Rise of the Alpha

by Jessica Snow

  Two hours later, walking into the third shop they had been to so far, Edward truly felt like a fish out of water. His feet ached from all the hard concrete he had been walking on, and the natives continually stared at him like they thought he should have been leading a blue ox around instead of having Kimberly with him. Looking around this newest shop, he leaned over to Kimberly, pulling his one shopping bag out of the way. "There's nothing but suits and stuff in here."

  "That's why we're here," Kim said with a little smile. "While your Canadian tuxedo might work for around the apartment, if you want to be accepted within the Lockwoods, you’re going to have to wear something approaching a business suit. Now, this shop is very popular with many of us, and Keith is a diamond patron. He actually gets all of his business suits here. Trust me, it's not going to be as bad as you fear."

  "Well, considering that I think I'd rather get a case of Ebola than have a suit fitted, I hope you're right," Edward replied with a tolerant groan. "Okay, what do we do?"

  "Hold on," Kimberly replied. "Tyler, you back there?"

  "Of course, dear lady," a tailor said, coming from the back of the shop. He was shorter than Kimberly, barely coming up to her chin, but his personality was huge and full of energy. "It is such a pleasure to see you again, Miss Kimberly! You look absolutely stunning as normal."

  Kim exchanged air kisses with the man, then turned to Edward. "Ty, I'd like you to meet Edward Stormstout. He's going to be your client today, and I was hoping you could fit him for two suits, maybe three?"

  "Oh my, this is an impressive challenge!" Tyler exclaimed. He held out his hand to Edward, who shook it very carefully. He was pretty sure he could tear the man's arm off if he wasn't careful. "I've worked with quite a few big men before, but you are a certifiable giant. Never fear, I think I know just what you might like. Tell me, what sort of suits do you normally wear?"

  "Ah, denim and flannel," Edward replied uncertainly. "And t-shirts for exercise and comfort. I've never had a suit before."

  Ty laughed and clapped his hands once. "Perfect! That means I don't have any preconceived notions of what you think about certain cuts to work around. Now, just relax, most of this is going to be taking measurements only. Honestly, you're going to feel more like you're getting a checkup by your doctor than trying on clothes."

  "Please tell me I at least get to keep my t-shirt and boxers on," Edward replied, blushing slightly. “Nudity in front of strangers isn't my thing."

  "The fittings aren't that precise," Kimberly said with a chuckle. "You can leave your jeans on if you want. Although just the boxers wouldn't be too bad either."

  Edward looked at Kimberly, obviously catching the meaning. She had been slightly flirtatious all day, and he relished the praise. The little voice in his mind that had started up last night kept crowing that it had been right, and there was a chance. Finally, he smiled a bit, then turned back to Tyler. "Still, I think I'll leave the jeans on if you don't mind. I tend to put on a few pounds in fall, and can use the extra space."

  Tyler nodded happily, directing Edward over to a stool. He then disappeared into his back area, searching for something. "Sorry, but I needed to get the bigger tape measure," Ty commented when he came back. "I don't normally deal with such a large man. Please, hold your arms out straight, like a T."

  As Tyler went around, making measurements and the occasional educated hum, Edward and Kimberly talked. "So, I had a question about your lifting today," Kimberly asked while Edward held his arms out. "Why were you doing just bicep curls? You don't strike me as a beach muscle type of guy."

  Edward chuckled and shook his head. "No, I was just letting off some stress and getting loose for the day. I normally exercise very differently, but I've kind of learned to be wary until I know if it will be safe or not."

  "Oh really? Just how much do you deadlift anyway?" Kimberly asked. After seeing Edward glance at Tyler, she shook her head. "It's okay, he's a Lockwood member, first generation in fact. Ty, who was it that turned you?"

  "You know who, Lady Lockwood," Ty replied, falling into traditional Lycan forms of address without losing his light tone. "Viola and I are very happy together. I thank you and Lord Lockwood for granting permission to my Mate for the gift. Edward, arms to your front please."

