Working Bitch

Chapter song: Working Bitch by Ashnikko

Harper

I awoke as the sun was setting. Beautiful oranges and pinks were making the sky look like a dream world. Seeing my father was so wonderful. I need to thank Lottie when I see her next.

*Harper, where are you?* Meg linked me. *I'm on my way back to the house. Meet me in my office* I replied. *Yes Alpha* *Meg, ha ha, don't call me that, please*

I hated being called Alpha - Even though I was one. Meg joined the pack when I was born. She was 10 and we have been friends since I could walk, she was like a sister to me. She is my Beta and the best tracker we have. She is fiercely loyal and caring. Her and her mate are the two people I turn to. Her mate Conner is perfect for her. They make my heart hurt sometimes because of the choice I made, but I knew that my choice was the right one for me. Their daughter Clara is a cute little girl. Their Son William, will make a fine Beta one day. William is the same age as Lottie. Part of me wonders if they will be mates eventually. It's unusual for werewolves to be mated to Humans or indeed Witches, but it does happen sometimes. And the way he acts when Lottie is around - Well - lets just see what happens!

I arrive back at my office to see Meg sitting on the chair in front of my desk along with Colin, my Gamma. Colin is the lead warrior and trainer. His father trained us all in combat and strategy, so we work well as a team.

"Harpsichord, took ya time" Colin said as he winked at me. "Well, Colleen, my sincere apologies for keeping YOU waiting." I said back with a giggle. His face went bright red. Calling him Colleen always made me smile. Until the day Colin was born, his mother was determined that he was in fact a girl. My father told me that for 3 months, she walked around rubbing her belly and calling him Colleen.

Meg wiped the tears away that were streaming down her face after totally belly laughing at his reaction. "OK Goofs, business now" I said, sitting down at my desk and opening up my laptop. "Yes Alpha" they both said. I growled, making them chuckle.

"Right, Summer Solstice in 6 days, How are we going with the invites?" I asked, looking between both Meg and Colin.

"Invites were sent via Wolf Courier 3 days ago, he contacted yesterday saying all were delivered so we are now just waiting for the replies. should be a good turn out. All Alphas, Luna's, their immediate families and the Betas have been invited" replied Colin. "That's great, awesome job" I said as I nodded.

"Food, how's that coming along?" I asked. "The caterers are coming in to speak to you and Mrs Hobbs tomorrow at 10am. I booked them for after training in the morning. The catering manager and the head chef will be attending the meeting" Meg said to me. "I love you guys, you make me proud" I said, bowing my head to both of them. "So, decorations, any thoughts?"

They were both silent for a moment, looking between each other. Colin tapped Meg on the leg. Meg never looked nervous but she did right now. I cleared my throat and their heads snapped to me "What's up guys?" I asked, looking concerned at their unusual behaviour.

"Erm..." said Meg "I had a thought but I don't know how you would feel about it due to security reasons...."

"Just spit it out guys" I said with a giggle. They worry too much!

"Well..." Colin said. "Well, WE were thinking of a Masquerade Ball, you know, sort of Phantom of the Opera sort of thing. Ball gowns, masks, theatrical decor...."

I was silent, tapping my index finger on my chin, thinking over their idea and weighing up the security issues. I actually thought it was a bloody fantastic idea but I wanted to make them suffer for a little bit longer. Mean right? I glanced at them, knowing they were linking each other, worrying about it. Just a little longer........."Lets do it!" I said. To say they were both shocked is an understatement. "Guys, it'll be fun. When we get the RSVP's we will notify them that they are to bring their invitation and present it at the door to avoid any security issues and we will double the guards for the event. Simple. Don't stress, I love the idea. Looks like we need to go shopping Meg. I need a ball gown!"

She jumped up in the air, whooping at the thought of going shopping, and with me (I'm not a fan of shopping. Give me skinny jeans, a tank top and boots, and I'm happy)

I looked at the clock. Seeing it was 10pm now, I suggested that we all get some rest. Meg and I agreed to go shopping tomorrow after training and breakfast. William will look after Lily for her so she has time to shop.

With that, we left my office, going to our apartments within the Mansion that was home to myself, Meg and her Family, the Gamma family and all the singles in the pack.

