The Lycademy - Rejected Lycaness

10. People's Alpha

After a quick shower and a change of clothes I was finally ready to meet with students from my Pack on our Thursday Tea. That's something I came up with in my freshman year here, when I got the news that one of my she-wolves has been targeted by bullies from another pack after turning down their date advances. Let's just say that those boys had a hard time walking for a few days, but they never even looked at this Girl again. That gave me an idea that my duties towards my Pack won't start only when I take over. I'm their future leader and I have participated in every official celebration from day one, it shouldn't stop while I'm in Lycademy. Besides, that only brings me closer to all of them.

I gathered reluctant Freddy from my couch and we both went downstairs to the classroom that Headmaster Whitewood allowed me to use. Yup, I have official permission so those sessions are all legit.

By the doors to the classroom Rico and Izabel were already waiting for my arrival.

"Wow, you brought Freddy, I thought he wouldn't bother with seeing his OLD Pack." - my Beta comment.

"Oh please, you know how persuasive I can be." - I said sweetly.

"She threatened you, didn't she?" - Rico asked, looking at Freddy with amusement to which my brother snorted and showed him with his fingers that I in fact did a little bit.

"Alright, enough of this, let's go." - I ordered and the four of us entered the room where already around thirty of my current and future Pack mates were waiting. Yup, my invitation was in time extended to the Mates of my people who after graduation will be officially joining Dragon's Night.

"Evening People! It's great to see you all after summer break. We have a few matters to discuss today, but let's start with thanking our very own Carol Perlsen for preparing all those yummy snacks for us. Remember that Carol is willing to cook for any of your parties here in Lycademy and don't forget to tell your friends from different Packs. I have a hunch that her catering service will make Dragon's Night famous in the future." - I said, clapping my hands and tilting my head to one of my Pack's Omegas.

"Alright, first on the agenda is greeting our Freshmen we have five of them this year. So give the warm welcome to Sara, Chad, Annie, Josh and Freddy." - I said and the four wolves and my brother all waved awkwardly. - "I want you guys to know this is a safe place where none of your problems are too trivial." - I added looking each of them in the eyes.

"Moving forward. Ruth! How's it going with Dr Fields? Did he loosen up a little this year? " - I read a point from my notebook.

"Terrible Val! I'm fairly positive he hates all of his students. He already announced an exam at the end of October and the amount of material is simply crazy." - she said with resignation.

"OK, does other Medical students have the same problems with him?" - I asked.

"I think so, his requirements are just insane, but I don't think it's personal dislike towards me."

"That's good. Alright, so let's try a different approach. You know, we don't study a theory of fighting, we just go straight to the practical part, so let's do the same here. I can arrange for you this weekend with Beta Nina and our Head Doctor and maybe when you see it all with your own eyes things will get clearer." - I told her my idea and Ruth's brown eyes lit up.

" Wow, that could really help. Thanks, Alpha."

" I told you that I'm no Alpha in this room, the next person who will call me that would get slapped." - I sent a fake glare to the group and most of them, aside from freshmen, started chuckling - "OK, so it's settled. You're welcome to use my car to get home and let's see next week if my idea was of any use."

"Sure, thanks! I'm really moved you are doing this for me."

"Are you kidding me?! You'll be treating us all in the future, I need you to be the best." - I winked at her and read the next point on my agenda.

"Alright, moving on. I want to remind you all that every Wednesday evening Rico and I are working out in the gym, so if any of you need additional sparing, tutoring in martial arts or simply just let off some steam we are your people so feel free to join us." - confirmation murmurs echoed around the room.

"For those of you who don't know it yet, Rico and I haven't chosen Gamma and Head Warrior for the times when we'll take over. Since we don't have anybody from current bloodlines to take over those jobs are vacant, so if you only want them you are free to apply. I'm planning to make a Grand Pack's Tournament next summer, but remember that leadership is a great responsibility and it's about the time to start your preparations if you're interested." - I announced and I saw a few excited faces chatting among themselves.

" Alpha?" - called Josh one of the newest students and I sent him a warning glare -" Am Val, sorry it's hard to get used to it." - he said apologetically and I nodded letting him know that I'm all ears - "So about those Gamma and Head Warrior posts… since you'll be taking over next year doesn't it disqualifies those who are younger… like me?"

"Not at all. I just want the best man or a woman for the job, so as long as you're strong enough to beat the rest your age doesn't matter. Besides, our current Beta is four years younger than my Father and it never was an issue, it just means that our current Gamma and Head Warrior would serve a while longer. Oh, and remember that if you find your Mates and decide to settle in Dragon's Night they are welcome to try themselves too."

