I slowly opened my eyes as light broke through the double bay doors that led to the balcony. Instantly my favorite cinnamon and apple smell filled my lungs as I remembered I found my mate yesterday. She was laying right next to me and sound asleep. I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to find her so early. I was expecting at least five to ten more years, but this is truly a blessing.
Besides, having a Luna only makes the pack stronger. Meaning I can become a stronger Alpha with her by my side. Goddess I sound like my mother I thought, rolling my eyes. That would make her day. Knowing we're not the biggest pack in the world I want to make sure we can hold our own and Alaia could be the key.
As I sat and stared at my sleeping beauty I couldn't help but think about Zira, much to Devon dismay. I knew I really screwed up and I only wanted to make it better. She was still an important person in my life, so hopefully the Moon Goddess would send her a mate soon. She might be a bit more understanding. Other than that I'll do my best to give her the space she wants.
I looked over to see it was six thirty which meant it was a great time for training. Then I noticed the black box sitting next to it. I panicked a little. Shit! I hoped Alaia didn't notice it. I slowly crept out of the bed so as to not wake Alaia. I grabbed the box and went to my closet. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it but I didn’t want it to cause any problems. I quietly put it in the closet hidden away and put on some training clothes. Ever since last night I was feeling a bit antsy about the rogue on my territory.
Hunter you awake I linked him.
No, you’re dreaming. Go back to bed, he replied, clearly not wanting to be disturbed. Too bad for him.
Dude really. Get up. We're going for a run.
Before leaving the room, I noticed Zira’s jade necklace from last night on the floor. I picked it up and quietly walked out my room after a final glance to make sure Alaia was fine. With my wolf senses I could tell she was still asleep by her breathing. I walked to my office to put Zira’s necklace away. Reminding myself to return it to her later.
I walked to the front door greeting the Omegas as they started their morning routine. They're usually the only ones up around this time, getting things ready for the pack. Since most of my warriors were on a schedule some eat breakfast around seven, right before the shift change for border patrol.
I made my way to the Head Omega’s office. His name was George. He’s been with my family for years, even before I was born. So I trusted him like another father. I knocked on the door before entering, not really needing to wait. George was sitting at a desk, staring at some papers. He was wearing glasses but continued to read over the rim. I never understood why he had glasses in the first place.
“Ah , young Alpha, what can I do for you,” George asked, not once looking from his paper.
“Good morning, George. I wanted to make sure our guest, Alpha Zack, had the appropriate help with his departure today.”
“Of course, young Alpha. I will see to it that he has help. As for Miss Alaia?”
“No, she will be fine,” I quickly added. He finally looked up from his paper with a smile.
“I see,” he says, “Should I have her things moved to your room.” He says ‘your room’ cautiously. Not everyone knows that Alaia is my mate and I knew he wanted to be safe before assigning any Omegas to the task. How very thoughtful.
“Yes. I like that idea, but let’s wait for her to give the order. I don’t want her to feel overwhelmed with the move.”
“Of course, young Alpha. I will wait for the go ahead,” he said, going back to his paper.
I couldn’t help but smile while leaving his office. George was such an easy going guy and he always got things done. I never had a problem with anything he does. Why couldn’t people be more like George? I pondered as I made my way out the door. Walking to the porch I see Hunter leaning against the railing.
“Well that was fast,” I grinned, patting my friend in the back
“The sooner we can get this done the sooner I'll be back for my morning delight.” Hunter had the biggest grin on his face.
“Wow do you guys ever stop?”
“Ever since the rogue attack last night, Ashlee's been all about cherishing the moment. Not even sure I went to sleep last night but I'm full of so much energy.”
I was still pissed about the attack last night. I wanted to know how it was possible three got through with detection. “It wasn't even that big of a deal. We didn't even fight.”
“I might have embellished a little,” Hunter said with a laugh.
I couldn't help but shake my head. This was my beta, a lying horn dog. Aren't I lucky? I shifted into Devon and ran towards the woods with Hunter following right behind. I wanted to check in with the border patrol to make sure there weren’t any other sightings we might have missed.
It took a minute to link up with the two closest to where Isabella encountered the rogues. I shifted and put on my shorts while walking up to them. They both acknowledged my presence and bowed in submission.
