In The Begining
Alpha Otis has done nothing but talk about how wonderful their training program is. They just need a better battle strategy against a rogue pack that continues to cross their borders. Walking through their training grounds there’s one that stands out. She is completely dominating these men and kicking their asses. I stopped to watch her throw one after the other down onto the mat.
“That’s one of our omega members. She’s been training since she was young. Let’s head to my office to discuss our latest strategies. I’ll have my Beta join us.” Otis said, motioning toward the packhouse. I can’t seem to pull myself away from this beautiful woman with honey brown hair in front of me. Her talents are wasted here with Alpha Otis. He’s an idiot. I’m only here as a favor. His father was a good man, a good Alpha. He died helping my father in battle against rogue attacks. Since his son, Otis, has become Alpha of the Deadtooth Pack, their pack has gone through a harsh transition. Otis wasn’t ready to be Alpha. He lacked the proper training but was arrogant in thinking he knew better than those advising him on pack matters. A large group of his pack left to join other packs. They’re half the size they used to be. I’m not surprised a rogue pack is trying to move in.
“This omega warrior… What’s her name?” I asked, completely mesmerized by her.
“Her? She’s no one. Just another soldier in the pack. Definitely not what I would call a warrior.” Otis laughed. As I said, he’s an idiot.
“Why isn’t she one of your top warriors? She’s kicking their asses. Don’t you watch your people train? Better yet, you should be training with them?”
“With them? I’m Alpha, I don’t train!” Otis scoffed. I’m never coming back here again. The pack is in the small town of Branchbound Creek. It’s nothing like Moonvalley Pack, where I’m from. It’s the complete opposite. “Come, let’s head inside and get this business taken care of.” Otis said. This time I allowed him to lead me inside. I turned to steal a few more glances at the omega. She is beautiful. That long light brown hair pulled back in a braid, her body is lean and muscular. Exquisite. My wolf is pacing as I watch her. I need to know more.
We get to his office and his Beta has a map laid out of their territory. I worked with his Beta giving him suggestions on alternative strategies and counter attacks that their soldiers can easily execute. Otis and his Beta, Brian, are pleased.
“I can’t thank you enough Jack. We’ll begin training right away and get the men ready for the next attack.” Otis shook my hand.
“I can stay another day to assist with the training. Make sure your men are prepared.” That will give me another day to see that Omega.
“Excellent! We’re lucky to have you and your men here.” Otis smacked my back and led Brian and I out of the office and into his bar. He grabbed three glasses and poured the amber liquid before handing over the drinks. I swirled the liquid around in my glass and sniffed it. Dear goddess, what the hell is this? My wolf is not impressed. I hesitantly take a sip. I don’t know what this is, but I’m not putting this garbage in my body.
“I think I’ll go out to the training grounds now. Why don’t you two join me?” I say putting my glass down and turning to Otis. Otis looked wide-eyed and Brian avoided eye contact.
“I’m not training. It’s pointless.” Otis shook his head and down the rest of his glass. “That’s why I have security and personal guard. Don’t you have the same? You came with four large men from your pack. I assumed they were your personal guards.” Otis poured himself another glass.
“I do have a security team, but I also train with my pack as well. Not only does it help keep me in shape, but it shows my pack that I care about them. I would hate to be in a situation where I’m without my security and I’m too weak to defend myself.” I say walking towards the guest suite with Otis following slightly behind.
“If you say so.” Otis says while taking a drink. I look to Brian and he is shaking his head. I change into a white ribbed tank and some loose grey sweatpants. I tie up my shoes and grab a bottle of water from my visitor’s suite fridge. This is probably the nicest room in this packhouse, but it’s still run down compared to the guest accommodations of the Moonvalley packhouse.
We walk towards the training grounds and I spot the omega right away. She’s wearing a sports bra that looks like it’s seen better days and a pair of shorts that look slightly too big for her. Regardless she is taking on the biggest men and handing them their asses on a platter.
“May I know your name?” I asked. She looked up at me surprised.
