The Alpha’s Regret

Book 2 Chapter Six

Zack POV

“So how many people are coming to the ceremony Ella?” my aunt Olivia questions, as we eat dinner together in the private dining room.

“Oh Goddess... I don’t know I’ve lost count! You know I’m no good at this stuff Olivia! Give me training duties over Luna duties any day!” my mom laughs.

“What are you like! Don’t worry we will go over the numbers tonight and make sure everything is sorted.” Aunt Olivia assures her. “Oh and that reminds me I’ve picked your suit up from the tailors Will.” she adds.

“Thanks for that Mom.” Will replies stuffing his face with a mouthful of pasta.

“Hopefully he will meet his mate at this ball, save his mother running after him!” Beta Nick adds shaking his head vigorously at his son.

“Should I have got you a suit too?” My mother asks me with slight panic in her voice.

“No Mom it’s fine, unlike Will I can damn well dress myself.” I chuckle shaking my head at him as I sit back in my chair.

“Sorry I’m late everyone, I got held up.” my dad says entering the room and taking a seat at the table.

“You say that every family meal Dad!” Jessica points out amused.

“Well, being Alpha is a pretty hard job as your brother is soon to find out” my father points out as he digs into the plate of food the omega has just placed in front of him.

“How are you feeling about it all?” Beta Nick asks me with interest.

“Fine. Will and I have created new schedules and have some plans for up and coming projects so it’s all in hand.” I shrug confidently.

The past two months have flew by quickly, it turned out to be the perfect amount of time needed to get everything set up for the transition. The pack is prepared, my Beta and Gamma are prepared and most importantly I am too. I called Heidi a few weeks ago to tell inform her of my decision to wait for my fated mate. She wasn’t happy at first but eventually said she respected my decision and let the whole topic go. Over the past few weeks I have avoided her. The situation between us now surpassed the casual s*x I was originally looking for and I didn’t want to overcomplicate things any further. I can tell she is a little bit disappointed but she will get over it. She will be attending the ball in a couple of days time so hopefully it won’t be too awkward.

“Oh Lucas I forgot to tell you!! Guess who RSVPd this week?” my mom asks excitedly.

“Who? The f*****g werewolf king himself?” my dad chuckles at his own joke.

“No... cheeky asshole... Lorenzo and Anna! Anna said they are even going to convince Lexi to come along too!” she squeals.

My ears instantly perk up at the mention of her name. Lexi Rossi. My childhood crush who I spent years trying to impress to no avail whatsoever.

“Lorenzo leaving Crescent Moon? s**t yeah that’s a turn up for the books. Goddess I don’t think they have been to Blackstone for around 3 years or so.” my dad says looking slightly confused.

“What happened? Did you guys fall out?” Will asks curiously.

“No not at all we still speak all of the time but we haven’t met up in so long. Just busy I guess.”

“Well when I went out to Crescent Moon to visit Anna and Mia last year, Lexi looked stunning! She truly is a gorgeous young woman.” my mum exclaims suddenly throwing me a knowing glance.

I scowl at her comment and continue to eat my food. The truth is I am curious to see Lexi again. The last time I saw her she was 15 and I was 16. She was beautiful even then.

“Aren’t you looking forward to seeing her again Zack?” my mom teases.

“It will be nice to catch up I suppose.” I mutter, trying my best to sound unbothered by the whole thing.

“You are joking mom! Don’t you remember? Lexi wouldn’t even give him the time of day haha! She isn’t Zack’s type anyway. Firstly she has a brain!” Jessica jokes sticking her tongue out at me as Will roars with laughter.

“She knocked him back? s**t I like her already.” Will adds.

I throw them both an annoyed look and am relieved when Beta Nick changes the subject to security for the ball.

I can’t argue with Jessica though. Lexi never accepted any of my advances. Sure we were only kids but I had it bad for her. I even went to the lengths of parading around with other girls in front of her to try and make her jealous but even that didn’t get her attention. It’s fair to say Lexi Rossi is out of reach. Anyway, I have a mate to look forward to meeting now and it’s time I sink my efforts into meeting her.

***

The day of the ceremony is here and I stand in front of the mirror and adjust my black tie.

“We are ready to start son so just make your way to the forest clearing now.” my father voice fills my head through the mind link.

“Okay on the way” I answer.

As I stride towards the forest I suddenly realise I have no nerves at all. I’m ready for this. I know this pack like the back of my hand and I’ve been trained by the best.

On my approach I see a large gathering of people. Hundreds of people fill the clearing. Many important members from our pack, some high ranking wolves from neighbouring and allied packs and representatives from the Werewolf Council.

As I near the stage, I hear my father’s voice boom across the clearing.

“Good evening Blackstone pack and important guests. Thank you for coming tonight to witness the swearing in of your new Alpha, my son, Zack Blackwood.”

The crowd cheers as I step up onto the stage beside my father.

