Rise of an Alpha Female (Two Moons Book 1)

by A. C. Gruptay

  The Elder turns around and walks off, leaving them alone.

  "Oh my, what a total bitch," Alastair says.

  A small smile creeps on Jena's face.

  "You sounded just like a girl right there. Anyway, she is good, judging by that poker face in the end. And by the sound of it, I'm lucky she's giving me a chance. I just never expected to work three times as much after graduation compared to before. As things are, I need a nap so I can wake up later and read something from those damn books. I'm going to get cleaned up and then to bed," she says exhausted.

  ***

  Months pass. Jena has settled into a routine.

  She trains with Conall in the morning and learns from Amisha in the afternoon. And though she has been late several times, the Elder hasn't mentioned failed Diplomat Ricardo even once.

  Jena suspects Amisha may have taken a liking to her. That and Alastair swears she heard Amisha talk to another Elder, saying something like "She is not entirely clueless, and learns at a decent rate," about Jena.

  She smiles at how similar both Conall and Amisha are in regards to giving compliments. They could be related, or even worse married. She shudders at the image.

  Today she was 40 minutes early for Amisha's 'class' if one could call it that. And the Elder didn't have anything bad to say the entire day.

  "Diplomat Jena, wait up please!" Amisha's voice comes from somewhere behind her.

  Damn it; I was too quick to think that. OK, I'm ready. Go ahead and ruin the rest of my day, she thinks with a frown, and her wolf snorts at her in the back of her mind.

  Keeping a straight, emotionless face, she turns around.

  "Hi, dear! I've decided to change the schedule starting tomorrow. So come one hour early, please. Have a nice day!" Amisha chimes, turning on her heels and wanders off.

  "No chance of that now. So Lana, do you think we can shave another 20 minutes of the run back?" she asks her wolf.

  "If we change to our wolf form, it would be no trouble," Lana says back at her.

  "And risk Conall wrath if he finds out? I'd rather spend two extra hours with Amisha studying the damn scrolls she always has on hand about the so-called great Diplomats of the past."

  "If we put extra effort into it, we could maybe shave off another 20 minutes. We have definitely developed the stamina for prolonged intense effort."

  "I swear when I'm done training for Alpha, I'm going to burn that damn suit!"

  "Not before I chew it up real good."

  Lana projects an image of her trashing the suit in her powerful jaws in Jena's mind, making her chuckle at it.

  "Wolf talk? I saw you smiling," says Hannah, coming up to her.

  "Yeah, it's an inside joke. So what are you up to?"

  "Well, I got Joel to distract Alastair into leaving you alone for a couple of hours. I thought we could go for some shopping in the bazaar, and then maybe grab something to eat? Like old times. We haven't really been able to talk like we used to."

  "I know, and I'm sorry! Between your Joel" – Hannah looked at the ground guiltily, she had been so happy with her mate, she barely remembered to look her friend up, but couldn't find her most of the time anyway – "and all my Diplomat stuff, we hardly see each other anymore. So I think it's a great idea! Let me just drop by the house so I can dump my books and grab some money and I'll meet you at the fountain?"

  "Sure, Jena. Can't wait!"

  Not long after, the girls are walking arm in arm between the stalls.

  "So what have you been up to?" Hannah asks.

  "Well, studying for the Diplomat role since I got stuck with it. It was rather hard at first since I wasn't really into it. You know, since I didn't prepare at all beforehand? But I'm getting the hang of it now."

  "Aham. And now for the real question. Are you seeing anyone?"

  "You mean romantically? Of course not; you know me. I'm saving myself for The One."

  "OK, but you could have some fun until then. With that hunk you got for a Personal Guard; are you really telling me you didn't get your hand in the cookie jar? And he'd be more than willing. I saw how he looks at you."

  "Shut up! We are barely more than acquaintances. And it's his business if he looks at me funny. I couldn't care less! I just use him as my training dummy."

