A Secret Alpha Mate

(Jackson)

Lucas and Cam are waiting for us outside the front doors of the packhouse. I felt a momentary surge of pride as I realized this beautiful place belonged to me now, belonged to us.

I made a silent vow that I would restore this pack and make it better than it has ever been under Benjamin's leadership. These pack members deserved it, my pack members deserved it.

I groaned, sitting up, and Isla looked back at me concerned, “It's nothing, just not used to having a wound take this long heal” 1 try to reassure her, but the worry doesn't leave her eyes.

As soon as we get out of the car Cam and Lucas come up to us smiling.

“Glad you finally made it." Lucas claps me on the back.

“You know you could have rested a bit longer, but it's nice to have you here.” Cam adds, “I'm sure Isla and your father fille you in?" He asks,

“Yes, I'm up to speed with everything. Is there anything else I need to know about?”

“I don't think so, I want to show you a layout of the packhouse and lands, when you're feeling up to it. This afternoon I want to show you what I've been working on with the new warriors. Bryce has been recruiting young men and women for the cause, and some show real potential”

“Good work."

“Tonight, we were going to host an informal dinner, a barbecue out back for all of the pack members to get to know their new Alpha and Luna."

“What is the general consensus around us merging?”

“It seems okay, most people are still confused, but they seem optimistic. No one has outwardly spoken out against it, anyway."

“That's a start. I'll address them all this evening. I'l go with Lucas to the office to see if there's anything else that can be found. Cam do you want to return to your warriors and I'll meet you with them in an hour or so?”

“Yes, Alpha.’ Cam wastes no time heading around back, eager to get back to it.

Lucas, Isla and I walk into the pack house, it was a strange feeling knowing this place technically belonged to me, yet it w so unfamiliar, so foreign. There were a few omegas around and the moment they saw us they froze.

“Hello,” I called to them, Isla came up and places her small hand in mine. They didn’t move so I walked up to them.

“My name is Jackson, this is my Beta, Lucas, and my Luna, Isla." I smile at them, “What are your names?”

“Uh- yes, hi" One of them trips over her words. The other omega steps in for her.

“My name is Ava, and that is Savannah. It's great to meet you all” She says lowering her head in respect, the other omega nods vigorously next to her.

“My Beta is hosting a barbecue this evening out back and we were wondering if you would like to attend?” They look at each other unsure.

“Don’t worry, we're going to get it catered, we would love some help with the setup, but it won't be extra work for you." Lucas butts in.

“Yes, thank you Alpha, Beta, Luna.” Ava says.

“Thank you” Savannah adds, dropping her eyes to her feet.

“Isla, did you want us to come with you to appoint the new head omega?” 1 ask her.

“I don't think that's necessary, you have a lot to catch up on.”

“Link me if you need anything” I place a quick kiss on her forehead and reluctantly let her hand go, heading to the elevat I hear her talking to the omegas and they seem to visibly relax in her presence.

Benjamin's office was a complete mess, papers everywhere. The financial books he was keeping showed us that they were quickly running out of money, that is, if these were even correct.

Where was it all going? Every established pack I knew had companies started years ago, and usually a new business start every other generation, or so.

My great great grandfather started a small hardware shop and now we own one of the largest franchises in North Americe My dad started getting into finance and stocks and I took his idea and expanded on it, and started a brokerage and consulting firm.

My dad thought that Silver Moon used to be huge in construction, one of the biggest names around here.

it doesn't make sense how they were leaking money and not having any new income. They should be as well off as we are if not more so, because they have fewer pack members to provide for.

“Find anything about another safe?” I ask Lucas, “There has to be a copy of the pack records somewhere” I say, shuffling papers around, “This is honestly giving me a headache.”

“I haven't found it yet, I looked in the basement once and around his office and the Alpha rooms. No sign of it so far. To b honest I here mostly trying to figure out the accounts.”

“And his Beta?”

“Jerry. We talked, he didn't seem to know anything, he let me look around his office and there was literally nothing of importance there.” Lucas shakes his head, “Either he got rid of it all or Benjamin didn't trust him with anything important “I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case”

“Me either.”

“What does he want to do?”

“He said he's willing to help as much as he can with the transition, but again, he doesn't have too much information. Fron the sounds of it he didn't talk to Benjamin frequently” I couldn't imagine that. I see Lucas and Cam multiple times a day. Even if they weren't my closest friends, I still would see them at trainings, meals, and we usually have at least one pack catch up or meeting daily.

“Once the transition is over, then what?”

“He said he just wants to retire, he asked that he would be allowed a house somewhere far away from the packhouse but still on pack lands."

“If he helps us as much as he can 1 will have no problem arranging that” I stand up, momentarily forgetting about my stitches, a sharp pain hits my abdomen.

“You okay, boss?”

“Just the stitches. F**k." I groan, “I'm going to check on Cam's new warriors. I want to meet with the Beta this afternoon before we start the barbecue.”

“'ll arrange it”

“Thanks."

it took me longer than expected to get to the clearing, this wound would have to heal soon if I was supposed to get anything done on time.

