Page 21

Scarlett

T he days fly by in one sense, busy with planning the attack to overthrow Zidane once and for all. Mama is helping a lot, digging into her past to explain the terrain and the layout about what the pack once used to be. I see a glimpse of the training she must have had back before Zidane broke her.

Yet, although time goes by, the Blood Moon still feels like it’s ages away. Thoughts about the possible outcomes often return to plague my mind, niggling at the doubts and worse-case scenarios that I’m trying to squash. I’m grateful for the distraction of planning the attack, and for the most part, it keeps me occupied.

Dad has been the same. Although he doesn’t lash out at me as he continuously does with Elijah, he’s still not acting the way he used to be around me. He’s still unable to understand our relationship or respect it. Luckily, Mama and Indigo make up for it, and Elijah seems to be a little warmer towards Mama than he used to be. And if Dad’s stance affects Mama, she doesn’t let it show.

Rumours have spread through the pack that there is a woman in Elijah’s life, and some say he is having a forbidden relationship with a mated she-wolf.

None, however, came close to the truth. Apart from a snarky comment from Keira at one point about our newly found friendship, no one else seems to say anything, although we often get curious looks.

Fiona hasn’t said anything, but I have a feeling she doesn’t want Elijah to get angry with her. Much to my surprise, she even keeps away from him, although she often looks near tears. I don’t bother with her, finding the girl increasingly annoying.

Elijah has not asked me how our conversation went that day, something that I am surprised about but appreciate. It shows he cares and trusts me and isn’t interested in Fiona.

Today is the day that a few allied pack alphas who are willing to help are stopping by for an in-person meeting. It is a complicated matter, but there are a couple who did want confirmation of my ability as an alpha.

I realise the system is rough. Many aren’t too keen on the unspoken rules that no one can interfere in another’s pack. At times like this, I do wish there was some kind of Council or set of rules that all packs should follow. For the alpha of a pack to be in charge of making all pack decisions is great in many ways, but when that’s a monster like Zidane, then it’s dangerous.

No alpha would like anyone in their business, so just planning this attack means we are about to go against the unwritten laws of our kind. But we are lucky that there are a few who realise that there are innocent wolves being abused, and it is the only reason they have decided to assist.

I now glance at the calendar that hangs on my wall. There are only two days left until the Blood Moon, and for a moment the fear of the unknown hacks at my nerves, although I try not to show it.

Focus…

I turn my attention to the reflection in the mirror; I’m dressed in black jeans and a long-sleeved grey top, tugging at the sleeves. Do I look too young? Not alpha enough? Should I wear a jacket? I look at my vibrant hair that I redid just the day before and sigh deeply. Do I look reckless?

“What’s on your mind?” Elijah asks, his strong arms wrapping around me tightly from behind, instantly calming me and my wolf. He rocks me side-to-side as he looks at me in the mirror, towering over me. I smile softly, leaning into him.

“Just wondering if I can do this, if those alphas will see me as an actual alpha or just another girl who they won’t take seriously,” I admit, his warmth and his scent comforting me.

“You can and they will. I’ll be right there to fix up anyone who thinks otherwise,” he assures me, kissing my neck softly. I take a deep breath and nod.

“I know.”

“So, ready to face them?” he asks. I turn in his arms, locking my arms around his neck, and nod.

“Yeah,” I reply softly. He kisses me deeply, but his struggle is clear as he forces himself back.

“Fuck, tonight I’m not letting you sleep,” he groans as we walk out the door. I look up at him.

“I’m looking forward to that.” I kiss his neck and teasingly flick my tongue over his sensitive spot, satisfied when I feel his breath hitch.

“Fuck. Don’t do that,” he murmurs huskily, squeezing my ass as he pulls me against him. “Feel that?” I smirk, feeling his hardened shaft against my stomach.

“I love how easily I affect you.” I suck ever so lightly on his neck, but enough to leave a mark, a mark I know shouldn’t last too long. I force myself back as Elijah looks down at his pants.

“Damn, wish we didn’t need to go now,” he says, taking my hand as we head downstairs. I laugh at that.

“What time are we leaving for London tomorrow?” I ask. Just the mention of the Mating Ball makes my stomach flutter nervously.

“In the afternoon. There’s a thing or two I need to take care of regarding business first. Guess you and the others could enjoy sightseeing while I work.” I nod.

I often forget his responsibilities outside of the pack. He is a lot more than just being an alpha. I have been severely lacking in my job at the restaurant and I don’t even have the salon to go to anymore.

