Alpha Temptations

03 | Strange

The whole Nightshade Pack is buzzing with excitement as everyone gathers for the biggest night of the year—the Turnover Ceremony. It has been the most anticipated event of the year; the most special day for someone I know and one of those I despise the most.

Finally, the ever-mighty and kind Hunter will officially be introduced to the whole pack as the next alpha. Well, everyone already knows about it. The ceremony is just a formality, more like a confirmation that he will really take over the position soon. So I don't really get their excitement over it. It would have been nice if he had a rival because I am pretty sure the latter would get the title, not him. He's clearly unfit for the position. I couldn't even see him continuing the legacy of his father or even getting close to his tracks.

I can feel the warmth on everyone's faces as they wait for the ceremony to commence. Their warm smiles defeated the freezing wind of the night. And it was really a sight to see. If only I were not who I am right now, I would have viewed this day as special, too. But, no. I am not part of this pack. I am here but in a totally different world, a world of my own.

"It's happening! You're going to be the next Luna, Karen!" I heard the girls exclaimed not far away from me. When I checked, they were the ones who bullied me before. But there are more of them now, flocking around the delusional werewolf bítch of the pack.

"No, please don't say that. Alpha Hunter only gets to decide about that," Karen replied, trying to sound like a modest girl while playing with the ends of her hair. "But if ever I really get to be the next Luna, then I will make sure to be as good and loving as Luna Therese or even greater than her," she added, flashing a sweet smile as if she's some sort of a delicate angel.

I quickly turned around when I felt my stomach turning upside-down from the sight. I shrugged my shoulders to shake off the cringing sensation that rushed all over my body after hearing her. But she can be the next Luna Therese. I can see it. They're both two-faced after all.

The thought of having another Luna Therese managing the pack made me feel worse. I worry for the future of this pack if Hunter and Karen really end up together. I can see this pack falling into pieces.

"Please don't let it happen, dear moon goddess," I murmured before I decided to go back to the pack house to help in preparing the feast for later's after party.

---

"My dear people..."

Everyone's attention quickly shifted to the stage in front as the voice of the alpha was heard all over the place. He doesn't even have to use his authority to command everyone to listen. His voice was enough to captivate us.

"The day we have all been waiting for has come," he announced, flashing a vibrant smile as he scans the whole crowd. "But before anything else, I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to our allied packs for coming to witness this special day. And..."

Alpha Lancer continued with his speech. But I wasn't really able to listen to everything he said because I was busy helping with the preparation for the feast after the ceremony.

I was on my way back to the packhouse when I heard everyone howl. Their joyous howls echoed all over the place. And even though I hate this pack, I couldn't help but smile as I feel their joys vibrate inside me.

"How nice it could have been if I could howl like them, too," I murmured, shaking my head and rushing my way inside.

After preparing all the things needed for the feast, I was told to stay in the kitchen to be on standby in case they ask me to bring them anything. And it's not like I can say no, especially when it's Luna Therese's order.

I can hear the blissful noise outside. I can hear the pack celebrating for Hunter. I can feel their bliss and excitement reverberating all over the place.

"How nice," I mumbled, smiling weakly before turning to the dishes. "Well, time to do your party, Maya—with the plates," I joked to humor myself but it just made me feel heavier.

I don't know why I am suddenly acting like this. It's not new to me. I have been an outcast for years already. I know I am used to not being able to join parties, gatherings, and other events in the pack, so why? Why do I feel this desire to join them even just for once?

"Drinks?"

I quickly turned around when I heard Alpha Lancer's voice. I was then welcomed by his sweet, fatherly smile.

"A-Alpha, what are you doing here?" I shook my hands before wiping it against my apron.

"Why, am I not allowed here?" he responded with a smile. "This is my house, Maya."

"N-No. That's not what I meant. You should be outside. The pack will surely look for you even if you go missing for just a second," I clarified, but deep inside me, I want him to stay and keep me company just like in the old times. I want him to be with me just until I get rid of this lonely feeling I have.

"I'll head back there in a bit," he said, offering me a glass of wine. "I just came here to give you this," he added before his smile faded. "I'm really sorry, Maya. I'm really sorry I couldn't keep my promise to you. I'm sorry I failed to give you the life I promised you when I brought you here."

"Alpha..." I looked at him straight in his eyes and smiled. "You've done enough for me. You fulfilled more than what you promised me." I took a step closer and grabbed his hand. "I am beyond grateful to have found a new family in you."

