His Warrior Alpha

The Proposition

Reeds POV

“I’m sure if you waited in his room and surprised him, you could remind him how willing you are to be his future Luna.” I said to Sandra, trying to keep a sincere face as I needed her to go along with this. “-Ugh, just thinking of her as our future Luna.-” I scoffed to Benne. “Step one down. We talked that omega into distracting Dawson.” Benne was super pleased with this. “-Yeah… Now we just need to talk to her. Goddess help us not make a fool of ourselves.-”

Sandra stood in front of me and got a huge smile on her face as I said that. “Oh my gosh thank you, Reed!” She said excitedly. “I always knew you were on my side.” Sandra threw her arms around me. I patted her lightly on the shoulder hoping she would let go quickly.

“Ew, we are going to need a bath after this.”, Benne said as the door between the kitchen and pantry swung open. Her sweet scent of lavender and honey filled the room. She had a box in her hand which fell to the floor as she lost her balance. A couple of spices rolled in our direction as they hit the ground. How long had she been there and what all had she heard? My mouth dropped as I quickly took a step back from Sandra. I didn’t want her to get the wrong impression before I even had the opportunity to talk to her.

“Watch what you are doing, slave,” Sandra spat. I growled at her before I could catch myself. What right did she have to call someone a slave? I really hated this woman.

“You better hurry up, he will be back in his room any moment now.” I tried to suppress my anger. Benne desperately wanted to come forward but I pushed him back further in my mind. I didn’t need to scare Melody or let Sandra know what she was towards me. Sandra didn’t seem suspicious, however, and happily bounced away towards the stairs. “Idiot.” Benne sighed in my head. I turned to Melody. ““Are you okay, Melody?”

I reached for a spice that had rolled in my direction. I wanted so badly to hold her but anyone could come in and I didn’t want to cause her any problems before we figured this out. She was staring at me and her blue-gray hazel eyes seemed to bore into my soul. Her long raven hair was in a messy braid down her back. How did I get so lucky to be blessed with such a beautiful mate?

“Umm yeah. Just need to put these away.” Melody quickly grabbed up the rest of the spices.

I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. “I bet her wolf is just as beautiful.” Benne howled happily. “-I’m sure she is.-” I agreed.

“Once you are done, can we find somewhere…. A bit more private to talk? I guess we could head down to the cellar… I’m supposed to bring you down there anyways.” Her face fell, causing my heart to squeeze as I realized she likely assumed this was for punishment with Dawson. Shoot. “Don’t worry… I think he will be umm…. Distracted.” I tried to reassure her but failed miserably based on the look on her face.

“Oh. Okay.” Her eyes glazed over and I realized she must be talking with her wolf and shot her a quizzical look. I wonder what was so amusing. I decided not to ask and instead reached for a spice to help her put them away. My hand brushed against hers, causing the mate bond tingles to erupt and she nearly dropped the box again. Oops. I felt a blush fill my cheeks. I grabbed the last 2 spices and put them on the counter.

“Alright, let's go.” I said, grabbing her hand and leading her away from the kitchen to the cellar. She still seemed really nervous but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t. As we reached the bottom of the stairs, I felt the familiar knock of a mindlink from Dawson.

“Hey Reed.” His voice came through the mindlink.

“Yes Alpha?”

“Can you handle things with Melody? I’m a little busy at the moment.”

I tried to hide my excitement that my plan had worked. At least that omega was good for something. “Yeah sure, no problem. Be sure to use protection. We don’t need a future Alpha made just yet.” I joked, and he cut off the mindlink.

“Well, looks like we will be able to talk uninterrupted.” I shot Melody a smile.

“Okay, let’s get this over with.” She sighed. I knew there was a chance she was going to reject me but I thought she might hear me out first. I didn’t like Alpha, I wasn't part of his plans against her pack and my father had been vehemently against it, as we didn't know for certain who had killed our pack members.

“Please don’t reject-” She cut me off.

“I, Melody Carmichael, daughter of Alpha Carmichael from the River Mist Pack, accept-”

“NO!” I shouted, and she looked at me shocked. We stared at each other for a minute. Did she really think I was rejecting her?

