"Still doesn't explain what happened."
"Alphas have some extra perks because they can draw power from the pack."
"Like what?"
"Masking your scent for one. When you don't want to be found, or you want to be alone, for example."
"And we can do that? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I hadn't tried it yet. Your dad would have been able to tell us more if he thought you could be an Alpha."
"But he is dead now and didn't think it was even possible."
"Yeah. So how fast do you think you were after Conall's training?"
"Well considering I should have been designated a Brawler and probably assigned Personal Guard, but also how pack ranking affects everything you can do because you draw an increased amount of power from the pack if you are a higher ranking wolf, I'm guessing I was about Delta level fast."
"That was before the training, when we just finished the warrior training program with everyone else, right?"
"Yes. Beta Lindator would have to do his best to keep up with us after training with the Master at Arms."
"Really? Wow! And after I defeated Mahli?"
"With the new pack behind you, clearly faster than the Beta. But slower than Magnus."
"Why?"
"He had the same training as you but a much larger pack."
"And now? With the conqueror bonds?"
"I know you weren't paying attention, but Alastair was talking about me. I wanted to test both this ability to mask the scent and our speed. So I decided to poke on the patrol routes."
"So how did we do?"
"Nazih couldn't catch me."
"Wow, really? Faster than the werecat Beta?"
"Because of the new bonds now, faster than Mahli ever was. And you should be proud of yourself, faster than your Father."
"How is that possible?"
"Well, I'm assuming you take in most of the members and you add them to your existing pack. You pack is suddenly larger than your father's. And an Alpha draws from the power and strength of the pack. One of the strengths of the cats that you have as members is speed."
"So that's how Alpha Sorin has so much power. He has quantity over quality."
"Exactly. He wouldn't be one of the Three otherwise."
"So the scent disappears entirely or is masked like Alastair said?"
"Actually it becomes undefined, hard to place and hard to follow, but it's there."
"How come Alastair didn't think it was me?"
"Have you checked his age? How long has he been a Beta? Consider Nazih's reply, and you will see what I mean. Talk to Lindator too, and you will see he will consider it as well. Better yet, since Alastair is Lindator's apprentice, get him to go ask."
"Thank you, Alastair. Go find Lindator and tell him about the incursions, then feel free to join me in the plaza."
***
"So how did it go?" Alastair asks as he joins Jena on her way back to her office.
"It was one of the hardest things I've ever done."
"How come? You've done that before. So when are you going back to the plaza?"
"Last time I did, there weren't so many people. And why go back?"
"Well, to accept the rest of the pledges of course."
"That is why it was so hard. I did them all at once. At least for those present. Almost fell to my knees when all the conqueror bonds transformed into pack bonds."
"Conqueror bonds? And by the Moons, can you do that?"
"Seems just transforming those bonds already there, the fact I was now an Alpha and my familiarity with most of the members made it possible."
"But how did you know?"
"Lana told me. It would appear becoming an Alpha awakened a wealth of knowledge inside of her, but she only seems to be able to access it when we need it."
"Niiice! Hope you don't mind I took the liberty of getting your office cleaned and sorted, and the desk replaced."
"You're still Lindator's apprentice."
"Umm... yeah, I knew that."
"But I do appreciate the gesture. Now be a sport and ask Conall to join me; then Qubdaig, Amisha, Alpha Aaron, and Nazih. In that order but not all at once."
"Yes, Alpha!"
"Sorry Alastair, you've been nothing but helpful and supportive, and I'm acting like a bitch to you."
"It's OK, I understand. I'm honestly wondering how you are still standing. And I have to say authority suits you, but I would have done what you asked even without that much command force behind your request. That's why I answered like that. You know I kind of hate all the formality."
"Damn, it's all the new bonds affecting me, I'm feeling different."
"You vibe is different, stronger and pushing at anyone coming near. I had to force myself to walk beside you. Maybe relax for a few minutes and try to dial it down or something?"
"I'll try."
"Right, I'm off then."
***
"You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, have a seat 'uncle'," Jena says accenting the word, a scowl on her face.
"Oh, it's about that."
"Well, it's kind of important, don't you think? Especially since if it's true, you are the only family I have left."
"I'm... yeah, I guess you're right. So what can I do you for?"
"You have to ask? How come you are my uncle? Why aren't you an Alpha? Why haven't you or my father told me before?"
"Half-uncle really."
"You going to tell me my grandfather was some kind of jerk or something and left your mom pregnant and didn't own up to it?"
"Quite the contrary. My mother was your grandfather's best friend. They grew up together, then went to warrior training, and after kept on training together and started a relationship.
They had been in love with each other for a long time, and it felt natural to go there. But mother refused to become Luna, even after your grandfather became the Alpha and he could have forced everyone to accept his will.
Because you see they were not mates. Just very much in love. Then when I was nine, your grandfather went to an Alpha council, and when he came back, he wasn't the same. He was sad and moody and repeatedly tried to convince mother to become Luna.
But she knew. She knew what had happened, or maybe it was just intuition, but she took me and we left the pack that day.
