Before I Rise
The Alpha from Desert Rose Pack

I was currently sitting smack dab in the middle of a war zone, more like a fashion war zone. There were skirts, dresses, high heels, and much more thrown around the room. I had no idea what I was getting into when Alicia asked me to see a couple of outfits she picked out for an up and coming date. I thought it would at least take no more than 30 minutes, so far I have been sitting here for almost two hours.

She was in her closet for the hundredth time today, trying on another outfit. I didn’t even think she had this much clothes. For the last five outfits she’s shown me, I just tell her they look great every time she asks for my opinion. I gave up trying to actually tell her exactly how I felt about them when she nearly bit my head over something designer that she loved and I hated. Ever since then, I’ve just nodded my head and smiled.

I was hoping this would end soon since my stomach was starting to make angry noises. I was supposed to have breakfast with Marcus this morning but Alicia interrupted and begged me to help her. Of course I couldn’t tell her no, but I was nervous that would be one of the last times Marcus and I got to do something since he has an Alpha visiting the pack. I had a feeling he was going to be super busy the next few days.

“Ok, how does this look?” Alicia walked out with an olive green jumpsuit with some tan strappy sandals. It looked extremely similar to what she just had on.

“Looks great! Really like the green on you!” If this one wasn’t it, I was going to combust right here on the spot.

Alicia twisted her face in disgust. “I think it clashes with my hair. Let me try one more on.”

Times like this, I wish I was a werewolf so I could mindlink Marcus to come save me from this endless torture.

“It doesn’t, I think this is the best one you’ve tried on so far.”

“True, which means we are getting even closer in replaceing the perfect outfit.” She said as she turned around and headed back into her closest.

“Who’s the lucky guy anyway?” I asked her. If I was going to be forced to sit here for another hour, I may as well get some juicy information.

“Some guy I met at the mall the other day. He’s actually pretty good looking for being a human. We’ve been texting back and forth for the past few days. So far we have a lot in common, but he’s not my mate. Just some fun to pass the time.”

“What are you guys going to do for your date?” I asked her.

It was quiet for a few minutes before I heard her groan and walk out of the closet.

“My annoying cousin is requesting your presence. Apparently he wants you to meet him at his office.” She said with her hands on her hips and a glare on her face.

I quickly got off the bed, excitement running through my veins that I was finally getting out of here and I would be seeing Marcus.

Just as I reached her bedroom door, I turned back to look at her still in the green jumpsuit. “Honestly Alicia, you look really beautiful in that outfit. It’s definitely the one and you don’t have anything to be worried about.”

Alicia’s whole face lit up and she finally seemed to relax slightly. “Thanks Em, I needed to hear that. I have to meet him in about two hours, want to meet up tonight so I can tell you all about it?” She asked me.

I rolled my eyes playfully at her. “Duh, I wouldn’t be able to get a good night’s sleep if you don’t tell me. Just come replace me as soon as it’s over.”

“Ok, I will. Have fun with lover boy!” She wiggled her eyebrows at me as I shut her door.

I quickly ran down one flight of stairs to Marcus’s office, not wanting to waste any time. I was secretly hoping he wanted to go get breakfast.

Just as I arrived at his office door, it opened revealing my handsome mate. He had black slacks on paired with a navy blue button down shirt that made his deep brown eyes pop even more. He had a warm smile on his face and he reached out towards me, pulling me in for a hug and a kiss.

He kissed my forehead as we separated and cupped my face in his hands. “I know this is short notice, but there is someone here I would like for you to meet.” He said.

“I’ll meet anyone you want me to meet. I’m just happy to be free from Alicia’s hands.” A shiver went down my spine thinking about what I went through for the past few hours.

Marcus chuckled and stepped back, allowing me to entire the office. He led me to the two couches in the room. One was empty, the other was taken up by one of the biggest man I have ever seen in my life. He stood up and was about a few inches taller than Marcus. He did however, have more mass on him than Marcus did. I felt like this man could easily crush my head only using one of his hands. He had thick salt and pepper hair, and had slight wrinkles on the corner of his icy blue eyes. Though he was intimidating, he had this familiarity that surrounded him, making me feel weirdly safe.

“Em, I would like you to meet Alpha Jensen from the Desert Rose Pack. Jensen, this is my mate Em.”

Alpha Jensen stuck out his hand for me to shake. “It’s nice to meet you Luna Em.”

As soon as our hands connected, I began to feel slightly nauseous and dizzy. “It’s nice to meet you as well, Alpha Jensen.”

“Oh please, call me Jensen.” He said, with a twinkle in his eye.

“As long as you call me Em.” I replied to him.

Jensen chuckled and nodded his head. “Sounds like a deal.”

I suddenly felt like I was really going to throw up. I swallowed and took a deep breath, trying to calm my stomach down.

“Em are you ok? You look pale.” Marcus said, concern flashed across his face as he looked at me.

