Under the Alpha

New Year part 1

“My last day,, the whisper escaped her as she laid awake, her eyes to the ceiling. It was still early, too early for her mate to wake up. Solance turned her head to her left, a soft smile painted her face. He looked so innocent when he slept, his hair a nightmare, his long golden lashes resting on his high cheekbones. “Tsk,, what she wouldn’t give for lashes like that!

                      Why on earth did men have long, full and fabulous lashes! Hers were short and she hated wearing fake ones! They were too heavy not to mention a hassle to put on. It’s unfair, as the thought finished in her head. Dimitry grunted and pulled her closer, buried his face in her neck and nuzzled into her. Fine I forgive you, she stroked his hair, trying to tame the wild locks. He kept nuzzling her in his sleep, she blushed. He was doing it a lot lately, even when he was awake. To the point where she had asked him why, at this he had calmly said he was scent-marking her. She hadn’t taken that well, but thanks to Aywa explaining what that meant, she had forgiven Dimitry for marking her. Apparently, it was a good thing, he was covering her in his scent, it would keep other wolves away. Making it clear that Solance was a part of this pack and his mate, but since knowing this. Solance couldn’t help but think it was like being engaged, and that would always make her blush. Did werewolves even get marriage?

                      “Why are you not sleeping,, Dimitry said huskily, his breath tickling her neck. She shuddered, this type of stimulation should be illegal so early in the morning. “I can’t sleep,, she whispered trying to move away from under him. Only to be dragged around, so she laid on top of him. She peeked up at him from her place on his chest, his very firm chest. She had a pout on her lip, he smirked smugly and pulled on her lip. “it’s to early to get up, you need to rest, we have a long day ahead of us,, He said with an arrogant tone, like he was belittling a child. “But I’m not tired,, she voiced turning her head away and tried to get up. The golden word being tired, Dimitry quickly shifted his legs to lock hers in place and then tightened his hold on her. “To bad you are not getting up,, he whispered seductively and then kissed her neck, right on her artery, she shuddered again and felt that tinkle in her neither region. Dimitry sniffed at her and chuckled “Tempting mate,,  he whispered. Solance whined and tried to punch him, her attempts were friable and only resulted in her hand being caught and her wrist being kissed, once more right on a large artery. “But that kind of activity would only course more fatigue,, at his final word he started to make that purr like a growl, the sound that always made her sleepy.

                      It didn’t take long before Dimitry felt Solance go limp, once more dead to the world. He smiled softly, his growl still doing its magic. Their last day, it didn’t sit well with him. Tomorrow, that woman would waltz in here and take his mate away. The worst thing was he couldn’t be greedy, he couldn’t keep her to himself all day, even though he wants to. The pack liked her too and they all wanted to make her last day memorable, just in till she is eighteen then she would be back, she would be home.

                      Dimitry and Solance ended up being late to the large brunch, that was prepared for the main house. “Seriously Dimitry! You know when the brunch is served!,, Lavenda Scolded as she placed the leftovers on two plates and handed each child a plate. Solance dunked her head and apologies, Dimitry said nothing. “Just eat this, wash your plates and get out so we can finish the preparations for later,, Lavenda then hurried along, giving orders and getting the kitchen ready. Solance and Dimitry looked at each other, Dimitry smirked and Solance grinned. The two quickly finished their plates, well Solance finished half her plate and then Dimitry ate the rest for her.

                      “Lavenda?,, Solance asked as she entered the kitchen alone, the kitchen was buzzing with females and the crying of a fuzzy child. Everyone was in a hurry to get things done, so they could rest and enjoy the rest of the day. “Yes dear?,, the woman popped her head up from the counter where she was making small snacks. Pigs in blankets it would seem. “Anything you guys need help with?,, at the humans question the kitchen paused, the older females so used to deal with it on their own. The youngsters were always busy having fun, playing games, or prepare for the midnight run. “well..,, Lavenda looked around “I’m not sure where we need a hand,,

                      “Please? I want to do my part,, Solance insisted. A young woman growled in annoyance and then turned to Solance, on the woman’s chest a baby was strapped on. It was the baby who was crying, the woman unstrapped the babe and then handed the baby to Solance. Who looked dumbfound at the baby and then back at the woman, “what?,, Solance began. “You want to help lass? Watch over Pooka for me, so I can get the red velvet done,, the woman spoke in an Irish accent. Solance nodded and then shifted her hold on the babe, the babe looked up at the new person and sniffed at the strange creature. The mother laughed “He likes yar,, She then returned to her batter. Solance smiled down at the babe and made cooing sounds, much to the child’s joy as the babe squealed and gurgled back.

