Viraai: (Book 1) Awakenings

| 2 | Pizza and hey look, Rogues.

M A C K E N Z I E

Signing off one of the last documents of Pack work, I glance at my phone for the first time since I came in here and press the home button, looking at the time.

16:02.

I nod slightly, appreciating the fact that I’ve worked for a suitable amount of time then raise my arms out in front of me and stretch my muscles, letting out a loud groan as I feel my bones c***k. A feeling of relief washes over my body as I stand up from my chair and stretch my legs before I lean forward to close my laptop and my folders, finally deciding to go downstairs and relax a bit, possibly get something to eat.

Only about 60 – 90 people live in the Packhouse, this includes Pack Superiors such as the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and their Mates. Other members include Pack Warriors, Guards, Elders, Scouts, Caretakers, young Wolves yet to have their Awakenings; their first ever shifts, and Pack Doctors and Nurses. The rest of the Pack is scattered across the Blue Light Crescent territory, each living in their own individual homes with their families. The Packhouse is right in the middle of the territory, that way it is easy for people to assemble for Pack meetings or briefings, or anytime there is some sort of emergency and it is required for every single member of the Pack to be present.

Our territory, like most Wolf territories and sometimes even Vampire territories, is covered with a lot of trees and vegetation. Our Packhouses are located deep in the woods, so we can be away from Humans and also so we can have the freedom to hunt and shift.

Once I get downstairs, I let out a deep breath before I head to the living room to find a bunch of my friends talking with one another as music plays softly in the background. There’s Ethan, sitting just beside Alexander and Aiden, aka AJ, Alexander’s younger brother, both of them paying equal attention to what Ethan is telling them.

Unlike Ethan who is of Italian descent and as a result has ivory skin and dark wavy hair, both Alex and AJ have the same short curly afros, curtesy of their Namibian heritage, their complexion dark and smooth and their eyes a mix of honey brown and hazel.

Also present in the room is Shannon and Denise, Ethan and Alexander’s Mates respectively. Shannon, being Ethan’s explosive other half, has fair white skin and platinum blonde, almost white hair that stops just below her jawline, her eyes icy blue. Shannon and I have known each other since we were kids, the same with most of my friends, our parents being the best of friends. She is also very powerful, a Strength, having the ability to almost overpower even me, making her the perfect person for the role of Head Pack Warrior.

There's a difference between a Pack Guard and Pack Warrior. They're of different ranks of security. The Pack Guards, are... Well guards. They guard the territory, scan the perimeter for any suspicious activities going on and around the territory. It's their job to alert us if there is any danger. They also have to be trained in combat if the Pack Warriors are not immediately alerted of the threat. While the Pack Warriors are the ones that are heavily involved in battle.

Denise on the other hand, I met just after I had my first shift. She had moved into the Packhouse just around that same time and the two of us bonded very quickly. She is much more extroverted than Alexander is but I’d like to think they balance each other out. She is part Portuguese and has tanned skin and long dark hair that flows into a blonde ombré, her eyes a soft brown and golden when she is in her Wolf form…

AJ, aside from me is the only one out of our friend group that doesn’t yet have a Mate. He’s quite carefree, playful and kind-hearted. We all like to think of him as our little brother considering he is the youngest in the group and sometimes the most childish… but it’s not something we usually hold against him.

Once I walk into the room all their attention shifts to me, each of them being relieved to see me.

“Maaaaax.” They all drag my nickname at the same time making me smile at them as I walk in.

“Hey everyone,” I reply casually, walking to the couch where Shannon and Denise are sitting, slumping in it as soon as I sit down.

“We missed you!” Shannon chirps as she wraps her arms around me and hugs me tightly.

“I missed you guys too.” I smile softly, hugging her back.

“Clearly not enough to spend time with us...” Ethan mumbles with fake sadness. I was literally just with him though…

“Yeah is hibernation more important than your own friends?” AJ lets out defensively making me scoff.

“Actually I was-” I’m about to say before I’m rudely interrupted.

“I mean you couldn’t even call to let us know you’re not dead?” Denise chimes in and as soon as she does, they all start complaining about how busy I am all the time, making me sigh deeply as I glance at all of them.

Why are my friends so dramatic...?

“For, your information...” I say loudly, my voice rising over their quarrelling ones. “I, your Alpha, was doing some very important Pack work. Who else is going to lead this Pack?” I continue in a serious tone, making all of them go quiet.

“Hmmp, fair enough, but don’t overwork yourself. You know we get worried about you.” Shannon tells me, her tone becoming serious as well as she frowns at me.