“There was a rogue attack last night near this posting. I want to know how they got through,” I said with a serious tone, looking from one to the other.
They seemed a bit nervous while glancing at each other. I didn’t like that, especially if someone was trying to lie to me. Devon was smart enough to know, so I wasn’t too worried.
“Speak,” I said using my Alpha’s tone.
They bowed with submission, apologizing. Robert stepped forward. I could tell by his aura he was the senior in this duo.
“Alpha, we talked with Jace last night about the attack. Those rogues couldn’t have passed through here without detection.”
“However, they did and they weren’t too far from the pack house. So how else did they get through,” I growled, feeling Devon coming through. He was pissed about how close the rogues were to our mate. They both shrinked back before the other, Hank, stepped forward.
“He’s right, Alpha. It seems like they appeared out of nowhere. We would’ve known if they touched any part of the border. They could have had help.”
“Be careful with your words, Hank,” I growled, “you’re implying that we might have a mole?”
They looked at each other again before nodding. “We know what it sounds like, Alpha, but it's the only conclusion we could think of,” Robert stated, before looking down towards the ground.
I didn’t like this conclusion. We had a mole in our ranks and I didn’t know why or who it could be. We don’t have beef with any surrounding packs, so who would send out a hit on us? Who would only send three rogues?
“I don’t want anyone to know about this until I can further investigate the situation, understand?”
“Yes Alpha.” They both bowed and I dismissed them back to patrolling.
“Let’s go back. I don’t want to discuss things out in the open.”
We both shifted and started on the trek back. Before long I caught a familiar scent and stopped.
What is it? Hunter asked, coming by my side.
I didn’t respond, just followed the scent back to the opening I found Alpha Zack last night. In the distance I could see a figure searching in the bushes around the clearing and another leaning against the tree. As I moved closer I could tell by the scent it was Zira and Zack
What are they doing out here? Hunter asked.
And with him I thought. We crouched down far away enough for her not to see us. I’m not sure. I would have thought last night's events would have at least kept Zira home.
What is with these two meeting in the woods all the time? They were talking and before I knew Zira started crying. I was urging my wolf to move when I saw Zack pull her into a hug. I froze for a moment, then a small growl escaped my lips. I saw them look our way but we moved before they could see us.
What was that? Hunter asked.
It was nothing. Let’s go back to the office, I snapped.
Why the hell am I mad? She could hug anyone she wants. Even if it’s that obnoxious oaf of an alpha.
You do know I can feel your true thoughts Devon said.
I’m worried and she was crying I said back.
Sure you are Devon scoff.
I ignored him as we made our way back to the packhouse. On the way I mind link my Delta Chris and Gamma Jace to meet us there. They were waiting by the door as we all went inside my office. Standing by the window was-
“Dad.”
“Alpha Jack,” the others bowed.
He glared at all of us but I knew from his aura he wasn’t that mad. Though I can guess what it was all about. Like I said before we never really experience attacks from rogues or neighboring packs, so-
“Why am I just now hearing about a rogue attack and why wasn’t I invited,” he snapped at me.
I stood my ground while the others took a step back towards the door. Knowing my dad he was more upset about not joining then the actual attack.
“It wasn’t that big of a deal. If it makes you feel better, I didn’t get any of the action, either.” I said, hoping he would take it and leave.
“So they escaped?” He asked, cocking an eyebrow towards me.
“Two escaped and one Jace here took care of.”
My dad was quiet for a moment. I could tell my guys were a bit uneasy but they were good at hiding it. Good. My dad broke the silence with laughter and picked up Jace in a bear hug. The sudden change in atmosphere took almost everyone by surprise.
“Attaboy, Jace,” my dad dropped him to the ground. “Show those filthy mutts what happens when they trespass on our land.” He turned to me. “Next time, let me in on the fun. Your mother won't let me do anything anymore.” He grumbled.
“I’ll definitely keep that in mind for next time, dad. How about I finish up here and meet you and my mother down for breakfast,” I said, literally trying to push him out the door.
