A/N: Beta Jarred above.
Third person POV
Knock Knock!
The Alpha glanced up from his computer screen and despite the office door blocking his view he already knew who was standing there from their supernatural presence.
"Come in."
Bowing to his Alpha the werewolf spoke.
"Alpha, I have the background check you requested on the royal but well... look for yourself."
He placed an almost nonexistence file in front of his Alpha who frowned but proceed to open the file and scan its contents. Flipping the two pages he reached the end all the while his expression darkening.
"What is this?! Where is the report?"
Trembling in fear the subordinate responded.
"After searching thoroughly that is what I found... nothing."
"Are you, my best informant, seriously telling me right now that there is something you can't find?"
Head bowed he responded a dejected "Yes".
"She has the seal of a royal on her uniform, plus I already confirmed with the council, she is legit. Why are you standing here telling me you can't find anything? Check again and don't leave anything out."
The subordinate then bowed again speaking a soft, "Yes Alpha" before exiting the room.
The Alpha reopened the file to stare at the picture on the first page, a blur of his mate on a black motorcycle taken from a distance.
'My little mate so full of mystery, just who are you?' He then thought to himself.
While she intrigued him she also confused him. Being submissive was a first for him and while he swore as an Alpha to never submit to another his mate was different. With her it was almost like instinct however at the same time he would hate to appear weak in front of his pack but when they were alone, that he wouldn't mind.
A slow wicked smile spread across his face, he was going to have her if it was the last thing he did.
. . . .
Emma POV
It was dark and cold. My little feet ran as fast as I could. I had to get away, I need to go faster. Why? I'm not sure but I continued running. Slipping a few times there was now mud all over my body, I was also naked but why? Then I heard it, pounding footsteps not far behind me. I started running faster so much so that everything blurred and I could no longer hear the footsteps. It didn't last long though I tripped once again as a result of my body being weak and was sent tumbling down hill. Sprawled out at the bottom I could no longer move. My leg was bent in a weird angle my arm twisted too far behind my back to be normal. In a fit of hopelessness I started crying there was nothing I could do, they were coming for me. Just like that as my tears got worst a thunder storm appeared above while I could faintly hear their footsteps getting louder. Then right before my eyes something appeared from the opposite direction. While I should have been scared and trying to get away I wasn't because something about this creature made my young self feel safe. I could barely see it in the dark but when it bent down to lick the side of my face lighting crackled that same moment. It was huge I wasn't sure exactly what it was because I have spent all my life locked up but it was beautiful. It was a lot bigger than the scary people after me and covered in black fur but what really caught my attention were its beautiful golden eyes, it was unlike anything I have ever seen and looking into them instantly made me feel safe.
Waking up I slowly gained conscious. It wasn't my first time having that dream. Even after two hundred years I still get nightmares sometimes. That particular one though I wouldn't quite classify a nightmare. It always start and end the same, I never knew what actually happened after that lighting strike. At the time I didn't know what that creature was but now I do, it was a werewolf who exactly I don't know. When I asked the council they just said that he was the first to reach me and for a while I believed that until I got older and wiser. There was something else they were not telling me but no matter how much I questioned them they would stick to their first answer and no matter how hard I try I could never finish the dream. I wish I knew what happened to him. Maybe one day I'll be able to see the whole dream.
As I got off the bed a soft knock came from the door. Walking towards it I could already sense a low level wolf there, probably a servant. Opening the door I came face to face with the same she wolf from the first night I think her name was Maria. As my gaze settled on her and she shifted on her feet nervously before kneeling to address me all the while her eyes remained downcast. Okay maybe it was a little mean of me to stare at her like that but I did not have a good first impression of her at least I wasn't glaring.
"The Alpha invites you to join the pack for breakfast."
I was a bit surprised by this since yesterday after over hearing my mate's plans for Alice I returned to the room to be met with an elegant trolley that seemed to have enough food to feed an army. I thought for sure they would do it again to keep me far away from the pack. While these thoughts filled my head I continued to stare at her which only made her more nervous before I responded.
"Okay."
"Breakfast will be served at eight you can come down when you're ready." She spoke almost relieved.
Nodding I dismissed her and started with my morning routine. At about five past eight I was finally ready and about to step out of my mate's bedroom but before I could even take one step out the door my phone rang. After taking it out of my pocket HQ was flashing across the screen, translation, the council.
I stepped back into the room and answered the call. I had spelled the room on the first day so I could speak freely in here.
"I was wondering when you would check up on me." I answered in an overly sweet teasing tone.
"Of course we would, I'm putting the phone on speaker. We're ready for the update on your mission. What of the she wolf?" Roderick questioned.
"Before that there is something we didn't expect. The reason things got so bad for Alice is because the Alpha was allowing it. In fact he was the cause. He hates all weak beings mainly humans and when she, the runt got his beta as a mate he decided that she wasn't good enough. He has everyone hating the humans and looking down on them. This goes beyond Alice's rejection, the whole pack needs reforming and a reminder of why they were put on this earth. They have forgotten the fact that they are god's children. The Alpha has also shown incapability of his status. His current self is not fit to be a leader and he has broken enough laws that warrant more than stripping his Alpha status but his death." I reported with mixed feelings while trying to remain stoic.