“All I do is overwork myself, I don’t know how to do it any other way,” I explain.

“Well that’s depressing... here’s a thought, who’s up for pizza?” Denise changes the topic quickly as soon as she notices how serious it’s getting.

“Meee!” Ethan, Alexander, AJ and I yell in unison, AJ grinning the most since he is madly in love with pizza, but honestly, who isn’t?

“Alright, let’s get to the kitchen.” Denise claps her hands together and gets up from the couch, walking to the kitchen.

“Wait, what?” The guys ask in unison, totally confused.

“We’re gonna make it. Do you know how long pizza takes to get here? We’re in the middle of the woods remember?” Shannon says, getting up with Denise.

“How bad can it be?” I tell them with a shrug, just as we all make our way into the kitchen…

. . . . .

“I’m so tired,” Alex complains, as he collapses onto the couch, Denise eventually joining him and snuggling against his side just as the rest of us make ourselves comfortable on the other couches and recover from what just happened. Who knew making pizza would be that tiring…?

“Same here…” Ethan agrees with Alexander as he snuggles with Shannon on a separate couch. “But it’s worth it.” He mumbles with his eyes closed and his head facing the ceiling.

“Mhm.” I sigh, taking in the delicious smell of pizza lingering in the air as I lay flat on my back on a lone couch.

“Do I smell pizza?” We hear another voice say, making us turn to see Matt walk into the room with his Mate, Jade, at his side, both of them sniffing the air curiously.

“Hey Matt, and yeah you do,” I say before I sit up a bit, making room on the couch just as he comes to sit next to me.

“Huh, actually doesn’t smell like shit...” Jade chuckles mischievously and they all holler at her for making such a snarky comment just as she continues to laugh at them, throwing up a pair of middle fingers in response to their jeering.

Matt and Jade are one couple in the house that I find the most interesting. Matt is someone that gets along with everyone and as a result is loved by them, a free-spirit that never lets anything or anyone bring him down. He’s got light green eyes and cream white skin with dozens of beauty marks layered across it. His hair is just as long as Shannon’s and he likes to keep it in a low ponytail, the colour a mix of dark and light brown with a few golden highlights.

Jade however is the exact opposite of Matt. She is considered a loner and prefers keeping to herself rather than hanging out with people. Most find her intimidating and some compare her personality to that of a Rogue but I try my best to change the perception people have of her by encouraging people to spend time with her so they can see that there is much more to her than what they might believe. Jade has hair just as dark as mine except hers is a lot shorter, a pixie cut that’s been shaved in the sides with a tattoo of a snake just on the right side of her head, her skin is pale and ghostly and her eyes dark purple…

“Keep being a b***h and you’re not having any.” Shannon snaps at her just as she rolls her eyes at Jade. She then watches as Jade walks over to her and Ethan, and squeezes herself between them, placing her arms around both of their shoulders as she hugs them tightly.

“I’m just kidding Shan, you know I love you… not your cooking though…” Jade says softly with a smirk just as Shannon eyes widen, taking huge offence to what Jade just said to her.

“f**k off.” Shannon hisses as she tries not to laugh, removing Jade’s arm off her shoulder forcefully and twisting it making Jade gasp at her how powerful Shannon is.

“Okay, okay you’re a Strength I get it.” Jade laughs as she holds onto her shoulder and massages it lightly.

“And don’t you forget.” Shannon grins victoriously before she leans back on the couch just as Jade gets up and shakes her head seeing that she’s not welcome, making her way over to me and holding out a fist just as I do the same and bump mine against hers.

“One day you’re gonna hurt yourself with all that aggression.” Matt shakes his head at his Mate, having his arm rested against the couch as Jade takes a seat next to him. Jade then smirks and leans close to him, kissing his cheek lightly before whispering softly in his ear.

“You like it when I get aggressive.” She says as she smiles at him before she eventually cuddles with him as well.

“We can all hear you…” Denise lets out as she laughs at Jade’s attempt to be quiet.

“I’ve told you Denise, if you want tips on how to spice up your love life, just ask.” Jade comments and I can’t help but laugh at how sharp Jade’s tongue is.

“Uh okay, gross… can we just go eat already before you guys make me throw up…” AJ complains as he stands up from the couch, not wanting to think about what his brother and his Mate are up to when no one is around.

That I envied… having a Mate. There are countless couples that I’ve seen together in my Pack and I have to admit, I’d like to have a Mate... Love to have a Mate.