                      Now that the babe was no longer fuzzy, the kitchen was filled with small talk and laugher. Solance rocked the babe, who soon fell asleep, So that’s why you were so fuzzy. Solance then took in the women in the kitchen, there was Lavenda, Ida, the mother to the babe, and two other females that she didn’t know. Ida was acting like Lavenda’s shadow, the Luna’s shadow. Solance was learning a lot about pack dynamics, as well as how each beta could have a different role. Ida was the Luna’s shadow, which meant she would be near Lavenda when the alpha was not present. It was her job to protect the Luna in the alpha’s absence, but that was all she knew about this role. Ida was a tall and slender woman, with brown hair and light blue eyes. She had a bit of a mean girl face but seemed to be quick to laughter. The mother was a dirty blond with nut-brown eyes, she had a willowy figure and a permanent grin on her face. Lavenda was the same as ever, average height, tick straight brown hair with some silver in it, her sea-blue eyes that held a glint of mischief. She had her hair up in a ponytail today, as she buzzed around the kitchen like a bee. The two other females were elder than Lavenda but looked to be related. As they had a similar look, both had black hair, one had it long and the other in a pixie cut. There was something about them, they seemed familiar to her somehow. The one with the pixie cut felt her stare and locked eyes with the human, her eyes were big and doe-like. She winked at the human, Solance blushed from being caught staring. The woman only laughed, “don’t fret it girl,, the woman then twirled a pizza dough in the air. “Lavenda did warn us that you have very observant,, the other black-haired woman said softly. Solance turned her eyes to the other one, who worked at the stove. “The name is Lucy and my twin over there is Becky,, Lucy said with a smile. “Nice to meet you Solance,, Becky said with a grin. “Likewise,, Solance said with a smile. Solance bit her lip, not sure if she should ask. “They seem familiar to you don’t they?,, Ida encouraged as she passed the human who was now sitting at the isle with the babe nestle at her chest, a small chubby hand clutching her shirt. “Am I that transparent?,, Solance asked following the nimble woman as she moved around the kitchen, maneuvering around the busy females. “To me yes, I’m rather observant too, and I am the only one who has been around humans a lot,, Ida winked. “LA,, the willowy blond laughed mockingly as she finished mixing the velvet cake batter.

                      Ida glanced at the woman and raised an eyebrow mockingly all the while smirking, “You disagree Lydia?,, Ida asked. The blond, so her name is Lydia, snorted unfemininity. “Ay I disagree, after all, I was human once,, The woman said as a matter of fact. Solance was floored at that knowledge “you were?,, she asked without thinking. Lydia turned her head to the human, who was looking at her with her big eyes. The woman smiled warmly at the human “yes, I was lass. But it’s a rather long and sad story really, not something for a festive day like this,, the woman said lively, though Solance caught the melancholy look in her eyes, that were only visible for a short moment. Solance nodded and left the subject alone, she could hear the s********e other day. “All right I concede Lydia knows most about humans, Now Solance do you want to know the reason why those two, look so familiar to you?,, Ida asked as she gestured to Lucy and Becky. “Yes please,, Solance answered as she observed Lydia pouring the velvet cake batter into two pans, with immaculate precision.

                      “Well, the reason they seem familiar is that they are Matthew’s aunts,, Ida said with a smirk as saw the girl’s head whip around to stare at the black-haired twins. “I see the similarities,, Solance said with a smile. “I would hope so,, Becky said with a laugh. “We all carry the looks from our grandfather,, Lucky explained as she turned off the burner and took the pan off to cool. “Really?,, Solance asked. “Yeah you should have seen our brother he looked like a younger copy,, Becky said laughing, remembering better days. “Matthew’s father?,,

                      The two women froze and shared a look, “yeah, we don’t talk about him much,, Lucy said rubbing her left arm. “Oh, sorry to bring up bad memories,, Solance said apologetically. “It’s all right, our brother was ambitious but old school. The pack needed the change that Clyde made,, Becky said with a forced smile. Everyone should see she felt torn, Solance tilted her head. “Was your grandfather the late alpha of the pack?,, the human asked. “He was yes, it was expected that our brother would follow in his footsteps, but Clyde took part in the gathering for the alpha position. He wanted to change, our brother did not,, Becky answered. “ all in all, things turned out for the best,, Lucy added. But both twins looked a bit sad, Solance got the feeling that Matthew’s father was no longer in the pack or worse no longer among the living.