  "You mean you are still training? But Diplomats aren't supposed to fight. That's why they have all that protection."

  "Shit! Me and my big mouth. Please don't tell anyone, I just don't want to get rusty; and who knows, maybe one day I'll be a protector for the pack myself. And if this pack won't let me, at some point I may as well look for another place to call home."

  "You are that upset at them passing you over for Personal Guard, huh? I'd be too I guess, considering you really were the best in the class. Even the stronger guys, like for example Alastair, couldn't match your speed."

  "Exactly! I still think that was totally unfair!"

  "Yeah, I wonder why Conall did it. It doesn't sound like him," Hannah says, pensive.

  "It wasn't him. The freaking elders stuck their crooked noses in it. Apparently, they want me 'protected' like I'm some sort of expensive decoration they need to keep in pristine condition for their future Alpha."

  "I see. Have you any kind of proof? If you do, why not take it to the Alpha and let him handle it?"

  "First, no, I don't have any proof, and secondly, I can't take it to the Alpha; there is nothing he can do about it."

  "What do you mean there is nothing he can do about it? He is your father, and he is the Alpha. He can do anything!"

  "It's complicated, Hannah. Let's just leave it at that."

  "I think you are wrong but OK. Wish there was something I could do to help!"

  "You already are, sweetie. Just by being here as my friend. I don't know how or when, but someday I will find a way to be the leader of the pack. If not here, then maybe somewhere else."

  "But you are going to run the pack anyway. You are going to be the Luna, so I don't really see the problem?"

  "It's not enough for me. It never was. Maybe it's the way I was brought up, I don't know – but I want to be the Alpha of the pack and run things, not just handle parties and children and old people."

  "I'm sure there is more to it than that. Besides, your mother was a great Luna, and she always seemed happy!"

  "Maybe she was. But I'm not my mother. Sometimes I wish I was more like her – maybe my father would be happier. But like I said, I'm me, and I don't know how to be someone else. And why should I? Why should anyone be forced to act differently and not be true to him or herself?

  I'm not going to challenge my father, of course, but if or when he decides to step down... I just have no idea how I'm going to do it yet."

  "But isn't that something males do?"

  "Some of these habits and traditions are so absurd I could scratch someone's eyes out, preferably an Elder's. And don't you start with me now! You think I'm not as smart as a male? And you just said I could take on anyone in our class, so what is the problem?"

  "Yeah, OK, and yes you are actually smarter than most guys I know, but don't Alphas get some kind of special training or something? And have you heard of a female Alpha before? What would her partner be? A male Luna? That's ridiculous!"

  "Training is training, just need to find the right teacher for it, I'm not too worried about that. And maybe not in our pack, but a couple of the history books that Amisha has in her private library, have several cases of female Alphas. If those women could do it, I know someday I will be able to as well. And maybe I don't need a classical Luna at all, but I doubt I'll have to worry about that for some time yet," Jena continues.

  "Just so you know, I'd love for you to be my Alpha! I think you'd be great!"

  "Thanks! See? That's why I love you! So how is everything going with you and Joel?"

  "Wonderful! I never knew I could be so happy! I hope you find your mate soon, so you truly understand what I mean."

  "Yeah, me too. You really think the
re is a guy out there for me?"

  "Of course! Or maybe a perfect girl? That would solve your Alpha-Luna dilemma," Hannah says with a smirk.

  "Hey, gross! I'm not that kind of girl!"

  "Too bad, I'd totally do you!"

  "Hannah!!! By the Moons, you have such a dirty mind sometimes. And what about Joel, what do you think he would say?" Jena asks confident she got one over her friend.

  "You are right; he would be very upset... that he couldn't watch!"

  "OK, both of you are horny dogs with dirty minds. I'm starting to understand what you see in each other."

  "I think I should be offended, but I'm not," Hannah says, smiling at her friend.

  "Look at that gorgeous pair of training pants!"

