Alpha

by Yesi Murdaugh

  "Well so far your super strength is your special power. But I also have noticed you have something that attracts everyone to you naturally. That can be used to your advantage but can also be dangerous. That is the reason for all these attacks and encounters." said Luke.

  "Ok, that is interesting, well let’s get back inside the cabin" said Chloe.

  The pack follows Chloe to the cabin. Troy decides to trail off and run off into the woods.

  Sky yells to Troy for him to come back. Troy responds that he needs some space and time. James agrees “Let him go, it is normal for some of us to feel disappointed after losing".

  After a few days together Chloe grows accustomed to the new title and accepts her role.

  "I want to ask you all something. Could you please get the guys Sky? asked Chloe.

  "Sure thing!" said Sky.

  The pack all gathered up around the kitchen counter and waited for Chloe to speak. She smiled and held her hands together.

  "So, I know this is not a big enough place for all six of us. I have a place a few towns over. I must go there today regardless to check on it, and to do a few things there. It has been over two months since I last stepped foot on my property. If you all would like to join me today that would be great. I also wanted to offer my place to all of you. You are all welcomed to move in. I have two floors, and five bedrooms plus a guest room. I also have a very well-furnished basement. It is more than enough space for all of us" said Chloe.

  Troy jumps up and claps his hands "Hell yea! I am down!" yelled Troy.

  Mandy looked at everyone and agreed as well. Sky agreed to follow Chloe wherever she would go. Luke smiled and agreed to move in with Chloe, and James agreed to only check the place out first. Luke starts walking towards the steps.

  "James and I will change and run to your mother’s house. We don't all fit, so this will be the best way for now. Let’s all meet up there in a few hours. The rest of you fit in my car. From there we can take my car along with Chloe's car that we left at her parents. Once we retrieve your car Chloe, we can all head out to your house" said Luke.

  "Okay see you there, please be careful" said Chloe.

  Two hours later Chloe, Sky, Mandy, and Troy arrive at Chloe's parents’ house. When Chloe enters the house, her dad gets worried and alert.

  "Who goes there?" he asked as he got off the sofa.

  "It’s me dad!" yelled Chloe.

  "My baby, how are you? Who are your friends?" asked Mr. Hart.

  "Well this is Mandy, and this is Troy. You already know Sky" said Chloe.

  Chloe's dad hugs her tightly and greets the pack. Her mom comes out from the kitchen and kisses Chloe with big hugs.

  "Hello, my dear!" said aunt Sarah.

  "Aunty! You are back! How wonderful! How are you?" asked Chloe.

  Sarah walks over to Chloe and plants a kiss on her cheek "I am okay, just very tired my dear. Work has me very drained. I drove over to your house the other day Chloe. You know I ran into the landscaping men who work at your house. They said you have not been home in a little while. When my dad left you that house, it was not for you to abandon it dear" said Sarah.

  Chloe becomes uncomfortable and irritated. She holds her aunts’ hand and assures her that she will be taking better care of the home.

  "I know aunty, I am actually going back home today. I had a few things to take care of first" said Chloe.

  They are interrupted by Chloe's mom loud scream

  "WOW! You have insanely long hair dear!".

  "Yes, and look at these piercing blue eyes this gentleman has. Where are you finding these friends of yours Chloe?" smiled Sarah.

  Troy smirks and blushes. He walks over towards Sarah and shakes her hand while he reintroduces himself. Mandy runs her fingers down her hair smiling and thanks them for the compliment.

  "How much longer are the guys going to take? I am very hungry" asked Troy.

  "I do not know Troy, but stop being so impatient. I can make you all something to eat while we wait" said Chloe.

  Chloe's dad asks for Luke and James. He grew fond of the two and wanted to see them. Chloe gets stuck on how to respond, knowing that they were in wolf form right now making their way there. She responds that they are in a cab because they did not all fit in his car.

  "That is why I came over, to pick up my car" said Chloe.

  Troy smirks and grows irritated, so he decides to keep busy with aunt Sarah. He grabs her by the arm and leads her out of the living room.