“Of course. On with your duties as an Alpha, helping the pack, signing documents, ordering staff-” He lingered on as I watched him reminisce. I knew he wanted to be involved but I wasn’t falling for it. I had to show him that I was in charge now and didn’t need him holding my hand.
“Yeah thanks, dad. I’ll let you know if I need anything,” I said, before closing the door in his face.
I waited for a few seconds. I could feel his anger seeping through the door and I remember many times the same thing happened to me when I wanted to be included but was “too young” to. When I realized he talked himself down from breaking down the door, I walked to my desk and sat down. I registered the shock expressions on my Delta’s and Gamma’s face while Hunter was just smiling from ear to ear.
“I can’t believe you just slammed the door in Alpha Jack’s face,” Chris said, occupying one of the chairs in front of my desk.
“I’m still waiting for him to bust down the door and whip you,” laughed Jace, cautiously looking towards the door every few seconds.
“Don’t worry about it. My dad understands what just happened. Now down to business,” I said, changing the subject. “With the sudden attack last night, there’s a possibility that they had help to get in.”
“I made the rounds with the patrols last night and no one felt them enter. We did find this when we were disposing of one of the bodies” Jace stated, handing me a matchbook with the words “WormHole”.
“But how could they pass through without detection,” Chris asked.
I thought about his question, then there was a knock on the door. I knew from the scent it was Isabella. Before I could answer she walked in.
“Couldn’t wait til I say enter? What if I was in here with Alaia?”
Isabella cocked an eyebrow and laughed, “Doing what? Filing papers? Oooh.”
I rolled my eyes as she sat down in one of the unoccupied chairs. “Anyway I have important news. I think the rogues had help.”
“We know. We just don’t know from whom.”
“A witch,” she said without hesitation. “One of the rogues I was fighting used something to disappear when he ran from the fight. It had to be some witch magic. I wonder who we know that's a witch?”
Witch? Isabella looked at me as if I knew who she was talking about. I looked at her like she was out of her mind. She couldn't mean Alaia.
There’s no way our mate is involved in this. Why would she want to hurt us, Devon asked.
She wouldn't, I snapped at him. Don't even think about it.
"What are you trying to say, Isa?"
Was she really trying to blame Alaia? As far as I know, no one knew about Alaia’s past or the fact that she’s half witch. How would Isabella know? Besides, Zack said her magic was gone. So there’s no way she could still do magic and if she could, she has no reason to harm us.
“Nothing, yet. Just speculating. Do we even know why they were here in the first place or who brought them,” Isabella asked.
Everyone looked at each other and I could sense someone had an idea but was scared to say anything.
“If you have an idea, I would rather you say it without making me use my Alpha’s command,” I said, looking between them.
They continued to look at each other and it was starting to piss me off. Just as I was about to say something, Hunter beat me to it.
“The Blue Moon Pack. The reason they were here in the first place was to sign a treaty so we can help with their recent attacks.”
Everyone seemed to agree. “They could’ve brought their troubles with them. They’re not that far away from our borders.” Jace replied.
“Yeah but who would go this far for a fight? What can be so important,” Isabella asked.
They were all looking at me now. I guess I was supposed to come up with the answer but I didn’t have any. The closest I had to an answer was the fact that Alaia used to be a witch but I didn’t want to implicate my own mate without evidence.
Maybe Zack could help me figure me out. He was meeting Zira for some reason in the place they were attacked. Maybe they figured out something we didn’t. Whatever the reason I had to figure out a way to placate my crew. I didn’t want them to get a hold of Alaia’s information without my consent. I had to protect her.
“We shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Alpha Zack fought with one of them, so I’ll talk to him before he leaves. Maybe he’ll have a clue if they were the same rogues giving his pack problems. Until then Chris, look up ways we can fight against magic if any. Jace, I want you to tighten up on patrols. No telling if these rogues might change up their tactics. Hunter, we need to increase training. We need to become faster at taking down these rogues before they’re able to use any kind of magic. Ok?”
“Yes Alpha,” they all said before leaving. Hunter and Isabella stay behind.
“I don’t want any of this leaving this room. For now, it was a random attack until I talk to Zack. Until then act natural. You know how my dad likes to probe.” I stood up with Isabella following suit. We were about to leave the room until we heard a knock on the door.