“AJ’s right… come on, let’s chow.” I say just before I get up and decide to Mindlink everyone in the Packhouse.

“Everyone is welcome to join us in the kitchen and dining room and help themselves with some good ol’ homemade pizza and fresh lemonade,” I say through the link, hearing multiple voices in response. I have to admit the whole having access to each other’s thoughts thing was super weird at first but it’s something I just had to get used to.

We make our way to the kitchen and a few minutes later, people begin piling in and helping themselves with pizza and lemonade, giving us dozens of compliments as they serve themselves and enjoy their food. Gotta admit, it felt good.

We all get our food and begin digging in on the large dining table that has about 10 seats while others decide to eat elsewhere, when suddenly, a group of Pack Guards rush into the dining room, each of them as panicked as the next.

“Alpha.” The twin guards, Henry and Harry bow their heads in respect.

“Hey guys… what’s the matter…” I question, slowly lowering my pizza down to my plate as I feel my smile falter.

“It’s the Rogues, they’ve infiltrated out territory...”

Immediately they say that word, my entire mood changes. Everything in me shifts.

I growl to myself deeply before I get up from my seat and follow the twins as they lead me outside with Ethan, Alexander, AJ, Jade, Matt, Denise and Shannon following behind me.

“All Pack Warriors outside now and be ready to defend your Pack… Rogues have infiltrated our territory.” I order through the Mindlink. I don’t know how many of them might be out there but when it comes to Rogues, we’ll need all the help we can get…

We arrive outside and encounter a few dozen Rogues, all of them in their Wolf forms, growling and snarling menacingly in an attempt to intimidate us. But it isn’t working, not for me at least.

I take a bunch of steps forward, my feet crunching against the soil beneath me, staring at them as they continue to flash their canines at me…

I tilt my head slightly at them, before contacting my Viraai.

“You ready?" I ask my Viraai.

“Let me rip them apart...” She growls in my head and I don’t waste a second more, I let her take complete control.

A burst of adrenaline hits me as soon as I feel the power of my Wolf coursing through my veins. My canines begin to elongate and my nails extend to an unusual length. I look down and watch as my black fingernails shift into long, razor-sharp claws. The bones in my arms begin to snap in different directions as I grunt at the uncomfortable feeling.

Didn’t expect it to hurt that much, has it really been that long?

My spine snaps causing me to lurch forward, resulting in a low growl rumbling in my throat. I stare down at my arms and watch as the black hair juts out of my pores, getting longer and longer, followed by my legs snapping backwards.

I fall onto the ground, gripping onto the soft soil as I continue to growl and about 5 seconds after I started shifting, I finally transform into my jet black Wolf. I growl loudly and ferociously, my growl resonating through the forest and making some of the Rogues go dead silent.

That’s right, I’m the Alpha.

A wave of fear overtakes the Rogues as they are clearly intimidated by my presence. Good.

I bark loudly letting my Pack members know it is time to attack, lunging forward and attacking the first Rogue I make eye contact with. I go straight for the throat, pinning it down as it whines and thrashes before finally ripping its throat out, tossing the chunks of flesh out of my mouth. Once it is dead, I run forward to fight off a few more, taking every single one of them down with ease, using the power of my Viraai to its full extent.

In the corner of my eye, I see a fellow She-Wolf in trouble and I immediately rush over to her aid and tackle the Wolf on top of her to the ground, breaking its ribs by headbutting its abdomen, causing it to whimper in pain. Once it is off her, I reach for its throat and snap its neck so hard it won’t be able to wake up, letting its lifeless body fall on the ground.

“Thanks, Alpha.” I hear a female voice through the Mindlink, making me look at the dark red Wolf I had just helped, her gold eyes staring back at me.

“Anytime.” I nod at her before focusing my attention on the battle ahead.

We continue fighting and taking down more Rogues and I'm glad to see my Pack members utilising the training techniques I had taught them. The ground is stained with the blood of the enemy and thankfully, we didn’t lose anyone but, still a lot of people have been injured and need immediate medical attention. It takes roughly 5 minutes for Werewolves to heal fully but it depends on the severity of their wounds and also the ranking. The higher your rank, the faster you heal and so a number of people are sent to the infirmary while the surviving Rogues are captured so they can be held for interrogation.

I strut around, catching my breath and watching as people handle the dead bodies of the Rogues that attacked us. This happened right in front of the house so I need it to be clean as if nothing ever happened. Ethan comes towards me holding a few clothes for me to change into, making me bark at him in a way to say thank you before I take them in my mouth and walk behind a tree to shift back to my Human form, slipping on the black T-shirt and loose black shorts. My hands are stained with blood and I feel as if my mouth is too. I definitely need another shower...