  They both walk out in smiles and giggles. Sarah takes Troy to the backyard to show him the pool and the beautiful view. Chloe's mom yells that she has leftovers in the refrigerator. Meatloaf from yesterday, and there are tons of it left. Troy comes right back after hearing there is food. The pack eat and help clean up.

  As the pack help clean up the kitchen Chloe's mom asks her about her business. Chloe reassured her that she will be picking up where she left off at in her business and will be staying home.

  "Can I help Chloe? I would love to plan weddings as a career" said Sky.

  Sarah interjects " I have a friend’s wedding that is coming up dear. If you want to take it, you can. I must warn you though, she is a complete mess! She fired her wedding planner a month before her wedding!"

  "I will meet up with her and see what her requirements are. Call me tomorrow aunty and thank you!' said Chloe.

  Chloe instantly senses Luke, and James arrival.

  "Okay guys it’s time to go, the guys are here" yelled Chloe.

  Her dad looks around confused and asks Chloe where they are. Chloe responds that they were outside. Right on time the bell rings, Luke and James come in and greet the family. They sit down and eat some leftovers before they hit the road again. They say their farewells and head out the door. They all fit into the two cars and head out to Chloe's house. They stop for gas along the way. It is a raggedy gas station with only one pump, and a tiny empty house. The pack looks around confused and worried. The more they drive the more secluded the places become.

  "This is the only gas station closest to my house. I have to stop here my car needs gas" said Chloe.

  James yells out from his car to Chloe " Hey how much longer?"

  Chloe smiles "Not much! We are not too far away".

  Luke gets out and helps Chloe pump gas into her car "Will we be able to train in your house? These things are very important" asked Luke.

  "Oh yes! My house is away from everything and other houses, no worries. The only people around are the gardeners and a bus stop on my street. But they come once a month and the bus only come around every two hours. Plus, the street is a long walk from my front door, so no worries" said Chloe.

  Troy gets out for a stretch " That is perfect!".

  Mandy chimes in "I guess we can all find jobs nearby, to help with the bills".

  "That is fine whatever you guys choose to do. There is no mortgage, so you do not have to worry about that. I pay utilities, and lawn work. You guys will have to keep up with the food obviously. And keep up with the car insurance, gas, and anything of them sorts" said Chloe.

  James is still hesitant and looks away. He gets lost in thought but does not say anything. He finally responds to the pack that if he decides to stay, he will have to check his cabin often. Chloe agreed, and assured him that they will be taking care of both places together. Twenty minutes later they arrive at Chloe's house. It is a big house with two floors, and many windows. Her grass is neatly cut and well kept. The second floor had more windows than anyone could count.

  She even had a nice patio area with over six chairs and a big table. The house was an L shaped house with lots of rooms.

  Sky runs out the car " Chloe, this is huge!" yelled Sky.

  Chloe smiles "Yes my grandfather left me this. I thank him every day for these blessings. I just stay at my parents often, it got very lonely here".

  "Well you will never be lonely again" smiled Luke.

  The pack all head inside and are in awe at the spac
e and beauty of the place. Chloe shows them around a little and turns the security alarms off.

  "You guys my room is the first one to the right on this floor. Pick your own rooms upstairs or down here, or the basement. Unpack and meet me in the kitchen in half an hour" said Chloe.

  Troy responds with his usual sarcasm " I will definitely be taking the basement, away from all of you".

  Chloe grows annoyed and responds, "That would be great!".

  The pack gather their things, and all pick a room. Each room is just as good as the next. They all smile and run around like children filled with excitement. Minutes pass by and Chloe is greeted by James in the kitchen. She is cooking a soup with vegetables. The kitchen is massive as well and fancy. The windows are tall and clear with no curtains. The view from the window is nothing but endless trees, and bright skies.

  "Lovely place my dear! I hope you do not mind, but I hunted some food down and I got them hanging in your backyard" said James.

  "That is fine James, as long as it is not visible to the lawn workers. They come every month on Mondays. Thank you, you are such help and a great hunter. Now I've got meat to go inside the soup" said Chloe.

