She is the Alpha

Chapter 3

Luna?

I sat in my newly acquired car, staring at the transformed pack house. What used to be a familiar structure was now a massive mansion—no, two mansions connected together. A lot had changed while I was gone.

Stepping out of my car, I immediately felt the presence of the pack links re-establish, enveloping me in the familiar bond. Though I had never truly left the pack, distance had made communication almost impossible.

*Alpha Xander, I hope my welcome home isn’t me standing alone in the driveway, looking like an i***t,* I teased through our link.

I felt his initial confusion, followed by shock, and then happiness flooding back.

*Katrina?* he gasped.

*The one and only, Alpha,* I teased back.

Within seconds, the mansion doors burst open, and out came my best friend. The last time I saw him was five years ago. He stormed toward me with a determined expression, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Straightening from my casual lean against the car, I stood tall as he approached. His features hadn’t changed much, but he had definitely grown into the man I always knew he’d become. His slight stubble suggested he was trying to grow a beard, and his dark hair was tousled, probably from stress. Despite the dark circles under his eyes and the exhausted, bloodshot look, he was still handsome.

His broad muscles strained against the tight shirt he wore, and his well-defined chest was visible through the fabric. When I met his gaze, I noticed tears threatening to spill, and I didn’t hesitate. I pulled him into a hug, wrapping my arms around his neck. His response was immediate—strong arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close.

I inhaled his familiar scent of earth and hazelnut, a scent that had always been slightly addictive. But before we could say anything or pull away, we were ripped apart. The force sent me stumbling back, and I hit the side mirror of my car. It didn’t hurt, but it was definitely rude.

A low growl caught my attention, and as I regained my balance, I turned to face a petite blonde woman. She stood protectively in front of Xander, snarling at me with an expression that did nothing to complement her pretty features. She was around 5’4", with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Her outfit consisted of a low-cut top and shorts that I’d classify as “booty shorts”—hardly appropriate for lounging around.

*Maybe she just woke up?* Artemis, my wolf, suggested.

*Maybe… wait, no,* I replied, noting her heavy makeup. *Not with that much makeup.*

“Don’t touch my mate, or I won’t hesitate to put you on the ground, pup,” she threatened, her growl low and menacing. I raised an eyebrow at her, taken aback.

Mate? The word sent a pang of disappointment through me. Xander had found his mate, and Artemis and I couldn’t help feeling a sense of loss. After our mate rejected us four years ago, Artemis had claimed Xander as hers, but we never told him. We couldn’t, given the circumstances, and we had agreed that if he found his mate, we’d let him be happy.

*If he’s happy, then we’re happy,* I reminded myself. *That’s all that matters.* It wasn’t my place to interfere. This woman, whatever her name was, was his rightful Luna and, therefore, my Luna too.

*Our Luna?* Artemis grumbled. *She already hates us.*

She was right. Our Luna already seemed to despise us. But it didn’t matter—I had to respect her and her position, even if it hurt.

“I apologize, Luna,” I said, bowing my head slightly. “Alpha Xander and I are old friends, and we haven’t seen each other in five years. I didn’t mean to overstep. Please forgive me.”

Despite my superior power, I still had to show respect. Charlotte didn’t know who I truly was or what I was capable of. She was my Luna, and I needed to acknowledge her authority.

“Don’t do it again, or you’ll have to deal with me,” she snapped. “My name is Luna Charlotte. Who are you?”

*Ouch,* Artemis snickered. *Someone’s got an attitude.*

“Katrina Astevana Dio,” I introduced myself politely, offering a smile.

Xander finally spoke, his voice tense. “Charlotte, I told you about Katrina a couple of weeks ago, remember?”

Charlotte’s glare didn’t soften. “No, I don’t remember,” she spat, her grip on Xander’s arm tightening.

I cleared my throat, and when Xander’s eyes met mine, they softened just a bit. “Have you seen my parents around, Xander?” I asked gently.

Charlotte cut in before he could answer. “It’s Alpha to you, Miss Dio,” she growled.

“It’s okay, Charlotte,” Xander said softly. “Katrina is a good friend. I trust her.”

Charlotte rolled her eyes and muttered, “Whatever.” She still had that nasty attitude, making Artemis chuckle.

*She’s not exactly a ray of sunshine,* Artemis joked, and I had to suppress a laugh.

Xander turned back to me. “Your parents are on vacation in the Dominican Republic. They probably won’t be back for another week.”

My heart sank a bit. I’d have to wait to see them. “That’s okay,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “Let them enjoy their vacation. They deserve it. When they come back, I’ll still be here, and it’ll be a nice surprise for them.”

Xander nodded, his smile returning. “You’re right.”