The Alpha's Daughter

I: Under the Moon

The waning moon cast her gentle glow on the sleeping Onyx Ridge Den. The symphonies of the crickets were disturbed by the intermission of the automatic gates. The silver arched gates creaked open, a silver Audi R8 quietly passed through its mouth. The gate closed in a muted click as the vehicle pulled into the large stone-paved circular driveway. Noticing a few lights were on she didn’t want to make too much noise, so she opted to park in front of the garage instead of going in. Understandably, she cringed when the car’s door slammed shut behind her.

If anyone could see the first daughter of the Nye household they may mistake her for a demi-god. Her milky white skin gave a faint glow under the attention of the moon. Her ears and neck sparkled under its light, the diamonds cool on her skin. Perfectly curled hay blonde curls gently swayed behind her as she made her way to the front porch. Her emerald green, figure-fitting Patchwork Club dress accentuated her curves and the sway of her hips as matching heels clicked against the concrete. She was startled when the door swung open before she could get her key in the lock. Zane stood before her in all his broad-chested glory. Her darkly tanned cousin donned a grey t-shirt and black sweats. She blinked slowly at her cousin who leaned on the doorway, the younger had noticed a few lights were on inside but wasn't expecting Zane to be awake.

"Emma", he greeted with a lazy smile, "welcome back."

"Good to be home", she returned his smile. She squeezed past him whining, "I can't believe you got home before me."

Zane snorted rudely before he closed the door and followed her into the foyer. "Hurried back 'cause the air is saturated", he shrugged. As if cued, there was hushed arrhythmic pelting. Gon, Emma's pug, entered the scene with the tinkering or his collar. Zane crossed the room with two long strides before plopping himself on the loveseat.

Emma bent to greet the pug. “I figured that’s why you disappeared from the club”, she smiled at him teasingly.

His expression tensed somewhat, “Lâche-moi la grappe.” Emma’s smile widened some, although now she faced the pug. “All I did was be a responsible adult and come back early”, he huffed, “I'm a big boy, I can handle myself.”

A bolt of lightning struck out of the blue. Zane flinched harshly. "It seems the lightning respectfully disagrees", she snickered. Zane sent a soured look her way. Emma apologised half-heartedly, cradling the pug to her chest. Then a low growl resonated between them. Emma glanced and the agitated pug in her arms, "Qu’est-ce que tu as, boy?"

A loud heart-wrenching howl erupted the sound resonating throughout the terrain. Zane's neck snapped to the forest as he shot to his feet, blocking Emma's body with his own. It's been a year later and she was still not used to people doing that. She faced the forest that surrounded their house, their territory. There was shuffling in the halls, she glanced at Zane a final time before facing the shadowy figures. Her scouts all wore tense expressions.

“Luna", Zane called to her yet his tone wasn’t a question. It was a demand, a demand to know what his orders were. Her scouts were also high strung as they waited for her words.

Emma sighed heavily, “va."

At the command, the four males rushed out of the house. Emma walked to the panoramic window of the sunroom, she watched them enter the woods. Their determined paws thrummed against the muddy forest floor, the cold rain biting winds matting their fur. Slowly a soft glow was cast on the swaying darkness of the forest. Emma acknowledged the clouds had passed and the rain would end. She disappeared into the house, the pug in her arms.

The wolves rushed through the forest, the cold rain matted their wind-ruffled fur. They easily pinpoint the trespassers, malicious intent clogged their noses. Their scents polluted the forest's homely aroma. They gracefully dipped, weaved and leapt over roots and through low branches with practices ease when the amber wolf stopped abruptly. The three behind him slowed as a menacing growl erupted from the back of his throat. They took a moment to assess the situation and rage sparked to life. A pup so small and weak, it didn't look much older than five years old, were gnawed at like some plaything. How dare they? Attacking children was punishable by death in their pack. The dark chocolate pelt was the most agitated. The trespassers were so immersed in their torture of the pup that they jolted at the sound of the snarl. The intruder closest to the hedge shuffled back as giant shadows took form. From the cover of foliage, brawny wolves seem to close in from every angle, their muscles taut, and shoulders hunched, with lips pulled back and fangs bared in a simple promise:

Run or die.

Yet, it would be foolish to let lawbreakers escape. The moment those wolves had crossed into Onyx Ridge territory there was no hope for them.

The dark pelt snorted at their frozen intruders. Just moments ago they tormented that kid with no remorse but in the presence of these bigger wolves, they’re innocently still. To prompt them to action the dark wolf released another low menacing growl, his blue eyes glowed with icy intent. The offender closest to the pup cowered, his companion, however, dashed into the night. He hadn't made three bounds when powerful jaws snapped down on the unsuspecting wolf's shoulder. He tried to free himself. The dark pelt Ridge wolf didn't care much for the trespasser’s resistance. He glanced at the harassed pup, in a single leap he dragged the intruder beyond the clearing. He freed the wolf’s shoulder and let him fall to the cold forest floor. The trespasser scrambled to his feet only to stumble when sharp fangs clamped down on his neck. The intruder struggled and scratched, more desperate for freedom than before. The dark pelt watched calmly as he applied more pressure. There was a sickening snap and an intrusive silence followed it.