  "For o moment there I actually thought you were going to say, hat or necklace or anything sounding remotely feminine," says Hannah.

  "Neah!"

  "Neah!"

  Both girls say it at the same time and start laughing uncontrollably.

  The next morning, Jena and Alastair arrive at the training spot only to find Conall pouring water over her training suit.

  "What are you doing?" Jena asks, worried that Conall may have finally gone crazy.

  "Getting you suit ready of course. You appear to be ready for the full loadout of the training suit. This actually happened earlier than I expected, but you are who you are. Between the crushed stones I have added sand and the water should also provide a nice challenge in the chilly morning air, but since wolves don't really catch colds, I'm sure you'll be fine. The total weight of the suit is now close to 240 pounds."

  "Are you insane?" Jena yells incredulously.

  "Didn't we already have the conversation about you yelling at me?" Conall asks menacingly, making Alastair take a step closer to Jena.

  "Yes, we did, Master at Arms. I'm sorry I raised my voice, but I still think this is insane. I could barely move as it was in the damn suit."

  "There are three ways this conversation ends. One – You get dressed, and start your training routine; two – you give up this training, forget about being an Alpha someday and go be a pretty little Diplomat that needs others to protect her for the rest of your life and then there is option three – you challenge me to a duel and a) win which means you finished your Alpha training or b) you lose and go back to option two. So what's it going to be, are you ready to give up?" Conall goads her.

  "Give me the damn suit!"

  "That's what I thought!"

  He throws her the suit and walks away, making her almost topple over, if not for Alastair's arm on her shoulder, helping her balance out the sudden weight.

  "Asshole!" She whispers.

  "I heard that! Alastair, use the bucket from the water barrel every thirty minutes and make sure she stays nice and wet."

  "Yes, sir! Sorry Jena," Alastair says apologetically to her.

  Chapter 4 - First Adventures

  Nine months have passed since graduation. Jena has retreated into herself, dividing her days between her training and study.

  For whatever time is left she spends most of her free hours in Amisha's private study room. Apparently, it is better stocked with old books than the Pack's library.

  Occasionally, a run of the territory in her wolf form where she mimics the routes of the patrols spices up her week, forever shadowed by her Personal Guard now become friend, Alastair.

  Her rare encounters with her friend Hannah are mostly done to check up on her, making sure she is still happy with Joel. But each time, she gets more and more convinced that a true mate means total happiness, and being honest with herself, Jena doesn't think she can handle Hannah's permanent happy mood and attitude anymore.

  "There is nothing more I can teach you regarding theory Jena. You have been focused, attentive and driven. In all honesty, you finished all the required material about two months ago, and I've just been giving you other books I thought you might find interesting. And again I know how much you study on your own. You should know that I'm very proud of you and I don't regret taking you as my apprentice. What you need now is practical experience, and in that, I will give you the most important advice so far," Amisha says, making Jena focus on her intently.

  "Follow your heart! After you have analyzed the pros and cons of a situation, and filtered them through your knowledge, just before you make the actual decision, ask yourself and your heart how it feels to you. If the decision your mind dictates as correct is making your heart feel easy, happy or content, it is probably the right choice. If it provokes fear, tightness or uneasiness, it's the other way around.

  Trust your heart, and you will rarely be wrong. Starting tomorrow your presence here is no longer mandatory, but you are free to come and go as you please to use my library or ask for advice," she says ending her speech with a hug, making Jena uncomfortable with the sudden display of affection, so uncharacteristic of her teacher up to that point.

  "Now go see your father, he's expecting you."

  Not five minutes later she reaches the Alpha's office and knocks on her father's door.

  "Come!"

  "Alpha," Jena says as she enters his office, showing her respect with a slight bow of her head.

  Lindator, the pack’s Beta and Drusnic, the Gamma and third in command are both in the room with the Alpha, studying some maps.

  Probably randomizing patrol routes again she thinks.

