Not My Alpha

Chapter 17 ‘Lemon and Pine’

Keira’s POV

I get back to the shop where Talia is waiting for me. She waves as I approach.

“Lily! Where have you been?” She asks.

“I went to the lake to get away from the crowds.”

“Alone? You should be careful being so close to the woods.” She says.

“I met Vivian out there.”

“Oh, she’s so polite. It was a sad day when her father passed away. It forced Beta Shepard into his position. Have you met him yet?” She asks. SHEPARD! That was his name!

“Yes, twice actually. Once at the hardware store and then he came up to us by the lake.”

“Isn’t he a dream boat?! Uhg! He’s so cute. And the Alpha is even more attractive.” She stares off into the distance. I giggle.

“But enough of that, let’s walk around. Everything is open and it smells amazing out here.” She links her arm in mine and leads me down the street. We see Nat at a booth and we try some of the baked goods we’ll be selling in the coffee shop. Everything was incredible. There was a booth selling drinks and Talia got us some. We ran into Lynn and Talia told her how well I’m doing. Talia actually did most of the talking the whole day. Which was fine with me. After a few hours of non stop socializing, I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed again. I snuck away from Talia and took a few steps into the woods and put my back up against a tree. I take a few deep breaths. Alone at last.

“Are you alright?” I hear a voice beside me say. I whip my head to see who it is. He’s tall and muscular, with blonde hair and dark green eyes. His hands are up in a friendly manner. I could tell he was the alpha by my bond within the pack. He smells pine trees, almost like Christmas.

“I’m sorry if I scared you.” He says. I drop my gaze.

“I’m sorry Alpha. I’m just a bit jumpy.” I say taking a step away from the tree.

“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before. Are you new?” He asks.

“Yes Alpha. I will be working in the coffee shop. My name is Lily.” I keep my eyes on his feet.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Theo.” He takes a step towards me. I feel panic in my heart.

“I’m sorry Alpha, I don’t mean to take up your time. I should be getting back.” I turn to leave.

“No wait a minute.” He says.

“You can stay. I’ll go. You obviously needed some space from the crowds and I’m intruding.” He backs away from me, like I’m a fragile piece of glass.

Well he was very considerate. How is everyone here so nice? I watch as he walks back into the woods. I lean back up against the tree. Well I’ve met the Alpha and beta, so that’s over with. And yes Talia was right, they are both handsome. After a moment I head back to the party. The sun is starting to go down and they make a large bonfire for everyone. Talia finds me and hands me a drink.

“You okay Lily?” She asks.

“Yeah, I’m just trying to get used to everyone.” She smiles at me.

“Everyone is a fan of you so far. But why wouldn’t they be? You’re gorgeous and really nice. Shy is a good look for a girl.” She places her arm over my shoulder.

“I met the Alpha. You were right, they’re both handsome.” I say. She laughs.

“I’m always right.” She takes a sip of her drink. We stand near the fire and just watch it for a bit. Dave comes over to join us. Then I feel someone tug at the bottom of my dress. I turn and see Vivian. I kneel down.

“Hey Vivian, are you having fun?” I ask.

“I am, but I can’t find my brother or the Alpha.” She says. I look up at Talia and Dave. They look around the street.

“I don’t see them. Maybe they went back to the pack house?” Omega senses are dull because their wolves are weaker. Some omegas can’t even shift their wolves are so weak. Some can’t smell the differences between alpha, betas, or omegas. I close my eyes and try to smell for the lemony scent of the beta. I open my eyes as stand up. I hold out my hand.

“I think I might know where he is.” She takes my hand.

“I’ll be right back.” I tell Talia and Dave. I lead Vivian down the street and back to the playground. I can smell him close. I keep walking and see him and a woman talking. Vivian stops.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Her. I don’t like her.” She says.

“Who is she?” I ask. Not that it’s any of my business.

“She’s one of the warriors. She likes my brother, but she treats me like a baby.” I squeeze her hand.

“Do you want to go back to the bonfire?” I feel weird just standing here watching them.

“Do you know where the Alpha is?” She asks. I close my eyes and try to find the smell of pine. It’s easier now that I’m away from the fire. He’s much farther away.

“He’s too far away. I’m guessing over at the pack house.” She looks at me in amazement.

“How do you know?” I point to my nose and smile.

“Seriously Shep what are you waiting for? We aren’t getting any younger.” I hear the girl shout.

“Come on, I think I saw some ice cream. Let’s go get some.” I say. We turn and head back. I get Vivian a scoop of cookies and cream and I get cookie dough for myself. We sit at one of the picnic tables to eat.