The restaurant staff have been understanding and I am super grateful for it. I should pop in and help out for free tonight, especially since they’ve let me keep my job. Even if it’s because I’m the Alpha’s daughter, or whatever reason, I owe them.

We walk in pleasant silence to the packhouse, his arm occasionally brushing mine. It feels comforting, and I wish things could always be so relaxing. The smell of the trees and fresh dirt is soothing.

We stop outside of the packhouse, and he turns to me.

“Alright, Alpha Red, let’s do this,” he teases, placing a soft kiss on my lips before pushing the door to the meeting room open. All eyes turn on us. There is Dad at the head of the table along with three other alphas: Alpha Rafael of the Black Storm Pack, Alpha Daniel of the Lone Moon Pack, and Alpha Tristan of the Red Blood Pack.

To my surprise, Alejandro, Rafael’s 15-year-old brother, is also here. He looks a cross between being bored out of his mind and wanting to castrate someone. I’m surprised to see him here, considering his age.

Then there is Beta Alfred of the Silver Fang Pack and Beta Dylan of the Crimson Moon Pack, both of whom are standing in for their alphas who couldn’t make it. The only reason I know all their names is because Elijah had told me prior, as well as shown me pictures of them.

From our pack, there’s Uncle Nick and Aaron.

“Elijah!” Rafael says, standing up. Although he became an alpha at a young age, he’s made a name for himself and his influence runs deep. His obvious warm welcome to Elijah will make the other alphas more inclined to agree with our proposition, a clear sign of the influence of his pack.

And Elijah said he was already on board before they even got here. We really do owe him.

“Rafael.” Elijah meets him with a brotherly hug and handshake.

“Elijah,” Rafael responds before the two men exchange a smile, and Elijah then turns to greet the other alphas. I give a small nod to all of them before I take my seat at the table.

“Nice to see you again, Scarlett,” Rafael remarks.

“Nice to see both of you again as well,” I answer, making Rafael smile.

“Yeah, well, I begged Alejandro to come…” he begins. His brother casts him a dangerous glare and Rafael scratches the back of his head, grinning sheepishly.

“If you’re all done, shall we get to the fucking meeting?” Alejandro asks in his rugged voice. All eyes go to the boy questioningly. Despite being fifteen, there is something about him that feels… different, almost dangerous. But I’m sure just like me, no one here can explain it.

He shows blatant disrespect towards the alphas in the room, yet weirdly no one says anything, they just frown disapprovingly at the boy.

“Yes, let’s,” Dad answers clearly, trying not to let the strange aura from the boy distract him. “As we have already told you, Scarlett is an alpha. She has a right over the pack in question. I know we’ve already talked about it and I have shared my proposition, but there were questions you all had and we want to answer them.”

There’s silence as the alphas nod in understanding.

“Scarlett, care to display your capability?”

“Command Beta Dylan to submit,” Alpha Daniel says mockingly.

I cock a brow. I’m not sure what his issue with the beta is.

“I don’t want to disrespect anyone. Everyone here has come to listen and for that I am grateful,” I say, letting my aura roll off me as I look Dylan straight in the eye.

Surprise flickers in his eyes before he pulls at the collar of his shirt. “I’m sure my aura is enough to show you I am an alpha. I can also show you my wolf. That would put aside any of your doubts instantly.”

“I think your power is enough,” Beta Alfred says, from across the table.

“It’s unheard of for a female to be an alpha. I think we have a right to see,” Alpha Daniel opposes. A few of the others agree, giving him more confidence to continue. “I want to see her wolf; I mean, how can I believe something that is unheard of?”

Elijah growls warningly, making me place my hand on his back. We need their help. The more wolves, the fewer casualties.

“I’ll shift,” I say firmly. With that, I stand up and step back, take my shoes off, and transform. The jarring pain of my bones breaking lasts a split second before I stand tall in my silver wolf form. All eyes are on me, shocked at the sheer size of the female alpha before them. There is no space for doubt left in anyone. I am the proof.

“Is that enough proof, Alpha Daniel?” Dad asks in a clipped tone. Elijah steps back, turning his back to the group, and pulls his shirt off. The moment I shift back he pulls it over my head, giving me a small smirk. I step out from behind him and slip my shoes back on.

Alpha Daniel bristles at Dad’s tone. “Was she born female?” he asks hesitantly, making all eyes turn to him. A few look surprised, others curious.