  "Diplomat Jena. Please have a seat! Drusnic, Lindator, let's finish this tomorrow morning, there is really no rush here."

  "Of course, Alpha," Lindator says while Drusnic simply inclines his head and they both leave the room.

  "So Jena, any idea why I called you here today?"

  "Not really, though I suppose it's got something to do with the fact the Elder Diplomat Amisha said I was done being her Apprentice."

  "You are correct. She has constantly been nagging me for the last two months with giving you your first mission outside pack territory.

  And while I do like to know you are safe and sound within our pack lands, I also know you need to have a life of your own, meet new people and find what is important to you and makes you happy. Of course, it helps that your training is going as well as could be expected," her father continues.

  "You knew about that?"

  "Honey, I am the Alpha. I have to know about that, and everything else as well. Someday you will maybe understand. I won't be around forever, and you will have to step up and take control of this pack, leading it into a new era."

  "Don't say that, daddy! Who knows when or if I'll find my mate, and even more who knows if he will agree with me on what should be done in the pack. Lunas don't really have as much say."

  "I'm sure you'll find a way to be more than just another Luna, and maybe, just maybe do what I could not. Go and find Alastair and have him talk to Conall about getting an escort detail together. You leave tomorrow at noon."

  "Understood. What is my mission?"

  "Prolong our outstanding treaties, renegotiate if necessary, cut old trade agreements that are not in our favor and establish new ones, find new friends and maybe new allies. Do whatever Diplomats do. As long as you have your pack's best interest at heart, you can't go wrong. Be back in one month at the latest. Should be more than enough time for your first assignment."

  ***

  A few weeks later, elsewhere, further East:

  "Alpha Mahli," a voice says, interrupting his breakfast.

  "You may speak," the Alpha says.

  "Diplomat Jena and her party are arriving at noon."

  "Thank you, Nazih. As my Beta, I am assigning you to tend to the delegation and keep me well informed of everything. Have your scouts anything new to report? Where is the group now?"

  "They have just cleared the Rocky Shallows Pass, and have been greeted by the second line scouts. The advanced scouts report there is no other group following behind them for at least a day's run in swift form."

  "How long have the forward scouts been observing them?"<
br />
  "Four days. It's a much heavier setup than usual for a diplomatic party. Not sure why at the moment. The second line scouts didn't feel it appropriate to ask too many questions, since a diplomat is an equivalent to a top leadership position, and no information has been volunteered other than the minimum required. Oh, and it appears they are wolves."

  "This far North? I wonder why? Are they lost or something? Anything notable about them?"

  "They are from the Oasis Pack."

  "Interesting. Head out and meet them. And find out more. Contact me through the pride's link as soon as you know something."

  "Understood."

  ***

  "What is it you want, Mahli? You were told not to use the blood link for anything but emergencies. You know the Master doesn't think your emergencies are also his. Are you really prepared to face his anger?"

  "Yes, Second. I bring fortuitous news for the Master." Mahli is trying to control his anxiety; glad the blood link doesn't transmit his feelings along with the message.

  "WHAT? I hope you have crucial information for me, Mahli, or I swear on Calla's lifeblood I will come over there and rip your head off with my bare hands!"

  The Alpha Cat feels his knees start to shake and has to sit down before he topples over. These are not empty threats, and Mahli knows it.

  "Maybe if I feel satisfied after that, I'll take your mate as a slave and sell the rest of your pride to the centaurs for as much water as I can get instead of just killing them all."

  "Y-yes, Master, of course, Master."

  "WELL? SPIT IT OUT ALREADY, you blubbering fool!"

  Mahli didn't think it was possible to yell over the blood link, but then again he doesn't know enough about it to exclude something like that.

  "I have a diplomatic delegation coming to see me."

  "So? Find out why and what or if they know anything, then chain them and throw them in the canyon hollow. I'll have someone take them out of there sometime next week. I'll give you a month for every able-bodied male I find and two if they are female – my warhogs need entertainment."