                      “Now lass, shall I take Pooka aga-Oh would you look at that,, Lydia said reaching for the babe. “You actually made him sleep,, The woman looked at the human that her babe was clinging to even in his sleep. “Interesting he never trust strangers,, Lydia starched her neck in thought, then the door to the kitchen opened, and in stepped Sarah. Pooka opened his eyes having sensed the woman, he started to tear up and nuzzled his small head into Solance chest. “it’s okay,, Solance whispered calmly and strokes his small head.

                      Sarah was not surprised by the babe’s reaction to her, after all she was the one who gave him his vaccination. But seeing the babe that is normally scared of strangers, a babe that normally would calm down if not held by one of his parents. But the said babe was calming down in the arms of Solance, Sarah saw the babe taking deep breaths and calming down. Curious Sarah took in a deep breath and focused on her sense of smell, she caught the scent quickly. Now she was sure about her theory, that scent, the others didn’t realize it. But the girl was releasing pheromones, calming pheromones. The others probably didn’t know since they haven’t been around other mythical creatures, so they didn’t realize that these pheromones were different than werewolves’ pheromones. Sarah needed to talk with Solance, that was why she was here. “Seriously Sarah, what did you do to the babe,, Ida joked. “Only a necessary evil to keep him healthy and strong,, Sarah sighed, being the onsite doctor was hard. “Now Pooka come here,, Lydia said lifting the babe from Solance. “Now Solance we are nearly done here, so get out of here,, Lavenda ordered with a smile. Sarah saw her change and went for it.

“Could I borrow you for a bit dear,, Sarah asked all the while she gently guided Solance with her out of the kitchen into a quiet corner. Solance weaved to the females as she followed Sarah out, Sarah turned and checked Solance over. “I think I know why the ritual happened the way it did,, the cobber blond said crossing her arms over her chest. Solance peaked up “Really!? Does it mean we can try again?,, the girl quickly asked, her mouth stumbling over her words. Sarah released a small laugh but caught it just as it escaped, so she made a sound between a laugh and a cough. “You are so enthusiastic,, she muttered as she collected herself. “But no, course the bond is building, well trying to build,, the woman continued. Sarah could see the wheels in the cub’s head turn, trying to understand what the woman was saying. She smiled and placed her hands on the girl’s shoulders getting said girl’s attention, “It means we don’t have to try again,, Sarah said, big blue eyes blinked in understanding. “But the bond?,, Solance began. “Is building,, Sarah reassured and patted the girl’s cheek reassuringly. Sarah then leaned back “now, have you told Dimitry about the mark on your chest?,, Sarah asked. Solance frowned and looked down at her chest. “No? why should I? it’s just a birthmark? A hecking weird birthmark,, Solance said pulling at her shirt and looked at the mark all the while blushing. Yeah, Dimitry had helped her change at the beginning, but he had always been a gentleman and never once asked about the strange mark, so she figured he hadn’t seen it. “Weird yes, but it also marks you has a mythical creature,, at Sarah’s words Solance looked at the woman dumbly. “What?,, the girl said looking back down at the mark. “Yes, you have some mythical blood somewhere in your gene pool. Though it may be far out,, Sarah shrugged. “But I have no powers?,, Solance added. “Again, it may be far back in your ancestors but it’s there, which is also why the ritual happened the way it did,, Sarah explained. “Okay let’s play with the idea that I have mythical blood, how would that affect the ritual?,, Solance asked dead serious. Sarah scratched her chin and thought her words over for a bit. “Well, the ritual was meant to bind a werewolf and human together by adding a little wolf in the human. And well, you are not entirely human, so your body fought, well your mythical blood fought the added wolf blood, which is a strong combo. So it wreaked havoc on your human body,, Sarah explained.           

