Chapter 7- Doctor appointment
I sit on my couch and pull my dad to sit with me. “I don’t know where that Alpha tone came from tonight,” I admit. “I didn’t even know that it was possible.” I continue. “Sweetheart, that is not something I want you to start using on a whim.” “I understand that, Dad. What happened tonight is not something that I had ever expected to do or say. The whole night was just a mess. I hope that after some sleep and a clear mind, I will have more of a handle on everything.” I confess. “How you moved tonight and how you grabbed the girl, that is so unlike you. You even hit her tonight. Are you ok?” His concern is evident in his voice. “I wish I could tell you one way or another. But since midnight, everything seems different. As I said, maybe sleep and a clear mind will help. I agree with your statement earlier, and I think I need to see the Doctor as soon as possible to clear up anything if something is wrong. Is that ok still?” I question him. “We will go before lunch. I will set it all up. Get some sleep, and I will see you in a few hours. I love you, Briar.” “I love you too, Dad,” I call softly as he leaves the room and me to the silence of my mind once more.
All my emotions come crashing down on me at once, and I feel my whole life has flipped upside down. I just exiled my best friend and the love of my life. I hurt and threatened his mate, and he will never forgive me. I think as I sob into my pillow. ‘He is gone. I love him. He is my best friend.’ That is all I can repeat to myself as I fall deeper into hysterics.
A soft knock on the door draws my attention. “Yeah?” I call softly. I watch the door open an inch and hear Judith’s voice. “I will leave if you wish, or I can stay. I don’t want you to be alone if you don’t want to be.” She whispers. “You can come in.” I manage to say through sobs.
Judith climbs into my high bed and places her arm around me, pulling me closer to her, then wrapping her second arm around me, hugging me tightly. “Let it all out. I am here for you if you need anything.” She whispers. Her words permitted me to cry in front of someone, and I let go. I cry harder than I ever have—a longing heartbreaking ugly cry.
At some point, I fall asleep because I have a killer headache when I wake up. Judith is nowhere to be found, but she left a note on my bedside table. “Your Dad woke me. He is waiting for you whenever you wake up. Your mom pushed the party to later in the day so you could get some sleep. I will be around if you need me. -Judith,” I smile at her concern for me and her attention to the details I would worry about.
I scamper off quickly for a shower before heading downstairs. Decorations line the walls for tonight, and I smile at them before walking into the kitchen, filled with a few sweet-smelling werewolves who all turn to me when I walk in. “Morning!” Dad calls from the head of the table. Sadden looks mark the people sitting next to him. “I want to apologize.” I begin as I walk to my father’s side, looking at Beta Gary. “Don’t you dare.” He says as he stands, then hugs me, which is very uncharacteristic for him. “Thank you for saving their lives. I understand wholeheartedly why you did what you did for them, but ultimately, you saved their lives last night. I am in your debt.” He says, bowing to me.
“As am I,” Rebecca’s mother states, standing from her seat and bowing to me. “We discussed what happened last night and who would bring them their items. Do you have any objections to their parents bringing them their items?” Dad asks me. “None at all. I think they need to see their parents right now. They need to see what true Beta looks like and what they must strive to become once again. I do not think they should be cut off from their parents at all.” I insist. “I agree.” Dad smiles. “Eat something, and then we will go.” He encourages me before returning to the others and formally allowing them to see their children.
After eating, Dad drives me to the Doctor's office. Doctor Adam’s is waiting for us when we get there. “Hello, Alpha. Hello Briar.” She smiles and bows to us. “Hello, Doctor Adam’s.” We say almost in unison and look at each other and laugh. “Follow me.” She insists. We follow her into a large exam room. “Alpha, what concerns do you have that I need to check before I ask you to wait in the waiting room?” She asks. “May I?” I ask. “Sure.” Dad shrugs. “Since midnight, everyone around smells sickly sweet. Even you smell like fresh saltwater taffy. It is overwhelming. Then there is the fact that I could utilize an alpha tone, my strength feels up, my speed improved, and my anger is easily flipped into overdrive.” I look to my dad to see if I missed anything. “That is about it. That is all we need to know if you can ensure that she is ok.” Dad states. “Ok, we will get to it then. If you have a seat in the waiting room, I will call you back when we have results, Alpha.” Dr. Adams kindly sits him out of the room before starting the numerous tests.
Dr. Adams finishes rather quickly with a smile, allowing Dad to join me again. “Everything seems just fine. Those who experience such drastic changes when they turn 18 usually change to match their mate's energy. So, the good news is that he is out there.” She smiles to reassure me. “What is the bad news?” I ask, slightly nervous. “Well, I am not sure I would call it bad news, just different. How strong you became and how quickly everything changed for you tells me that you are destined to be with someone powerful. Strong senses all around, scent, strength, even from what I hear with communication and punishments. All of this is a preparation for you finding your mate.” She looks at me, then my father, like she isn’t telling us something before asking. “Is there anything else I can help you with?” We agree that it is all, and she escorts us out of the building.