“Um… it’s Lumina, but everyone calls me Mina, Alpha Jacques.” She says quietly.
“You can call me Jack. All my friends do.” I say with a smile. “Mina, would you care to spar?” I ask. She looks up in surprise, and then immediately lowers her head in a submissive manner. I can feel my wolf stir in a way I’ve never felt before. What an odd sensation this is. I can tell she’s hesitant to take me on.
“Don’t hold back, ok?” Mina stopped and I detected a slight smile and she nodded before getting into position.
She immediately goes for a leg sweep, which almost catches me, but I manage to block at the last moment. I look up and smile and my wolf really starts to come to the surface. For the next 20 minutes we spar back and forth with her almost taking me a time or two until finally, I pin her. She’s flat on her stomach and I’m straddled on top of her back with my face closer to her shoulder. Her scent is so arousing, and I feel my heart rate quicken from the closeness. I take a deep breath of her scent and know what I must do.
“You are a very formidable opponent Mina.” I stand, offering her my hand to help her up.
“Thank you, Alpha… I mean Jack.” She said, smiling up at me. Mina is strikingly beautiful. I couldn’t help but notice her milk chocolate eyes and adorable dimples. I catch movement to my side and see my men watching.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have some business to take care of.” Although, I’d much rather stay with her. I walk towards the men and one of them hands me a towel as we head to the house. ” Ok, go ahead. Let me have it.” I look between the men and they’re all smiling but no one is saying a word. I shake my head and go to my room to grab a quick shower before lunch.
In the hallway, I overheard an argument. I head out to see Mina arguing with one of the men from the Deadtooth pack.
“You’re just mad because I kicked your ass out there today. You’re too distracted and it shows! You’d rather be doing anything else. I don’t even know why I bother.” She says and turns to walk away. The man grabs her arm and throws her against the wall.
“You bother because it’s your job. You’re just a training tool.” I don’t even realize I’m snarling and before I can stop myself, I grab him by his throat.
“How dare you talk to her that way! She is a part of this pack and you should respect her!” I scream at him.
“Jack! Let him go. This Omega is just here to help train with the men. She’s as useless as tits on a bull. Just like her parents. Her dad’s a useless drunk and her mother works as a maid at a hotel in Elmswood.” Otis looked at her disgusted. Her head is down, and she starts to walk away. I gently grab her hand.
“Mina… are you OK?” I ask. He threw her pretty hard. I stand in front of her and take her chin to lift her face to me and see the blood on her forehead and nose. With tears in her eyes, she attempts to pull away from my grip. I hold on to her. “Where’s your pack doctor? She’s hurt.” Otis looks at me floored.
“The pack doctor for her? No, she can clean herself up. I won’t bother the doctor for her.” He looks at her with disgust. “Go. Clean up and get started on lunch in the kitchen.” Otis says, dismissively. I’ve seen enough.
“Alpha Otis, this young woman is in need of medical care. She is a member of your pack. It’s your duty to care for the pack members no matter their rank. Your attitude towards her is appalling and quite frankly, inappropriate as Alpha. I will take her to your pack doctor myself. The others can get started on lunch for the pack.” I put my hand on the small of her back and start leading her down the hall.
“What others? She cooks all the meals for the pack every day.” Otis replied. I stop to get a better look at Mina.
“How old are you?” I ask. Maybe she’s older than she looks.
“I’m 17. I’ll be 18 in three months.” She says, looking between Otis and I. This poor girl. The confident warrior I saw in training has vanished. Now before me stands a beaten young woman. If I could kill Otis, I would tear him limb from limb.
“Otis, you and I will have a conversation after I see that Mina has been treated by the doctor.” I turned and place my hand in the small of her back again to lead Mina towards the doctor. As we’re walking, I glance over and see a bruise on her cheek. It’s not a new one either.
“Mina, who gave you that bruise on your cheek?” I ask. She immediately tries to hide it with her hand.
“I… I fell.” She says blushing. A lie. I’m not going to press the question now. For the moment, I just want her to see the pack doctor.
