Alpha Ruby

Bar

Ruby

"If by the time we turn 25 and still have not found our mates, you will choose me as your mate. If I do find my mate before then, I promise to give her a chance and not reject her. Do we have a deal?" I blink my eyes in disbelief. "We love him, just agree. It's a win-win situation." How so? I question my wolf, because to be honest, I just sense disaster waiting to happen. "If we find out mate before the next four years, we win. If not, we choose Xander and his wolf, whom we love and trust. Which is a win. So, what's there to think about? Accept the deal!" I think about what my wolf says before looking back into the pleading eyes of Xander. I offer him a smile and stick my hand out for him to shake. His eyes widen as if he didn't think I would agree to his offer. He shakes my hand before pulling me into a hug. "Thank you, Ruby!"

As we pull away from the hug, Gabby walks in with three slices of cheesecake. Mmm, my favorite. "So, what's the plan for today?" I asked her as we dig into the delicious slice of heaven. This woman always makes me do something with her and Xander on my birthday. Yes, as alpha, I could easily say no, but these two are my best friends. Plus, it doesn't hurt going out once a year. My gamma can hold the pack down for a few hours until I return.

"You'll see!" She smiles wickedly.

After our breakfast and cake, Gabby headed outside to lead training since she is my head warrior. Xander is my beta, so he accompanied me to my office to work on pack business. My parents and Xander parents are best friends and stopped by during lunch to wish me a happy birthday and asked me and Xander to come down to the dining hall for lunch. We were halfway through with our work, so I didn't mind taking a break.

The second I approached the dining hall, the entire pack was there and shouted, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALPHA!" I smiled brightly and thanked them all. There was a huge cake in the center of the table and a scrumptious spread of food. I love my pack and I know they respect and admire me as well. After eating and chatting with my pack, whom I consider family, it was back to my office I go. Luckily, today has been a drama-free day. No rogue attacks, no packs trying to beg me for an alliance, nothing. Just a simple day.

"Are you two done making out?" Gabby asks as she barges into the office. Xander and I look at her before I start laughing. "Gabby." I say at the same time Xander answers her with a, "No. Come back later." She raises an eyebrow at me and I link her. "I'll talk to you later about him."

"Anyway, why are you guys still in here? Go get ready!" Looking at my clock, I realize it was 7 p.m. Damn, where did the day go? "Sorry, I lost track of time. Come on Xander, let's call it a day." He didn't hesitate to throw the paperwork he was holding onto the desk and rush out. "I'll meet you ladies outside! I'm driving." He hollered as he was already down the hallway. I was about to walk out the office as well, but Gabby closed the door. "Spill." She stated with her arms crossed.

I tell how about the deal I made with Xander and her jaw falls to the floor. "Are you f*****g kidding me, Ruby! Why would you agree to such a thing?!" I give her a stern look. "Bowing her head in submission, she apologizes to me. "Listen, you know I love Xander. If by 25 I haven't found my mate, then I will accept Xander as my chosen one. I'm so sick and tired of being alone. What if I never find my mate? Hmm? I don't want to die one day, regretting not being happy and loved by the man who holds my heart."

"I never thought of it like that. I guess it makes sense. But, what if-

"No. No what if's." I cut her off not wanting to think of the worst situation.

"Okay, okay." Gabby throws her hands up in surrender. "Enough of this serious talk, let's go out and have fun birthday girl!" I lock my office on the way out and Gabby has already chosen a dress for me. Slipping it on, I quickly do my make-up and toss my hair up in a messy bun. It's weird not having to dress professionally like I do every day of the year, but this is a special occasion.

I give my gamma, Owen, instructions for the rest of the night and to link me immediately if any problems arise. Heading outside, Xander rolls his eyes at us as he leans against his car. "Took you guys long enough!" He playfully hollers as he opens the door for us.

The three of us jam to the music on the radio, singing as loud as possible. My wolf is wagging her tail in excitement, causing me to giggle. "What's got you so happy?" I ask her. " I don't know, I just feel like I have positive energy building up inside of me. Maybe because it's your birthday and I love seeing you let loose." I swear, I have the best wolf in the world. I love her so much and consider her my best friend along with the other two knuckle heads in the car with me.

Looking out the window, I see we are now in the center city of the human town. Xander pulls up along a curb and parks the car in an VIP spot in front of a bar. Okay, not going to lie, I"m pretty excited. I've never had an alcoholic beverage before and now that I'm 21, I finally can! "What makes you a VIP?" I question him with a giggle. "You'll see." He smirks at me, and I notice that Gabby also has a smirk on her face. What are these two up to?