ALPHA
CHAPTER 16

Adira

The day of the Gathering of Alphas was complete….chaos. All morning I was bombarded with she-wolves asking for approval on last minute decisions for the ball room. Their questions left me with a headache and resulted in me hiding in my office for most of the day.

I was reading through a document when a knock on my office door broke me from my concentration. A low growl left my mouth in annoyance.

“Come in.”

My annoyance diminished when Rhys walked in with a grin on his face. “Rhys.”

“Afternoon beautiful.” He made his way around the wooden desk and place a kiss on my lips “Are you in here hiding?”

I felt my face heat up at his action “Hiding? Why would I be hiding?”

Rhys let out a deep chuckle and leaned against my desk with a raised brow “It obviously has

something to do with the Gathering tonight.”

My resolve broke and I groaned leaning back in my chair “Those she-wolves are driving me crazy! I’m ready for this to be over with.”

Rhys cupped my cheek fondly “Just a few more hours Ad, then it’ll be all over.”

“You’re right. I can do this.” I sighed and looked up at Rhys “So how are you feeling? Anymore nightmares?”

Rhys has been tight lipped about his recurring nightmares. He kept it all to himself but I can tell it’s eating away at him. I didn’t want to pry but at the same time I wanted to try and help him cope with these returning memories.

I hoped he would open up to me soon.

Rhys smile dropped and shook his head “No.”

I couldn’t tell if that upset him or not. Was that the only way he was able to remember anything?

“Rhys if you want I’m always here-“

“Adira!” There was a quick knock on the door followed by Emilia entering looking flustered. She sighed in relief at the sight of me “There you are.”

“Come on in Em.” I say sarcastically with a roll of my eyes.

“We’ve been looking everywhere for you. It’s time to get you ready for tonight.” She says rushing over to take my hand and lift me from the chair “Hi Rhys.”

“Hey Em.” He greets with a chuckle “Take care of her will you?”

I glared over at Rhys which only made him laugh harder “I’ll see you later babe.” He called out.

“Traitor!”

Emilia led me to her bedroom where Selene and Natalia were already waiting for us. “Honestly Ad, you are so dramatic.” Em scolds sitting me down in front of her vanity.

“You’re extra bossy today.” I grumble as she began to run a brush through my hair.

“You’re telling me.” Sel grumbled sitting at the edge of the bed glaring at Natalia who was putting red lipstick over her lips.

It looks like Em and Natalia got ahold of Selene before me. She looked beautiful though, the makeup Natalia put on her was just enough to brighten her brown eyes and enhance her features.

“This is an important night. We all have to look our best.” Emilia replies snarky “Now be quiet and let me work will you?”

With a huff and I sat back and let my little sister work her magic.

As the minutes went by, I felt my stomach twist in knots. My nerves were everywhere at the thought of what could happen tonight.

What would the other Alphas think? Would they give me a chance? How would Rhys handle seeing the faces of friends he once had?

“Hey Ad, are you okay?” Natalia asked in concern. She was already dressed in a red satin gown and was sitting next to Sel who was ready as well.

I looked up at my sisters with a smile, “Yeah, I’m good.”

Natalia and Selene exchanged glances “If you say so Adira.” Selene says not looking convinced “You might want to hurry up and get dressed, Lucas just informed me the Alphas have begun to arrive.”

Swallowing the lump in my throat I nodded and stood to get dressed “Will you have enough time to get ready Em?” I asked turning to my youngest sister who was still dressed in her normal clothing.

Emilia smiled and shook her head tucking her hands into her hoodie “I’m heading to the daycare, I’ve got a few things to take care of.”

“Are you sure Em? Tonight is a big deal.” I say taking off my clothes.

She shrugged, “It's a big deal for you Ad. You’re the Alpha. There will be nothing for me there. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” She reassured while helping me zip up the back of my gown.

“Okay, okay. Just keep us updated on your whereabouts. Deal?” I turned around to see all three of my sisters looking at me with their mouths open.

“What is it?” I ask laughing slightly at their expressions.

“You look a lot like mom right now.” Selene admits quietly.

My smile dropped and a nervously smoothed over the emerald green dress that clung to my body “Oh.”

“You look beautiful Ad. Now let’s get going. Don’t want to be late for this special occasion.” Natalia says clapping her hands together trying to rid the solemn mood.

We made our way over to the council building escorted by Selene’s warriors. As much as I trusted my pack I couldn’t let my guard down especially on a night like tonight.

My sister worked hard to make sure security was tight so that there would be no trouble.

Lucas and Rhys were waiting for us at the entrance of the ballroom both dressed in tuxedos while Lucas styled his hair slicked back, Rhys’ hair was styled in its usual messy way. Selene wore a blush on her face at the sight of her mate.

I couldn’t say much for myself, it was hard to keep my eyes off of my own mate. He cleans up pretty well and if throwing a party like this meant he gets dressed up I might consider throwing more parties.

No doubt sensing us Lucas broke away from his conversation with Rhys to look over at us “Well it’s about time….” the words died on his lips as he took in Selene’s appearance. His eyes roamed her body up and down before stopping on her face. He cleared his throat in embarrassment “You ladies look nice.”

Rhys let out a laugh and slapped Lucas on the shoulder “That’s no way to compliment a beautiful woman Lucas.” He looked at me and winked “You all look stunning.”

Lucas chuckled nervously “Right, well we should be heading in. They’re ready to announce us.” He held both arms open for Natalia and Selene to take “Allow me to escort you beauties in.”

