The Alpha’s Regret

Book 2 Chapter Two

"Don't think too badly of your father, Lexi. You know he just wants to keep you safe." my mom says softly as she butters a piece of toast, before setting it down in front of me.

"I know... but he has to let me live my life Mom." I mutter as I shove the toast into my mouth.

"Well you know he's trying. He would never have agreed to any of this six months ago so he is coming around...slowly." she grins back at me. "He was like this with me you know. Before you were born. It drove me insane and we had many fights about it but it all worked out in the end." she shrugs taking a seat next to me.

I nod at her and think about what happened to them before I was born. My mother had been kidnapped twice by an evil Alpha who was obsessed with her. Thankfully my dad, Beta James and my parents friends, Lucas and Ella were able to save her before it was too late. The whole thing sounds terrifying to me and I know that my mother still struggles with nightmares over the whole ordeal.

"Hey Kiddo!" I hear a voice boom from behind me as the rest of my toast is swiped from my plate.

"Hey!! I was about to eat that!" I protest as Beta James munches on my remaining breakfast.

"I hear you're going off galivanting around France with your friends. Now I'll have to deal with your dad being a stressed out asshole until you are back home safely." he smiles rolling his eyes at me.

Beta James and his mate Mia are both like an aunt and uncle to me. They are part of the very small number of people who know my secret but they never treat me differently, which I am thankful for. They have two adorable kids. Lilly who is 11 and Josh who is 8. I have taken great joy in watching them both grow up over the years and look at them both like siblings since I have none of my own. It looks likely that my father will hand over the reins to Josh when he is of age since I have no interest in running the pack. My fighting ability is passable and being the Alpha's daughter has given me some insight into the inner workings of a pack but it just does not interest me at all. To be honest, I think my father is relieved. He knows that if I were to become a female Alpha it would draw a lot of attention from neighbouring packs which is something that neither of us want.

"Well you'll have to get used to it Uncle James because after the trip it's straight off to college for me!" I laugh sticking my tongue out at him.

"Ahhh yeah that's right I forgot you were abandoning us to go live off territory amongst a bunch of humans." he laughs, taking a seat beside my mom.

"It's not the humans I am worried about." my dads voice adds as he comes through the kitchen door to pour himself a coffee.

"True. Human territory is fair game. Witches, vampires, rogue wolves... they can all move freely there." James says casually as I look at him with warning eyes.

"Exactly what I have been trying to tell these two!" my father says gesturing between my mother and I.

"Well there is no need to worry Dad. I can look after myself. You and Uncle James have taught me well." I smile at him reassuringly.

"So what's so great about Paris anyway?" James tuts as Mia walks into the room.

"Are you joking? Its one of the most cultured cities in the world! Amazing food, stunning architecture, elegant and romantic. Not to mention it is the city of art! I mean the Louvre for crying out loud!"

The whole table chuckles at my impassioned rant. They know by now my deep love for art and architecture. I have always been more inclined to exercise my mind rather than my body. This is probably why my combat skills leave somewhat to be desired. I much prefer spending my time reading or sketching. Spending a day at a museum on my own, taking my time to admire and appreciate the work of great artists is time well spent in my opinion. The only other wolf I have met with the same interests as me is Rebecca, this is probably why I have been able to create a stable enough bond with her over the years.

"Remember when we first met you promised to take me to Paris one day?" Mia asks James accusingly.

"Hey it's not my fault I never get any time off!" he mutters defensively, nodding towards my dad.

"OHH, don't bring me into this one James." my dad chuckles gently along with everyone else.

Its nice to see him smile for a change. His icy and hard exterior is almost always on full display.

We finish up breakfast and head out to the front of the pack house to say our goodbyes.

Before I can say anything my mom pulls me into a crushing hug. "Now, I've arranged for your boxes of things to be taken to your new apartment so that it is set up for you arriving back."

"Thanks Mom." I smile at her widely, pulling myself from her strong clutches. I notice a few tears drop from her eyes and she swiftly wipes them away.

