The Female Alpha

Chapter 3

Rose’s Point of View

“Aaaaahhhhhhh!” My piercing scream echoed through the room as the ice-cold water splashed over me, drenching me completely. I must have been more tired than I thought after trailing those shopaholics around the mall yesterday. This brutal awakening meant I’d slept in. My betas had decided to douse me with water—again.

“You asses! Can’t you wake me up like normal wolves?” I rasped, my voice hoarse from the shock and the cold.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Draco asked cheekily, grinning like the devil himself.

I grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at him and his brother. “Get out, so I can get dressed. See you at the gym in ten,” I barked, my irritation clear as I snatched the towel Drago was holding out.

It was a typical morning—pack training, territory checks, the usual. By the time we finished, it was eleven forty-five. That gave me just enough time to shower and get ready for lunch with Smithy. I hadn’t even known about it until after training.

I opted for my blue vertical ribbed tank top, black cargo pants, and blue Sketchers, pulling my hair into a simple ponytail.

“You’re not going to dress up?” Draco teased as I headed out the pack house door.

“I only dress up for the pack—and your brother,” I smirked, my eyes sparkling mischievously as I decided to set my own plans in motion.

“Ah, no fair! You’ll dress up for my brother but not me?” Draco whined, feigning hurt.

“Because, brother, unlike you, I’ll tell her she looks nice no matter what she’s wearing,” Drago chuckled, nudging his brother.

“Actually, it’s because he’s my future mate. I want to look my best for him, even if he can’t see it,” I said nonchalantly, walking past them both, fully aware I would irritate Drago.

Draco’s jaw dropped while Drago shot me an irritated glare. “Really, Rose? I thought we agreed not to talk about this in front of anyone,” Drago snapped.

“I never agreed to that. You told me not to say anything and that you’d consider it if I was still single by the time I turned twenty-one. Well, guess what? That’s three years away, and I think it’s fine to admit it,” I replied coolly, brushing off his annoyance.

“Rose, your suitors arrive Friday, and you will give them a chance,” Drago warned, his voice taking on a commanding tone.

“Sure, whatever you say,” I lied smoothly, smirking as I walked toward the car.

By the time we reached the Mustang convertible, Draco was still standing at the door, too stunned to move.

“Hurry up, or we’ll leave you behind!” I called, laughing as Draco scrambled into the back seat just as I pulled away.

“Do my ears deceive me, or did our Luna just confess to my brother?” Draco asked, still in shock.

“No, I confessed two years ago, but he keeps turning me down. Please, talk some sense into him, will you?” I chuckled, ignoring Drago’s death glare from the passenger seat.

“You have my word, Luna,” Draco grinned, clearly enjoying the tension between us.

“Rose is still young. She’ll find her mate. And if she doesn’t, she’ll choose one of the suitors to strengthen the pack,” Drago grumbled, his mood souring.

It was obvious I’d crossed a line, but I didn’t care. My plans would come to fruition soon enough, no matter what.

The rest of the ride was filled with the silent exchange between the two brothers, their tension palpable as they argued through the pack link.

To Drago’s relief, we finally pulled up to the karaoke bar where Alpha Benjamin’s youngest son, Smithy, had suggested we meet for lunch. Smithy was nothing like his older brother, Fredrick. He didn’t care about power or politics. He just wanted to live free.

The bar was surprisingly clean, considering the dark, dive-like atmosphere. It wasn’t hard to spot Smithy, surrounded by women, bottles of beer, and chanting lewd responses to the singer on stage.

Smithy stood about five foot ten, with long, dirty blonde hair tied in a messy bun and a full beard. His hazel eyes glinted with mischief as he flexed his muscles for the girls gathered around him. He wore jean shorts, no shirt, and had his usual carefree grin plastered across his face. His pale skin contrasted sharply with the darker surroundings, but it didn’t make him any less of a magnet for attention.

“Seriously, Smithy?” Draco shook his head, clearly not surprised by the display.

“Yo! Look who’s here! My main man Draco, with his uptight brother, and is that Rose? Damn, girl, you’ve grown,” Smithy grinned, his eyes lingering on my chest.

“Hey, Smithy. Looks like you’ve gotten worse since I last saw you. What’s it been, three years since your dad sent you away?” I asked, giving him a quick hug.

“Jokes on him. Still the same ol’ me. You missed an epic party when I got back,” he laughed, clearly proud of himself.

“Oh, don’t worry. Draco told me all about it. And all I can say is, you’re as bad as him when it comes to women,” I teased, my tone sharp.

Draco whimpered, knowing full well I didn’t approve of his womanizing ways.

“Ah, give the lad a break. He’s only young once. Ladies, why don’t you keep her betas company while I have a private word with their Luna,” Smithy waved the girls away casually.

Draco looked all too happy with the girls’ attention, but Drago was fuming, linking me his disapproval. I sat across from Smithy, keeping a professional distance.

“Smithy, I want you to know that had I been in my right mind, I would never have agreed to this lunch,” I said firmly.

“I know, Rose. My parents are hoping you and I will hit it off since you and Fredrick don’t exactly get along. But, truth be told, I’m not interested in settling down. The only thing I’m interested in is that fine rack and what you’ve got between your—”

Smithy didn’t finish the sentence. Drago’s low, dangerous growl silenced him, and before I knew it, Drago lunged at him. I stepped between them just in time, pressing my hands to Drago’s chest, hoping to calm him down.

“Easy, calm down,” I ordered softly. “We all know he’s a pig, but he’s still an Alpha’s son. Unless I ask for help, you don’t need to interfere.”

Draco finally grabbed his brother, pulling him back. “Smithy, we’re friends. I know you talk like that to women, but if you ever say something like that to my Luna again, I’ll rip you apart myself,” Draco warned, his voice shaking with restrained anger.

Smithy raised his hands in mock surrender. “My apologies, Rose. Just being honest,” he said, but his tone was far from sincere.

We ate lunch—ramen, of all things—and spent the rest of the meal discussing Smithy’s travels. As soon as we were done, I made my excuses. I still had far more important things to prepare for.