"What's got your panties all up in a twist?" Sophie asks, looking up from her book as she sat in the upholstered armchair in the corner of my temporary room. Lifting a brow slightly surprised by her presence, I give a stern sounding 'tsk' before going to the connected bathroom to splash some water on my face which seemed to be flushed despite telling myself there is nothing to be flushed about.
"Can I help you, Sophie?" I ask instead of answering her finally exiting my bathroom. Now she stood, looking at me with a smile quickly fading and being replaced with a frown. "Sophie?"
"Two years ago I dreamt that Rick would be killed." Green eyes now watch my face, fear and confusion swirling in their depths. I subtly take in a deep breath, careful to keep my features calm. "I can't help but feel like I could've stopped it." Her words falter as a few tears slid down her face, which broke me into moving.
"Sophie," I hum, gently taking her into my arms, tucking her head underneath my chin. "There is nothing you could have done. It was his time; he would've gone no matter what." It had taken myself a long tine to accept that after Noah's murder. What worried me most about this though, was the time period of this vision, the same time Gracie had passed away. The rules with Oracles is once one's life has ended, the new Oracle's gifts will awaken. "Has there been any other occasions of this happening? Dreams coming true?" I prayed to the Goddess that it was a fluke a simple nightmare that happened to come true years later. Sophie was so young, she has yet to even shift; to be so young with so much responsibility would prove to be difficult.
"I mean kind of," Sophie finally spoke through some sniffles. "I dreamt that Beta Mark would refuse the title of Alpha. But everyone knew that; we all felt how he took Rick's death."Â She played it down pulling away to look me in the eyes. "Why?"
"Nothing. Just curious is all." I release my hold on the small blonde girl and motion to the bathroom. "I've got to shower and get ready for bed." I watched as she nodded before disappearing out the door, the book she'd been reading abandoned on the chair. I walk over trailing my fingers over the old spine, the title too faded to read. Moving on I did as I said, grabbing the bag that had been brought it in from the truck, I get ready for bed changing into a pair of pajamas before sliding into the silk sheets of the queen bed. Staring out the window the darkened sky filled with tiny dots of light, I let myself fall into the embrace of sleep.
//\\//\\//\\
"Alpha?" The muffled voice through the door had me slowly lift my head from the pillow. The sun was just barely rising, making me scowl in annoyance. "Alpha? Your pack members have arrived." Quickly the annoyance fades as I jump out of bed, calling over my shoulder that I'd be out soon and to just have them settle into their rooms before meeting me in the conference room. I hear no reply but rather retreating feet, giving me the impression my message would be given.
Thirty minutes later I walk out of the room, my sliver wavy hair slicked back into a high ponytail, today I wear light pink slacks, a black belt cinching them to my waist, with a matching black long sleeved shirt, the deep 'v' exposing the curves of my breasts, defined collarbone and slim neck. Held loosely in my hand is the slacks's matching light pink almost tan, blazer. My feet were in black pumps, clicking the hardwood floor consistently as I made my way to the conference room where my members all waited for me.
"Alpha." The group voiced in a greeting as they all stood, stopping their casual conversations. They now their head in respect to which I return the favor before sending them a small smile while making my way to an empty chair. Once I sat, they too took their seats once more. All together, counting Gabe, there were five. Directly across of me sat the twins, Austin and Alice; they shared the same gorgeous bright red curly hair, their skin freckled and alabaster, their wolves were just as beautiful. To their right sat Tyler - a blonde haired blue eyed heart breaker, well if he hadn't found his mate that is - and their left was Madelyn, her dark brown hair in kinky curls framed her dark angular face her features often considered "too pretty" to be an assassin. Those words aren't often given the chance to repeat themselves. Gabriel took his seat to my right, setting his folded hands atop the desk waiting for my next move.
"Alright. So, first up, Gabe, you will be returning back to relieve Jace of his duties for the remainder of my time here. He needs time to help with little Luke." I slid my gaze to Gabe, I saw a flash is disappointment, but he nodded understanding.
"Yeah, Luke is a little rug rat." Gabe covered his disappointment easily, a flash of a charming smile letting me know he was okay and respected this decision. I was grateful, but returned my gaze to the four in front of me.
"Alpha Reinhardt is the commanding Alpha, and will be for the foreseeable future. The circumstances concerning the line of succession however is not our priority. What is, is the fact that this group of rogues is not like any we've faced before." Each of their faces morphed into confused curiosity as they seemed to lean forward, waiting for my next words. "Not only is it deceivingly large, it is the same group that had attacked earlier."
"You mean the original group has yet to disband?" Madelyn spoke, her British accent giving a posh sounding note to her words. Her eyes were narrowed in concentration thinking over what this meant, the other faces mirroring hers.