Solance looked down and placed a hand on her mark, this is just too much she thought. “Then what am I?,, she muttered softly. Sarah caressed the girl’s cheek and pulled her face up. “You are you,, the woman said with a soft smile. “This, changes nothing, it may actually explain why you have survived all the things you have been through,, Sarah said. Solance gave a meek smile, “I guess,, she answered. “Now chine up dear, this won’t change anything, you are still a part of this pack,, Sarah said hugging the girl tightly, Solance hugged back taking comfort from the motherly attention she was given. Sarah let go and then pinched the girl’s nose, “now go and join the other youngsters, go play and enjoy the festivities,, Sarah then pushed the human outside to the others, who gladly took hold of the human’s hands and pulled her playfully towards the many games. Sarah smiled at the warmth and joy that reappeared on the girl’s face.

“Come on Sol, we need you to teach those damn males a lesson,, Adele said smugly as she tugged her friend over to the tug a war game that was laid out. “That’s your secret weapon?,, Cole laughed loudly. Solance raised an eyebrow “Oh it’s on,, she was fired up, she may be a human among wolves, but that wouldn’t stop her. They all lined up, on the male’s side Dimitry, Matthew, Zetrich, and Cole. On the female’s side are Solance, Angie, Adele, and Aywa. Alex and Zoey acted as judges, “on your mark,, Alex said. The rob was held tight on each side, both groups bent their knees, getting themselves ready for the game. “Get set,, “You are going down girls,, Cole taunted, “You are going to east dirt,, Adele taunted back with a growl. “GO,, Alex shouted, and the game was on. The males were shocked at the strength the females started out with, as they nearly tugged so hard on the rob that Zetrich nearly fell headfirst into the ground. He managed to catch his footing and then the males tugged back, the females squealed. Solance laughed in joy as each side throw insults at each other.

Solance was enjoying herself so much, that she didn’t sense the animosity from behind her. Angie was focused on the human, waiting for a chance to get at the girl. At a very hard tug from the males, Solance stumbled, and Angie saw her chance. Solance tripped from her loss of balance combined with a slight push from Angie, all the girls fell, and the males won the game. Solance glanced at Angie who was the only one still standing, said female send her a smug smirk. Obviously very pleased with herself, Solance got up, Adele and Aywa was none the wiser to what had occurred. Each twin was busy insulting the males of cheating, though all in good humor. Solance took a gentle hold of Angie’s arm, at her touch Angie pulled her arm away from the human. “don’t you touch me,, she whispered with disgust. “Why did you do that?,, Solance asked her eyes glaring at the she-wolf. Angie rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulder “I don’t know what you are talking about Solance,, She said and then glance around, making sure no one was paying attention to the two of them. Finding the others were busy preparing for the next game, Angie leaned closer to the human, putting her face so close to the human, that Solance could feel the she-wolfs breath on her face. “Don’t blame me for your weakness human,, Angie said smirking. “I don’t understand you, Angie, you’re willing to make all of us look weak, just to get at me?,, Solance wondered at the other girl’s mindset. Angie snorted and walked away.

“You okay little one?,, Dimitry asked as he embraced the small human, he took a deep breath, covering his senses with her scent. Solance placed her hands over his arms and leaned into him. Her mind was filled with how Angie would be a problem, her mind was dangerous. “Yeah, I’m fine,, Solance said unknowingly hiding the scent of her worrying. “Your lying,, Solance looked up at him, wonder in her eyes. “How do you know?,, she asked. “I can feel it, now don’t change the subject. What have you worrying?,, He pressured turning her into his arms, so she was facing him.

Solance hesitated, Angie was still his pack-mate. “Just a feeling,, Solance said glance to the side. Seeing her attempt at putting the subject to rest, he felt like growling. They are mates! She needs to trust him, trust that he can take her fear, doubt, and pain away. He grabbed her chin and forced her eyes back on him, he leaned down. “Not good enough mate,, His eyes glowed red, Solance bit her lip. “it’s just,, she hesitated, Dimitry growled making it clear he wanted a satisfactory answer, or he wouldn’t let her go. “it’s just Angie’s mindset worries me,, she finished. “Angie? What about her?,, he asked as he discreetly looked at the she-wolf that had his mate worrying. Angie was talking to her shadow Gwen and Zoey. He got a feeling they were up to no good, seeing how Zoey looked nervous and Gwen having an unsettling gleeful expression on her face. “it’s just she was willing to make all of us, including herself, look weak just to get at me. It makes me wonder if she would be willing to put us all at risk if it meant getting rid of me,, Solance whispered the last part as she slipped her chine out of the masculine hand and buried her face in his strong chest. Dimitry held her close, he liked to think his pack was good people. But he could understand his mate’s fear, Angie wasn’t hiding her dislike of the human. And he knew there were others in the pack who wanted the human gone if not dead, he had a lot of work to do when he became alpha. Just like his father had a war to get his changes through, he too would have a war. “don’t worry little one,, he whispered into her hair “I will take care of it,, he kissed her forehead. Sky blue eyes looked up at him, a soft smile on her pink lips.