  "I see," Edward replied, adjusting his arms. "Well, normally I start with a thousand pounds, but when I push myself I've gone all the way up to three thousand. So I don't push myself on any normal set of equipment. I'd break even normal powerlifting bars, which are rated to only fifteen hundred pounds, and the cages can be less. Besides, I don't think your brother wants me putting holes in the floor when I set something down."

  Kimberly laughed and shook her head. "No, but remind me about that later. We'll make sure to get you what you need to allow you to do whatever you prefer."

  "I'll keep that in mind. You might need to get a warehouse, though, just to store all the stuff. By the way, what's your max?"

  "Not as much, I top out at just over eight hundred pounds in human form. I don't think I've ever tested myself in my other form. I use speed more than just raw power."

  "Oh? How fast are we talking here? Usain Bolt fast or car fast?"

  Kim smiled and shook her head. "Try I once for grins beat the Northern Lights Express for two miles going by the manor about ten years ago when I was in wolf form. I can't give you an exact miles per hour, but they normally hit speeds of the eighty to ninety range in unpopulated areas. In mostly human form I'm slower, but can keep up with a car when I try."

  Edward's look of admiration stirred something within her, and Kimberly smiled. "Maybe sometimes we can go for a jog?"

  “For you, it’d be more like a walk, I top out much lower than that," Edward replied. "I'm practically pedestrian compared to you, but I’d love to.”

  Kimberly smiled, then glanced at Tyler, who was giving the two of them very understanding and excited looks. "Okay Ty, enough with the looks, get your measurements done."

  "Of course, Lady Lockwood. Edward, arms down please, and spread your legs just a few inches. I'm going to get your inseam now, so don't worry about where my hand goes. Thank you."

  Edward adjusted and sought another question to distract him from the tape measure next to his balls. "You said mostly human form. You have that degree of control over your change?"

  "Only those of us who are born Lycans have that control, and at least among the Lockwoods, only Keith and I have such a high degree that we can look more or less human while still engaging most of our wolf form power. What about you?"

  "Sorry, it's kind of an all or nothing thing for me. Either I'm like this, or I'm in my other form. Two position switch only. That's consistent for all of the Aklark."

  "True, but then again, considering what you've shown me so far, you seem to tap into a remarkable amount of your strength and power even in human form." Kimberly sat back and laughed as Tyler tried to stretch his tape measure over Edward's chest, only to be frustrated again.

  "I'm going to need to get one of those carpenter's tapes if you come back often, Edward," Tyler said. Finally, he looked over at Kimberly. "Lady Lockwood, could I have your assistance?"

  "Of course, Ty. What can I help you with?"

  "Take that marker on the rim of the windowsill, it's dry erase and will wipe off with just a wet wipe. Yes. Now, can you please mark here at my finger? Thank you."

  Using the mark, Ty stretched his measure as far as he could, then stopped. "Okay, now here."

  Using the combined marks, he was able to get an accurate measurement, whistling as he looked up at Edward. "I'm impressed, Edward. Biggest chest I've ever measured for a suit that wasn't for a morbidly obese man. Seventy-three inches. Not quite the world record, but damn close."

  Edward chuckled. "Who has the world record?"

  "Angus MacAskill, who died about a hundred and fifty years ago," Kimberly replied. "What most people don't know is that he was actually a Lycan, from a cousin Clan of ours. Eighty-inch chest,
according to the Guinness records. He might have even put you to shame in strength. It's a bit of Clan trivia we like to be proud of."

  "Amazing," Edward said, shaking his head. "But I'll have to disagree with Guinness. I'm nowhere near the largest of the Aklark. Some of my cousins make me seem small."

  Tyler’s jaw dropped, and he looked at Kimberly. "Lady Lockwood, if that’s true, I'm going to need to charge more for suits to them. I don't have enough gabardine as it is!"

  After the shop was finished, Kimberly led Edward out of the shop. Out on the street, Edward took her hand, stopping her. "Kim, just a moment."

  "What is it, Edward?" she said, enjoying the feel of her hand in his. She was slightly disappointed when he let go.

  "If he is one of your Clan, aren't you worried that the news will get out that you and I are, well, you know?"