Natalia giggled while Selene seemed to blush harder. It was amusing to see her look so rattled now that she and Lucas had completed part of the mating process.

Rhys turned to me with a look of adoration on his face, “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on Adira. I hope you know that.”

I smiled brightly at his compliment “Well you certainly don’t look so bad yourself.” I gently put a hand on his chest and stared up at him in concern “Are you ready for this? You may come across people you may not remember.”

Rhys took my hand and placed a kisses against my palm “I’ll be alright as long as I am by your side.” He then held out his arm for me to take.

I nodded my head I wrapped my hand around his arm and sighed in contentment at the feeling of our bodies brush together.

“Introducing Alphas Adira Angelo and Rhys Carson.”

We entered the room and suddenly I felt a hundred eyes on me. I gulped and tightened my hold on Rhys while trying to maintain the smile on my face.

“Relax Ad, I’m here. You can do this.” Rhys reassured squeezing my hand. He led me down the walkway towards the center of the room where our guests were eagerly waiting. With another assuring nod from Rhys I cleared my throat gaining everyone’s attention.

“Thank you all for traveling to the here for this momentous night. On behalf of the Ash Pack, I would like to welcome you to our home. Tonight will be a night of celebration as well as a night of creating new allies. Please enjoy yourselves and let the Gathering of Alphas begin!”

Music and chatter filled the room as Alphas greeted each other warmly. Dinner had now passed and it was time to socialize. I had already met so many potential allies from Alpha Timothee in Wyoming to Alpha James in Texas. All future friends who treated me as an equal.

Rhys and I had yet to meet any of his friends but most of the Alphas recognized his name as leader of the Crimson pack. Every time he was asked about the well-being of his pack, Rhys would redirect the attention back to me. He was doing well at keeping from answering questions.

“Alpha Adira.” Rhys and I were now stopped by a large burly man with dreads that flowed down his back. He was shorter than Rhys but much more muscular. I tried to keep the look of surprise off my face at the sight of him but wasn’t sure how well I was doing. The man reminded me of a bear, no doubt he was just as powerful.

Next to him stood a teen looking around the age of eighteen or nineteen. He was a few shades lighter than the ebony colored man next to him but his eyes were crystal blue. They stood out in a dazzling way that almost made it hard to look away. He wore a scowl on his face and had his arms crossed in what looked like annoyance.

“Hello, and you are?” I ask politely.

The large man grinned brightly “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Jedidah Simmons, Alpha of the Moonvalley Pack and this is my eldest son Emery, the future Alpha.”

Ah, the Moonvalley Pack. I was familiar with their name, they reside in the mountains of southern Washington. A decently sized pack who were well off on their own. I was happy to finally meet their Alpha.

“Welcome Alpha Jedediah, Emery. I trust you are enjoying the night?” I asked. Rhys nodded his head in greeting as well. He preferred for me to do most of the talking tonight, I was sure a lot was going through his mind at the moment.

“We are enjoying it quite well Alpha. You and your pack have done an outstanding job at hosting this event.” The deep voiced man all but boomed startling the nearby staff “When I received your invitation I was thrilled! I had to see the first female Alpha myself and I can’t say I’m disappointed, you hold yourself up well my dear. Don’t you agree Embry?”

“Sure Pops. Whatever. May I go now? I have friends looking for me.” Embry sighed looking utterly bored.

“Now Embry-“

“Please it’s no big deal. He may go.” I interrupt gently not wanting a father-son argument to ensue.

Jedediah sighed deeply as his son eagerly left the conversation “I apologize Alpha. My son has yet to grow up. He still acts very much like a child.”

I wave a hand uncaringly “It’s understandable Jedediah. I was once a teenage Alpha as well. He will come around when he needs to.”

“I hope that day comes soon.” He shook his head before perking up “It was very nice to meet you Alpha Adira, Alpha Rhys. I do hope our paths cross again soon. Maybe we can speak on becoming allies in the future.”

I smiled brightly at the Alpha knowing having someone like him as an ally would be beneficial. “Of course Alpha. Please enjoy the rest of your night.”

“You as well.”

“You’re remarkable, you know that?” Rhys says to me quietly as Jedediah left. “A true Alpha.”

“Oh stop it.” I say feeling myself blush.

“You really are.” He continued pulling me closer “It makes me proud to see you handle yourself in such a way.”

“Really?” I asked skeptically. I would have never thought in a million years any Alpha male would enjoy seeing their mate take charge like I was. Yet here Rhys stands.

He tucked a piece of my curled hair behind my ear and pecked my lips “Really. I’m so damn proud of you Adira.”

I felt my heart skip a beat at his words. That was the very thing I needed to hear from Rhys Carson. And now that he did, I know my feelings were deeper than I could have ever thought.

I love him.

Oh goddess. Do I tell him? Is this the place to? If I didn’t say it now would I ever be able to?

“Rhys...I….”

Gasps and hushed whispers suddenly filled the room as a strong aura of power filled the room.

It’s him.

No doubt it’s the Alpha.

I heard he never leaves his pack, what is he doing here?

“Lucas what's going on?” I demand as he and Selene quickly approached us.

“Okay so I didn’t really think he would show up so I didn’t bother to tell you.” Lucas blanched looking pale.

“Tell me what Luc? Spit it out already!” I all but growled out.

“It’s the Lycan, Alpha River Thompson. Looks like decided to pay us a visit.”

Oh. Shit.

Sorry for the cliffhanger, hopefully you guys forgive me!

Slightly longer chapter than usual but I hope you guys enjoyed it!

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Until next chapter!