Alpha's Energy Crisis

Part 7

Caly's POV (Blue Moon's Bite)

“Caly I’m having some lunch brought up, did you want anything special?” Tucker pops his head inside my office to ask. 

“I am fine with whatever everyone else is having. I’ll go down and make some hot drinks for us. I want to stretch my legs a bit, besides, heaven forbid my ass gets any bigger than it already is.” I chuckle when Tucker looks at me like he’s been caught in a bear trap. I suppose most men wouldn’t want to be sucked into any conversation that includes ‘does this make my butt look big?’ I really could use the exercise, Tucker’s place has two elevators, but I don’t want to head back to Blood Pact and be wheezing on the third-floor landing. Or falling downstairs again. I slip off my heels and grab the black flats I have hidden in the bottom drawer of my desk, I consider them self-preservation.

I walk outside my office and notice a very tall tree, I mean a massive young man. He’s larger than Gamma Marcus. If I had to guess, I would say he’s more than seven-foot-tall and all his limbs are as large as tree branches! Is it impolite to ask if someone is part werebear? I've never met one, bear shifters are kinda loners, so I have no idea if they have any distinguishing characteristics, I might need to head over to the library and do some research. I nod at him and say a quick hello before rushing off to the kitchen, the tree follows me down. Ah, he must happen to be my guard. The good news is I feel super safe with this guy beside me.

There are two women in the kitchen working, the loud sounds of grinders and mixers on high speed keep me quiet while I make cappuccinos, I started to prepare four of them. When all three machines stop at once the quiet is deafening. “What are you ladies making today?” I ask politely, trying to fill the void.

“Sausages, we are having a bonfire Friday night!” Says the younger and more cheerful of the two. She's an absolutely stunning blonde, taller than me, hourglass figure and crystal blue eyes. 

“I have never seen sausages made from scratch, that’s wonderful. Thank you for putting those together. Did anyone get the marshmallows in yet?”

“I forgot, I need to make myself a reminder! I have a guest coming, I definitely want to be toasting marshmallows all cuddled up.” Aww, that’s adorable, I want to pinch her cheeks! I hope everyone has a good time.

I explain how klutzy I am to the guard and hand the tray off to him. We head upstairs and I grab my box of bakery goodies, I offer one to Alpha Tucker and give him his drink. Instead of heading back to my office, I head across the hallway to Arnie’s office.

“Good morning, Beta. It’s break time, brought you a cappuccino and would you like a treat?” I open the box to display its contents.

“Did you spit in this?” The derision in his tone is hard not to miss.Assh*le.

“Ladies don’t spit, it’s rude. Beta Arnold, I realize I never should have spoken to you that way this morning, I admit I have a hard time keeping my wolf in control. We are at work now, so I do hope we can co-exist peacefully.” I say diplomatically while I try to give off a genuine vibe. I loathe this man, but I have dealt with worse.

“You didn’t answer my question.” He says flatly. 

‘I should have spit in his drink. I don’t care if he thinks I’m a lady-wolf or not.’ Athena grumbles.

‘I’ll keep that in mind for next time.’ I don’t know why I bother with Arnie, honest to Goddess. Three weeks probably isn’t enough time to change his whole mindset, and I don’t plan on spending much time here once my contract is up.

“I didn’t spit in it, ask the guard, he stood right behind me the whole time.” I narrow my evil eye at Arnie, I’m trying to apologize without lying and saying I’m sorry when I'm not, and he just wants to continue the fight from this morning.

“Tree?” s**t, is that seriously his name? Must be a nickname, but it suits him.

“I never took my eyes off her, it’s safe, Beta.” My goodness, the voice of this man is so deep and rich, like warm caramel. He should do voice-overs for commercials! I would buy whatever he was peddling, even if it was car insurance and I don’t even own a car. I wonder if he can sing?

“Pick a treat Beta, before the drinks get cold.” I nudge the box a little closer. Once he picks, I retreat to my office before the goodwill goes south and we end up in another argument.