“Ethan, Alexander,” I call as I walk out from behind the tree. They turn to look at me as soon as I get their attention, staring at me like I am deranged. Yup, probably all the blood…

“Was there any sign of the Alpha?” I ask them and they both shake their heads no.

“Do you think this was a random attack?” Alex questions and crosses his arms.

“I think so... they didn’t attack the house, they just... came here to be killed basically,” I explain.

“Isaac says no Guards were killed at the borders, neither did they pick up any of their scents...” Ethan informs me.

“So how the f**k did they get onto our territory?” I let out angrily, scoffing afterwards.

Alpha Nate f*****g Maddox.

Notoriously known as the King of the Rogues.

He is the Rogue Alpha. The mere mention of his name brought terror and fear into even the strongest of Viraai. He is merciless, impulsive and some say a mad man, and it is rumoured that he is the cause of this War.

I swear, when I finally meet this menace, I will kill him on sight, I don’t know why someone hasn’t done it already.

“I’ll be inside,” I say just before turning to walk inside the house, ignoring all the stares I receive when I pass my fellow Pack members.

. . . . .

Darkness has already consumed the evening sky, signifying that it is already night time, my desk lamp being the only luminescent thing in my office. I sigh lightly as I finish the last of my work and lean back in my chair slightly, thinking about earlier today and why the Rogues attacked us. But my thoughts don’t wander that far before I hear my phone begin to buzz on my table. I glance and smile at the caller ID, finding that it’s one of my close friends who happens to be an Alpha as well.

“Alpha Mackenzie.” He says once I answer.

“Rodriguez, what’s with all the formality?” I greet him back, smiling to myself.

“Sorry Max, force of habit.” He chuckles a bit over the phone. “How are you?”

“Exhausted, angry, still feeling the need to rip someone’s head off,” I explain, spinning my pen on the table.

“Whoa, why’s that?” He questions with concern, his Hispanic accent prominent in his voice.

“Rogues attacked our Pack today, thankfully no one was killed and we managed to kill most of them and hold the remaining hostage. I’m fine, don’t worry.” I tell him.

“I’m glad you’re okay and, you’re not the first person to tell me that today. The Rogues also attacked Forest Woods and Black Moon, that’s why I was calling as well, to tell you that the meeting has been moved up to tomorrow.”

“Are they okay?” I ask as a frown develops on my face, leaning forward to rest my elbows on the table.

“Minor injuries, no one dead as well...”

“Okay, this must’ve been coordinated then...”

“Which is exactly why we’re having an emergency meeting tomorrow. You’ll be there, right?” He asks and I nod my head despite him not being able to see me.

“Yeah of course. Time?”

“12 pm.”

“Same location?”

“Yes, the Greyshades Packhouse. Alpha Miles is holding the meeting.” He tells me.

The Greyshades Pack.

One of the strongest Packs in the region, together with my Pack, of course, being the 2nd largest Pack in the whole North and South. Their Alpha, Alpha Miles Adexxon became the Alpha about one year ago when he was handed down the title by his father and from what I’ve heard he’s a pretty good Alpha, but I’ve never personally met him.

Once I end the call with Rod, I decide to call it a day, leaving my office and shutting the door behind me. As I walk to my bed, I throw off my jacket and shoes, followed by my jeans then my bra and remain in just a top and underwear before I hop onto my bed and snuggle against the covers, sighing heavily as I shut my eyes.

Part of me wishes I will find my Mate tomorrow...

“That’s me...” My Viraai howls in my head.

“Then it’s you and me both...” I tell her, staring up at the ceiling before turning on my side to face the left side of my bed, imagining who would be occupying that space in the future before soon dozing off.

. . . . .

We drive to the Greyshades Packhouse the next afternoon and it is only a 10-minute drive from our border entrance to theirs. Blue Light Crescent territory is landlocked and surrounded by not just the Greyshades Pack but the Black Moon Pack, the Forest Woods Pack and unfortunately the Rogue Pack which is the largest Pack in our continent.

“Ready?” Ethan asks as he rubs my shoulder just after we park in front of the house. I’m sure he can sense my nervousness.

“Ready.” I exhale deeply.

We get out of the car and go into the house, admiring it as we enter. The house is amazing; it is furnished with minimalist furniture with all sorts of whites and greys, the floor being adorned with beautiful dark rich wood.

