The Alpha's Hybrid Mate Book II: The Awakening

Chapter Five: While Alpha is Away

As I laid in the near by tree I looked over the village. I panted as the breeze brushed against my coat. The sensation alone brought a grin to my snout.

The open air even in my human form always relaxed me. I looked over the trees and saw my hideaway. I whined at the thought of not being able to visit it. I could not bring myself to go since the last time I had been I was literally crawling out of my own grave.

I inhale and let out to a yip hoping for comfort. I was met with silence. I was missing my mate right now that much I was sure of.

I wonder when he will be back. I thought as I laid my body on the longest and widest branch in the tree.

Nik and Lex were traveling this week for business which left me to my own devices. I had erected a barrier during the night after Victor and the others finished patrol. I was happy to see that Jade had learned to cast a decent size barrier around the mountains.

“Zoe,” a voice called up to me. I looked down to see Greg standing at the base of the tree. Zoning in on him I saw that he was holding a robe in his arms. I scoffed as I dropped down touching each branch for good measure.

When I landed in front of him I shifted back to my human form. Greg smiled and lifted the multicolored robe in front of me to conceal my nudity. Even though the pack was not ashamed of the human body, most if not all of the men in the pack made sure not to see me unclothed.

Not doubt the level of respect as their Luna.

“Thank you, Greg. What brings you out here?” I chimed. He chuckled at my question.

“Well I got word from our Alpha to make sure that you were not hiding out until his return.” Greg smirked.

I rolled my eyes. “And what exactly did you tell our fearless leader?”

“I told him that you were taking a break from meeting with the elders and you had already headed up the mountains this morning to check in on the High Priestess and the maidens of the temple.”

I smiled. I knew that Nik was only worried since our mating bond was still fresh. Leaving me was hard for him.

“I appreciate you setting him mind at ease.”

“No problem Luna.” Greg said as we walked into the village. “I do have ulterior motives of my own though.”

I raised my eyebrow at his concession. “Oh,” I spoke out. “And that would be?”

“I wanted to check on you and make sure you were alright. After we…” There was a gust of wind that spun silence around Greg’s words. I knew that many of the wolves and weres of the tribe did not want to remind me of my death.

After we buried you. Those words lingered in the air. It was suffocating sometimes. Some many of them would be afraid to bring it up. I could see that Greg was no different but his eyes could not meet mine.

“Greg,” I said touching his shoulder. “Its alright. I died. You can say it.”

Greg nodded with a whine. “I know its just that we mourned you and I am sorry to say that I was one of the few that petitioned for Alpha Nikolai to find a Luna after your passing.”

I could hear the sadness in his voice.

“Traitor,” someone growled behind us. I turned to see Victor and his younger brother Max glaring at Greg. Victor stepped forward and shoved Greg against the tree.

“Victor there is no need for that,” I stood in front of the two weres. Victor was a lot stronger than Greg and without the Alpha call I wold need to use my powers to settle them down.

I wish I would have asked Nik if I could use the call before he left.

“Look Victor I am just trying to make amends, alright. Back off.”

“Make amends. That's funny sounds more like you are trying to win favor to me.”

“Victor enough, this is not necessary. Greg has my forgiveness for his doubts. And I am not upset with him.”

“Luna, I am sorry, but that is bullshit. Greg and other wolves did not wait til your corpse was buried before going to the Alpha trying to set up their daughters or sisters. f*****g playing matchmaker.”

I could not deny I was hurt, but as Luna I could not show my anger at this news.

“Be that as it may, many of the villagers and wolves were making sure we would survive, correct, right?”

“Or looking out for their own selfish gain,” I looked to see hatred in Max’s eyes as he stared at Greg. It had been a while since I seen the young man that I had taken care of during his visits and stay at the temple. I was told that he was able to shift and was assuming the title of Omega.

Nik had told me that he had stopped unmated wolves and human females of the village from going to the Pitts after trying to gain favor from the Alpha. So it was not surprising to hear that after everything there would be some trying to become Luna.

I shake my head and step in front of Greg, shielding him from the angry Omega and Delta.

“That is enough, Victor. I understand your anger and I respect your loyalty, but we will not attack a fellow wolf.” Victor put his head down in shame.

“My apologies, Luna,” Victor said with a sigh.

I looked at Max, “I understand that you want to follow your brother into battle,” I could see Max smirk for a moment. That is when I stepped forward. “But from one newbie to another; learn to pick your battles. You may be strong, but Greg is a seasoned warrior. And I will not let you two square off against him, two to one. Understood.”

I felt Nik’s power vibrate through me. Max looked down, not meeting my gaze.

“Yes Luna, forgive me.” He looked at Greg. “I am sorry brother. I just did not like the news about people trying to take Zo…I mean Luna’s place so quickly.”

Greg walked in front of me and extended his hand out to Max. They clasped each other’s forearms signifying the truce.

“Its alright Max. You have loyalty to our Luna like no other. I admire that.” He said, boosting little Max’s ego. He looked at Victor and extended his arms out.

Victor smirked as he hugged Greg, slammed his fist into his back. Greg returned the gesture.

“Brother, now let's go out for patrol. Give Luna some time with her Alpha.” They all walked away. I looked at them with a questioning gaze. When the wind blew past me, I inhaled his scent. His arms engulfed me as he pressed his lips to my forehead.

“I am proud of you little fox.”

"Nik, you were here the whole time. I thought—”

“Lex and I finished the trip early, so I shifted and came by myself while he visits Desiree.”

“You saw.” He nodded.

“That was a fine display of leadership in my absence.” He pulled me towards our home. I smiled at the idea of showing my mate just how much I missed him.