Rebel Moon

Chapter Three - Alpha Bishop

Chapter Three – Alpha Bishop 

William 

If there’s a part of this Beta gig that I really don’t like, it’s the meetings.  I put on my silk shirt and buttoned my cuffs, but I absolutely drew the line at wearing a tie.  In fact, I unbuttoned the first few buttons at my collar in protest. 

The meeting was being held at our closest neighbor’s pack house, the Black Crow.  They were an old and powerful pack, and their Alpha was a strange young woman, younger even than Nina.  But I knew better than to underestimate Eudora Carrole, especially with her sharp-eyed husband at her back.  There were whispers and rumors that she was some kind of a witch, but I don’t care for rumors.  I care about people, and character.  Alpha Eudora was quiet, soft spoken, and smart.  She welcomed us to the meeting warmly, and we took our seats around the conference table. 

My alpha, Shane, took the center.  Nina took his right hand, and I sat on his left.  Shane had on the full suit and tie, and I had to resist the urge to snicker at him, as he pulled at his collar in discomfort.  Beside him, Nina looked perfectly at ease, always calm, confident and in control.  There were other leaders around the table, Alphas and Lunas from surrounding packs, most of them looking quite boring, like a bunch of bankers ready for a board meeting. 

There was a bit of a commotion at the door, and my eyes immediately went to the sound, my body tensed and ready, just in case.  Sometimes it wasn’t always peaceful when a bunch of Alphas together in the same place.  A big man shouldered his way into the conference room.  His energy and his mere presence was overwhelming.  I’ve always favored a tall, dark and handsome man, and this alpha fit the bill.  He stood as tall as Shane, but he was bigger and broader.  His black hair was brushed carelessly away from his face and fell in waves to his collar.  His brows were thick, dark and brooding over bright, hazel-green eyes.  He had a proud, straight nose, and soft, sensual mouth.  His face was angular, with high, sharp cheekbones, and a strong, firm jaw. 

In short, he was delicious. 

“Who is that?” I whispered to Shane. 

“Michael Bishop.  New Alpha of the East Glade Pack.” Shane whispered back, without turning his head.   

I couldn’t take my eyes off from him.  He lowered his massive body down into a chair right across the table from me, giving me a perfect view of him for the whole meeting.  He met my gaze across the table.  I felt his eyes travel over me slowly, taking my assessment.  I felt my skin warm up everywhere his eyes touched.  Finally, he met my eyes, with one perfect eyebrow arched.  I could feel his eyes mocking me.  He was beautiful, proud, confident and arrogant.  Damn it was sexy. 

I refused to go all fan girl on him.  He already knew what he was, and the overpowering effect he had on everyone in the room, male and female alike.  I’m pretty sure even Nina had checked him out, and she was a happily mated and married woman.  I straightened my shoulders and picked up the paperwork from the table, as if I were suddenly intensely interested in the agenda for the day.  I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of being one more drooling wolf at his feet.  Not while he was watching, anyway. 

Eudora took her seat at the head of the table, with her husband at her side.  He was a good-looking man too, with intense and dangerous looking grey eyes.  I wouldn’t want to cross him, that’s for sure.  There was something very protective and possessive about the way he sat next to his partner, the way his entire body was attuned to her, his arm laid casually across the back of her chair, the way his eyes continually swept the room.  Eudora pushed her dark hair back from her face, and lead the meeting.  I allowed the items of discussion to swirl over my head.  I really wasn’t interested in trade agreements, sanctions, or alliances. 

“And for those of you who haven’t met them yet, may I introduce Alpha Shane and Luna Nina, our new neighbors from the Rebel Moon Pack.” 

There was a rather uncomfortable silence as all eyes shifted over to our side of the table.  Shane tugged at his tie and stood.  “Thank you everyone, for welcoming us to the area.  We look forward to peaceful and prosperous relations with all of you.” 

He had barely sat down, before Michael Bishop spoke up.  “Is it really going to be so peaceful?  I heard that you are inviting rogues into your pack.  You are going to attract lawlessness and chaos into our territory.” 

Shane opened his mouth to retort, but Nina laid a calming hand on his forearm.  She spoke softly, but there was a cutting edge to her voice.  “Not every rogue is lawless or dangerous, Alpha Bishop.  There are many reasons a wolf may find himself- or herself- without a pack.” 

“Mark my words,” Bishop looked across the table, right at me, so I felt he was degrading me personally.  “Rebel Moon is going to bring trouble into our back yards.  The only good rogue is a dead rogue.” 

“You are so quick to judge,” There was no mistaking the icy, threatening edge to Nina’s voice now.  I was immediately on alert, in case Bishop or one of the other Alpha’s decided to attack.  Shane was like-wise tense and watchful.  “I was abused by my first husband.  My life and the life of my unborn child were at risk.  I left my pack to save my life, to save my child.  So tell me, Alpha, what did I do that was so wrong?” 

Michael Bishop smiled and spread his hands in a conciliatory gesture.  “My apologies, Luna.    I did not mean to offend.” 

“Yes, you did.” I blurted.  He absolutely meant to offend and stir up trouble.  The smile on his face was like a smile from the devil himself.  Oh yes, he was riling us up on purpose.

“Okay, let's bring this meeting to a close, shall we?” Luna Eudora wrapped her knuckles on the table.  There was a tense, unhappy look around her mouth.  She said a few more words, and the meeting was adjourned. 

I stood and flanked my Luna as she made her way towards the door.  Just as we were about to exit, a warm, calloused hand wrapped itself around my forearm.  I looked up in surprise to see Bishop, staring down at me intently.  I was determined not to show that the man affected me at all.  I c****d my head at him and kept my expression closed. 

He looked me up and down frankly, and that devilish smirk was back on his handsome face.  “Beta William.  I hope we will meet again.  Soon.”  And he winked at me before he turned and disappeared out the door.