He watched the corpse with some disappointment before returning to the troupe. The Amber coat and their leader looked to him. When he saw no one but the dark coat he gave a dissatisfied snort and nodded to the companion caramel and grey wolves. The dark pelt saw the other intruder bloody but breathing. He looked away embarrassed.

Okay, so he had a small moment of irrationality. Luckily they still had a person to interrogate.

The relaxed wolves tensed at the broken whimper that cut the night's silence. They turned to the pup clinging to dear life. Its breathing was shallow, its frame gaunt and fur matted with blood. The dark wolf returned to Zane, the amber wolf's side. The companion grey and caramel wolves also looked on in uncertainty. There was only a moment of stillness before the dark coat began pacing. His eyes trained on the pup whose breathing was becoming shallower.

His poise changed, "it's not going to make it", he thought lowering himself. Their de facto leader noticed what he intended to do, but he was quicker. He sprung at the child with his teeth bared, “might as well put it out of its misery."

The others froze in their surprise as the dark coat descended rapidly on the unknowing pup. Out of the darkness, deft fingers closed around his snout and dragged him down. The abruptness forced him to dig into the muddy earth for purchase. The other wolves, except for the amber coat, was startled by the sudden appearance of their guest. The dark wolf followed the cream hand to a pair of stern golden orbs. The wolf lowered his head ruefully, then did Emma released his snout. She swept her wolves with a reprimanding glare. They reproachfully bowed their heads as well.

"Raise your heads", she told them softly.

The amber pelt expected this, after all, it was their Luna’s philosophy that leaders should do the utmost to ensure their soldiers' safety. Emma only intended to spectate in the beginning, so she followed them in silence. She could admit that she too stilled in surprise when Linus lunged for the pup. It wasn't like him to be brash. Even more curiously, something about that child called to her. Their Luna, now clad in a plain tracksuit, crouched before the struggling pup. The beaten child was valiantly trying to stand, it huffed a frustrated when it lost its balance. Emma smiled at its spirit. She can smell that the child is a shifter as well. Emma gently pets its head. The pup went still. Its eyes seemed to glow with an intense weariness.

"Can you shift back for me? It may be painful but I need you to try." The small thing's eyes darted among them. "Don't understand English? Changez en arrière s'il vous plaît." Zane walked up to Emma and nudged her, she nodded at his suggestion. Her eyes faded from gold to red. Suddenly the pup released a deafening whine, the stench of fear engulfed the wolves present. The child recognized Emma as an alpha and began wiggling with urgency. "Sleep", at her command the pup immediately fell unconscious.

The pup's heart rate spiked dramatically and its breathing became erratic. She knew holding its scruff wouldn’t discourage its trashing, so she took a more distasteful approach. She cradled the tiny wolf to her chest, her mouth was filled with bitterness.

"Zane", she called. The Amber coat stepped forward and she handed the child to him. She walked over to the unconscious intruder with a stiff look. Emma stomped on his legs before throwing him over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Let's go", she started towards the compound.

Her wolves tailed behind her silently. The dark coat trotted up to her, the frigid gaze in her eyes caused him to shrink back. It wasn’t until they were a short distance away from the compound a voice rang in Emma's head, "mercy killings are acceptable."

She glanced at the dark pelt wolf that matched her pace. "Ouais", Emma agreed easily, "but now we know the pup wasn't near death. You should've waited a bit longer." Without looking at her scouts she commented airily, "and you should've stopped him."

The caramel pelt bowed his head. "We're sorry", Màriu apologized sincerely. The grey wolf, Ramón, mimicked his companion.

"You're forgiven", Emma comforted them with a small smile. "However Linus", she sighed, "that doesn't change the fact that you almost broke a code. When the Alpha returns, he'll decide your punishment." At Emma's declaration, Zane sent an encrypted glance Linus' way. The dark coat only bowed his head. He was unwilling to explain his selfish motivation. Emma had been watching his silent contemplation. Even in wolf form, she could see his strain. "Lin", his eyes snapped to hers at the scarcely used pet name. Her caring eyes and velvety voice lured him, "something's bothering you. Wanna talk about it?"

His cool blue eyes locked onto her then he faced forward again as he noticed they had arrived at the compound. The dark pelt bowed to the ground, his spine jumped as his form began to change. Soon paws became hands and feet. He raised his head, cool blue eyes became a deep brown, his strong brows cast a shadow on his face. He rose from one knee, his 6-foot-frame shadowed her 5’8 stature. His mussed dusky brown hair framed his oval face and hid his neck.

Linus' brows were knitted together as he watched her, opened his mouth and closed it again. "I’m fine", he lied. He glanced between the pup and his Luna. “I’ll go get the Doc for you”, he told her in a low voice before he disappeared into the house, not sparing a moment.