I was almost surprised to see that he had almost thirty people here that I didn't recognize, along with some of Moonston: pack warriors. Most of them seemed young enough, a little nervous when they saw me come up.

“Alpha.” Bryce greets me, walking up to stand by my side. Cam was showing the new warriors some of his signature moves “Bryce,” I nod, “how is everything going?”

“When we got here it was bad. The Gamma was right about the previous Alpha taking all of his warriors. There were only five left, the ones that the Gamma brought back from the challenge. They have already pledged their alliance to the Gamma."

“How are the new warriors?”

“Promising, they are a bit nervous, which is to be expected. I think we can get them into shape soon enough. We're going start training twice a day.”

“Good, good.” Cam walks up to me and turns to face the warriors.

“I want to introduce you all to your Alpha. Alpha Jackson.”

“Hello, Alpha.’ They say, I take a few steps towards them, assessing them.

“Thank you all for being here. I know that this is new to most of you and I appreciate you all stepping up. Being a warrior one of the most important, if not the most important, job that you can do for this pack. You are entrusted with this pack’ safety, you will be on the front line of any attack, defending your pack. It is an honor, and a responsibility that 'm hoping that you all take very seriously” I look at them all individually, “If, at any time, you feel that this is too much or you are nc able to fully commit to this new role, you are free to leave. They look between each other.

“I's not a trap or a trick” I tried to assure them, “There will be no negative repercussions. We only want those of you that can commit to the level that this role requires. Fully commit.” I pause, “Now, Bryce has told me that you are all very promising, I can't wait to see how you progress further through the Gamma and Bryce's leadership.” I nod, “Do you understand what is being asked of you?”

“Yes, Alpha.’ They reply in unison.

“Alright then,” I smile, “Lets see what the Gamma has been showing you.”

I watch them spar for the next hour and give them pointers. It was obvious that they were new to this, but they were fast learners and took criticism well

I knew that having Cameron and Bryce here, as well as some of our warriors, would shape these young warriors into professionals in no time.

it would be easier than re-training all the warriors here, Goddess knows what poor training they were used to.

The five warriors that were left seemed to be open to the new regiment and were helping the newer ones spar.

I was confident that we were building a good foundation for the future of our pack, and the warriors here.

(1sla)

walking back into the packhouse for the first time as the Luna was surreal. I left here as a rogue and came back a neighboring Luna, and now I'm their Luna. The Luna

Heck yeah you are, baby girl

Abigial and 1 went back and forth about who to make the new lead omega. There were so many deserving omega's but we finally both agreed it should go to Rosaline. She was a soft-spoken omega who was respected by everyone, never caused any trouble and was the first one to lend a hand when someone needed help. We guessed that she's in her late forties or early fifties, so she still had years ahead of her, as well as years of experience under her belt.

As much as I would love to have Meghan humiliated, I needed to do the right thing as a Luna and talk to her before I mad the announcement.

As soon as I walked into the kitchen I heard the omegas whispering about the barbecue tonight.

They freeze when I walk in and I smile at them all before going to knock on Meghan's door. Thankfully, she was in there. I walked in to her feet up on the desk looking at the end of her ponytail. When she saw me her eyes went wide. Wasn't she expecting me to show up at some point? She knew Benjamin lost.

“Uh, what are you doing?” She sneers after composing herself, sitting up in her chair.

“I came with my Alpha to assess the situation here” She rolls her eyes.

“Well, we're doing just fine, so I don't see a point.” I stand behind the chair across from her desk but don't sit down.

“You had to know I was coming, we weren't just going to take over a pack, especially one so poorly run, and then leave them to their own devices.” I raise an eyebrow and she averts her eyes going back to play with her ponytail, “fm here to offer you a choice, Meghan.”

“Like the one you gave Julianna?” She slams her hands on the desk, “Hailey came to say goodbye, half scared to death. Banishing her because you didn't like how her father ran the place. Your Alpha is some sick f**k, you know that?”

“He is your Alpha now too." I say calmly, “I will give you the same choice I gave them. You may stay here and work as an omega, and obey the rules of Moonstone, or you may leave. They chose to leave” I shrugged.

She snorts, “You banished them.”

“say what you will, but you are no longer head omega, you clearly don't have the qualifications and you are through harassing my omegas, my people. You may choose to live in the new village that we are setting up” I paused, giving her a pointed look, “And actually participate and help out. Or you may choose to leave. We will let you choose another pack an you can take your things and go. It's up to you."

“You're not kicking me out!” She stands up now.

“I never said I was, the choice is yours. In the mean time, please clean out your office, a new head omega will be starting tomorrow. I would ask you to train her, but” I shrug, “You clearly had no clue what you were doing, I'm sure she can figure out” I give her a dazzling smile.

“I'm not leaving.” She says through gritted teeth.

“That's fine, we will have a cottage set aside with your name on it I turn towards the door.

“Not” She throws something against the wall, making my jump, the sound of glass shattering behind me, “I'm not leaving the office.”

cameron, do you mind sending some warriors to escort Meghan from her office.