“Can you tell me where your pack doctor is? I seem to be a little turned around.” I asked, not sure which direction to go.
“Alpha Otis won’t be happy that I see the doctor.” She says quietly.
“Well, I’m taking care of you despite what he wants or says. He can kiss my ass.” I’d like to see him try to stop me from caring for her. She snickers and points to the hall on the left. We step into the doctor’s office and he ushers Mina in right away.
“Oh, my dear. Let’s get you taken care of.” She sits on the examining table while the doctor checks her for a concussion and cleans up the cut on her forehead. When he finishes his examination, he leads me out of the room. “Alpha Jacques, thank you for bringing her to me. She has a minor concussion and the cut on her forehead is minor.” He stops and looks around before continuing. “I’m not one to pry, but this young lady has been secretly coming to see me for her daily injuries. Alpha Otis is cruel to her as are her parents. I worry about her safety here.” I nod my head. Given what I just witnessed in the hall, that doesn’t surprise me.
“Thank you, sir. I’m glad you were here to take care of her.” I say, extending my hand to shake his hand.
“Her parents were dear friends of mine before they lost their youngest son. They were never quite the same after that.” He shakes his head and turns, walking back to his office. I storm off to find Otis and give him a piece of my mind.
I found him. Drunk and yelling at the pack members gathering in the kitchen. I’m taking Mina from this place. I get the attention of a couple standing close to the door.
“What’s he yelling about?” I ask them, keeping my voice down.
“He’s mad because lunch wasn’t prepared. My sister cooks all the meals but she’s not in the kitchen.” Mina’s brother. Perfect.
“So, Mina is your sister?” I ask. He nods his head.
“She got hurt today and is with the doctor now. Mina won’t be in here to cook today. She needs to recover.” He looks at me with concern. “I’ll let her fill you in later. She’s going to be fine though.” He takes a deep breath and nods his head. “What’s your name?” I ask.
“I’m Dirk, this is my mate, Celestria.” He extends his hand to shake mine.
“It’s nice to meet you. Do you think you two can help me make up some sandwiches for everyone? I think it would be best to mitigate the drunk Alpha for the moment. Can either of you make him some coffee?” They both smile and nod. My men and I follow them to the kitchen, and we get sandwiches, apples, oranges, and chips together for a buffet-style lunch. Otis’s back is to us as we set everything out.
“LUNCH IS SERVED!” I yell over Otis’s rantings to the pack. Everyone hesitantly starts to form a line and take what they need before leaving the room. Otis turns and glares at me.
“Who the hell do you think you are? I’m the Alpha here!” Otis screams at me, slowly walking towards me. I walk towards him puffing out my chest, if he wants a fight, I’ll give him one. I tower over him by at least 6 inches and have a good 60 pounds more muscle than him.
“I think it would be in your best interest to have some coffee and some lunch.” I say as calmly as possible. Maybe a little condescending, but I don’t give a fuck at this point. I pull up a chair and motion for him to sit down. With a little nudge, he does.
“Dirk, can you do me a favor and find Beta Brian? I have a feeling Otis is going to need a babysitter.” Dirk nods his head and runs out the door. Celestria brings a plate and a cup of coffee to Otis. He glares at her as she walks away. After a few minutes, Brian comes in and sees Otis eating.
“Brian, your Alpha needs to sober up. When he does, come find me. I have a proposal for him.” Brian nods in understanding and joins Otis at the table. I grab lunch for Mina and I and head over to the doctor’s office.
“Hey, Mina. How are you feeling?” I ask. Mina quickly sits up and adjusts the blankets.
“I’m well Jack. Thank you for bringing me here. The doctor is going to release me in a couple of hours. He asked me to stay for observation, but I’m feeling much better.” She says, smiling at me. Mina is completely captivating.
“I’m glad to hear it. I brought you some lunch if you’re hungry.” I hand her the plate. She takes it and looks up at me with a confused expression.
“Who made lunch today?” Mina asked, looking at everything on the plate.
“Your brother, Dirk, and his mate Celestria helped me prepare lunch for the pack today.” I say before taking a bite of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Her eyes are so wide I think they may pop out. After a moment she hesitantly takes a bite of her sandwich.
