Chapter 4 - Alpha Zac POV

The patrol had nothing to report, which is a relief before we head into the ceremony tonight. Making my way through the packhouse to my room, my wolf pushes forward stopping me on the second floor. Something smells delicious, and sweet, like honey and cinnamon. Mhmmm. Someone must have gone to the bakery after the shift. 

After a quick shower, I tug on some jeans and a nice button-up shirt. My dad was always one for a suit or slacks at the least. That just isn’t my style, I don’t dig the formal look, I like to look professional but approachable. I decided when I became Alpha to not be one of the stuffy ones, to treat my pack as my father did,  like family. No need to instill fear into them, they should respect me because of the way I lead and how I act, not because they are scared I will throw them in the cells and beat them.

Rolling my sleeves up, I spray a bit of mousse on my hand and waggle my hands through my hair. Rinsing my hands as I glance at my reflection, I’d say I look respectable. 

Walking into the main hall, I see pack members have already started arriving. I spot Grayson talking to the food servers and head toward him. “How’d things go with the new members?” I ask. He gives a nod, “good, real good.” “Got the three set up with their sponsors,  the she-wolf warrior moved in and set to start training in the morning.” “Great! Thanks, Grayson.” I say.

Stopping to chat with various pack members, the ceremony is off to a great start. Everyone seems to be excited about some new faces around here. I’m headed to grab a drink when Fiona steps in front of me. Damn. She is wearing a low-cut pink dress that clings to her figure, leaving little to the imagination.

“Alpha” She purred, running a hand up my bicep “think you’ll have time afterward to squeeze me in?” I feel the strain of the denim as I start sporting the semi.

Clearing my throat, “Uhm, yeah, come by my office afterward”.  I make quick work to get to the bar, I need that drink more than ever now. 

Nursing on a whiskey neat, I see some of the sponsors and make it a point to get over to the new members.

A little geeky-looking guy named Steve is here for our security division. He’s spent the last few years mastering hacking and the way he talks about systems is far over my head. He’s sharp, and having him here will be great for the team. Keeping our tech security division evolving with new blood, will keep us on our toes and always ahead of the curve.

A man walks towards me with a swagger. Christ. I hope to hell I don’t walk like that. I see him lick his lips as he looks back towards the bar. I glance over to see what he’s preying on - Fiona. Can’t say I’m shocked. I’m aware my bed isn’t the only one she's been in. While I know she isn’t mine and it's just a hookup, I don’t like the way he is eyeing her. Something about him just seems sleazy. He refocuses on me and extends a hand “Alpha Zac, it's a pleasure to be here and joining your pack”.

“We are glad you’re here…..” I eyed him questioningly.

“Kyle, sir”. “

Ah yes the accountant. I heard you are a real master of numbers.”

He grins, “I guess you could say that, I did rank top of my class, not like any of them provided competition .”

Bingo there is some cocky-ness. 

I nod and excuse myself. A sweet looking blonde is chatting up the servers. Must be Suzi, she’ll be a part of the kitchen staff. She is very passionate about baking and took culinary classes while finishing her high school classes to complete them at the same time. Maybe she was the one that had baked goods earlier, I swear I can smell them again.  I don’t want to interrupt her, she looks to be so in tune with the others. I’ll make it a point to get back to her later. 

“Hey Boss” I hear Grayson call out behind me.

I turn around -Holy fuck. Standing beside Grayson is this petite goddess. Waves of auburn hair cascade down onto her creamy skin. Big green eyes pop in contrast to her scattered freckles. I take her all in. Her defined arms and snatched little body are on display in a black shimmery bodycon dress that hits mid-thigh. I see a small scar cutting through her eyebrow, which intrigues me more. Shifter healing is fast enough that scarring does not occur unless the injury is really bad.

“This is the new warrior, Isla.”

I take a second to compose myself, I feel my wolf close to the surface, he seems in just as much awe as I am. Those big green eyes look up at me with a sparkle, and her plump lips part into a breathtaking smile as she extends out a hand. “Alpha Zac, a pleasure to meet you”.

Pleasure? I’d sure like to show her what real pleasure is…There is a calming warmth radiating through her handshake.

The whiskey must be starting to kick in. 

“Isla, we’ve heard lots of good things about your skills. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got at training tomorrow.” I say still stuck in those eyes. “Well, hopefully, I won't disappoint you”.  Gazing into the emerald swirls, I find it hard to believe she could ever disappoint me.

“It's five til seven, probably should get ready to get started. Wouldn’t want the wolves to get too ravenous,” Grayson says breaking the silence.

“Ah yes, let’s get this party started!” I say and head towards the front.