You see, my father had found his mate in one of the Alphas' daughter that had accompanied her dad for the council meeting. But being the honorable man that he was, thinking he had a partner and a child back home, he refused to acknowledge her.
But mother tracked her down, and we went to find her. She explained the situation to the Alpha there and he understood. He took us in and sent his daughter as a diplomatic envoy.
Mother wrote a letter to your grandfather that she had found her mate and he should not look for her, and that I would be free to visit him after I was of age. I didn't understand at the time, but one thing was clear – they wouldn't see each other again and from that, I, of course, chose to stay by my mother's side.
My father tried to find her for a while. I think he wasn't convinced the letter was truthful, but without finding us, he had no way to confirm his suspicions.
I had a lot of anger build up from that situation, and I acted up a lot, but the Alpha there was always kind and understanding. The thing is I knew mother was the one who chose to leave because she wanted your grandfather to be with the she-wolf meant for him and be truly happy.
In my eyes and at the time, though, he didn't try hard enough, he didn't really want us, and he was responsible for my mother's broken heart and not being by my side.
Eventually, the Alpha along with my mother decided my aggression needed channeling so he sent me away to train. Not just any training, but Alpha training. Because he knew I could not inherit, but with the Alpha blood in me, I could possibly make my own pack, or take one away from someone weaker.
The Old Wolf that trained me though turned my life around. Through the hard work, training, a
nd meditation, I found an inner balance and understanding one day I didn't think was possible. And I finally understood mother and her choices.
The next month I finished my training year and left to visit her, to let her know I finally got it and I wasn't blaming her or my father anymore. I was too late, though. She had passed away just two weeks prior. She somehow knew I was OK and I think she just let go.
But I wasn't the same person anymore. I wasn't angry about missing my chance, just sad that I couldn't be there for her in her final moments.
So I went back and decided to learn all I could from the Old Wolf. After all, it was all I knew that did not connect me to my mother. A way to focus my mind in a different direction if you will.
At some point, I went from helping him to teaching the young wannabe Alphas in his place.
One day I was returning from the market, and he was waiting for me outside his compound. He took the groceries and threw me a sack with my things in it and told me I wasn't welcomed anymore. That I should only come back when I was of no more use to the outside world. He whacked my head with a stick when I told him to stop joking around and then closed the door in my face.
I think that was the first time he locked that door because I couldn't believe what just happened and I wanted to go back in and ask for a reason or an explanation. After two days of knocking and staring at the old yet very solid door, I gave up and left.
Oh, shocks! Forgive my rambling!"
"It's... wow. I have no words. Your story is so sad, uncle!"
"Neah, it's just life. Had my lessons to learn."
"So you came looking for grandfather next?"
"Not right away. Had many more things to learn before walking down that path. But you know what?"
"What?"
"I'm hungry, and I need a stiff drink."
"You're incorrigible! What about the rest of the story?"
"Some other time. Maybe. Or maybe I'll write a book about my life someday. Or maybe someone will do it for me. So, join me for a bite?"
"Sure, why not? I could use a snack."
"Well, that puts a big NO WAY sign on Alastair as a consolation romantic partner," Lana admits.
"Yeah. It wouldn't really be fair to him, would it?"
"Or us when he finds his mate."
"I know I said we'd think about a posible replacement for our mate but maybe..."
"Not right now, and not for a good while either. I agree. It's no rush, I was just grasping for straws, for anything to dampen our pain. Doesn't seem that easy though."
"Excuse me, Alpha?"
"Yes?"
"Elder Qubdaig is here to see you."
"OK, thank you. And you are?"
"Oh, so sorry, I'm Naleea. Beta Nazih said I am to be your new assistant."
"Did he now? Interesting. Good thing I'll get to have a chat with him later on. Thank you Naleea! I'll be back soon to talk to him."
"But..."
"Yes?"
"Well..."
"Speak up, lass, I'm hungry, and you need not worry about Jena over here," Conall says impatiently and squeezes Jena's shoulder, pulling her to him, "she's a peach."
Naleea looks up, her mouth agape and alarm evident in her eyes at how the Master at Arms just acted towards her Alpha.
"Well, he seems rather impatient, Alpha. And I don't think he likes me very much.'
"Oh, it's not you, dear. He just doesn't like change, and you werecats are too much change for his brain to wrap around," Conall adds.
"Have him wait. Be extra sweet to him and very professional. Just the opposite of what he assumes of you. On top of that, if you feel like having some fun, maybe turn into your cat form and start grooming yourself. You have my full support," Jena finishes with a smirk.
"Hey, Jena? Let's go out the back, so he thinks you're in your office and making him wait on purpose," Conall says with a smirk.
"Oh, you're evil! I'm so glad we're related," Jena answers and Naleea raises an eyebrow.
"Did you hear what your Alpha just said?" Conall asks, turning to Jena's new assistant.
"Huh, what? I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Could you repeat that?"
"Oh, nothing. But points to Nazih for picking a smart one for your assistant," the Master of Arms says approvingly.