“Yeah, I just feel slightly dizzy and nauseous. I think it’s just because I haven’t eaten yet today.” I was nervous that my actions in front of Alpha Jensen had embarrassed Marcus in a way. I was sure that this was not Luna behavior. Hopefully this wouldn’t make him question whether or not I was fit to be Luna to this pack.

“Here, why don’t you and I sit and get to know each other while your mate grabs you a snack?” Alpha Jensen sat back on one of the couches and gestured for me to sit on the opposite one facing him.

“That’s a great idea!” Marcus said as he led me to the couch. “I’ll be right back love.” He kissed me on the forehead and walked out of the office leaving Alpha Jensen and I alone.

We sat there for a few minutes in complete silence. He was staring at me in a very intense way, almost like he was trying to figure something out.

I cleared my throat to break the awkwardness that surrounded us. “So… How long have you been an Alpha?”

Alpha Jensen’s face relaxed slightly before he answered me. “I became Alpha when I was 21 years old, which I believe was almost 30 years ago. I plan on retiring in the next year when my son, Jaxxon, becomes of age to take over the Alpha title and duties.”

“Oh that’s nice.” I inwardly cringed at how awkward I felt with him. I just had no idea what to say to him. I was also beginning to feel nervous due to the way he was still looking at me.

Alpha Jensen cleared his throat and rubbed a hand down his face. “So, Marcus tells me you don’t remember how you got here.”

I waited for him to continue or ask a question. After a few seconds I realized he wasn’t.

“Yeah, don’t remember anything except my name.”

Alpha Jensen grunted and frowned. “Em doesn’t seem like a name.”

“What do you mean?” I asked him.

“Em seems more like a nickname, not an actual name. Are you positive it’s your name?”

I thought for a few seconds before answering him. “I hadn’t considered that.”

Alpha Jensen opened his mouth to say something, but was thankfully stopped by the office door opening. Marcus walked over to us and sat down next to me. He handed me a plate with some scrambled eggs, toast, and a cup of mint tea.

“Here you go. If you aren’t feeling better after eating this, I’m taking you to the doctors to make sure you don’t have anything else going on.”

I rolled my eyes at him as I took the plate from him. “I’ll be ok, I really think I just needed to eat something.”

“I’m not taking any chances.” He replied sternly.

“Get used to it Em, us Alpha’s are extremely protective of our mates. I remember when my mate was pregnant with our son, I didn’t leave her side throughout the entire pregnancy. Drove her nuts.” He said as he stood up. “I’ll leave you two alone while I go get my men organized for our meeting. It was lovely meeting you Em. Hopefully we get to know each other more over the next few days. I’ll meet you in the conference room in about 20 minutes, Marcus.”

“I’ll be there, right after I make sure she’s eaten.” Marcus said to Jensen. Jensen let out a chuckle and sent me a small wink before leaving the office.

“Here, I’ll feed you. You just sit here and relax.” Marcus grabbed the plate from me and lifted the fork to my lips.

“Marcus, I can feed myself. I’m not helpless!”

He sent me a stern glare. “Just let me do this please? I just want to make sure you’re ok.” He gave up the stern look when I didn’t budge and traded it in for those puppy dog eyes that always seem to pull on my heart strings.

I rolled my eyes at him again, admitting my defeat, and opened my mouth for him to feed me. I started to feel better after a few bites and a couple of sips from the mint tea.

“How are you feeling?” He asked me as he cupped my cheek with the hand that was not currently holding the fork.

“I’m feeling better already. I just was hungry and learned to never skip breakfast again.” I grabbed his hand off my cheek and intertwined it with mine. “Are you nervous for your meeting with Jensen?” I asked him.

“No, not at all. I was before, but since we had talked privately I feel more confident in forming an alliance with him.”

“That’s good! He seems really nice.” I looked at the clock that was hanging on the wall. “Speaking of the meeting, you better leave now or you’re going to be late.”

Marcus looked at the clock and jumped up off the couch. “I didn’t realize how much time had gone by.” He put the plate down on the coffee table and cupped my face in his hands again. “What would I do without you?”

I blushed as he stared lovingly at me. “Did I embarrass you?” I asked him instead of answering his question.

Marcus looked confused. “What do you mean Em?”

“I just felt like I may have embarrassed you in front of Jensen or had been rude to him. I’m really sorry about that. I should’ve eaten something before coming in here.” I stared at my lap, unable to look at him.

Marcus lightly moved my face up to look at him. “You didn’t embarrass me, nor were you rude in any way love. This made me even more confident that you are going to be a perfect Luna. Trust me on that.” He leaned forward and kissed me, causing my heart to flutter. His soft lips fit perfectly against my own.

I cupped his cheek and moved back slightly, causing our lips to separate from their dance. “Thank you.” I whispered to him.

“Of course love.”

I glanced at the clock again that was behind him. “Though this pains me, you really should get going or you are going to be very late to this meeting.”

Marcus groaned and gave me one last kiss before he stood up and walked to the office door. He opened and hesitated before he turned and looked back at me. “Hey, I love you.”

My face heated up and I smiled at him. “I love you too.”