"Correct. From what Alpha Reinhardt's pack as gathered it is, for the most part, the same." My voice was grim, lips tight with resignation. "It seems someone has a tight grip on them and is able to keep them in control." Keep them from destroying each other from within.
"Are far gone are they?" Tyler asks, running a hand over his stubble, gaze focusing in on me as it had been far off thinking of the odd circumstances surrounding this pack.
"Rogue. From the smell of it at least." Gabe answered, as his excursion around the pack boarder had allowed him a look inside.
"Yes. As far as we know, none are simply a Lone Wolf. All are Rogue." The words were dangerous, as it meant these wolves were doubly dangerous due to the maddening affects of their saliva.
"What's the plan?" Austin and Alice ask together, a habit that was often thought of as off putting to strangers, was normalized in our pack.
"We will leave today after breakfast, as Alpha Reinhardt has narrowed their nest to be within the nearby human town." I recall the satellite images of two buildings in suspicion, a sneer curling my lip. "They are hiding within dilapidated buildings, rotting, hitting in the stench of trash to keep us off their tracks." I mentioned this for one reason and one reason alone; they needed to know the truth, that this group of wolves were more intelligent, dangerous, and large than anything we've faced before.
Nostrils flaring, we all exchange looks of concern, as we could feel it in the air. Something was coming, and what it brought would change this world; if it's for the better is yet to be known.
//\\//\\//\\
"Alpha Reinhardt. This is my team aiding me investigate and exterminate your unwelcome neighbors." My introduction was polite, voice steady even as my heart rate picked up, watching his intense gaze reluctantly leave my own to study the wolves I'd brought to me. "The twins, Austin and Alice, then their is Madelyn and Tyler." As I say their name they make some sort of greeting motion to alert who was who. The raven haired male sent each of them a respectful nod followed by an inviting smile - of which caused both women to blush - before he motioned to the dining room behind him.
"Please. Join us for breakfast." Together the group moved as one, making their way past the Alpha and their own Alpha, into the bustling dining room where Leah directed other wolves to and fro withe plates full of desirable steaming food. "You believe they will be enough?" The male besides me asked, their retreating back far enough away to be out of earshot. While his words were less skeptical and rather concerned, it still had my inner wolf bristling.
"Yes. They are very skilled in what they do." We both knew my pack didn't just let any wolf in. "Plus anymore I fear would give us away. With the large number we are dealing with we need the advantage of being a surprise." I studied his reaction to my response, fighting the way my inner wolf paced in my mind aching and whining to be closer to the male that exuded dominance. His very presence promised either pain or protection.
I watched his gaze drift away from my pack members, to where I stood still, eyes dilating ever so slightly before he spoke. "I trust you. Now, won't you join us for breakfast?" The tall male held his arm out to me, not wanting to ignore him, I gritted my teeth but slid my hand into the crook of his offered arm and together we went into the crowded room. Almost immediately three young children descended upon the man, their squeals of laughter rivaling the loud thrum of other members conversing. All in all it was the entire pack eating, only those who permanently lived within the pack house. Those typically included extended family of higher ranks, high ranking members and their immediate family and sometimes the retired ranking wolves; the previous alpha, beta, etc etc.
Alpha Reinhardt growled playfully, swooping low to lift the three children up, charging into the crowd causing the kids to laugh eagerly, their bodies momentarily weightless. As the adults and older children sat down, he dropped off each child to their awaiting mother's one by one. Their pouts almost had me laugh, but my caught myself, clearing my throat and approaching Leah as she placed a plate piled high with orange slices next to a toddler still in diapers talking gibberish to her dotting father.
"Need any help?" I asked, placing my hand on her shoulder causing her to jump. Sending me a sheepish smile she shook her head, looking at the feast in front of her.
"No. It's all been laid down." And it was true, every plate stacked high with any breakfast food imaginable, with pitchers of milk, water, orange and apple juice, lining the long piece of furniture seating a good thirty plus people. Together we walk to our seats she sat next to me, my own seat being to the left side of the alpha where his guest is typically sat. To his right would sit the alpha's mate, and without a mate the beta takes the spot. The rest of the seats were up for grabs however typically the higher rank you were the closer to the alpha you were. This meant my pack members, including Gabe as he would be leaving after he ate, sat next to Beta Mark and the third Beck.
Once Alpha Reinhardt sat we all a waited his signal to eat which he gave immediately, reaching out to serve himself some food. The rest followed, conversation rising once more. I reach out as a plate of biscuits begins to be handed down the the line, snatching my own, as my other hand grabs the bacon on the idle plate in front of me. Armed with more food as I grab what looks appetizing, I pour myself some orange juice and begin to eat.