I walked into my space, sighing with relief. I love my pack and my job, but I am glad for the peace and quiet here. I mind linked the pack about the plan for the Ball and then closed the link completely so I could rest. I walked to the bathroom and had a shower before getting ready for bed and sinking in between the sheets. Safe to say, sleep over took me within minutes.

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The sound of my alarm being obnoxious next to my head, startled me awake the following morning. Damn thing. I need to change that alarm sound. Yawning, I crawled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to wash and brush my teeth. Looking in the mirror, I turned away. I look like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards. My red hair was all over the place. Classy I thought to myself, laughing.

Once I looked a bit more like myself, I ran down Stairs to run to the training ground. Meg was waiting outside for me. We jogged the mile to the grounds and were the first ones there. Soon the teenagers arrived and we started the 2 hours of hand to hand that we did every morning. Every age group in the pack, trained 2 mornings a week. and 2 during the day or in the evenings. We also have strategy training twice a week too. As one of the largest packs in Ireland, we have to be ready for anything.

The teens did a great job in training today. I'm very proud of their progress and I made a point of telling them so before they were dismissed. Meg and I jogged back to the pack mansion and walked into the dining hall where Mrs Hobbs stood at the counter.

Mrs Hobbs was in charge of the kitchen. We don't have Omegas in the Emerald pack. We have staff. Anyone who wants to earn money can work here keeping the mansion, grounds and the business going.

"Oh Harper dear, it's good to see you. What can I get you both for breakfast" she asked Meg and I with a smile on her face.

"Mrs Hobbs, please, don't worry about us, we'll eat from the spread you've laid out, it looks lovely" I said, giving her a warm hug. She smiled at both of us and caressed my cheek in approval as we turned to get our plates. I turned back to look at the clock. I have half an hour to eat and change before the caterer arrives. "Meg, will you welcome the caterer while I go change?" I asked as I finished my food. "Sure Harp, no worries" she replied. I smiled and walked away *thanks boo* I linked to her. She laughed at my nickname for her.

After the meeting with the caterer, Meg and I jumped into the car and left for the city to go shopping. It's been a while since I have visited Dublin. Meg and I went to 3 Boutiques to look for dresses. Meg found hers in the first one. It was a beautiful gold ball gown that was covered in black lace. The gold came through and shimmered as she twirled around. It was perfect for her skin and eyes. There were some gorgeous dresses there. I made sure to order a selection of different ones in different sizes to be delivered to the mansion for anyone who couldn't make it to the city. I wasn't having the best luck at all in finding a dress. I have fair skin, deep red hair and green eyes. Nothing I tried seemed to work for me.

Finally, in shop number 4. I found the perfect dress. No one has seen it except me and the shop owner. Everyone else will just have to wait till the night of the Ball!

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The next day, suits and dresses arrived and also masks. Meg and I looked through the masks to pick out the perfect ones and stored the rest for others to choose from. I made sure that everyone attending the ball was accounted for. The beta family, the Gamma family, and myself. Rooms were made available within the guest house and for those bringing families, we made ready a few houses that were vacant.

I was typing an email when my office phone rang. "Good morning, Harper Knight Speaking" I said. "Miss Knight, Good day, this is Elder Bane" said the voice down the phone. Oh shit! Elder Bane was the head of the Elders Council here in Ireland. A bunch of Stodgy old werewolves that make sure all the packs abide by the laws and oversee any major issues within our world. Like the Damn Government!!

"Hello Elder Bane, How may I help you today?" I held my growl in.

"My dear, I would like to thank you for the invite to your ball on Saturday. I shall get my assistant to send an email, listing the names of the Elders who will be in attendance. We would require some accommodation also as we need to have a meeting with yourself and your council. Some very troubling things have come to light, and we need your assistance on a matter of the utmost importance. "

Shit shit shit!!

"Of course, Elder Bane," I replied, now dreading their visit. " I shall make the arrangements and see you on Saturday."

"Very well, my dear, Goodbye. "Goodbye," I replaced the phone and sighed *Meg, Colin?* I linked them both.

*On our way* they linked back. When they arrived at my office, I explained the call, and we got to work on pack stuff, business, and the ball arrangements.

The next few days were the same. Saturday was soon approaching, and there was excitement all over the pack house.