“Which would you like to try?” I ask the guard.

“I am working, Miss.” He tells me politely.

“It’s break time, so I won’t be going anywhere in the next twenty minutes. Take a seat, you have time for a snack.” I am not going to let him leave without one. I broke down Shane’s walls, so I don’t think Tree stands a chance. “Is Tree a nickname, or is it short for something?”

“It’s Trevon, Miss,” he tells me while glancing between the treats in the box. I know he wants one, so I follow where his eyes keep landing, he seems torn between two.

“My name is Caly, I’m originally from Artemis.” I smile warmly at him, he gives me a big toothy grin.

“Do you know Gamma Jason? He’s Alpha’s friend, he sometimes assists with training.”

“Jason is my oldest friend, I have known him since I was five.”

“He’s the only person who can put me on my ass besides Alpha Tucker.” 

“See, now we have something in common. Jason will be here Friday night for the bonfire."  I finally narrow down the two desserts he's hoping for, "These are from my friend Leo’s place, he owns a bakery on Blood Pact Territory, they pipe these cannoli’s as you order them, they are delicious,” I put it on the tray he is still carrying, “And this cake is to die for,” I add a piece of black forest cake and grab my coffee cup.

“I can’t take two of your treats. I shouldn’t,” He shifts his eyes towards the Alpha’s office, so I nudge my office door closed with my foot. Out of sight out of mind.

“Don’t worry, you can eat them in here and no one will see you.” I notice the plate of clubhouse sandwiches and fries sitting on my desk. “Look at all these sandwiches, I can’t eat all this. You better sit down help me. You definitely look like you can burn off a few extra calories easily and I don’t need two of anything, Beta Arnold told me just this morning my ass is getting too big.” I keep one sandwich and push the plate across my desk in front of the guest seat. 

“What is wrong with that guy? It’s like he can’t go five minutes without being a d*ck.” Tree’s deep baritone laugh booms loudly through my office, I’m surprised it didn’t shake the walls. It shook me, I had a shiver run up my spine.

“My sentiments exactly. I got back at him, I chucked part of my breakfast at him, and Alpha Tucker had to put us in separate corners.” I laugh with him, Tree and I are going to get along splendidly.

"So, I think you might be able to help me learn about this Pack. Why do you think there is a growing rift between members here?"

*****

I found my conversation with Tree rather enlightening. It seems Beta Arnold’s attitude was a Pack trait of the now-defunct Blue Moon. Most of them were arrogant, self-serving and self-centred. When the pack was absorbed by Moon’s Bite everyone accepted Tucker’s Dad as the Alpha. On the surface that seems like a good thing, but it struck me as unusual. 

Werewolves are hot-blooded, passionate creatures. Whenever two Packs merge, everyone has the choice to join and pledge allegiance to the new Alpha. There are always some loyal to the defeated Alpha who just wouldn’t follow, finding it hard to be under the control of an Alpha they had considered an enemy. There were sometimes issues with ideology, no better example than my two Packs, a merger between a family-oriented, generally peaceful Pack like Artemis and the hard, militaristic life of Blood Pact would be a disaster. Some others would choose to live on the human side, go rogue, or seek entrance to other Packs where they have friends or family ties.

Tree made this merger sound like an entire herd of angry sheep were deposited onto the territory and penned in. There was just something wrong with this, the more I mulled it over in my mind the worse my headache grew.

Our conversation lasted well into the afternoon, I continued to work, bombarding Tree with questions as I typed.  Alpha Tucker appeared and opened my door (without knocking, Alpha’s have no manners, acting like they own the place...well they actually do, but still) to announce it was dinner time, immediately giving Tree a raised eyebrow.

“Alpha Tucker, you gave me a bodyguard and I can honestly say I never left his sight. I was still working, he just was keeping me company from this side of the door. I had a few questions, he proved very insightful.”

“You’ve managed to charm your Guard already?” Tucker chuckles a bit.