Different men of all ages seem to be going in one direction and so we decide to follow them, having no idea where to go.

As I predicted, I’m the only female Alpha here from what I’ve seen so far. As expected the attention is on me as I receive curious looks from people as I pass by with Ethan. Unfortunately the only other female Alpha in the South, Alpha Ireinia Teravini of the Tiger Moon Pack, isn’t going to be here since her Pack is more to the far west while our Packs reside in the centre and the eastern parts of the United States.

I concentrate on finding Rodriguez’s scent in the sea of unknown scents and once I pick it out I begin to follow it.

Ethan and I find our way and get to a giant conference room that’s got a large rectangular table at the centre and over 16 chairs surrounding it. The second I walk in, almost everyone’s gaze shifts towards me, making me feel uneasy.

“Can’t they just mind their own f*****g business...?” My Viraai growls in annoyance.

I try as much as possible to ignore all the stares I’m receiving and take a seat beside Ethan. I haven’t met most of these Alphas or Betas before, no wonder they are all staring at me... my reputation must proceed me.

I finally spot Rodriguez sitting a few seats away from me with his Beta, Danté, and smile at them, giving them a small wave as they both smile back and wave at us.

Once I turn my head back forward I find a bald man sitting across from me, staring at me as if I’m some sort of science experiment gone wrong. He doesn’t have the scent of an Alpha so he must be a Beta…

“Have I got something on my face?” I snap at him using a bit of my Alpha tone causing him to look the other way.

The meeting is just about to start when I am hit with an alluring, overwhelming and delicious scent. It smells like... fresh rain with a mixture of vanilla and mint.

“Mate! Mate!” My Viraai barks, and it’s the first time in a while I’ve heard her be so cheerful. I’m as excited as she is but now isn’t the time. I shift in my seat as I keep my eyes on the door, feeling my heart pound in my chest with sheer excitement and anticipation.

“Now’s not the time, we’re in the middle of a meeting so stay quiet.”

“Okay, but as soon as this is over, I want our Mate!” She growls impatiently.

Just then, a handsome, dark-haired man walks through the door and I feel my entire body burn with a sensation I have never felt before. He has enthralling grey eyes that complimented his amazing rosy pink lips and cute dimples that are indented on both sides of his cheeks.

His jawline is sculpted to perfection and he stands tall, possibly 6′3 or maybe even taller. His broad shoulders and muscular arms are prominent under the thin lining of his black shirt.

Did I say handsome? Sorry, that was an understatement.

I mean f*****g hot.

Not only that, he has a powerful aura of authority that floats around him…

He is an Alpha.

He is accompanied by another guy who has green eyes and dark blonde hair and he is also pretty good looking, but my attention is mainly focused on my Mate.

My... Mate.

“That’s him! That’s our Mate, he’s so hot!” My Viraai howls as I picture her running around in circles in my head.

I cut her off because I can’t afford to let her distract me. Now is the time to be professional and so I centre my attention towards him. His gaze shifts to me and my insides curl, butterflies going crazy in my stomach. He stares at me for a moment, mesmerised before the corners of his lips rise, forming a sly smirk that makes his dimples pop out as he keeps his eyes locked on me.

He then clears his throat and reluctantly looks away from me, facing the group instead.

“Thank you my fellow Alphas-” He speaks up.

“-and Betas...” The Blonde cuts in.

“Yes, for coming. My name is Alpha Miles Adexxon of the Greyshades Pack and this is my Beta, Brett Micheals. As you already know, we are here because all of our Packs have been recently attacked by the Rogues.” He speaks and my Wolf purrs at the sound of his voice.

I can’t believe my Mate is Alpha Miles.

My Mate is an Alpha as well...

My Wolf howls and barks in excitement, sneaking up on me the second I let my guard down.

“Pipe down!” I scold her through our link.

“What? No one can hear me CAUSE I’M IN YOUR HEAD!” She howls loudly but I cut her off again, focusing back on my Mate... and the meeting of course.

“... So mainly our plan of action now is to pair Packs together for a few months to prepare for the upcoming War against the Rogues.” After that, he starts talking about which Packs will be together. Then he came to...

“My Pack, the Greyshades will join forces with the Blue Light Crescent Pack… so if their Alpha may please stand...” He says looking around for the Alpha. Once he says the name of my Pack, I want to scream like an excited little girl.

This is like a dream come true.

But I have to remain composed.

I clear my throat causally and stand up from my seat, holding my head up high to show my boldness.

“That’ll be me.”