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” She asks.

“Nope, I was an only child.” I say.

“Are your parents still alive?” She asks.

“Yes they are.”

“Are they nice?” She asks.

“They are the best parents ever.”

“Then, why are you here? Why our pack?” She asks. This girl just gets to the heart of it, doesn’t she?

“Well, it’s not safe for me to do that. And besides, I wouldn’t have met you, and Talia. I’m very happy I did.” I tell her. She smiles. Then a woman comes up to our table.

“Oh there you are Vivian. Don’t you look adorable.” She ruffles the top of Vivian’s head. Vivian does not look happy.

“Please don’t.” She says.

“Oh Viv don’t be like that. Come on, let’s go enjoy the fire.” The woman says. She grabs Vivian’s arm and almost drags her out of the seat. I stand up and place my hand on her shoulder.

“Please don’t do that, and let go of her.” The woman glares at me.

“Excuse me? Who do you think you’re talking to?”

“I’m not sure, we haven’t been introduced, but I will ask you again to let go of Vivian.” She lets go of her arm.

“You have some nerve. I’m an elite warrior, top of the pack. I’m not going to let some omega babysitter talk to me like that.”

“I’m not a babysitter. Vivian isn’t a baby.” I say. If looks could kill, I’d be dead. Vivian laughs.

“What’s going on?” Shepard walks over to us.

“This omega was being really rude to me. I think she needs to learn her place.”

“And how does someone learn their place here?” I ask her.

“That’s it, I’ve had it.” She wants to hit me.

“Whitney, that’s enough. We don’t do that here, and as an elite warrior you know that.” Shepard sounds serious and stern.

“So you are just going to let her talk to me how ever she wants?”

“Whitney, I think it’s time you head back. You need to cool down.” He says.

“You watch yourself omega.” She says before leaving. Crap, I shouldn’t have done that. I’m drawing too much attention. Omegas don’t stand up to warriors. I cast my eyes to the ground.

“I’m sorry Beta Shepard. I was wrong. I’ll accept any punishment for disrespecting her.”

“Umm apology accepted. Don’t worry about it. She has a temper. I would just stay away from her if I were you.” He says. I glance over at Vivian. Her expression is concerned.

“I will leave you two. Have a good night.” I turn and walk away. I need to stop getting involved. I need to distance myself from them.

Shepard’s POV

“I will leave you two. Have a good night.” She says and walks away. She can’t get away from me fast enough. I take a seat across from Viv. She looks upset.

“What’s wrong?” I ask her.

“Lily stood up for me. And I didn’t stand up for her.”

“You like her?” I ask. Vivian doesn’t like many people. She likes to be treated like an adult, and most people don’t.

“Yes. I couldn’t find you and she helped me. But you were talking to Whitney. So she took me here. She’s nice. Why do you like Whitney?” She asks.

“Who says I like her?” I ask.

“Don’t you?” I don’t answer.

MEANWHILE AT PALE MOON PACK

Dawson’s POV

I woke up in the hospital four days ago. The doctor told me I had a stab wound to my side that almost punctured my lung. My parents visited me once to tell me what happened. But I remember what I did. I was sober when I attacked Keira. The rage and anger I felt blurred my mind. She is my mate, but she hates me. She wanted to leave me. Two days ago I was released from the hospital, but I’m still only on light duty. My mother and father aren’t speaking to me. Neither is Harrison. They didn’t tell the pack I was back, and they said Keira was visiting her home pack and then was going off to training. But truthfully, Keira ran away after she stabbed me, and I don’t know what to do. All I know is, I need to get her back. When I woke up, I told two warriors I trusted that Keira had run away from the pack, and to try and track her down. They lost her scent at a bus station in the next town. I don’t have anymore leads. I need my mate back. I need to complete the mate bond and become stronger. I have an idea, but it’s dangerous. I call one of my trusted warriors. There’s a knock at the door.

“Come in.” Perry walks in.

“Perry, I need to ask you for a favor.” I say.

“Anything Alpha.”

“I need to set up a meeting with the Shadow Pack.” I say.

“The Shadow Pack. But why?” He asks.

“If anyone can find Keira, it’s them.” He looks hesitant.

“But they are ruthless, they will probably hurt her and whoever is with her.” He says.

“It will be alright. I need her back alive. I’ll make that very clear to them. And I want you and a few others to go with me to the meeting.” I tell him.

“Yes Alpha.” He leaves. I’m getting her back whether she likes it or not.