On the way home, I see a small jewelry store and ask Dad to pull in for a moment. “Sure, what are we looking for?” Dad asks as we enter the store, and all the wolves’ eyes go wide seeing the Alpha in the store. Watching how wolves and humans act together while working when they see an Alpha enter the store is strange. Humans know and sense that he is essential, but they have no idea why. “We are looking for something for Judith,” I mumble as I examine the different cases. “Judith? Is it her birthday or something?” He asks while looking at a case with me. “Her birthday was last week. She has no friends, and I didn’t realize it. She looked after me last night in a way that no stranger should have ever been able to. She is one of the kindest, most honest people I have ever met. For being there for me and being an amazing person, I would like to get her a little something that lets her know that I appreciate who she is.” I admit to him. “That is a fantastic reason. Did she have a party that I missed last week?” Dad asks, pointing to a necklace. “No, she is an Omega; as I said, she has no friends. So, no one would have come if she had a party.” Sadness seeps into my voice, realizing how sad the situation truly is.
We go our separate ways in the store, and I hear the muffled sound of Dad on the phone but ignore him as I find the perfect gift for her and ask someone to take it out of the case. It is a tennis bracelet. I found two charms to add to it before Dad comes back. “What did you decide on?” he asks, looking over my shoulder for the finished item. “That is perfect.” He insists. “I would say so,” I confirm before paying and walking outside. Dad follows behind me with a bag of his own. “What did you get?” I ask, trying to look into the bag. “I don’t have to tell you anything!” He laughs as he runs away from me to his side of the car.
Mom meets us at home at the front door and whisks me away to my room before I can really step inside. “You get ready. Your outfit is on the bed. Let me know if you need anything at all.” “Mom?” I call her back into the room. “Yes, dear?” “Judith is on the list, right?” I confirm. “She is. Actually, your dad called me and asked if we could add a second cake for her. We can have it later when it is over if you would like. I was going to talk to you about it before cake.” “No, we can do hers with me. That would be perfect. Thanks, Mom.” “Any time, darling. I don’t want to take away from your special day, but we wanted to include Judith after what she has done for you.” “I appreciate that. Can I ask you something?” “Anything, you know that.” “When did you get your right-hand lady?” The words are out of my mouth before I have time to consider what I am asking. “Sue actually came from my pack with me. I knew in my soul that I would be a Luna, and Sue also knew it. So she stepped into that position long before I was mated to your father. He instantly said yes to her coming along with me. She has been my biggest supporter next to your father. Why do you ask?” “I think Judith has the qualities of a right-hand lady.” I look into her eyes and can tell she is thinking. “She is an Omega. You know that.” “I do. Are there any rules stating that an Omega cannot be a right-hand lady?” “None, but most will pick stronger wolves at their side.” “She is strong where I need her to be strong. When I am weak, she is strong. She is caring and considerate.” “If that is what you wish, then you should do that. But do a trial run as I did before you leap. Make sure she is strong enough to handle a strong alpha.” “Dad told you about the Doctor?” I ask, laughing. “We share everything.” She smiles. “Yeah. Let’s just hope I have a nice Alpha. Having to turn this strong so quickly makes me nervous.” “You will be just fine. Now get ready and get downstairs!” She insists.
Chapter 8- Party I unzip the garment bag and find a burgundy tank top, knee-length dress in my signature color. It is stunning. I pull my clothes off and change quickly into the gown without another thought. I already know my mate won’t be here tonight, so I don’t pay any extra attention to my looks. I allow my hair to fall like normal and clean up my makeup from the day. Mom paired my dress with flats instead of heels, and I am grateful as I step into them and do not have to concentrate on whether I will fall. I place my gift for Judith in my bag and head out of my room. I walk halfway down the stairs and instantly feel sick from the smell. “This way, Briar!” Judith calls me from the bottom of the steps and bounds towards me, leading me back upstairs, away from the smell. “How am I going to get through this?” I ask her. “Here, I bought these in town this morning.” She hands me a small box secured by shrink wrap. “What is it?” I ask, opening the box to
Chapter 9- Hidden FriendsEveryone is shocked when they see two cakes come out of the kitchen. Dad makes an announcement stating that we had all missed an essential member of the pack's big day and that I have elected to share my big day with her. Judith cried; everyone realized that she was ignored for so long; it was a huge ordeal. I slunk into the shadows and decided a walk alone in the woods was a more excellent gift than being stuck with the pack for any longer. “What is wrong with me?” I ask myself as I kick a nearby stick with anger. My anger has grown exponentially since midnight, and I am starting to feel the anger take root within me. “What are you doing outside of your territory, little one?” A soft voice calls to me. Taking count of where I am, I realize that I blacked out and have crossed all our territory and border. “Who are you?” I ask, calmer than I had expected to sound. Sniffing the air, I try and catch his scent but only find the faint smell of the