  Kimberly shook her head and gave him another smile. "No. This a good way to release the news, he's a chatterbox, but a good natured one. I'm sure that by this evening most of the Lockwoods will be talking about the gentle giant who is now seeing the Lady Lockwood. I'm the Alpha Female, and there is nothing that can challenge that unless I give up the title. Since Melanie and I both agree that she is to be Keith's First Mate while I remain Alpha, and you have no problems with my duties, there is nothing my Clan can complain about. As for the inter-Clan politics, well, we'll handle that like we always do. Besides, I suspect Clan Kenai has already put the news on the wire anyway, so we'll just deal with it as it comes."

  "And you aren’t ashamed to be seen with me?" Edward asked. "I'm not exactly the sophisticated type you are, and wolves seem to have painted us in a bad light over the years. Those that still know about us that is.”

  "You'd be surprised, Edward," Kimberly said. "I'm not always as sophisticated as I seem. And you are hardly a rube. As for all the things we Lycans have said about your kind, it’s just out of ignorance. Now, let's go to one of my favorite stores for the last few items on your shopping list."

  "Oh, where's that?" Edward said, a relaxed, natural smile coming to his face. If Kimberly wasn't afraid to be seen with him, he could enjoy her company all the more.

  "Army-Navy store. We're going to get you outfitted for action, and besides, they carry some of the best big men's shoes and boots in the city. What size are you?"

  "Eighteen quadruple E. And if we have the time, maybe we can stop somewhere to pick up some basketball shoes? I prefer them for relaxing around. I train barefoot, though, I'd blow out any shoes that aren't made of just galvanized rubber like a tire."

  Kimberly smiled and took his hand again. "Of course. And if you wouldn't mind, maybe we can try holding hands for a little bit? For public perception, of course."

  Edward smiled back and squeezed slightly, careful not to hurt her. "Of course."

  Chapter 31

  Keith was encouraged by the sounds that he heard when Kimberly and Edward came into the penthouse. Despite the strange way they had met, the two seemed to be getting along, at least as evidenced by the light laughter that preceded them into the room.

  "I guess your shopping went well?" he said, trying to keep a brave face. He knew that being down the whole time would not help things at all. The situation called for calm bravery, not moroseness. Besides, it didn't serve any purpose to dump on Kimberly when she was trying her best to find the good in her situation. She had made a great sacrifice to try and help get Melanie back, it was only natural to try and minimize the scope of it, or to try and find the gold lining in the dark cloud. "What all did you get?"

  "Oh, hello Keith," Edward replied. He quieted down and held up an armload of bags. At least ten bags hung from each of his massive arms, and Keith could see the straps from what looked like a large duffel bag slung over his shoulders. "Kimberly insisted on buying half the damn Army-Navy store for me, apparently, I look best in what she termed, what was it?"

  "Urban commando," Kimberly replied. Her own smile faded as she looked at Keith, her escape from the situation broken. "Keith, I'm....."

  "Happy that you had a good day out," Keith completed for her. "Which you both should be. I wanted you to anyway. Now, show me what you guys bought."

  Edward carefully unpacked the bags of items that Kimberly had bought for him, saving for last his favorite, a pair of Nike Air Force One's in his size. "We never could get shoes like this up where I lived before," he said, carefully lacing up the contrasting lacing, white on black. "Most of the time we wore work boots, combat boots, or anything else that could be called a boot. During the winter if you blew out a pair, you were out of luck until spring came and the helicopters and planes could start to come in again. I had to wear handmade moccasins when I was ten because of it. These, though.... I was almost tempted to wear them out of the store, except knowing my luck I'd have scuffed them up on the way back here and ruined the surprise. By the way, I also got a matching pair for you."

  Keith was touched and nodded. "Thanks. So where are you planning on keeping all this stuff?"

  "I was thinking of renovating the floor below this one," Kimberly said. "I know it will be difficult, but with Mother gone, and now this situation...."

  Keith shook his head, waving it off. "You’re right. Mother never did like it that you had a normal condo in the Towers even after becoming Alpha Female," he replied. "And with you two being betrothed, you can't exactly be spending half the nights in my guest room anyway. I think one floor apart is still pretty close, though, and if you want, we'll build a special stairwell connecting the two floors if you want. Send a message to the building manager tonight, he can do it ASAP. Until then Edward, you are more than welcome to stay where you stayed last night, or anywhere else you want."

