Ascension of a Gamma

Chapter 03 Threatening Alpha

~Liam~

Continuous rapping on the door woke me up. I spent the night in Lexy’s room and she in mine, after a briefing with the pack yesterday.

My head throbbed from the hangover and the pounding sound only made it worse. Annoyed, I opened the door to give whoever is behind it a scare, but I was instead greeted by a cheery face in pigtails.

“Good morning, Sir. We regret to inform you that breakfast will be a little late. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” she chirped.

“Did something happen, dear?”

“Only a minor issue at the kitchen, Sir. We’re working on it as fast as we can,” she said like she was reading off a script and I chuckled.

“Tell me, dear. Would you like to play a game?” I said with a smile, a proper one so as not to scare her.

She stared at me for a few seconds, her eyes clearly saying yes before they directed their gaze on her shoes. Looks like there was more to this than one abused woman.

“Hmm. I don’t know if I can wait. My tum-tum is growling,” I said, placing a hand on my stomach and rubbing it in circles. Then as an added emphasis, I playfully said, “Grawr.”

She giggled at my gimmick. Glad it amused her or else I would’ve ended up looking stupid for nothing.

“Grawr,” she mimicked, her voice sounding cute it could melt anyone’s heart, then she giggled at her actions.

I squatted on my toes so I could be on a somewhat equal level to her and said, “What’s your name, dear?”

“My friends call me Mary. You’re funny, mister.”

Heh. I could be funny too. In your face, Lexy.

I smiled at her and said, “Mary, it’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Do you want to play with me later, Mary?”

She slowly shook her head. “I’m training with my friends,” she said flatly.

“Training?”

“Mm-hm. Alpha said we should train.”

“And do you like training?”

She crossed her arms and pouted.

Heh. Little fighter.

“I don’t like training! I want to play hide and seek and swim in the river and eat ice cream.”

Cute little fighter.

“How about we go for ice cream after breakfast? Would you like that?” I said and she beamed.

“Can I bring my friends? They like ice cream too, like me! We love chocolate and vanilla and strawberry!” she exclaimed as she jumped up and down excitedly.

I chuckled. “Bring everyone along. I’ll buy you as many scoops as you want.”

She held out a fist then raised a finger, “Pinky promise?”

I linked mine with her and said, “Pinky promise. Now go tell your friends.”

Her unusual dark blue eyes moved to the upper right as she remembered something. “I have to tell other people about breakfast!”

“It’s quite alright, dear. They already know,” I said, so she wouldn’t have to knock on my room. “Everyone from this section has been informed.”

She stared at me with her eyebrows furrowed. Then she pointed and said, “A mind-link! You used a mind-link!”

“I did. You’re a smart girl, aren’t you?” I lied. She knew about it, but not how it worked yet.

Her lips curved to a grin. “Thank you, Mister. Uhm… What’s your name?”

“Liam. Call me Alpha Liam,” I said, still smiling. “Now run along, Mary. Come find me after breakfast, alright?”

She nodded then walked away while singing a made-up song to herself, “Ice cream. Ice cream. We’ll be eating ice cream.”

As I watched Mary leave, a voice came in my head. “Don’t you have a meeting later?”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I already made a promise to her!”

“i***t,” he mocked before blocking me.

I closed the door, mind-linked my pack, and instructed them to discreetly investigate this pack. Some protested, obviously still entangled with their mate and I grinned knowing they’d do what I asked of them anyway.

Then I created a private channel between me and Lexy and told her that she had a date with a cute little girl and her friends on an ice cream parlor after breakfast. She taunted and laughed at me first for ‘acting so unlike the scary Alpha’ before agreeing.

An hour later, I was in a loud and crowded dining hall. I joined the Alphas’ table, greeted them with a nod then munched on the juicy slices of fruits while they engaged in conversations of their own. They pretty much left me alone, a silent submission to my power. We only did discuss matters that concerned the packs.

But one of them had the guts to speak, as expected. Alpha Flynn greeted me and initiated conversation saying, “Several women were looking for you last night, Alpha Liam. You left the party quite early.”

“I only attend parties for the drinks. I understand you are now at the expected age of finding your mate?” I replied.

His upper lip twitched. “Unfortunately Alpha, I may have to wait. Not that I’m in a hurry.”

“That makes the two of us, then,” I said.

The conversation was cut short as a line of Omegas entered the room and began serving everyone. The Omega blushed as she put down my plate and I asked her to get me a bottle of red. I smiled, her blush deepened, and she almost tripped on her way out.

What can I say? I’m feeling good today.

Alpha Flynn laughed at her reaction. “A lady-killer, aren’t you, Alpha?”

“I’m not the only one,” I replied, gesturing towards the other Alphas. The Omegas serving them were blushing as well, the bachelors already chatting them up while the mated ones chose to remain polite. Which was the right move since the Lunas’ table was right next to ours.

He watched them intently, like a lost dog looking for its owner. I would’ve taken it upon me to console him, say that he may find his mate tonight but the event from last night dismissed the idea.

When the Omegas left, all smiles, he turned his attention back to me. “Perhaps I could indulge you with a more special collection, Alpha Liam?” he offered.