Chapter 10- A Gift “Beta Brett felt that she would be strong when she turned 18. He wanted to be sure if he was correct or not. She is strong, stronger than any werewolf that I have seen. We think she is mated to one of the other Were species.” “That is impossible to know.” Mom squeaks. “Maybe, but the strength and temper she has gotten in a short period point to it. Listen, I am not trying to start an argument. I want you to know that I will be outside of the territory watching to make sure she is ok, those are my orders, and I must see them through. If she is in danger, I will cross the boundary.” His honesty resonates deep within me, sparking a caring feeling for him. “Would you like to stay on the grounds?” Dad reluctantly asks. “I appreciate the offer, but no. Where I am camped out is a perfect spot for me. I cannot overhear conversations; I cannot get distracted. My job can be done correctly.” “If you change your mind.” Mom insists. “Thank you. One last thing bef
Chapter 11- Drugged me for what? My pad of paper states, “Good night, Gamma Matt. Thank you for saving me!” I look out over the territory and wonder if he can see it. I smile momentarily before taking it down and gripping my curtain to close my window. Just before I do, I see a faint light flickering on and off a few times in the distance. Whether it is Gamma Matt or not, I do not know. But for tonight, I will assume it is him and accept that I have someone watching over me. After closing the window and putting my drawing pad away, I change my clothes from the day. As I do every night, I begin emptying my pants pockets when I find Gamma Matt’s bandana. The subtle smell of the earth surrounds me as I drop my pants into my hamper and lift the bandana to my nose. His scent reminds me of a warm afternoon summer right after a fresh rain. “Oh wow,” I exclaim as I smell it again, finally finding a scent that doesn’t make me nauseous to smell, before placing it
Chapter 12- Clarification I gave full details to Dad about what happened at the sandwich shop. “Do whatever is best.” I am too exhausted to consider any more assistance for such a wretched girl. A hard knock sounds at the door. “In a meeting!” Dad calls back to whoever knocked. This time, the door is pounded on harder. Judith and I share a look as Dad walks around the desk and walks to the door to see who is being so rude. “How dare you place my child in a cell!” Luis’ dad Delta Mark barks at my father. “Easy, Briar,” Judith whispers, placing a calming hand on my shoulder. “It is not worth the fight right now. Let your father handle it.” Her words make sense, and I should let him handle it. We stand to allow Dad to take this meeting in private. When Delta Mark sees me, he zero’s in and targets me as his next victim. “This is your fault that he is in there!” He screams, advancing on me. This time, I am eerily calm when the anger is directed at me. “I wou
Chapter 13- Pack Meeting Dad is fuming when I get back into his office. “Briar, take a seat.” He says through gritted teeth. “What about me, sir?” Judith asks, standing behind my chair. “Take a seat; if you are her right-hand lady, you must know this.” His voice is calmer to her than it was to me. “What did I do, Dad?” I question as I think over the last few minutes since I have left him. He sits at his desk, opens a drawer, and pulls out our law book. “Do you know what it says about werewolves interacting with Lycans?” He asks calmly as he places it on the desk and flips open to a bookmarked page. “I have a feeling you will be telling me again whether I remember or not. So, you can just read it for me if you wish?” Confusion still drapes over me as I hear him begin his words. “No werewolf pack member is to be Mated to a Lycan. If it is to be said a werewolf of this pack is mated to a Lycan, the werewolf must immediately reject the Lycan.” He slams the
Chapter- 14- Homecoming“Wait, you could resist his tone too? I thought he only called me in his tone. I was wondering why I was able to push past it. But I am not sure for you to also not be phased.” I am perplexed. No wolf has ever been able to successfully walk away from their Alpha if they have utilized their Alpha tones. “I have a theory,” Judith states as she models a hot pink snowsuit with neon yellow gloves. “You look hot!” I then let out a slow whistle, and she tosses her hat at me. “Stop it!” She giggles. She tosses the suit to the pile she is taking before sitting next to me. “What is your theory?” I question. “I think we are mated to a different species. It is the only thing that would make any sense. We are still members of the pack, he is still our Alpha whether we like it or not, but dare I say, we have changed.” She looks slightly horrified when she finishes her statement. “Yeah, I considered that as well.” I nod. “What do we do if we are mated to Lycan
Chapter- 15- The arrival of the Lycan’sDad responds instantly. “I know you can do this. I was expecting that you and I had some time to review it together before the day came.” “Ok. From the looks of it, you have gone over this paperwork forward and backward, am I correct?” “You are,” Dad confirms. “OK, so tonight I will go over it. In the morning, I will hand it back to you, and you can add sticky notes to any areas you wish that I make sure to cover in its entirety.” I confirm before placing the notes under my arm. “Are we done here?” I ask. “Would you like to have dinner with your mother and me?” He asks. “I do not have time for pleasantries. I must look over the paperwork. Another time perhaps?” “Very well. You are dismissed.” Dad formally releases me, and I head to my room to study. At three AM, I decided that I had enough of looking over the paperwork I had already memorized, and I placed it back on dad’s desk for him to finalize. I lock his office door behind m