                       “Oi lovebirds!,, Zetrich hollered catching their attention, “are you ready for some more games?!,, The others weaved them over, urging them to share in the fun. Both Dimitry and Solance shared a smile at their friends’ antics, Dimitry then took her hand and bowed “shall we,, he said as he guided her to the others. Solance laughed and decided to ignore Angie the best she could, so she could enjoy her day fully.

                      The youngsters enjoyed their day with different games, Zetrich excelled at the short distance run. Adele kicked Cole’s butt in wrestling, Solance won at trivia. Dimitry went through the obstacle course at record time and Matthew surprised everyone with his dancing, much to Aywa’s joy.

                      The day went by fast and before long it was time for the big feast, the whole pack was gathered in the large party tent. Solance held her mate’s hand, feeling nervous from the many people. There must be at least eighty people here! She thought. Dimitry rumbled and pulled her into his arms, he put his arms over her shoulders and rested his head on hers. Solance relaxed at his nearness, everything is okay if he is near. “what happens now?,, she asked holding onto his strong arms. “Father is going to hold a speech, he will talk about the year ups and downs, try to tell a joke,, Dimitry smirked at the knowledge that his father always tried yet never succeeded. “Try?,, she asked with an eyebrow raised. “Yeah, he will say a joke and then wait, as of yet I don’t recall anyone laughing,, Dimitry answered. “Well, that’s sad,, Solance said smiling. “Snort, indeed. Then we will eat and party and later we, us youngsters, will get ready for the new year run,, He could taste Solance’s excitement as he finished his sentence. “Now was it the eating, partying, or running you are getting excited for?,, he joked. “Oh you!,, she huffed and struggled to get free, failing miserably. Dimitry laughed at his mate, who finally stopped struggling and now pouted cutely.

                      “I’m glad that everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,, Clyde’s voice suddenly sounded. All eyes went to him, he was on top of a table holding a microphone. The blond alpha looked out on his pack, pride was visible in his eyes. “We made it another year, in just a few hours it will be the end of this year. This year has been fruitful!,, the pack cheered loudly, Solance smiled slightly shocked from the loud noise. “This year three new babes have joined our pack, once again congratulations,, Clyde nodded to the people who had had a baby, the pack cheered again. “Now as you recall, at the beginning of this year, the next male generation went on their manhood trial, I’m pleased to say they all returned, stronger and wiser than when they left,, again the pack cheered, Solance felt how Dimitry stood taller, prouder knowing eyes were on him. She figured if she looked around, she would see the other boys doing the same. “We have had a good year,, Clyde said nodding to himself “we also have a new addition to the pack in form of my son’s mate,, Clyde turned his eyes on her, she froze in place feeling how a lot of eyes were on her. Dimitry must have sensed her fear course he playfully nipped her ear, resulting in her slapping his nose, not hard but enough to course the onlookers to laugh. “She may be human, but she can keep him in line,, Clyde liked how everyone laughed, even though who didn’t like the girl’s presents. “Solance came to be a part of our pack when we got rid of the invaders of our forest. She was their last victim!,, Clyde took a stand, Solance could hear some of the watchers growling. “We saved her from a bad fate, and the great mother revealed herself to us, and she told us to take her home,, Clyde said, the pack watched him with interest. “I’m glad we did, or my son would never have met his destined mate, but Dimitry is not the only one to have found his mate. Oh no young Matthew to has met his mate, Matthew, and Aywa congratulation.,, Clyde smiled and said a small thanks to the great mother. “Now I think we have covered everything,, Clyde said tapping his chine. “Here it comes,, Dimitry whispered into her ear. “Now eat and drink, but don’t go chasing any cars on the way home,, Clyde said laughing at his own joke, Solance snorted at how accurate Dimitry’s words had been. Clyde waited for a good while as his eyes scanned the crowd, the alpha sighed “you lot is no fun,, he muttered and then clapped his hands. “Let the feast begin,, He exclaimed much to the hungry pack's delight.