I walk over to my dad and throw my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

"Now remember the rules okay? and remember to call us everyday and let us know you are alright. When you get back from your trip, make sure you focus on your studies and be careful always."

"I know Dad, thank you for this. It will be okay. You'll see." I reassure him as I move to pick up my bag pack and head towards the car.

I jump in the front passenger seat next to Andrew and look back out towards my amazing family. Giving them a big wave before I embark on my mission towards freedom.

"It feels strange to be leaving the territory" Astra points out in my head as we cross the border. It is the first time I have heard from her all day and I am not surprised that she is struggling a little. Wolves have a natural instinct to live and work within a pack but she knows there is not much left here for either of us.

"Come on Astra, what's life without a little adventure eh?" I question her playfully in an attempt to lighten her mood.

"I guess so... maybe we will meet our mate!" she retorts happily. "Since it's clear he is not at Crescent Moon."

I quietly cringe at the thought, not wanting to upset her any further. I am not ready for that yet.

Not by a long shot.

***

We arrive at the airport and make our way to the gate to meet Rebecca.

"Hey Girl! Are you ready to go!?" she squeals, running to me and dragging me towards the check- in queue.

"Yes I cant wait. I got a bunch of books about Paris for the plane." I answer.

I hear a loud laugh behind me and narrow my eyes at Andrew and Evan who are now trying to hide their snickers.

"It's just... you're 19 years old and you've got a bag stuffed with books to take on holiday. It's just amusing that's all." Andrew states grinning widely at me.

"I don't think we need to worry about her breaking the Alpha's rules." Evan adds playfully.

"Oh shut up you assholes." I reply hugging my bag pack full of books protectively.

"What's with the entourage anyway?" Rebecca questions while eyeing the large burly men suspiciously.

"Its just my dad... you know what he is like. So overprotective. It was the only way he would allow me to come along." I shrug giving her an apologetic look.

I know it must seem so strange to anyone out with our family. Rebecca's father is a business man in our pack and owns the local restaurant, the café and the bar. He is a pleasant, easy going man who tends to let Rebecca do whatever the hell she wants. The total opposite of my own father. Although Alpha's are protective, my dad really takes the cake. Rebecca knows what he is like so she doesn't question it too much thankfully.

We take our seats on the plane and Rebecca begins to excitedly tell me her plans for the trip. We are to meet the rest of the group at the hotel bar later tonight before getting an early night for a full day of sight seeing tomorrow. The group of people we are meeting are going to be on our college course this year and I am excited yet nervous to make some new friends. As our college is on human territory the group will be mostly human with the exception of myself, Rebecca and two other wolves. Astra is pacing a little in my head. She doesn't fear humans but she doesn't entirely trust them either. At first I though Rebecca was crazy to extend an open invitation to everyone on our course but now I cant help feeling a little giddy at the prospect of meeting some people with the same interests as mine, human or otherwise!

"You know I hear the men are hot in France." Rebecca says wiggling her eyebrows at me suggestively while she flicks through one of my many books.

I shrug nonchalantly. Quickly checking that both Andrew and Evan are asleep in the seats in front of us. "Yep. So I've heard."

"Oh come on Lex. Isn't it time to let your hair down a little. We could meet our mates at any minute and I for one plan on having some fun first." she giggles.

"I'm definitely not interested Becca. Anyway how am going to get close to any guy with these two stalking my every move." I gesture towards the two snoring lumps in front of us.

"HAHA True. We could always ditch them." she shrugs, pulling a sandwich from her bag and offering it to me.

"Are you joking? My dad would make me come home and I would never even get a chance to start college. I can tell you that right now!"

"Why do you let him control you like that Lexi? I know he's the Alpha and all but you are an adult woman!"

"He just finds it tough to let go... don't worry though. I'm done being the sheltered little wolf. Once we get back to college I'll finally have a life of my own." I state confidently, biting into my sandwich.