  "I think your guest room is great," Edward replied. "Your penthouse is really cool too. Although if you find me curled up in front of your fire pit, don't be too surprised. That thing speaks so much to my inner self that I might sleepwalk out here some night. The wood panels, the leather.... it's the closest thing I've seen to home since landing on the roof."

  "In the meantime, do you need a hand putting it all away temporarily?" Keith asked. "As for the decor, I understand. It's the reason I have it the way it is as well. It also has some tricks that Kimberly can show you, she worked some of her high-tech gadgets into the paneling as well."

  Kimberly shook her head. "Maybe later. As for the bags, the two of us have it. When we come back out, fill us in on what you learned today."

  Scooping up a half dozen bags, Kimberly led the way back to the guest room, opening the walk-in closet for a moment before stopping short. She had forgotten that Melanie, in her moving into the penthouse, had set up half of the closet already as hers, and was already storing baby items that people gave her against the wall. The plan was for the guest bedroom to be converted into a baby's room soon. Tears sprung to her eyes, and she had to blink them away hurriedly. She felt a little ashamed that she’d had somewhat of a fun day while Melanie was god knows where. Setting Edward's bags against the wall in the unused portion, she turned to find him behind her, startling her.

  "Oh!" she squeaked, stumbling back. "Sorry, I just lost my train of thought for a second."

  Edward set down his bags and looked at the clothes hanging in the rest of the closet, and the things that were stacked up neatly. He picked up a tiny pair of knit baby booties, which someone had obviously hand made, so small they barely fit on his index finger. "You miss her, don't you?"

  "Yes," Kimberly said quietly, her vision doubling again as tears filled her eyes. "She may be Keith's Mate, but she helps complete me too. She's my only Sister."

  Edward reached out, taking her hand, and Kimberly came to him, embracing the gigantic man. They held each other for a long time, Kimberly gathering strength from him. Stepping back, she looked up into his gray eyes, and without knowing why but just knowing it was the right thing to do, pulling his head down into a kiss. His lips were gentle, and she felt warm and protected in his arms, more so than with any other ma
n in her life.

  Her body responded to the closeness of him, and her tongue came out to quest at his lips, seeking entrance. He didn't resist, and their tongues wrapped around each other, tasting each other with growing hunger. Kimberly moaned lightly, pressing her body closer against his, until Edward pulled back, shaking his head.

  "No, not like this," he said, pushing her back carefully by the shoulders. "I want you, I really do. But not in this closet, and not like this."

  "Why?" she said softly, resting her hand on his chest. She could feel his heart hammering, and she was sure her own was the same way. "It's not wrong."

  "It's not wrong, but it's not right either," Edward replied. "Kim, I swore I'd help you get your Sister back. And I will. So until then, that's all I am going to focus on. Afterward, maybe when your own place is complete, if you want to continue this, we can. But until then, I can’t do what I want to do with you right now. That part wouldn't be right."

  Kimberly nodded, taking her hand off his chest. He was nobler than she had ever hoped, and she knew that despite pulling away, there was a passion burning within him that she wanted to see unleashed some day. "I understand. And you’re right. But Edward, after we get Melanie back, I'm going to hold you to that promise. Remember, I'm not as fragile as I look."

  Edward grinned and nodded. "Good. But let's go see what Keith can tell us."

  Exiting the closet, Kimberly and Edward practically ran into Keith, who burst into the room excited. "The Mexicans just contacted Akiko Thornblood. They have a lead."

  Chapter 32

  Keith, I'm here. I'm sure this is Mexico. Please, if you can hear me, respond.

  Melanie tried again, sighing in frustration as she felt her mental energy drifting away. Opening her eyes, she blinked in the afternoon sunlight and looked out on the scenery. The facility was surrounded by rolling hills, nothing too obvious from her exercise yard, although she thought she could see mountains off in the distance, which she had figured out by now was to the east.