“No? I was just accepting your rejection.” She finally let out, confusion filled her face as I continued to stare at her in horror. “We can’t be mates.”

“Why the hell can’t we? Why would I reject you? Are you not even going to give me a chance?” I was spiraling. This was basically my worst nightmare, I had finally found my mate and she was rejecting me? “Kid! Get a grip. Let her explain herself.” Benne was calm but firm and it broke me out of my shock. “Why?”

Melody’s eyes glazed over and I could tell she was having a conversation with her wolf too. Hopefully, to talk some sense into her. I wanted so badly to take her from this world. Maybe I could appeal to the Alpha to take her as she was my fated mate. After what felt like an eternity, she took a deep breath and sighed.

“We can’t be mates because not only am I a slave to the pack, but I am also the Alpha of River Mists' daughter. Alpha Jacobs would never allow you to take me, even if I am fated to you. I don’t have freedom and the only way for me to get it is to sign up for the warrior trials which are still another 6 months away. Then I’d still have to serve 4 years to the pack. Why should you put your life on hold for 4 and a half years for me?” Her voice was quiet, barely a whisper and I could feel the heart break in every word she said. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

“No.”

“No? So will you reject me now?” Melody questions.

I let out a laugh. “I would wait an eternity if it meant I got to spend even one day with you. I don’t want you to sign up for the Warrior trials, but if it is our only way, then I’ll help you. Please just give me a chance. I have never wanted anyone as much as I want you right now and forever after this. Sign ups start tomorrow.”

She gasped, my response was clearly not what she was expecting. “What do you mean sign ups start tomorrow?”

“Well, apparently the Queen is touring packs looking for her second chance mate. So Alpha moved them forward to 6 weeks from now. I don’t think they want the Queen to know about the warrior trials. It might not be the best look for the pack. So what do you say?”

Melody chewed her lip for a moment all while staring at me. I wanted to grab her hand, have her feel the tingles. Well, I wanted to do a lot more but I knew she needed to decide this for herself. I just prayed she would accept the offer. “I don’t like the idea of our mate fighting in the warrior trials” Benne huffed. “-We don’t have a choice, she has made up her mind and this is our only shot. She is an Alpha's daughter. You think we are going to talk her out of it?-” “I don’t want to see her hurt.” “- I don’t either.-”

“I accept these terms,” Melody finally responded. There was a new look of determination on her face. I finally sighed in relief, picking her up and swinging her around in a hug. I felt the tingles from our bond erupt. She giggled. “I guess this birthday hasn’t been so bad after all.” Goddess I hoped to hear that laugh so many times more in the future. All the pain from her voice had melted away and for a moment the world stopped existing. “Will you help me train?” Her question brought me back to the reality that she wasn’t free to be mine just yet.

“Yes, and I will talk to my dad. I’m sure he will help us too, even though he's not really able to fight after the accident, he has tons of books on techniques for different builds of fighters. Do you want to meet him tonight? You could join us for dinner.”

“Oh. I mean, isn’t it a bit soon to meet them? I guess it would be fine. I really need to start training with the girls right away if the trials are in 6 weeks.”

“Girls?” I asked. Were there other slave girls joining the trials?

“Yeah. Quinn and Celia. They are like the Beta and Gamma to the slaves. I guess, in a way, I am their Alpha. I’ve been watching over them since my brother died.” Her voice cracked and I saw a tear escape her eye. She looked away, trying not to let me see, and quickly wiped it.

“I guess we have a lot to learn about each other. Do you know where the knotted pine is in the east forest?” She nodded her head. “Good. Meet me there at 6. Patrols shouldn’t be anywhere close to there at that time.” She nodded her head again and I grabbed her chin. “Oh, and happy birthday.” I gave her a soft kiss on her lips while Benne howled in my head. I wanted to stay just like that but I needed to meet with Mom and Dad ahead of dinner.

“Thank you.” Her voice was quiet and I was sure part of her was still in shock over how everything had transpired. “I guess I will see you later.” She blushed and gave me a peck on the cheek before darting up the stairs.