Alpha Harvey's Arrival

{Alexus}

My heart sped up at the announcement that Alpha Harvey arrived.  Internally, I was freaking out, but on the outside, I looked as cool as a cucumber.  I casually checked my teeth in the reflection of the back of my spoon to make sure I didn't have anything stuck in my teeth.  That would be embarrassing.  Not that Alpha Harvey would care.  All he would do is make fun of me for the rest of his visit.

"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in," my father drawled, already annoyed by Alpha Harvey's presence.

"That cat dragged in greatness," Alpha Harvey boasted, voice full of confidence, laced with mischievousness. 

"Have I told you how much I loathe you?" my father sighed before reaching for his coffee cup. 

"Twice this morning by text.  When are you going to be ripped to shreds by a pack of rogues so I can steal your family?" Alpha Harvey asked, playfully winking at my mother.  I wasn't surprised when she shot him her middle finger. 

Alpha Harvey and my mother formed a pseudo-sibling relationship when they met 18 years ago.  He was the overprotective brother, and she was the annoying kid sister.  The reason why my father hated Alpha Harvey was because he always made it a point to tell my father that he would "take care" of my mother in case of his unfortunate demise.  It was all in jest.  Alpha Harvey did it to get under my father's skin, knowing how jealous and possessive he could be over my mother. 

"How long are you staying this time, Noah?" my mother asked.

"Oh, it's Noah, huh?" my father questioned with his butthurt attitude, causing my mother to roll her eyes and ignore him. 

"I'm not sure how long I'll be sticking around.  I left my Beta in charge.  I was thinking about taking an extended vacation, actually."

"Really?  Are you going to travel?" my mother asked curiously.

"Nah, I was thinking about sticking around for a little bit," he announced, leaning back in his chair. 

"You're not staying more than two weeks.  I don't care if I have to drag your sorry ass off myself," my father growled. 

"That sounds like a challenge, young wolf.  Are you sure you're up for it?" Alpha Harvey challenged. 

"I'll take you on any time, any place, old man," my father replied with a wolfish grin. It was my turn to roll my eyes.  I was tired of the dick-measuring contest.  From the look on my mother's face, neither one of them was impressing her.  I cleared my throat, hoping to distract them from making fools of themselves. 

"Hey, squirt.  How's it going?" Alpha Harvey taunted me.  The urge to give this man the middle finger was strong, but I would rather not face the consequences. 

"My name is not Squirt. Please address me properly," I huffed in annoyance.

"You're right.  You're a young woman, and you're turning 18 very soon.  I should address you accordingly."

"I'm glad we're able to see eye-to-eye."

Alpha Harvey furiously nodded his head.

"Absolutely, brat."

My parents and Alpha Harvey erupted in laughter at the look of distress on my face.  They were practically howling.  He called me a brat, yet they're acting like a group of rowdy teenagers, how ironic.  I continued eating until the Three Stooges got themselves together. 

"Seriously, Lex, how does it feel knowing your birthday is just around the corner?"

"Exhausting," I answered honestly.

"Exhausting?  That wasn't the answer I was looking for."

"I'm sorry if I don't meet your expectations," I replied with a nonchalant shrug of my shoulders.

"You get that smart ass mouth from your mother," Alpha Harvey replied. 

"I second that," my father piped up, earning a swat to the chest from my mother. 

"Tell Papa Noah what the problem is," he cooed.

I hated that he called himself the childish nickname I gave him when I was three years old.  Surely, he knows I've outgrown calling him that.  I think the last time I called him Papa Noah was when I was ten.  While I'm 1000% sure his feelings towards me are strictly familial, I would be lying if I said the same.  Not only was it challenging to keep my cool while in the same room with him, but it wasn't easy to look at him.  Even though he would never attempt to force me into submission using his Alpha strength, I couldn't look him in the eyes.  They were hypnotizing, to say the least.  The depths of his green eyes reminded me of the Evergreen trees that surrounded our pack land.

"The problem is that everyone seems more excited about my birthday than I am.  I'm only excited about the presents, and since we're on the topic, what are you getting me for my birthday?" I asked him.

"Not a got damn thing.  You're spoiled enough as it is."

"If that's how you're going to be, then don't bother showing up for the food and cake.  No presents?  No cake."

"I know what your problem is.  You probably have a slew of unmated male wolves practically lined up waiting for the clock to strike midnight to see if you're their mate."

"Bingo," I confirmed before taking a bite out of my toast.  Before Alpha Harvey could continue the conversation, there was a firm knock on the door.

"Come in!" my father called out. 

"What the fuck," I muttered under my breath as soon as Mark entered the dining room.  I sank into my chair and tried to appear as uninterested as possible.  Alpha Harvey quickly caught onto my displeasure at Mark's presence, and he didn't hesitate to exploit it. 

"Good morning, Alpha and Luna Beaumont," Mark greeted like the goody-two-shoes brown-noser he was.

"Good morning, Mark," they courteously greeted him. 

"Morning, Alpha Harvey."

Alpha Harvey returned Mark's greeting with a breathtaking smile.  Mark finally turned to me. 

"Good Morning, Alexus.  You look beautiful this morning."

I wanted to throw up my entire breakfast and eat it.  Everything about him seemed fake to me now, especially since he is the main one who can't wait until the clock strikes midnight on my birthday. 

"I look beautiful every morning," I replied.  "Ow!" I shrieked at the stabbing pain to my head. 

Amari: Don't be rude, Alexus. I understand that he might make you uncomfortable, but there's no need to be disrespectful.  Next time, I'm throwing something a lot sharper at you if you don't mind your manners. 

I furiously pouted at the spoon that my mother threw at me, which clattered to the floor. 

"I'm sorry.  I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," I apologized.

"Don't worry about it.  Plus, you didn't lie.  I came to invite you for a morning run.  I don't have pack warrior training until later in the afternoon today."

"I'm sorry, Mark, but I'm a little busy.  I'm going to be spending the morning with my godfather."

"Sorry, Alexus. I have things to do.  I need to get settled and meet with your father to discuss some matters.  Go enjoy yourself, Squirt.  I'll catch up with you later," Alpha Harvey replied. 

My crush on him was slowly dwindling away...