"Let me see...
Let me see...
No, not this one...
Aha! There it is! On the fifth page of the letter your father says:
Which, as explained earlier, definitely included a mate."
"So what does that mean?" Jena asks, a glint of hope sparkling in her eyes.
"I have no idea. Maybe you should revisit the witch and ask for clarification?"
"You think she will tell me anything?"
"Probably not, but if there's even a snowflake's chance in hell for you to be with your mate or at least find more about it, wouldn't the time to go visit be worth it?"
"I guess you are right. But there are so many things to be done here..."
"So? Don't you have like two Betas? Shouldn't they be more than able to handle the pack for a couple of days?"
"That's true. By Calla, I can't even express how much this means to me. But if it turns out to be nothing..."
"Then you won't be any worse than you are now."
"Could you stop making so much sense all the time? It's annoying!"
"Water going up the mountain raining fire on the snow plains."
"Huh? That makes no... Oooh, I see what you did there," Jena says and starts smiling.
"Alpha Aaron to see you, Alpha Jena."
"Thanks, Naleea, send him in."
"I better be going then. By the way, take someone with you when you go see the witch."
"Why? Are you afraid I'm going to scratch her eyes out?"
"Yeah, if she doesn't turn you into a mouse or some such first. Good luck!"
"I can come back later if you two have more to discuss," Alpha Aaron says after taking one step in the office.
"No need Alpha; my friend was just leaving. If you will take a seat? Anywhere will be fine, thank you. I'm afraid I have to apologize for the inconvenience I'm about to cause you."
"Is that so? Care to explain?"
"Yes. I find myself forced to drop a problem on your hands, hoping you will be able to transform it into an advantage."
"Go on."
"Elder Qubdaig. I've assigned him as my attaché to the River Mountain Pack."
"You can't be serious! You not only dislike the guy, you don't even trust him!"
"Exactly why he is there and not by my side. He knows too many people here, and I'm fairly sure he is working either for or with Alpha Sorin, while at your compound, he would be a stranger, a guest, well treated but isolated and easily watched."
"Hmm. That is extremely well thought. You surprise me, Jena. You don't have the experience to understand the workings of pack politics, yet you are surprisingly adept at it."
"Don't forget I was trained to be a Diplomat, and now that you point it out, I believe my teacher may have sneaked some Alpha level lessons in-between the others."
"I see. Though I was sad to hear about your father, I'm really glad to see you in his place and a worthy Alpha at that. Magnus was a great Alpha and a good friend."
"So why did you two, since it is obvious you would be easy allies against Sorin, never went after Southern Star?"
"For the sake of peace, because the system works, to avoid civil unrest inside his pack since it is that large because we were lazy and content with the status quo? Pick one. Though picking all of them would form the better reason."
"Thank you, by the way."
"For what?"
"Alpha Orin."
"Oh."
"Mind telling me about it?"
"How about we make it a small pack politics lesson. Guess! And I'll tell you what you got right and what not and why."
"Umm OK, I suppose? So you got him to forfeit his claim on the Oasis Pack to let me have a chance at it. You promised a lot of water in return I assume. But why would he accept since he could have all the water he wanted if he got Oasis Pack's territory?"
"Because he didn't want it in the first place. Orin is my sister's mate. He is a good mate and a good Alpha to his small pack. But he is not the ambitious type. He is happy with what he's got."
"Why did he challenge Brayden then?"
"Because I asked him to. After I explained what two of the three strongest packs being under Sorin's thumb would mean for his mate, his pack, me and every wolf out there not immediately loyal to Sorin and his sons."
"Why didn't you do it?"
"I would have if he lost to either Brayden or Sorin. But when Conall made that statement, I knew you would challenge him. So I asked Orin to do as much damage as possible and drop out."
"You didn't trust me to win on my own?"
"It's not that I didn't trust you, though truth be told I had no idea how good you are in either hand to hand or wolf form combat, but I wanted to increase the chances you had. You know, just covering my ass. Though I have to say that takedown you pulled on Brayden was both hilarious and anticlimactic. I mean how much of a sucker can you be to fall for that during a freaking duel!"
"Thanks, I guess," Jena smiles shyly.
"And you know what the most awesome thing is? Nobody knows how strong you really are. Only that you took Brayden out in basically one shot. Brayden who had technically defeated another Alpha, which was Orin, and he is known to be a good fighter. Not to mention he clearly destroyed Lindator in combat. He may be a good Beta, but he could never become an Alpha with those skills. I think even that kid Xavier could have taken him out."
"So does that mean you are OK with Qubdaig joining you as my so-called representative?"
"Yeah, though I'll only give him information that is safe to be found out by Sorin as well."
"Think of it this way: when you want to feed Sorin bad intel, you have a guaranteed way to do so. Just send someone you trust with the other things."
"Aren't your cats supposed to be fast? Send two of them as his assistants, and we will use them for the other messages."
"Great idea! I'll talk to Nazih about it. One more thing, though. Could you teach me how to handle this annoying Alpha power that seems to lash out at everyone without my consent?"