“Thank you, Alpha.” She says quietly, taking another bite. I can’t help but smile. We continue to eat in silence, sneaking glances at each other. The doctor walks in smiling at Mina and I.
“I’m glad you’ve eaten. Let’s take a quick look before I release you.” He says grabbing a light pen from the counter. I take our plates and set them aside before taking a seat close to Mina. The doctor finishes his exam and takes a deep breath. “Alright Mina, you’re free to go. No TV or reading for a few days, other than that you’re good to go.” He smiles and leaves the room. I help her off the bed and lead her out in the hallway.
“Mina, what would you think about moving to my pack? The Moonvalley pack. I’d like for you to join my security team.” I say, mentally crossing my fingers this works.
“Join your security team? Why me?” She asks, not realizing that she came close to defeating me earlier more than once, which is more than I could say for any member of my current team.
“Not only would I like you to join the security team, but I would also like you to head my security team. I think they need some of your skills.” I say, knowing that Otis would be too stupid to realize that I’m taking his best warrior.
“Me? Really?” She asks excitedly.
“Yes, you. You don’t realize what a powerful punch you throw. Your fighting skills are amazing, and my current team could use your expertise.” I say matter of factly.
“I- I guess I just need to pack a few things and tell my parents what’s happening.” Mina says.
“Great. Can you be ready to go in an hours’ time?” I ask, looking at my watch. “I’ll need to make a call to make sure you have something appropriate to wear to the office tomorrow and have a room set up for you for our arrival.”
“Sure. It shouldn’t be more than 45 minutes. Meet you at the packhouse?” Mina says.
“That works for me.” I say with a smile. Mina turns to walk away.
“Welcome to Moonvalley Lumina.” I say.
“It’s Mina! Nobody really calls me Lumina” she says as she turns around, walking backward. “I’ll be back as soon as I’m packed.” I guess I should tell Otis I’m taking his Omega.
I walk into the cafeteria and Brian smiles at me. That’s a good sign.
“Otis, I have a proposal for you. I would like Mina to lead my security team back in Centralia.”
“Why would you want someone like her heading up your security team?” Otis says, laughing.
“Otis, I’m willing to offer you three of my best warriors for Mina.” I say, hoping he will be too ignorant to not take the offer.
“Three? She’s not even worth the worst of your warriors. I pity your security team if you want her to head it!” Otis says loudly and he and the pack within earshot all start laughing.
“So, do we have a deal?” I ask, looking over to Otis.
“Sure. I’ll take this deal. I’ll definitely be making out in the end.” Otis says as he reaches out his hand to seal the deal. I head back to my shabby guest suite and call my Beta to make the arrangements.
“Tristan, I need you to get the security room ready, please. I also need you to do some shopping.” I say.
“What the hell is going on Jack? We already have a full security team!” Tristan says.
“Yes, but I’m adding another. This girl almost took me out.” I say, hoping he looks past the fact that it’s a female I’m bringing back, but doubtful he will.
“Uh-huh. How easy were you on her?” He says with a laugh.
“That’s the thing. I wasn’t going easy at all. We sparred for 20 minutes before I was finally able to pin her.”
“Shit! Really? The mighty Jack of Moonvalley may have met his match!” Tristan says with a hearty belly laugh.
“Fuck off Tristan. Go buy her some clothes and have it set up in her room by the time we get there.” I say with a smile on my face.
“You know Bella isn’t going to be happy about a new woman in the house.” Tristan teases.
“Yeah, well, we know she’s been dreaming about being my Luna since we were kids. She’s going to have to get over the fact that the Moon Goddess didn’t pair us. When I finally find my Luna, our pack will be complete. Get this shit done Tristan, we’ll be there around 7.” I say with a bit of annoyance at the mention of Bella.
“You got it, boss. Just text me her sizes and I’ll put it on your accounts.” Tristan hangs up and I start packing my own belongings, anxious to get out of here and back into my comfortable bed.