On it, are you okay?

I am, she's just angry, thanks

I Look at her over my shoulder, “You have until tomorrow morning to make your decision.”

“You bitch-" I slam the door behind me, a group of omegas are standing around the kitchen.

“Do you mind linking all the omegas to come here when they get a chance? Whatever work they are doing can wait” I ask them. I walk over to make a pot of coffee, this kitchen felt familiar, felt like home, and I was surprised to notice that I kinc missed it.

“Does anyone else want some coffee?” I ask, no one says anything so I turn around, “Really? None of you want coffee? I don't believe that” I smile.

“Uh, I'l have some.” Someone says whose name I don't know, a few others chime in.

Soon enough we're all surrounding one of the kitchen islands falling into comfortable chatter like old times, except this time we were actually allowed to talk and there wasn't an air of fear in the room.

“0, is there really going to be cottages built for us?” One of them asks apprehensively. I nod and smile at her.

“Yes, one cottage per person, and bigger ones set aside for familes.” They gasp and look to each other.

“We get our own place?” One of them asks.

“And we're going to re-do all of the rooms here, so if you would rather stay in the packhouse you'll get your own room if you decide to live here.” I smile at their expressions, it was more than I would have dreamed of as an omega here.

“It will probably still take a few months to complete, so while we're doing renovations we're going to open up the rooms the main packhouse. There are so many empty rooms here on the ranked floors. Some of you might have to share still, bt they will be far more comfortable than what you're used to."

“We can stay on the ranked members floors?” One asks.

“They're not going to be used at the moment, all the visiting ranked members can share the Alpha floor, it makes the mos sense.” I shrug. The Omega's started to come down. When I spot Rosaline, and most of the omega’s are crowded into the kitchen, I stand up on my chair so that I could address everyone and see them all.

“Hi everyone.”

“Hi, Luna” They responded.

“Please, call me Isla still” I smile at them, “I hope you can hear me?” They nod.

“Perfect! Well, we have a few exciting announcements coming, and I wanted to explain to you all what was going on.’

I tell them in detail about the challenge, where Julianna and Hailey were, and what was going to happen to their living arrangements, which made the omegas that weren't there to hear me say it the first time, got really excited.

I loved sharing good news with them. It made me feel amazing to give back to all these incredible people and give them what they so rightfully deserved and were deprived of.

I'm glad Jackson decided to challenge Alpha Benjamin for Silver Moon, he was already doing so much good for this pack and I was honored to stand by his side.

“I wanted to introduce our new lead omega, if you will the position, that is” I pause and make eye contact with Rosaline, “Rosaline.” Her mouth hangs open as claps and cheers explode around the room. I swear I saw the door crack open to Meghan’s office, but I couldn't be bothered to spare it a second glance.

The omegas push her towards me, “Is that okay?” I whisper to her, her cheeks flush and she nods enthusiastically. “Perfect! Well everyone, please welcome your new lead omega, Rosaline.” Cheers erupt again and I clap loudly, joining them.

“Your first assignment is for room arrangements for all the omegas so we can start construction this week.”

“This week?” She looks flushed before she nods, “Ym on it, Luna, er Isla."

“Last thing, we're having a barbecue tonight” They look around to each other, confused, “Don’t worry, it's catered” They a breathe a sign of relief, “You're all invited, of course, but I would love some help setting up.” I get down off the chair and take Rosaline’s hands in mine.

“Thank you, Luna. I can’t believe this."

“Abigial and I thought long and hard and we know you are the best choice for this position.” I smile at her, “Your office should be clear tomorrow and we will help you re-decorate” I added in a whisper, her eyes were full of happy tears and I squeezed her hands.

Right on cue, Cameron walks in with a few young warriors and looks at me, I point to the office and he nods. He opens th door forcefully and nods to the warriors to go in. Meghan yells a string of profanities.

She is dragged out with one warrior at either side, “I can f****g walk myself you little pieces of s**t!" She screams.

“You made your decision” Cameron says coldly, “Get her out of here” He says to the warriors. They drag her out the back door kicking and screaming.

“You b***h, you're not going to get away with this” She yells at me, I make eye contact and smile sweetly. As soon as she’ out the door all the omegas cheer louder than ever.

“I think this calls for champagne.” I say. I easily found the keys in Meghan's desk and go to the wine cooler to grab a few bottles of the sparkling we weren't even allowed to look at before.

“Everyone grab a glass and then let's get to work setting up the barbecue, see Rosaline for your assignments” Rosaline looks around for a pen and paper and starts frantically writing.

“Take a few long moments to enjoy your drinks please.” She says, and everyone laughs.

Everyone grabs a glass, or mug, whatever they can find and I fill everyone's cup with a little champagne.

“Atoast,” I hold up my coffee mug of champagne, “To a new beginning for us all”

“And for the Luna.” One of them shouts.

“And to our new Luna.”

I smile and we all raise our glasses. I couldn't plan the afternoon better if I tried.