"It's all about surrounding yourself with the right people, isn't it uncle?"
"I'd rather you did not call me that."
"But my new assistant has already left," Jena says just as the door clicks shut, smiling at him.
"She's a keeper. Anyway, let's go! My stomach is about to start eating at me from the inside out. Plus you wouldn't wanna make me look weak in front of the wolf pups training to be warriors, would you?"
"Sure, cause knowing you have a heart will hurt their fighting skills development!"
"Hey, you turned out OK, didn't you?"
"True."
"So just Conall will do, or I'll start addressing you with Mighty Warrior Alpha Jena in every sentence."
"You wouldn't!"
"Try me!"
"OK, Conall. No uncle."
"So wise for your age."
"Except in private."
"I take it back. But I guess I could live with that."
"So do we hug now?"
"Don't push it! Maybe some other time when we aren't in the mess hall."
***
"You're late! First YOU call me here like I am at your beck and call, and then you make me wait for you with that thing for company?" Qubdaig asks pointing at Naleea, "you need to learn to respect your Elders, Alpha!"
"Not all Elders deserve the same amount of respect, and technically Naleea was in this pack before you even considered joining. Basically, from her point of view, you are the outsider, and I've lowered my admission standards to let you in, wouldn't you agree Naleea?"
"I... Yes, Alpha!" The cat answers startled.
"How dare..."
"Mind your tongue, Elder," Jena says, adding a bit of the Alpha power behind her words, "or you may find yourself without one. By your own pledge, and though you were free to leave, I am YOUR ALPHA now. And that means that you are exactly at my beck and call, and I call on you to prove your loyalty and your usefulness with a very important task I'm about to give you."
Though Jena's Alpha voice had made him initially wince and step back, the new chance she is giving him makes Qubdaig stand up straight once more with a resolute expression on his face.
"Of course, Alpha, anything!"
"Good. I want you to leave with Alpha Aaron of the Mountain River Pack. You will be my representative there."
"But... but I should be here by your side! With my experience in the Oasis Pack, I could help and..."
"Worry not Elder; we will find a way to manage without you. And things will be different anyway; you are not in the Oasis Pack anymore. Consider the incoming war, Elder, I'm counting on you to be my voice within the Mountain River Pack, I need someone I can trust there, and you are the most qualified and knowledgeable person I know."
"I understand Alpha Jena; it will be an honor to serve you."
"You are only serving the good of the pack, Elder. Now if you will excuse me, I have another meeting soon, and I wish to be prepared."
"I'll take my leave then. Good day!"
***
"You asked to see me, Alpha Jena?"
"Yes, Elder Amisha. Please, take a seat!"
As she sits, Amisha looks up at Jena, only to see her looking right back. Their eyes meet and they both start at the same time:
"I wish to apologize..."
"Look, I'm sorry I said..."
"If I may?"
"I understand, but I had to say this first."
"Yes, Alpha."
"I'm sorry I acted out by telling you all those things,"
"But you were right, I understand..."
"No, wait. Let me finish. I mean maybe I was justified, or so I thought, but mostly I was hurt. Not just because my father died. Honestly, and I'
m ashamed to say this, but father's death is only about 20% of my reason to be angry. I must be the most self-centered, egotistical person ever to live because I'm mostly upset about my mate. I don't know if you figured it out already, but I met my mate in the other world I went to after father's killer."
"I figured as much. Go on!"
"Well, the thing is, I think he also felt the pull, at least a little bit. Because we had barely known each other, and I... I knew I didn't have much time I basically threw myself at him. And I think he would have said yes but I was pulled back to Calla."
"That's..."
"Wait, there is more. Because I was so focused on getting the person responsible for father's death, I accepted any and all terms to go after the killer from that witch Sandra. And she, of course, was as cryptic as hell and didn't explain anything, with the exception of the fact that my father had already paid for the trip only at a later time.
But nooo, I had to go right then and there. And for that I can never go back, nor could I have brought my mate back with me, even if I could have convinced him to follow me, which would have been extra hard since he was in a stable relationship for years. And all because I didn't know about the contents of that damned letter."
"I can't even begin to express how sorry I am; it's all my..."
"Not really. Because as my wolf pointed out, you couldn't have known what the content of the letter was. And I, because I was and still am inexperienced as an Alpha, acted impulsively without proper consideration of the situation."
"You did your best..."
"And my best wasn't enough. And with that said I realize, now more than ever, that I need counsel from people with experience, people like you, Hani and Conall. There is no way I'm letting you go anywhere. So once again, I'm sorry for taking out on you all the guilt I felt for my own decisions!"
"Still, I should have acted my own age and know you needed me to be bolder, especially with that letter."
"Let's both take this as a lesson. The most costly lesson I will ever learn. I just wish the price was not my mate. Guess there is nothing for me to do now but focus on being an Alpha."
"Maybe. Maybe not."
"What do you mean?"
"Can I see your father's letter?"
"Sure, here," Jena says and hands over the letter.
Rise of an Alpha Female (Two Moons Book 1) Page 25