To my right Leah spoke with a woman who bounced a small child on her leg, the boy's grabby hands reaching for anything and everything, making quite the spectacle. His mother growing more exasperated but nothing dampened the love she had for her son. I look away, eyes landing in my own members politely making conversation with their neighbors. While I glanced around I purposely ignored the blatant stare of none other than Alpha Reinhardt. Clearing my throat I go to ask him if he needed anything, when a question is directed my way.
"Alpha Sandalio, do you have a mate?" The male voice immediately doused any forms of a good mood I had acquired so far. His words drew attention, my pack members already knowing the subject was touchy as I never spoke of it and grew uncomfortable when other spoke of mates. It grew to be a topic no one brought up around me. As for the rest of the people, I could see genuine curiosity, even Alpha Reinhardt seemed to pause his eating to listen to my response.
I turned my gaze, he sat across the table, next to Madelyn who sat stiffly, gaze glued to her plate. I placed the half eaten slice of bacon in my hand down, noticing just how quiet the room had gotten. Not much was known of the Alpha who ran the pack of Elite wolves, they only knew of her power, knew of my power, but not of my private life. I debated for a moment, swallowing the bite I had in my mouth, on if I wanted to reply. It was clear the young pup was watching me, he wasn't much older than Sophie who sat farther down the table on the same side as myself making it difficult to see her golden locks.
Not removing my gaze, eyes narrowing I enjoyed watching him squirm, as it was a private question, one I didn't want to answer yet I unfortunately felt it necessary to answer. Finally I cleared my throat, bringing my cup of orange liquid to my lips where I drank the juice before replacing the glass next to my plate, and answered his question.
"My mate," the word leaving a foreign sour taste in my mouth, I hardly was able to keep my lip from curling up in a snarl, before continuing. "Is dead." The following gasps that left everyone's mouth made me wince, a grimace on my face. The words themselves weren't a lie, while he wasn't physically dead, he was just dead to me. The reminder of the wolf that hadn't wanted me, made me feel ill. Slowly I looked towards the Alpha next to me, his gaze boring into my own. Suddenly I felt foolish; if my own goddess given mate had no desire for me, why would a male such as himself wish for me?
Quickly I look away and stand, watching, well rather feeling, my pack members gazes on me. I could feel their worry, so I sent them a reassuring smile, careful to keep it controlled, before shifting my gaze to a now standing Alpha Reinhardt.
"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to change before myself and my team head out for today." Straightening the light pink blazer I had on, I left. Not waiting for his nodded permission, feeling his heated controlled gaze on my retreating back.
//\\//\\//\\
Nearly an hour later I left my room once more, save this time my hair was pulled up into a messy bun, my business attire replaced with black leggings and a matching black top, long sleeves with wholes in the palm for my thumbs to slip through keeping the sleeves secure past my wrist. I jogged lightly down the steps and bout ran smack into Tyler. Looking over his shoulder to the open front door where the other three stood, I glanced back to meet his gaze.
"Did Gabe leave?" I questioned, walking past Tyler, hearing him follow me before falling into pace with me.
"Yes." His answer was short, distracted, I knew he wanted to ask something. Sighing I stop, just under the doorway to meet his gaze, I lift a brow as if to say 'spit it out' and so, he does. "Is your mate really dead?" Of course Tyler could sense the lie, the bastard could tell smell a lie a mile away if he needed to. Scowling, I rub my nose in annoyance before deciding to answer the concerned male.
"Might as well be." I respond cooly, careful to keep the pain of Ryker's rejection hidden. To this day I can sometimes feel the full head ache throbbing in my skull, the nearly nonexistent bond hanging on by threads. I know Ryker wasn't letting go, as on my end I felt nothing besides pain and hatred for the male that had rejected me, but I could feel his regret and longing for me through his end. It really was a nuisance, dealing with the blubbery man's guilt.
"Did heâ" I knew the second he started to ask that I wasn't going to like the question so with a sharp look of my eye he cuts himself off. Sending an apologetic look my way, Tyler continued to walk. I followed suit, stepping down the steps of the porch, standing in front of my four pack members.
"Alright. We get in, we get out. Do not engage. We will break up in two teams; Madelyn with me." The four nodded, no questions asked. "Alright. Madelyn and I will take the SW location, you three take the Northern building." Again, four more nods, satisfied with their understanding of the plan, we march towards the edge of the forest. Reaching the line, we strip off our clothes, our skin only bare for a moment before our wolf form takes over.
On all fours, I let out a sharp bark and together we set off towards the human town, the clothes we'd worn moments before clutched in our jaws. Today was the real beginning; if only I'd known what was to come.
//\\//\\//\\
A/N: who I pictured as the twins, Tyler, and Madelyn