Emma sighed as she watched him go. "Take it to a vacant room in the west wing", Zane's eyes widened in surprise, "you heard me." Zane nodded slightly and headed to the wing only the ruling family occupied. Then she turned to the other two, Màriu and Ramón flinched. Any expression outside of the Luna's usually happy-go-lucky demeanour was unnerving. “You two come with me", she took another route. They went to the dungeon under the main building. Emma heartlessly dropped the wolf to the floor. "There should be a report on my desk at noon the latest", were her parting words.

The wolves watched their Luna's figure disappear. Ramón looked to his partner and sighed.

Emma retreated to the house, her destination the vacant guest room. To her surprise, the bed had been pushed aside and a portable bed occupied the centre of the room. Seth, the head doctor, and Siomha, the head nurse greeted her. She gave a vague gesture as she drew near the bed. The pup lay in the middle of the bed on a polypropylene blanket, the mud and grime had been washed away and she had been blow-dried. Her wounds seemed to be treated but left uncovered. Emma looked to the old man with an arched brow.

"I could tell you picked up another stray”, the grey-haired man smiled kindly, “I wanted her to be in human form to more closely inspect her wounds. Please", Seth motioned to the pup.

Wordlessly, Emma's eyes became blood red for the second time that night. The once comfortable pup began squirming a little. They stood in amazement at Emma's powerful dominance. Its breathing became a bit labour but limbs metamorphosed effortlessly. The sheer smoothness of the child's transition dictated her immaculate control.

"Mon œil", her murmur cut their awe, "who would’ve thought it’s be a girl." Siomha moved quickly, she began to inspect and treat each gash, bleeding or not.

“You are really a gift among alphas”, the old man adjusted his glasses the awe hadn’t quite left his tone.

His praise fell on deaf ears. Emma’s senses were clouded as she looked at the child’s face. A feeling of familiarity welled up in her chest. No, it was as if something deep within her recognized this child she's never seen before. Emma's felt as if a void had been filled all while a knife twisted in her chest. She hadn’t realised she had drawn close until she touched the child’s face.

"She will be fine", Seth’s voice snapped her out of her stupor.

Emma leaned away from the bed and rose to her feet. Her eyes met Siomha’s, the chocolate-skinned woman watched her curiously. “Her wounds and infections were rather severe but fortunately she'll recover nicely, albeit with a few scars”, she explained as she readied the IV drip. “What do you want us to do with her?”

Emma’s brows pinched together in deep thought. "Don't transfer her to the infirmary. I'll care for her personally."

The doctor and nurse looked at each other with alarm then back to their Luna. “If I may ask”, Seth started slowly, “why would you go this far?”

Emma couldn't explain the earlier sensation and opted for another narrative. "The likely hood of her causing a scene, should she wake up and be greeted by a horde of strangers, is high. I was the last face she saw. On some level it would be easier for me to handle her."

Seth pursed his lips then nodded, it was clear he considered it feasible. "I will offer my assistance", Siomha lowered her head with a satisfied smile.

“Merci mon ami”, Emma smiled, "I will be depending on you." She watched a little longer as they dressed the child in a onesie she recognized as a spare. Emma glanced at the wall clock and almost sighed. It was two in the morning and she knew she had a full schedule after four hours. “I’ll take my leave”, she stood to her feet.

“Sleep well”, they greeted her in unison.

Emma exited the room and leaned on the door with a sigh. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Emma startled. She knew he was waiting outside the door, she just didn’t expect him to be so close. Linus misunderstood softened his tone, "there's a lot on your plate already, Emma."

“Are you imply I can’t do it?” She was a smidgen irked because he was right.

His lips turned down, “that’s not what I meant.” Linus brushed her blonde bangs back, “I’m just worried.” Emma’s eyes widened slightly. He pressed his lips together and swallowed his urges, “what happens to her when our Alpha gets back?"

Zane told himself he wasn’t going to step in but Linus started digging his grave. "I agree she went a step too far to bring the child here”, he interrupted with a sigh, “but we all know he won't be furious." Linus leaned away. It’s not just their leader but everyone was well aware of Emma's tendency to shelter the needy. In most scenarios, she would even take the time to set them back on their feet. "Our Alpha and Luna are usually on the same wavelength anyway", Zane shrugged. Zane smiled at the drowsiness settling on Emma's face. "I'll keep watch over the kid tonight so go rest." Zane pinned Linus with a look and he matched it with a twisted expression of his own.

Emma glanced between her two scouts. “Is there something going on?”

“I don’t know”, Zane glanced at Emma and shrugged. Then he looked to Linus, “is there?”

Emma looked back at him, he could see his reflection in her golden eyes. Even when she became Luna that clear devotion never changed, her eyes were the same as when they first met. He swallowed the lump in his throat, the realization of his selfishness is a bitter thing to admit. “It’s fine get some rest”, Linus gave her a small smile.

“Alright”, she murmured, “thanks again”, she hesitated before finally stalking off to her room.

The Gamma waited until she was out of earshot. “I don’t know what changed”, Zane turned to Linus, “but yer were a stray once and Emma saved yer too."

Linus covered his eyes and sighed, “that’s what makes this so hard.”