  The rabbits hang from a nearby tree. They are neatly trimmed, clean, and ready to cook. Chloe admires James beauty and strength. His long Indian hair was pushed back in a ponytail, and his strong muscles were sweaty from all the cutting and chasing he had to do. His arm muscles were covered in Indian tribe tattoos, and his face looked stronger than ever.

  "I am here to help you in any way, no need to thank me. Need help with anything around the kitchen? Do not tell Luke, but I can cook too" laughed James.

  Chloe gives James a kiss on the cheek. He stiffens instantly. He tries to hide his excitement, but Chloe eventually notices and smiles. His erection is visible through his jeans, and it was very big.

  "No need to be ashamed James, we are all pretty much horn dogs in this house" laughed Chloe.

  James fixes his pants, and smiles " That we can't help, but you are my alpha I should respect you more".

  "You guys respect me enough" said Chloe.

  Chloe puts down the spoon she was stirring with and grabs James face and lands a wet one on his lips. She lets herself go in the moment.

  His mouth is warm and welcoming to her surprise. James gently grabs Chloe and places her on top of the counter. Chloe takes James tank top off while passionately kissing him. The heat of the moment is enough to make her forget the food is cooking and take him upstairs. Moments later they get interrupted by the pack coming down to eat. Chloe jumps off the counter and clears her throat " Hey guys".

  James turns around and starts looking for bowls inside the cabinets.

  Luke instantly notices, and smiles " I see I am not the only one in this house with desires".

  Chloe throws an oven mitten at Luke and blushes "Stop being jealous Luke! It was just a kiss".

  Luke responds firmly" You do as you please Alpha, I am not your mate. You have yet to choose one".

  Chloe changes the subject and begins to help take out the bowls and cups. The six sit and finish the soup with the toasted bread and begin to explore the house. Chloe starts sending e-mails to find potential clients who may be marrying within the year. She e-mails her aunts friend to see what she could do to help. James yells that he will be going for a run and asks if anyone would like to join. Luke agrees he needs one as well and would like to explore the place. Chloe does not join them. She stays back and catches up on all the work she has been behind on. She warns them that there is a house about five miles down the road, and to stay deep in the woods. The four go for a run leaving troy behind sleeping. Chloe writes her aunts friend a professional e-mail.

  From: Chloe@inbo.com

  To: STinc@inbo.com

  Subject: Chloe's Sprinkle

  Good evening Ms. Stuart, I am Sarah Klert's niece. She has informed me of your last-minute need of help. I completely understand the importance of having a picture-perfect wedding. I am willing, and available to help you achieve that. I will gladly add a little sprinkle or a lot to your wedding shall you allow me. Please let's set up a day to go over details.

  Sincerely,

  Chloe Hart, Wedding Planner

  Chloe sends the e-mail nervously hoping for a new client. She gets startled by troy walking into the kitchen. She had forgotten for a second that he was left behind. The house had been so quiet, and she was lost in thought.

  "This is the last apple; do you mind If I eat it? asked Troy.

  "Oh no it is fine, eat it" said Chloe.

  Troy looks at Chloe curiously " You seem distracted, what is on your mind?”

  "Nothing really, I guess being home sets reality into place for me. The last time I was here I was normal and living a regular life. Planning weddings, dating, and enjoying life" said Chloe.

  "I understand, you know I may be full of rage and all, but I wasn't always this way. I do not remember anything about the day I got bitten by a feral or anything.

  I was pretty normal myself. For starters I did not have all this hair" said Troy.

  "I never bothered to think of that Troy, I apologize. By the way that hair is the best thing that could have happened to you" laughed Chloe.

  Troy laughs " Hey I've got nothing on Mandy's hair!".

  An e-mail notification from the laptop interrupts the laughter between the two. It is an e-mail from Ms. Stuart. Chloe nervously, and anxiously reaches for her laptop and reads the e-mail.