"Really?!" - asked hopefully Ruth's Mate Robert. He's a strong warrior from Blue Moon Pack, and since Ruth is an only child they decided to settle in my Pack after graduation.

"Really Bob, but remember that sparing won't be the only thing I will be assessing. There will also be economic and strategic knowledge tests so use your time wisely training not only your body, but brain too." - I said, giving him a meaningful smirk.

"Sure Val, but still it's a pretty awesome opportunity." - he said happily.

"I know, we are a pretty awesome Pack." - everyone started chuckling and it was a great moment to move along - "OK, so if no one have any more questions it's time for personal announcements. I'm proud to inform you that my Brother Freddy found his Mate and when the time comes he'll be joining her Pack." - whistles and shouts rang out in the hall and everyone cheered and congratulated Freddie, who in turn looked a little embarrassed.

" Oh no! Who is that lucky Gal?" - asked one of my warrioress.

"It's future Alpha Matilda Alistair." - said Freddy with a proud smile.

"Oh Man! I can't challenge an Alpha for you." - said the same girl throwing her hands dramatically in the air. I couldn't hold the giggle that escaped me when I saw my brother in the new shade of lobster-red. So funny!

"Does anyone else have a similar announcement to make?" - I asked when the crowd quieted down.

"Yes, actually Val I found my Mate two days ago, but when we talked we agreed to join his Pack." - said apologetically Milli, very skilled with numbers Delta.

"Congratulations Milli, but why haven't you brought him here? I'd like to meet him." - I said with a warm smile. It was hard to see my Pack mates making decisions to leave their home, but that's how our lives work, some new faces join us and some old friends leave. Circle of life, like in 'the Lion King'.

"Oh, I didn't know he could come. I can give him a call." - she said a bit timidly.

"Please do, I'd like to know a man who in the eyes of the Goddess is worthy of you." - she blushed and tried to hide her face in her light brown curls while texting her Mate.

"Ok, so do any of you have any issues, concerns or simply something to brag about?" - I asked heading to the end of this week's meeting.

"Well, my brother has been assigned a Head Omega in his new Pack and we're all very proud of him." - said Carol, who prepared the food for today.

"Wow, that's awesome! How is he liking the Winter Wolves Pack so far?" - I asked.

"Well, he jokes he hadn't seen grass for two years now, but he and Kathy are very happy together." - I chuckled at that comment.

"That's great, I hope to see him over Thanksgiving." - I winked at her and she nodded confirming he'll be there. - "Oh, and that reminds me. We'll be organising a bus for Thanksgiving soon, so let Izzi know who will like to use it. The bus will pick you up on Wednesday morning, but if someone wants to go home earlier I'll be leaving Lycademy on Tuesday evening and still have four spots in my car." - they all nodded.

"Alright people, if you don't have any more pressing matters, that's it for today. Remember that even here we are Pack and if you need anything we're all here for you." - I dismissed them all and one by one they started leaving the room.

I leaned over to Izzi who as usual was making notes from the meeting.

" Hey Hun, could you send a 'Congratulations' basket to the Winter Wolves Pack? One of us becoming a Head Omega is huge." - I asked my future Beta Female.

"Sure thing, Val." - she smiled widely and nodded.

As usual I was the last one to leave and when I stepped outside the classroom there stood Milli and her new Mate holding hands and looking lovingly at one another. Such a pretty couple.

"Val, like you've asked I'd like you to meet my Mate - Garry Stirling, Warrior trainee from the Shadow Biters Pack." - Milli proudly introduced the Boy.

"Nice to meet you Garry, I heard that Shadow Biters have one hell of a Warrior's squad, so I'm glad that Milli will be well protected."

"We do, and I'll make sure to take good care of Milli." - he was nice, and by the way he looked at her I knew he meant every word.

"Perfect, because you know Garry, I consider every one of my Pack's mates a family, and I would go to the war for my family." - I said with a mischievous smile and Garry looked like a fish pulled out from the water when my subtle threat sunk in. - "Don't worry, as long as she's happy, I'm happy." - I added and he nodded, obviously taken aback.

"Alright Lovebirds, I'll leave you to it. Welcome to the Dragon's Night family, Garry." - I waved at them and started heading to my condo, really proud of today's meeting. It was definitely a good beginning of the new year.

Then I turned around the corner and I bumped into someone. Smell of mint and chocolate invaded my nostrils.

OH MY GODDESS!

So I wasn't insane, he's really here!

When I looked up I found myself drowning in the pair of the most amazing ocean blue eyes. And then I felt it, the pull to the one that was meant to be mine.

"Mate" - I said out loud in disbelief.

I'm finally complete.