"Sure kid. Here is what you need to do..."
***
"Nazih, welcome."
"Alpha," the Beta responds with a respectful nod. Having to wait outside Jena's door has been a welcomed reprieve from the work consuming all of Nazih's time lately. Naleea's recollection of what happened between her and Elder Qubdaig no doubt added a fun element to it.
"How is everything on the cat side of the pack?"
"As well as can be expected. The feeling is, however, one of waiting and wondering. Most are happy because we have such a strong Alpha and we got new and much better territory. But they are unsure about the living conditions and what will happen with so many new members. They are afraid they won't be able to maintain their individuality since Oasis Pack was so much larger than we were.
A few, like Jacan, say that since we are the ones that actually absorbed Oasis Pack, the cats should be the ones getting the best houses, and everyone else should fill what's left."
"How about not? Damn that man, I forgot about him entirely. There is no way I'm starting separating our members into first comers and second comers and so on. Work with Lindator and see what is already available and offer them how you see fit. For everyone else, we will build new homes by extending the current settlement in the direction of where the cat camp is now and after everyone has a roof over their heads, work out the total number of members and keep on building till we have a 75% level of occupancy of the entire settlement. When the new houses are finished, offer them up to people already living in an old home, then start renovating the old home and so on until everyone is happy with the living conditions."
"Yes, Alpha. I believe that is a good plan."
"So! Naleea, huh? You trying to plant spies in my office, Mr. Beta?"
"Whaaat? No, no, I only meant..."
/> "Relax, I was kidding. I believe it is a very good touch. Anyone visiting me will immediately see her and that she is a cat and will get the picture. That Multi Unity Pack stands for our variety of were species."
"Thank you! I just thought that you needed some help with organizing things and such. She's my cousin, and she has no combat training, but she's a very sweet person and kind-hearted too."
"Yes, she will be very good at easing the tension of a person waiting to see me. Keep watching Jacan and who he comes in contact with but don't update me unless you think it's important enough."
"I've been a Beta for quite some time, Alpha Jena. I know how to do my job."
"I know. I'm sorry, but I haven't been an Alpha for that long. I have to admit I don't know exactly what your attributes are, and how much I should tell you to do versus what you will do on your own."
"I... am sorry. I should have realized that without you pointing it out. If I may be so bold, let's make a deal – we both keep an open mind about each other so you tell me anything you think I should know and I'll point it out if I already knew that and vice-versa."
"That is an awesome idea! Thank you so much!"
"No need to thank me," Nazih says with a smile, "it's my job after all. So are we good? Need anything else?"
"No, that's it. Oh wait, I'm going to head out for a couple of days to see someone. I trust you and Lindator can handle everything here?"
"I'm sure we will manage. What about an escort detail?"
"I'm sure Alastair will join me."
"Would you please take two of my cat warriors with you? As a show of equal chances, you know?"
"In that case, make sure one of them is a female," Jena answers with a grin.
"Jacan is going to love this. The Alpha giving females even more importance and power."
"If there were a female with proper combat training and the rest of the needed attributes I'd make her a Beta in a heartbeat."
"Don't let any of the Elders hear that they'll have a heart attack."
"Not necessarily a bad idea. Some of them shadow Calla without any use to anyone."
"OK, Alpha. I'll talk to Lindator and send two warriors to join you. Have a safe trip!"
"Thank you!"
Chapter 21 - Answers and endings
"Beta Alastair, it is an honor to be selected as the Alpha's cat escorts for this trip. I am Salia, and this is Rex," the female cat warrior says pointing to her partner who just nods in reply.
"Nice to see you again though I am now a Gamma, thank the Moons! Glad to see Nazih kept his word and sent a female along; the Alpha kind of tricked him into it, though he didn't seem to mind much."
"He was left with little choice. The Master at Arms said that besides Nazih, me and Rex were the only ones and I quote 'barely showing an inkling of promise towards becoming adequate warriors one day' and I'm still not sure if I should take offense to that."
"Trust me Salia, that is one of the highest praises he is capable of."
"Really? So the warriors that graduate his training school?"
"He calls those adequate," Alastair says walking around the office.
"Wow, really?"
"That is the second highest praise I've heard from him. And if you aren't worthy of him saying that, you simply don't graduate."
"You can't be serious! You mean everyone here deemed a warrior has the exact level of combat prowess?"
"Not quite. The thing is everyone strives to be the best he or she can and when they graduate they get a role or qualification if you want to call it that and a position. The role is personal, the position is your future job."
"And these are?"
"Support, Scout, Warrior, Brawler, in that order. So an adequate warrior is very different from and adequate scout. There are however differences between men and women due to old ways of thinking. No women have ever been granted the warrior role and so most don't even try."
"I see. And I'm assuming you are a brawler then?"
"Indeed. I was assigned as a Personal Guard to Diplomat Jena."
"But Alpha Jena is really good at fighting. She took out Alpha Mahli in her human form!"
