The Shadow Alpha

“Guys, be nice.’ I said sternly through the mind link, shocking my pack from their standoffish behaviour as soon as I entered the dining room.

“Queenie!” a little voice squealed behind me, a huge smile slipped onto my face as I turned around and swept Tatiana off the ground into my arms. She giggled loudly, which caught the attention of the entire room.

My pack members looked at us with amusement and affection, this kind of display was normal for us; while the Full Moon members stared in shock. “Princess, oh how I missed my baby!” I said, wiping away fake tears. She giggled at my exaggeration and placed her little hands on my cheeks affectionately.

“Daddy said you were busy and that I mustn“t bother you so I played at Drey’s house all day.”

She told me excitedly, Drey is Dristan’s nephew and Ana's best friend, “Were you a good girl for Aunt Nina?" I asked and she nodded enthusiastically.

I smiled and kissed her cheek, “That's my princess. Now why don't we grab some Mac 'n Cheese?” she smiled and nodded eagerly.

I walked with her in my arms and sat at the head of the table with her on my lap and dished out some mac 'n cheese for us to share.

“I would like to thank the chefs who prepared this meal, may Mother Selene bless you all and this wonderful meal you have prepared. Dig in!” I smiled and sat down with Tia on my lap once again. Conversation flowed easily as usual from my pack, but I couldn't help but notice the stares from the other pack as we joked and teased one another.

They were not accustomed to eating as a pack let alone being able to speak freely with their superiors which was understandable. The looks I received were particularly peculiar but I did my best to ignore them. I glanced around my pack and noticed that the only members missing were my parents. I wasn't surprised that they were not here, but I was puzzled as to where they were since I couldn't feel their presence in the pack house and both their mind links were blocked. I leaned down to Tia’s ear and whispered lowly, “Do you know where daddy and mommy are?” she froze and thought for a moment before glancing at their usual seats which were left vacant then shaking her head with a confused expression, making me frown.

“What's with the frown darling?” Papa Jamie asked through the mind link staring directly at me.

'Do you perhaps know where my parents are?’ he smiled softly which set me at ease immediately. “They decided to go out tonight and give everyone a little bit more time before hell breaks loose when they recognise them.’ I nodded my head in understanding and continued eating.

I stood on the stage facing the backyard of the pack house which was currently occupied by the two packs that was neatly divided by a pathway, the other superiors of both packs stood to my left on stage.

"Settle down, please!” my loud voice carried over the crowd and I was greeted by silence, “Firstly I would like to welcome the Full Moon Pack to the Blue Moon territory. I hope your accommodation is to your liking, it may take some time to adjust to the changes; the way we do things are quite different to what you are accustomed to, but you will settle in easily. For the benefit of everyone I would like to introduce to you the superiors of both packs. I am Alpha Allison Trust Wells, beside me is my Beta Jacob Andrew and to his left is my Theta Dristan Wright; of the Blue Moon Pack. Next we have Alpha Devin Summers, his Beta Hunter Trust and his Theta Justin Childe; of the Full Moon Pack.” I gestured to each one as I called their names and didn’t miss the disgusted looks my pack sent Hunter and Devin, but I dismissed it.

“Things are going to be different for all of us for the next few weeks, so I guess it would be only fair if everyone stuck to the same rules, so number one, No pack member is more superior or inferior to another except the Alpha, Beta and Theta of both packs. Number two, mutual respect is demanded in this pack. Number three, every pack member between the ages of fifteen and forty are compelled to train, we do have an efficient schedule that accommodates everyone, anyone outside those ages who wishes to train may do so as well and will be accommodated. Number four, for such a large pack to run efficiently it is crucial that every capable member do their share of pack duties and to make things fair we have a schedule that allows everyone an equal amount of duties. Number five, any issues or complaints must be directed to the Alpha before any action is taken. Number six, if any pack member is in violation of any one of these rules, fails to comply with them or commits any act seen as a crime by the Leaders of the pack; punishment is enforceable and chosen by the Alpha. Number seven, are general rules that apply in every other pack, but have no need for direct specification. It will be fruitful for us all to remain civil and kind at all times. Does everyone understand what is expected of them?” they all nodded unconsciously, still looking intimidated. “Very well! Rosters will be amended and put up by tomorrow afternoon so be sure to have a look at them once they are up. Training commences on Monday Morning at 4am while pack duties are of effect immediately. There will be registration forms for the schools given tomorrow to begin on Monday morning. Lastly there are some things that might scare you and shock you around here, so be warned.” They all seemed puzzled by this but nodded anyway. “Meeting dismissed. Goodnight.” The whispers grew as everyone dispersed. I walked off stage and towards the pack house, but was stopped dead in my tracks by a hand wrapping around my wrist.

I ripped my hand out of the strong hold and whipped myself around to stare into a set of eyes. They held many different emotions; pain, sadness, regret and most prominently- guilt.

"What do you want?” I asked stiffly, his eyes fell to the ground.

“Allison...” He trailed off.

“What do you want, Beta Hunter?" I articulated sternly.

“I- 1 wanted to say that I'm sorry. For everything.” I felt the pain in my chest intensify, but I refused to show it, instead I shrugged.

“There's nothing to be sorry about, you made your decision. I have moved past it and so should you.” He looked at me as if I was crazy, but I simply smiled in return.

“Look around you. I have two amazing brothers who would die for me, I have friends who are ever ready to support me, I have a dad who picked me up from my lowest and taught me to be strong, I have a pack who respect me, I have that little girl there who adores me and idolises me and parents who are proud of me. I have no regrets and I hold no grudges, instead I have love and happiness in my heart.

"Don't just say sorry Hunter, prove it.” I had never felt more proud of myself than I did at that moment. My words hung in the air as I turned and walked into the pack house leaving behind the shocked faces of the Full Moon Pack members who heard me; Devin and his parents included.