"Maya..." It took him a few seconds before he nodded and smiled. "Thank you."

I gave him a nod before letting go of his hand. "I should be the one to thank you, Alpha. By the way, you've been out of the pack's sight for a while now; you should go back before they start panicking," I joked.

"In a bit," he replied, sitting on the edge of the counter. "The reason why I came here is because of you," he said, looking at me. "Do you really want to go with Hunter in the camp? I know you two don't get along well so I'm worried that—"

"It's fine, Alpha," I cut him off and smiled. "I also think that's the best thing to do to get Luna Therese's favor and to be closer to Hunter."

"But you will also be training there," he said with a hint of worry in his voice. "I couldn't help but worry about you when they discover you can't shift."

I let out a soft chuckle before shaking my head. "You don't have to worry about that, Alpha. My experiences from the pack have trained me to ignore it if ever it happens," I assured him. "I can manage it. I promise. Besides, the camp doesn't really care about your origin, right? They only care about your skills."

He sighed and slowly nodded his head. "Alright. I guess I just have to support you in your decision. Please take good care of my son and of yourself, too," he said, standing up. He then raised his hand and gave me a pat on my head. "I'll go back there now."

"Okay. Thank you for keeping me company for a short while, Alpha."

---

The party is almost over. Most of the pack members have gone home to rest for the night while others remained to drink. The alphas of the allied packs have gone very loud, too, after drinking for quite some time now. I can hear their deep, powerful voices, echoing all over the pack house along with their waves of laughter.

While here I am, still stuck in the kitchen, washing the dishes all alone. My hands are already wrinkled from getting soaked in water and soap for hours.

"Maya..." I turned around and saw Luna Therese coming in. "You wait 'til the alphas are done drinking and make sure to clean up their mess. I don't want to see even a single bottle of booze tomorrow when I wake up. Got it?"

"Yes, Luna."

She bobbed her head. "Good. I'll be taking my rest now."

I rolled my eyes at her as soon as she turned around. Can't she see I am still doing something here? Can't she see my feet are already hurting from walking here and there and standing for hours? She could have asked the others to help me with the tasks!

I puffed some air before shaking my head. There's no point in thinking about it. She would never do something that would ease my life. I wonder what made her hate me when I can't even remember doing anything that could've gone on her nerves.

After washing the dishes, I decided to sit and patiently wait for the alphas to finish drinking. I sat at the corner of the kitchen and leaned against the wall.

I let out a soft groan as my body has finally tasted rest after hours of going around the pack house following Luna Therese's orders and tending to the pack's needs.

I closed my eyes to rest for a while while waiting. My body is beyond exhausted. I only slept for a few hours last night because I had to wake up earlier than everyone since I had to clean the entire pack house, especially the rooms that will be used by the alphas of the allied packs.

I woke up when my head hit the edge of the sink. I groaned before looking around. I don't know how long have I been asleep but it seems like the party is finally over. When I checked the living room where the alphas were drinking, all that's left are the empty bottles of wine and beer and their mess.

I stretched my body and took a deep breath. "Time to move, Maya," I told myself and started cleaning so I could go to sleep and rest for the night.

After cleaning everything, I went upstairs to get my towel and take a bath in one of the common bathrooms in the packhouse. I didn't bother choosing what bathroom to use since I am confident that everyone is sound asleep already.

I even went out with just a towel on.

And I don't know if fate is playing tricks on me but I once again bumped into Hunter. But this time, I was able to manage the impact and didn't fall on the floor.

I looked at him and his face is flushed. I can also smell the alcohol from our distance.

He met my eyes. "Oh, it's my slave..." he lazily said, taking a step closer to decrease our gap. And when he was just a few inches away from me, he stretched his hand to reach my chin. His verdant eyes looked at me intently. "You..."

I didn't let him finish his sentence. I shoved his hand away and looked at him with disdain. "Don't touch me," I coldly said, passing through him.

I was about to take another step when I heard a loud thud. When I turned around, I saw him lying on the floor. I waited for him to move or ask for my help, but seconds passed by without him saying anything so I decided to leave him there.

There's no way I am bringing him to his room. First of all, it was his fault for getting too drunk. Second, he's too heavy for me to lift. I don't want to exhaust myself any further. And third, and the most rational reason I have, we're not even that close for me to feel even a single drop of concern at all. So, he can just take a good rest on the floor.