"You considered yourself a top warrior in your pride, did you not?"
"I earned my respect with teeth and claws, though the discrimination was always present."
"If I got one of our Pack Support role females fresh out of the training, say someone in my class, and you went one on one, she would only lose if you had a lot more practical experience and I'd still be betting on her. I don't mean to upset you, and I'm not saying you are weak. I'm saying Conall's training is that good."
"I see. And how about... never mind."
"Go ahead, ask."
"No. My question was inappropriate."
"You are between warriors. Ask anything. If I don't like it, I can just punch you, and from what Conall said, you can take a punch," Alastair says with a grin.
"I was wondering about Alpha Jena. Did she go through the program or maybe had some special training?"
"She was my classmate and she graduated along with me."
"Really? What role if I may be so daring?"
"Nono. She was made into a Diplomat from the start, without being assigned any role."
"Why would she want that?"
"She didn't. It was forced on her."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a complicated story and hers to tell."
"I understand. You never told me who got the highest praise from Master Conall."
"She did, Alpha Jena. Conall said she qualified at brawler level and that she was, on occasion, above average."
"So then how..."
"That was actually Conall's way of letting everyone know how good she really was because when her role and position were called, and she was assigned as a Pack Diplomat, she was furious. They didn't even give her a role, and she fought so hard for it. I should know, I was on the receiving end most of the time."
"I... I didn't think it was possible for me to respect her even more."
"Agreed," Rex says from where he is leaning against one of the walls.
"I'm ready, let's go!" Jena says, briefly popping her head inside the room.
The three escort detail members scramble to move after the Alpha, but they only manage to see her sprint off towards the edge of the settlement, and they swiftly follow.
"What the hell is with the hurry?" Alastair asks as he runs.
"Beats me, but you should lower your voice, lest the Alpha might hear you," Salia says worriedly.
"We go way back, and she is also a warrior. She knows banter, and she knows when to demand respect. So prove your worth to the pack, and she will respect you. Use common sense to know when things are serious and when not and you won't have any problems."
"You guys realize I can hear you, right?" Jena asks.
"Oh shit!" Rex finally says something.
"But Alastair is right. Between us, we don't need to act so official-like. That is for visitors and some of those stuck up Elders."
"Yes, Alpha," Rex and Salia say as one.
"Alastair, anyone else from the wolf side of the pack coming?"
"I had Sima assigned from Lindator."
"So I'm getting the two best cat warriors and the two best wolf warriors."
"Except the two Betas and yourself, yes."
"You forget the Master at Arms."
"Did someone call?"
"Hi, Conall. So are we going to take over another pack or what?"
"I don't know, Jena. I'm just here to tag along. By the way Alastair, Sima is not coming, and Lindator needs you."
"But I'm on escort duty..." Alastair whines.
"Not anymore."
"But Beta Lindator said me and Sima are to escort the Alpha wherever she needs to go."
"Alastair, please listen to Conall."
"But..."
"You were saying about common sense? You know full well the position Conall held with my father and nothing h
as changed since I've become Alpha. Do I have to specify that's an order?"
"No, Alpha. I'm going," Alastair answers and turns back towards the settlement, grumbling along the way.
After he is out of earshot, Salia asks:
"Forgive me, Alpha but just to clarify, you are OK with the way Gamma Alastair expressed his unhappiness about an order you gave?"
"As you well know, he has fought both by my side and for me on more than one occasion and his loyalty is unquestionable. He can be as unhappy about an order as he wants as long as he does it; he's earned that right. And if you are thinking about his attitude encouraging other disgruntled pack members, you can be sure he would be the first one to come down hard on them. Most of the time I am the one that has to hold him back. "
"I understand. So if loyalty, commitment, and worth are proven, freedom, respect and acknowledgment come in return."
"Within reason, of course."
"Of course! And Master Conall, how about you?"
"I'm fine, thank you. I just ate and felt like doing some exercise. Or was it something specific you wanted to ask?"
Salia goes beet red at his answer and doesn't say anything else, remembering how harsh he is during training.
"Master Conall is in charge of the warrior training program with full authority over it. And he answers only to me, skipping the rest of the chain of command. He is to be treated and listened to as if he was a Beta."
"I told you no ranks!" Conall mock-yells at Jena.
"Hey, I said as if. You aren't actually one, OK?"
"Fine."
"So why did you really send Alastair away?"
"Training."
"Huh?"
"Training you. I know where you need to go. But we won't be taking horses. We will run."
"OK, that's not much of a problem."
"Without stopping."
"Oh."
"We will be there in 30 hours instead of three days."
"Are you serious?" Rex asks.
"Of course. I never joke about training."
"Can wolves even run? I mean I know you guys can sprint and maybe even do a slow form of cruise running."
"Strip. And keep up."
They all change form and start running, Conall leading the group.
Many hours pass without a single break, the Master at Arms setting an infernal rhythm.
Rise of an Alpha Female (Two Moons Book 1) Page 26
