The Alpha and Her Match

f i v e

My mother and I are brought apart by the sound of the back door of our house that opens, signaling another one of mother’s warriors coming in to meet with her. She gives me an apologetic look before mouthing ‘bath’.

I nodded, taking a step back as I admired my mother rearranging her stacks of paperwork. It seemed to grow from the last time I saw it. I can’t wait for her to retire. Not because I want her position, but because I want her to stop working already. She deserves the rest after all that she’s done for the pack and also… from the pains that she has experienced.

Her nervous looking warriors came in then, startled at the sight of me before dipping low in a bow. “Anna, back so soon? We thought you’d return after a few more days.”

I playfully quirked an eyebrow. “Why do you guys look as though you would prefer I wasn’t back yet?”

They shared a look, glancing towards my mother’s office worriedly. “We don’t miss you handing our asses to us on the training field.”

Strange. They’re hiding something. “Everything okay?”

Another awkward pause.

Usually, I have a really good dynamic with the people from the pack, so I don’t quite understand why it was suddenly so awkward.

They sigh, their chests raising and falling. “We just have things to report to the Alpha that she won’t be happy about.”

“Oh, in that case. Have at it.” I waved at them, wishing them good luck on whatever problem they’re about to report to my mother, and turned in the direction of my room.

They waved back, faces troubled as they hesitantly went inside my mother’s office.

I turned a corner and almost hit a wall of muscle coming the opposite way. I don’t have to look up to know who it is. “Oh! I’m sorry, Grandpa!”

Ginormous arms wrapped around me instantly, lifting me off the ground. “Anna! You’re back! How was it? You’ve been gone for weeks!”

My grandfather Alek Volkov, much like the children he fathered, is legendary. He was once a boy living in the stables until he decided to become the strongest werewolf in the world and killed his own corrupt father to take the title of Alpha. When speaking of power, one would think of the Bascos, but when it comes to the strength of wills and charm like a pit viper, one would always think of the Volkovs and it's because of my grandfather.

In contrast, there is my grandmother, Elizabeth Basco, behind him. Elegant. Graceful. Queen like even without a crown on her head. Where my grandfather is all muscle and rough movements, she is fluid and poised. Always thinking. Always a step ahead of everyone.

“Almost two months.” I told him, wiping the dirt from my face.

My grandparents switch on hugging me and, despite how old I was, my grandmother squeezes my cheeks. She always has a look on her face like she can’t believe I am alive, a grateful expression on her face. “I’ll have everything you like on the table waiting for you. All piping hot.” She promises before sniffing me and letting out a laugh. “Oh honey, you smell really bad.”

I flushed, feeling shy. “Sorry, Grandma. I was just on my way to take a bath.”

Grandfather rolls his eyes, taking his wife away from me. “Anna has been in the wilderness for two months straight. Of course she’ll smell like a winner.”

“Of course she’s a winner. She gets it from me.” My grandmother shoots back proudly. “Tell him, Anna. It’s all me.”

I raised my hands up, not getting into this with them. “Both of you.”

They continue to argue about who has the winner gene when my grandmother suddenly remembers something. “Your father called. Again. He says it’s important. You should really return it.”

Grandfather stops, looking between my grandmother and I with unease. “I’m sure she will after she gets comfortable. Right, Anna?”

I was already walking away when I replied, “Yes. After.”

“See what you did? You drove her away.” My grandfather quietly chastises.

“She can’t ignore her father forever.” My grandmother replied just as quietly. "He misses her."

But we were werewolves and I could hear them as clearly as if they said it in front of me.

When I got to my room, I locked the door behind me and stared out the window, watching the frozen lake and the forest right behind our home. When I was younger, I used to skate with my grandmother there and fish with my grandfather when the weather was nice. My mother never joined. She was always busy but would always come back from her trips with presents and gifts.

My warm breath melts the frost from my window, creating a circle on the glass, and I wait as the water trickles down.

I didn’t take it against my grandmother that she wanted me to call my father back. She’s only trying to keep us close. After all, fathers should play a big role in their daughter’s life… we just didn’t have that though.

Hmmm…

What did he want anyway?

Why was he calling?

What was so ‘important’ that I had to return his calls?

I think of this while I bathe, scrubbing away the dirt and grime from my skin, only stopping when my skin is red and raw, the water clear. I wrap myself in a cotton bathrobe and sit by the end of the bed still staring at the window. It's been years since the last time...

The smell of freshly cooked dinner is the one that brings me out of my thoughts. I quickly get dressed in thick layers, enjoying the warmth while I still can. The tournament is near and it could go on for days, weeks or even months in the cold.

When I’m done dressing myself and feeling toasty, I start to hear voices coming from downstairs. I cannot hear the exact words being said, but I do hear the frustration and anger in them.

It’s my mother and my grandparents but they weren’t fighting each other… they were shouting about something that they were all equally mad about. My name is mentioned. Several times. My chest feels tight all of a sudden.

My curiously getting the best of me and I leave my room, hand gripping the staircase and listening closely.

“That’s what the guards said. They’re touching down now.” My mother informs her parents. “Straight from the capital.”

My grandfather is upset. He voices this out quite clearly. “No. They need to leave. This is our land. Anna just got back from preparing for the tournament. She needs time. I told Eros to give us weeks.”

“It's not Eros' call when they come. They have a right to tell Anna what she has claim over but I agree it is much too sudden.” The voice of reason, my grandmother, adds. “I am usually always informed about these things.”

“I can’t believe Eros is actually stepping down from the throne.” My mother’s voice murmured through the halls. “I thought it was just rumors. He said it wouldn't be for another few years.”

My grandmother made a small mellowing sound. "Can you blame him? He's tired. Really tired."

“What about that boy? The boy they adopted?” My grandfather pressed, his teeth gritted tight. “What’s he for if not for this?”

I can almost hear the smile on my mother’s lips. “He has a name. Orion Vitalis.”

Impatient, my grandfather lets out a groan. “I didn’t ask for his name. I want to know what’s planned for him.”

“Second.” My grandmother whispers lowly. “He’s second.”

“It’s all up to Anna now.” My mother just as quietly whispered, her voice solemn. “It’s her decision. She is the first.”

I couldn’t help it anymore.

“What’s all up to me?” I asked, stepping out from my hiding spot on the staircase. “What’s happening? Who’s coming?”

My mother, not being one to beat around the bush, stares into my eyes with an expression I couldn’t decipher. “Anna. The Royal Council is here. From the capital. They’ve come to tell you something.”

“Tell me what?” I already knew but I just wanted her to say it.

“It appears the King is stepping down and is in need of an heir.”