“Yes, not that it’s your concern,” Dad snarls.

“A female alpha is just…” Alpha Daniel trails off.

“Think what you want. I honestly don’t care. I am an alpha, whether you like it or not, and I don’t need a fucking dick to prove that. I’ve shown you my wolf, that should be enough,” I say icily.

“That’s enough proof… but you have to admit there has never been an Alpha Female before,” he grumbles.

“Then you’ve not seen anything,” Alejandro says suddenly, a dangerous glint in his eyes as he looks at the Alpha. Alpha Daniel frowns at him, but something about the young boy unsettles him greatly. His dark eyes flick towards me and I feel an odd chill before he turns them back on Daniel who quickly looks away.

How strange…

“It seems you came here to see if the rumours were true, if we truly have a special wolf in our midst. If you don’t want to help, you can show yourself out,” Elijah says, not caring if he is disrespectful.

“N-no, well, I… we will help,” Alpha Daniel grumbles.

“Good,” Alpha Tristan says, frowning at him. He is a man of few words but assesses everything well, being the oldest in the room. He runs his fingers through his beard. “She is certainly rare.”

“She is indeed.” Dad agrees.

“A blessing to your pack or curse, time will tell,” Alpha Daniel adds.

“My Alpha also agrees to this. We came for confirmation she is indeed an alpha. We were, of course, concerned about the rules,” Beta Alfred explains.

“Who makes the rules?” Elijah asks. “The alphas. What if Scarlett wasn’t an alpha? Would you all sit back and let countless wolves be abused?” The room goes silent. Only the sound of Alejandro slowly strumming his fingers on the table can be heard as guilt weaves its way around the room.

This is my chance to convince them. I need them to have their heart in this.

“I was a child of that pack. I was physically abused for entertainment. Perhaps running for our lives was selfish, but my mother did it to protect us from a monster. So now it’s my turn to stand up and protect those who need it. I would appreciate any help you can offer; I will never forget the favour and will return it when the time arises. If not for me, at least think of those young pups who are treated worse than trash,” I say, my voice strong and confident as I look at everyone in the room. Rafael nods.

Aaron gives me the thumbs up from where he sits beside his dad.

“It’s true, we can’t let an innocent pack be abused under a tyrannical alpha,” Rafael says, frowning.

“At times like this I wish there was some kind of system in place to deal with alphas misusing their power,” Uncle Nick says quietly.

“Hm. So, are we fucking done?” Alejandro asks, now looking at his brother coldly.

Why did Rafael even want him here?

“Almost. We just need to discuss the formation of the attack. And now knowing who is siding with us, we will be ready to carry out our attack after the Blood Moon,” Dad says.

The rest nod as they begin discussing the terrain, weak spots, and cracks in their security. Candice has also been a great help and has provided some information on the patrol squad sizes, maps, and schedules of the patrol system. Combining that with what Mama shared, we have a lot of information.

“The primary aim is to get in there and get to Zidane. If he’s dead, then the rest will stand down,” I say.

“Are you capable of killing him?” Alpha Daniel asks. Everyone knows if I want the pack’s respect, it will have to be me.

“Oh, I am,” I assure them. The pain he has caused me is something I will never be able to forget, and I will make sure he dies by my hand.

I glance at Elijah, who remains silent, but he agrees with me. That’s all that matters. He’ll be there for me.

“There are also three women who don’t bend to the will of an alpha. He’s had some dark magic done on them. They no longer have their wolves, but they are incredibly strong. One might be dead, not sure, but there’s definitely at least two,” Elijah says, suddenly remembering Zidane’s women. Alejandro raises an eyebrow.

“Leave them to me,” he says, his eyes glinting with deadly intent. Elijah frowns.

“You’re going to join?” he asks, surprised as he glances at Rafael, who simply shrugs like he has no say in it.

“You got a problem with that?” Alejandro asks dangerously.

“No… but you’re a kid. It isn’t safe.” Elijah glances at Rafael as Alejandro simply smirks coldly.

“My words are final. I’m going. Leave the wolf-less women to me.” His ice-cold voice is firm, and it is clear he is not going to change his mind.

Rafael shrugs as everyone at the table observes him in surprise.

“Alpha Rafael, your brother is young, and this is risky-”

“Don’t fucking underestimate me,” Alejandro warns.

“Well, if your brother is fine with it…” Dad says, ending the discussion. We return to our meeting, putting the final touches of the plan into place.