1

Rose’s Point of View

“Rose... Rose... Rose, wake up, or else I’ll let them dump the ice water on you!” The familiar voice echoed from my doorway. I lifted my head, and there was Diana, my best friend, standing in the doorway with her brothers behind her, holding buckets of water.

“Not today, boys,” I chuckled. “Do me a favor and gather everyone in the gym. I need to talk with your lovely sister.” They grumbled, disappointed they couldn’t splash me today, and slinked off.

Diana, my sister in spirit, and not just my best friend, was a force of nature. At only twenty-one, she was the third-highest-ranked female doctor in Europe and already working on her second degree, aiming to be the best. With her raven-black hair down to her hips, striking silver eyes, and a wicked left hook, she was striking and fiercely protective.

“What’s going on, girl?” she asked, reaching for the brush on my dresser.

I pulled on my workout clothes, exhaling. “I need your help sneaking out for a few hours this week.”

Her eyebrow arched. “Looking for your mother’s journal and necklace before the Alphas and their sons arrive Friday?” she asked as she began braiding my hair.

“I need to go before my birthday,” I explained. “I keep dreaming about her, telling me to get them before the party. If I wait until everyone arrives, someone will notice I’m missing.”

“It’s too dangerous,” she replied firmly. “You’re not sneaking off alone, not this time. You’ll take my brothers and at least two others. That’s the only way.”

“But Dia, I need to go alone—”

“I said no!” she snapped.

Diana rarely raised her voice, and when she did, there was no arguing. Her expression softened as she added, “You’re our Luna, Rose. My brothers and I—protecting you is our job. We can’t lose you too.”

Her words sank in, and though I wanted to protest, I knew she was right. Giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze, she headed downstairs, and I hurried after her, my mind racing with the weight of the day ahead.

Our pack house in the Shadow Clan’s territory was a haven. We’d built it up over the years, expanding it into a large complex with a gym, track, rooftop pool, and obstacle courses for the pups. Inside, it had a huge kitchen, a dining area, and thirty rooms with private bathrooms, all furnished and ready.

I stepped into the gym, a smile spreading across my face. My pack of seventy-seven members awaited me. We’d lost a lot over the years, but each face here reminded me of our resilience and unity.

“Good morning, my stars,” I greeted.

“Good morning, Luna,” they replied in unison.

Standing at the front between my betas, Drago and Draco, I addressed them. “Thank you for gathering early. As many of you know, special guests arrive Friday, so each of you will have additional tasks this week. The Betas and I have assigned responsibilities that we’ll share after training. If the council discusses reclaiming our territory or joining a different clan, please stay respectful and let one of us know if there’s an issue.”

I paused. “Next Wednesday, we’ll be leaving to reclaim what’s ours. Those choosing this route need to have everything packed by Sunday night. Afternoon and evening training won’t be mandatory this week due to the extra preparations. Any questions?”

Silence. I nodded. “Great! Let’s stretch and get this morning session done.”

Watching the pups trying to keep up with the adults always made me smile. After stretching, we tackled a three-mile run, the obstacle course, and a dash through the pool, which, for fun, was filled with ice water today. After praising each pup, I hit the showers to prepare for the day.

My morning rounds started with Diana at the hospital, followed by checks on the fields, schools, and squads, assisting wherever I could. Today, it was clear I wouldn’t be done by noon.

As I walked up the path to the main outpost, I spotted Fredrick with his Beta, Josh, already standing by the commander. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the free loafing stars and the pampered Luna. What, coming to make sure the patrol is to your liking?” Josh sneered.

I would never understand why Fredrick let the role of his Beta go to Josh, who was all brawn and no brain.

“Good morning, Fredrick. Good morning, Commander Eli,” I greeted, ignoring Josh.

“That’s Alpha Fredrick to you,” Josh growled, his tone dripping with condescension. I refused to acknowledge him, which, of course, pissed him off.

“Why, you little B—” he started, reaching toward me, but was interrupted by Fredrick.

“Enough, Josh! You know very well my father will come after both of us if you insult the Stars' Luna. You’re my Beta, and you need to behave as such,” he snapped, his voice cutting through the tension.

“Thank you, Fredrick. Commander Eli, I only came for my daily update and to see if you needed any help,” I said straightforwardly, not sparing Fredrick a second glance. Our relationship had soured after the attack, and while he used to treat my pack with respect, that changed.

Eli coughed, trying to relieve the tension before speaking. He finished the report quickly and politely, refusing our help since Fredrick was there. As I turned to walk away, Fredrick finally spoke, his tone cold and distant. “My mother wants you to meet her at Stanly’s café when you’re done with your morning routine.”

I nodded, silently dreading the encounter but keeping my composure. Neither of my betas spoke on the way to the café, maintaining our pack’s image. I walked between Drago and Draco, two of the most striking wolves in the clan. Both were built and handsome, their parents clearly gifted in passing down excellent genes. Drago had long black hair, sun-kissed skin, and Star Clans tribal tattoo on his right shoulder. His brother Draco was only slightly shorter, with brown hair and the same silver eyes with his Star Clan insignia on his left shoulder.

Lost in thought, I didn’t realize we’d arrived until Stanly, the owner, greeted us, “Ah, Luna Rose, welcome. Luna Maricela is waiting for you upstairs.”

I gestured for my betas to wait as I ascended. Luna Maricela, Fredrick’s mother, greeted me with a hug. “Rose! You’re finally here. Where are my nephews?”

“They stayed behind to be polite,” I replied, laughing. “Though I suspect they’re hiding from the ladies at your table.”

“Oh, those boys! Always polite but in need of a push,” she said, chuckling before calling them up.

The table was set with finger foods and tea. “Rose, meet Miranda, Natalia, and Sasa.” I greeted them politely, noticing that Sasa—beautiful, with long red curls and model-like features—was eyeing me coolly.

Lunch passed with polite conversation until Luna Maricela finally asked, “Rose, did you clear your afternoons this week?”

“Yes, Luna. My betas will help with preparations while I’m with you,” I answered.

“Wonderful. We’ll shop for suits, dresses, shoes, and other essentials today. Then, we’ll decide on a spa for Thursday,” she continued, smiling with satisfaction.

“I ordered the decorations and outfits already, but I’d love your help finding gifts and doing a spa day with you and Diana,” I suggested.

Though a bit disappointed, Luna Maricela nodded approvingly. With Diana joining us, I hoped the trip would be bearable. By afternoon, my patience was waning as we navigated through store after store in the human city south of the Shadows territory.

Around the eighth store, as I tried on yet another dress, Sasa cornered me. “Honestly, Rose, that suit is hideous on you,” she sneered.

I rolled my eyes, turning to leave, but she grabbed my arm, “Ignoring me? Don’t forget, I’m going to be the Shadow’s Luna, and you’ll be nothing more than—”

A voice interrupted her, “Oh, please continue. I’d love for Aunt Maricela to see this side of you,” Draco smirked, rounding the corner with Diana.

After a few more outfits and with Diana’s support, the trip finally eased up. For dinner, we enjoyed a quiet Italian restaurant before heading home, with the third car filled with shopping bags. I drifted off on the way back, feeling a sense of unease as Luna Maricela’s last request echoed faintly in my mind.