“I’m trying to, I have way more luck with Guards than I do with anyone else.” I wink over at Tree and he smiles. “I’m trying to work my way up the Ranks, but I struck out with my apology to Beta Arnold. I took him a cappuccino and treat earlier and he accused me of spitting in his food. Maybe I should have dinner in my room tonight.”

“No. You’re not hiding in your room, I’ll never get you out of there. If I have to suffer through a meal with him, so do you. Tree, you’ll be with Caly again tomorrow until Theressa arrives.”

“Who’s Theressa?” my guard asks politely.

“Her bodyguard from the Council. She is coming here because Caly will be heading off our Territory.” Alpha informs him.

“Will one wolf be enough? I don’t mind extending my day if necessary.” It’s sweet that Tree is already willing to work overtime to protect me, but I hope he’s not doing it only because Terri is a she-wolf. 

“I am confident Terri can handle little ol’ me. She may be a woman, but Terri can be absolutely frightening when in her element, she’s the head Tracker at Blood Pact.” I tell him.

“I think Tree should pair up with Theressa for practice on Friday morning.” That must be Alpha Tucker’s subtle way of letting him know he thinks Terri would be decent competition for him. If he sees how good she really is, it might help put his mind at ease. By the smirk on Tuck’s face, he can’t wait to see her take on this tree of a man. “Don’t think she’ll go easy on you either just because you’re not from Blood Pact. She has no fear and no off switch,” he adds.

“I would love to if she agrees. You seem to have many ties to Blood Pact, Miss Caly. They have a very cruel reputation, why would you associate with them?” Tree stresses the word cruel, I’m sure he’s heard all the same rumours I had.

“I worked in their offices for months, same as I am doing here. They needed some tough love to move their Pack forward, people are starting to come together as a community and things are slowly improving. I still hope to return there in a few weeks and push a few more changes onto their stubborn Alpha.”

“I think you should make plans to stay here a while, I could keep you busy until the new year.” Alpha Tucker smirks.

“You can’t afford to keep me that long. I also need to leave here at the end of three weeks, I have someplace else I need to be.” I know where I want to be, but I’m not sure if I will be welcomed back with open arms. I don’t want to say anything right now and jinx it. 

“Oh, where might that be?” 

“That’s a secret Alpha Tucker, remember, you said I was full of surprises.”

*****

Colin's POV (Blood Pact)

After dinner Theressa went and rounded up all the residents of the fifth floor into Stab's office so we could discuss the living arrangements. I can't honestly remember if we came up with any plan last night, and if we did, it likely needed to be reviewed whilst sober.

Ryan and Tabi were the first to join, and for the first time, I see her walk in on her own two legs. I notice the detail of the Mate Marks on their necks. It usually takes a few days, but once the Marks heal over they take on the appearance of a finely detailed tattoo. Already I can tell it's going to be an image of her eyes, eyes that can see a short distance into the future.

"Alpha, Beta," he gives each of us a quick nod, so does his Mate.

"How is everything, Ryan? Have you gotten everything settled in? Do you like your new space?"

"It's perfect, I have a hard time keeping Tabi out of that giant tub." He looks lovingly down at his Mate.

"It's not my fault it's the size of a jacuzzi! I just want to enjoy it while I can," she giggles back at him, giving Ryan a gentle push onto the couch and immediately plops herself into his lap.

Terri brings in Julia and Misty, they both appear a bit fidgety and they look tired. Something is going on between the two of them. Terri raises both her eyes wide at me, silently asking me what to do.

"Hello ladies, come in and take a seat." They take up the rest of the couch so Terri goes and sits on the Alpha's desk. Stab is glaring between Terri and I, desperate to look at anything besides Ryan and Tabi canoodling on his couch.

"Misty, how are things going? Did you need anything for your room?" I start off the conversation lightly.

"No, Beta Colin. We have everything we need, the problem is Julia." Misty gives her niece a fed-up-to-here look.