An elder wolf steps forward to perform the rituals. Soon after, I am handed a small gold dagger and I slice a cut down the palm of my hand. The elder places a gold chalice under my hand as I hold it up in a tight fist and let my blood drop in. I watch my father repeat the same process.

“Zack Blackwood. Do you hereby promise to protect and lead this pack to the best of your ability.”

“Yes” I answer strongly.

He turns to face the waiting crowd.

“Do you, Blackstone pack, accept Zack Blackwood as your protector, leader and new Alpha?” the elder questions loudly.

A strong chorus of “Yes” is answered in return.

As soon as the acceptance is official, I feel a wave of power enter my body. My senses feel sharper, my emotions feel stronger and a light buzz trickles through me.

“Then join me in welcoming your new leader and Alpha. Alpha Zack Blackwood.” he calls, stepping aside to lead a round of applause and cheers. My head is suddenly bursting with pack members trying to get through the mind link and I open the gates of my mind and let their messages of congratulations come through.

After the ceremony I spot my parents standing with some of their friends. As I walk over to join them pack members respectfully nod in my direction or come over to shake my hand. It feels good to have the ceremony over and finally be starting this new phase of my life.

“Congratulations Alpha.” my dad grins gripping my hand in a strong handshake.

“Thanks Dad.” I answer.

“I’m so proud of you Zack!” My mom adds, her eyes gleaming with tears.

I offer her a smile in return before I turn my attention to the other people in the group.

“Lorenzo, James. How are you?” I ask shaking each of their hands in turn.

“Great thank you. Congratulations.” Lorenzo offers with a respectful nod.

“Oh Zack what a handsome man you have turned out to be. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.” Mia exclaims grabbing me for a hug.

“It’s been too long Zack. Your parents are so very proud of you. As are all of us!” Anna adds.

“Thank you ladies. I appreciate it.” I answer, flashing them both a big smile.

“What are you going to do with yourself now that you are jobless?” James bursts out with laughter directed at my father.

“Who knows? What do people do in early retirement?” my dad answers back truthfully.

“Somehow I don’t think either of you will be able to stay away from doing work of some sort. Especially you Ell!” Anna chuckles.

My eyes begin to wander the clearing involuntarily. My mother had said that Lorenzo and Anna would be bringing Lexi and I have to admit to feeling a little disappointed by her absence.

“Looking for someone son?” my mom asks, eyeing me intently.

“No, I’m not.” I lie, before Turing my attention back to the conversation.

We chat for a while before and the sun begins to set in the sky signalling that it is time to make our way back to the pack house for the celebration.

***

The pack house hall looks amazing tonight. I think to myself as I look around at all the tables set out with decorations and food. The hall is bustling with excited pack members and visitors all eager to enjoy the night ahead. I can hardly move 10 feet without someone stopping to talk to me, to congratulate me or ask me questions.

“Alpha, congratulations. You look very handsome tonight.” Amber’s screechy voice reaches my ears as she grabs my bicep.

“Thank you Amber I appreciate it.” I answer before striding over to the bar to order a drink.

“If you would like to get me a drink I’d be happy to join you Alpha.” she blinks at me with a pout on her face.

I am racking my brain to think of a diplomatic way to tell her to get lost when Heidi suddenly appears at my side.

“Sorry hon, Alpha Zack is occupied with business at the moment.” she mutters in a sweet voice laced with hostility.

Amber cowers slightly from Heidi’s forceful aura and nods frantically before running off.

I chuckle gently lifting my drink from the bar.

“Well that seemed a little harsh.” I tease raising an eyebrow at her.

“Oh come on! You didn’t really want to spend the night hanging around with her did you?”

“True true, I guess I owe you one.” I grin as she asks the barman for her drink.

Her voice turns low and seductive now.

“You can make it up to me right now Alpha.” she retorts a sly smile on her lips.

“Not tonight Heidi.” I answer firmly, shrugging my shoulders.

“Fine... I must say you’ve turned very boring already.” she mutters, downing the champagne in her glass in one go.

I laugh lightly at her.

“You need to go outside. Right now go outside!” Mace growls out urgently in my head.

I ask him why but get no reply in return. My instincts take over as I begin to make my way to the exit of the hall, ignoring the multiple attempts of people trying to grab my attention. I decide to mind link my head warrior for a security update.

“Austin does everything look okay around the perimeter.”

“Yes Alpha no issues. Why?”

“I don’t know yet. Just stay on alert.” I order.

I call out to my wolf again as I finally reach the door of the pack house and walk out into the front garden.

“Mace what’s going on? Why did I have to...”

My body freezes as I take in her stunning beauty.

My legs carry me forward, my mind in a jumble of mixed up emotions.

“MATE” I call out loudly as I find myself standing up right in front of her, staring into her eyes, my soul calling out to hers. I lift my hand and trace my fingers lightly down her soft cheek.

“What are you talking about Zack?” she mutters, slapping my hand away. Her face awash with confusion.

“I am NOT your mate!”