  Chapter 9

  What Lurks In The Woods

  From: STinc@inbo.com

  To: Chloe@inbo.com

  Subject: Chloe's Sprinkle

  Good evening Mrs. Hart, I do not have the time now for a meeting. I could probably send you all the information and details over e-mail. I asked Sarah not to find anyone for me. The wedding planner picked everything wrong! I will give you four days to send me back ideas. If I do not like them, I will continue my wedding on my own.

  Sincerely, Ms. Stuart

  Chloe grunts and hits her keyboard" This lady seems like a ray of sunshine already! How could I possibly plan details for a wedding in four days, this lady is insane" yelled Chloe.

  Troy glances at Chloe while she is in distress on her laptop. He decides to walk towards her and ask her what is wrong " Are you fine over there?" asked Troy.

  "Yes, just work!" answered Chloe.

  After a few back and forth e-mails Chloe starts preparing ideas for Mrs. Stuart. She takes in Sky's offer to help with the business. Sky, and Chloe gather enough to send Ms. Stuart pages of ideas via e-mail. She is impressed by some of the work and agrees to take time out her busy schedule to meet up five days later. The meeting occurs half an hour away at a coffeehouse. Everything goes smooth, and the wedding is still set for three weeks away. The pack keep busy around the house, and outside. James head back to his cabin to create some healing potions, and to take back a few of his items to create potions at the new house. Luke lands himself a job nearby as a lumber, James as a cook at a nearby diner, Sky continues to help Chloe with her business, Troy helps at a local boxing gym, and Mandy helps with keeping gardening top notch. Chloe has never felt so whole, and so loved in her life. The six become closer by the day. They train daily before or after work. Luke and Chloe have their late-night fun occasionally, and James keeps himself busy when home with hunting or mixing potions. Troy becomes approachable since working at the gym. He is less angry and adjusting really well to the pack. Weeks go by, and everything seems to be going smooth at the new house.

  "Hey, can we have a pack meeting please"? Yelled Mandy.

  "Sure, Mandy what is going on? Everyone gather around!" Yelled Chloe.

  "I do not know if my senses are off being over flowers all day, but for a few days now I have been sensing something in the woods" said Mandy.

  "Why haven't you said anything sooner Mandy? Could be the same thing James and I keep picking up" said Luke.

  "I wanted to be certain before I brought i
t to you all, but it is certainly everyday" said Mandy.

  "I will stay home today and keep an eye on things. Mandy please let me know when you smell it again" said Chloe.

  "But Chloe we have to go into town today for the cake tasting" said Sky.

  "This is very important Sky; I need you to go alone. Pick out two of your favorites, that you think Ms. Stuart will like" said Chloe.

  "Alone? What if I pick the wrong flavors?" asked Sky.

  Chloe smiled and responded to Sky "You have great taste Sky. You will be fine! Now go on, I love you and be careful. Take my car with you so that you could get there sooner, the bus can take a while".

  Everyone leaves for work, and the only two at home are Mandy and Chloe. Moments later an unfamiliar scent comes near the house. Chloe goes into the woods to investigate. She asked Mandy to stay behind. She is much stronger and would not want to put Mandy in danger. Chloe reaches deep into the woods following the scent. She is surrounded by tall trees, and tall grass. It is very silent except for the occasional forest animals. She stops once she can no longer follow the scent. She looks around and sees no one, or anything weird. She decides to head back towards the house.

  As she is walking away, she realizes she is being watched, but can't tell from where, or by who. She decides to transform into wolf in case someone attacks her and runs back to the house. When she arrives, Mandy awaits by the backyard with worried eyes.

  "Anything?" asked Mandy.

  "I could not follow the scent, Mandy whatever is watching us is not supernatural like us. It is something very different, and weird. Please always be careful when you are home alone. I am going to call my dad to get some security camera's out here. We will need some sensors as well to detect if anyone or anything comes near the woods behind the house. If anyone comes near my property it will go off, and we will be alerted" said Chloe.

  "We should call the pack Chloe" said Mandy.

  "No, not yet let them finish their shifts we will talk tonight. I am going to see if I can still make it to help Sky with the tasting" said Chloe.

  "Okay, but do not worry about me. I am well capable of defending myself, and Troy should be done with the gym soon and heading home" said Mandy