"What's the matter, Julia?"

"There's something in my closet, Mr. Beta. I can't find it." Julia pouts and crosses her arms over her chest. Uh oh, I feel a temper tantrum coming from this usually sweet girl.

"I'm fairly tall, maybe I can reach it?" I offer.

"There is absolutely nothing in that closet, both Terri and I have checked, multiple times. I am not letting her put a hole in the wood panelling to satisfy her curiosity." Aunt Misty gives me and Julia the look a Mom gives a disobedient pup.

I backtrack out of the topic. "Any luck getting hold of Kevin?"

"Not yet, but he works nights. I'll try again first thing in the morning." She sighs, worries etched across her face.

"Julia will need to have a room for herself once he arrives." I point out.

"I don't want to leave my room, and I don't want to be alone with what's inside the wall." Is she afraid of monsters or the dark?

"I need to stay close to her, just in case. I know as Omegas we wouldn't normally be entitled to live on a floor as luxurious as this, but I can't leave her just yet." Misty pleads with me.

"You will all be staying here, for the time being, I will be moving upstairs, earlier than planned."

"You can't leave, Mr. Beta, you make me feel safe!" Julia whines.

"I promise we will do everything we can to make you feel safe. Julia you and Tabi will have a guard assigned whenever Ryan can't escort you. I will introduce you to Conner and Shane probably tomorrow so you can get acquainted with them before they are needed."

Julia goes to open her mouth one more time, but Misty grabs her arm and gives it a gentle warning squeeze. Julia's look tells me everything though, she is not happy with this arrangement. "Can I go back to my room now? Please?"

"Yes, Julia." She stubbornly pulls out of Misty's grip and they both head out of the office.

"Colin, you should be the one staying down here and Stab should stop being so f*****g obstinate and move to the Alpha's floor," Theressa says angrily.  She lifts her butt from his desk, and turns herself towards him, placing her hands flat on the top so she can look him in the eye. "I know it was your big dream to move down here to get away from your old man, but it's been almost ten years! I think this falls into wolf-the-f**k-up territory, don't you? Do you need me to give you a few more lessons?" 

"Terrier chill out, it must be hard for him being so far away from Caly," Ryan tells her, "He's going to want to stay near her scent."

All three of us turn to look directly at Ryan, but he's too busy rubbing his nose on the top of his Mate's head and holding her tight.

An evil grin passes over Terri's face, her eyes glinting with mischief. "What makes you say that Ryan?"

Ryan looks up and assesses the three of us. Terri's twisted smile, my look of 'shut up and don't set off the Alpha' and the Alpha himself who looks ready to lunge over his desk, and yet still he opens his mouth. Ryan's never been one to hold his tongue if he thinks there is something that needs to be said.

"It's pretty hard not to notice the Alpha has been concerned with a particular she-wolf.  I don't remember you ever letting a prisoner go free before." He says almost sarcastically.

"Oh, no! Was that sweet wolf your prisoner? Why would your Pack do that to her?" His Mate asks, looking fearful.

"It was a mistake Baby, Caly should never have been down there. It was terrible for her, but maybe it was fate at work, because why would she ever come here otherwise?"

"That proves nothing," Stavros tells him. At least he didn't outright deny her.

"Okay. You're possessive and secretive about Caly, she was put in your private room at the hospital, before moving to your private floor. We always knew about your girlfriends and we never had to guard any of them, because they simply weren't important to you. She's so fond of you, she works so hard for this Pack, you can see she cares. So go ahead, Alpha, tell me the scent of cupcakes doesn't make you feel differently about her. She didn't come home with us because you wouldn't admit that she was special to you. I don't understand why you deny being her Mate."

We all just stare at Ryan. He looks again between the three of us and lifts his new Mate up without changing her position, "C'mon Tabi, let's go before I talk myself into extra duties for the rest of the year."

I head to the bar and prepare three glasses of ice, the first round of many. Another day, another hang-over.