“Thank you but I’d have to decline. You should save your collection for special occasions. This is merely a whim as I didn’t get to finish a bottle last night,” I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

He pursed his lips then smiled to hide the fact that he got the message. I left it at that.

After we had our fill, he led us to the conference room along with the Betas present. It was time to get down to more pressing matters. Alphas had to come to an accord every year regarding the release of their members who were mated to another pack. Of course, when it came to mine, the process was quite easy since none of mine ever left so I just sat there, watching them bicker.

Hidden by our civil appearance was a wicked twisted game of power. It was a common tactic for Alphas to use mates as spies or assassins, which was why an Alpha must banish his pack member before turning the latter over to another, thus, breaking the mind-link. There were still risks that came with bringing a new member in, but this was by far the most effective measure.

Alpha Myron, nearing mid-forties, watched the scene with his steel-gray eyes, his lips pursed tight. Every once in a while, he would throw a side-glance my way, but I pretended not to notice. The father of my mate, we never really talked much but then again, we were never close since he left the pack.

He used to be my father’s Beta until he was banished for rebelling then he married the daughter of another pack’s Alpha, thus, securing his position. Cheap move.

If it wasn’t for the alliance, he wouldn’t have given me his daughter’s hand. Another cheap move.

The meeting came to an end. We exchanged niceties as formality dictates and I waited for them to leave. Most threw worried glances on Alpha Flynn’s direction, but none dared interfere.

“I believe we have nothing more to discuss, Alpha Liam. I would have to ask you to see yourself out.”

“Alright. I prefer to let my actions do the talking anyway,” I said, getting up.

He crossed his arms and tapped his foot. “You have no right to involve yourself in matters concerning my pack. Whatever dirt you managed to dig up is groundless.”

I sat back down, arms behind my head. “We’ll see about that. You see, I found a rather interesting woman who willingly shared my bed last night.”

I smirked as his face contorted in anger. Then he stomped his way to me, grabbed me by the collar, and demanded, “What did you do to her!?”

“I’d watch my tone if I were you, pup. You wouldn’t want to end up forgotten now do you?” My voice came out cold and I commend him for not backing down.

“Alpha!” came his Beta’s urgent cry.

“Get out!” he yelled, without breaking his glare on me.

His Beta hesitated for a second but still chose to obey, leaving the two of us to settle this our – no, my way.

“I know about your stories, murderer. If you ever dare harm my pack, it’d be the last thing you do,” he said as he pushed me out of his grip.

My wolf stirred at the name, baring his teeth in my mind. He shouldn’t have said that. Using one hand, I lifted him off the ground and the momentary panic that flashed in his eyes amused my wolf.

Luca was getting restless since yesterday; this i***t had a death wish. “New prey,” he said, and I laughed.

“You think my resolve is funny!? You don’t scare me!”

I stopped and gave him a death glare until he looked away. “The fate of your pack lies in her hands. If she wants to leave, she will be taking whoever she wants to. If she wants you dead, I will be more than happy to oblige. Enjoy today, Alpha. She decides tonight.”

I released my grip and walked out, not waiting for a reply, to find Alpha Myron waiting for me. The Beta from earlier entered immediately after a curt nod.

Hmm. Interesting.

Without saying a word, Alpha Myron motioned for me to follow. We walked in silence as he led me to the gardens, past the green shrubbery, to a bench in front of a small fountain.

From the mansion, the small area hid from view and there was nobody around. He sat on the bench and tapped the space beside him. I chose to face him, standing.

“Still stubborn, I see.”

If he wasn’t my mate’s father, I would’ve punched that smug look off his face. But for her sake, I kept reining my anger whenever I was near him. I kept a placid face as I said, “What do you want?”

“To remind you that tonight is your last chance. I trust you’ll honor your word as Alpha, Liam.”

“I’m well aware and when I find her, you better honor yours,” I said with a smile.

He frowned. “It’s Alpha Myron to- “

“And it’s Alpha Liam to you,” I said firmly, cutting him off.

Shit. My control slipped a bit. “If you have nothing more to say, I’m leaving.”

He directed his gaze on the fountain and I walked away, feeling his gaze on my back. I smirked. There’s more to being an Alpha than having the title.

I headed to Lexy’s room, in need of a drink but found that it was fresh out of alcohol.

“You don’t have to do it. I don’t want to,” said Luca.

“It’s settled, Luca. There’s no turning back now,” I said, going to my room.

I opened the door slowly, to not disturb the patient. Lexy should still be out with the kids. At least she’s having a better time than me.

The plan was to sneak in, grab a bottle then out. But I didn’t expect the smell when I entered – a blend of vanilla and freshly-cut roses.

I took a deep breath. It was really there. It wasn’t perfume. This was stronger and more… organic. And I wanted… more.

My head turned to my left, where the smell seemed strongest. And there on the bed, sat the unknown woman, wide-eyed and shaking.

My legs instinctively carried me forward. The scent seemed to tease me. It sent my heart racing, and it was so pleasantly sweet I could taste it on my tongue. There was no mistaking it, the scent emanated from her.

And it woke my wolf. Luca howled wildly and without warning, fought to emerge. As I fought for control, another smell overpowered the sweetness – fear.

Fuck. I scared her.

XXX