"Emma, this Alpha... I get the feeling there is more to it than you let on. We have known you for two hundred years, hell we raised you. What are you not telling us?" Aries spoke.
"I can't hide anything from you guys can I? Well there is another something we didn't see coming or even thought possible considering my bloodline... I have a mate."
A series of what's and how's followed. The council then grew quiet until Aries spoke.
"I knew something was bothering you but this. Are you sure?"
"100% all signs are present but by having a mate I cannot be a warrior anymore and I can't live like that. I love being a warrior being able to help those who can't help themselves. I can't lose my status but I can't lose him either and if you think me having a mate was impossible just listen to who he actually is... the Alpha. You have no idea how conflicted I am. My head and my heart are two separate beings. I'm feeling things that I shouldn't, doing things that I would never do. For the first time in my life I feel alive. It terrifies me that he might never change, that one day I will have to execute him for his crimes." I spoke with a heavy heart.
"I can tell you that it isn't easy. When I first met Marilynn my mate, she was a prostitute. It hurt knowing that I wasn't her first even though I waited for her but you learn to look past their faults and mistakes. Mates are not perfect but they are just right for you. They are your other half and just like yourself they are flawed, the same as your mate is flawed. From what you have described he is not fit to be Alpha or your mate... We have decided to leave his fate in your hands. We believe in your judgment because no matter how much you want him, you will never endanger this earth. If you really feel you can't change his ways then we'll send in the execution team to take over so you wouldn't have to perform the final act. Also we didn't give you full power over this mission for no reason, despite your desires you always chose the right way." Roderick concluded.
"I understand and thank you for having so much fate in me. I will do my best to change him and this pack."
"Okay, good luck with your mate and the pack. Now, what of the rejected she wolf?"
"She refuses to break the bond. She says she loves her mate and while she wants to run away the bond keeps her going, knowing she can feel his heartbeat. The thing is my mate came up with a plan to get you guys off his tracks, he thinks if Alice is happy his Alpha status will be safe so he's having his beta reunite with Alice to please her. I tried telling her but I couldn't, I did however I ask her what she would do if her mate wanted her back and she innocently said she would agree in a heartbeat. I'm worried for when she finds out the truth, it'll be like getting rejected twice. The pain might kill her."
There was a pause then Aries spoke, "Maybe this is what she needs the final push."
"What? I don't get it."
"Think about it, she refuses your help to break the bond right? Also she still foolishly loves him. The blinds need to be ripped from her eyes, when she finds out the truth she will be broken but unlike before she wouldn't be alone she will have you. Also the heartbreak will act as a catalyst, she would more than likely agree afterwards. What you need to do is create openings for her to find out her mate's true self."
"I still don't like this but you have a good point and I think it will work. I'll do it."
"There is one thing though Emma."
"What?"
"We got a call yesterday from the Alpha of the Crescent pack requesting confirmation about the council sending a certain royal to pass judgment on his pack. Did anything happen?" Demetrius questioned in a stern tone.
"Well, the Alpha took Alice to a room the pack uses to punish criminals and they where interrogating her and about to abuse her right under my nose. Then the Gamma lied to my face. I almost killed him but instead I placed a spell turning him human for about three days. Considering the council has a small amount of ancient magic that select few royals also possess, my magic was not suspicious however something to baffle over and be wary of."
"That's true you can use small amounts of magic without looking suspicious." Roderick concluded.
"You didn't kill him? Why? He broke the law by lying to you." Demetrius questioned.
"Alice, I just couldn't do it when I knew she didn't want me to. She looked heartbroken."
"Wow, to think there is someone who could have you reduce a punishment." Aries commented.
"Are you the big bad hybrid going soft?" Roderick joked while the others giggled.
I however growled out an angry "Never" before continuing.
"There was one thing though, my eyes, I lost control of my anger for a few minutes and they looked terrified about it."
"Who exactly saw your red eyes?" Roderick questioned.
"The Alpha, Gamma and Alice, she looked shocked but fine. The other two though not so much, I think the Alpha must have gotten suspicious after that." I concluded.
"Make sense." Aries commented.
"Try not to lose your temper again." Demetrius warned.
"I'll try but sometimes I can't help it, plus there is something about that pack especially the Alpha I just can't help but display my dominance."
"That's interesting I'll do some research and get back to you on that." commented Roderick.
"Okay I'll update you all again tomorrow."
Goodbyes were exchanged and I hung up finally stepping out the bedroom at twenty five past eight, better late than never.
Once again the hallways were clear but this may be because everyone was currently having breakfast.
Following the smell of food I climbed down some stairs, through more corridors and past some tasteful paintings until I was finally facing some wooden double doors that had the dining room on the other side. I could tell by the strong smell of food and the abundance of supernatural presences of varying levels behind the door.
I took a deep breath before opening the door as I was a little nervous as behind those doors were my mate and possibly my future pack. On opening them all conversation stopped, one could have heard the drop of a pin in this silence. Then chairs scraping the floor filled the room and like before silence fell again the only difference, everyone was now knelt on the floor just like when I first appeared before them.
In werewolf society when a wolf greets another wolf superior in power they bow but only two statuses requires a werewolf to kneel in their presence, the council and the royals because of the fact that only royals can become council members, while the council bows to no one. However there is one exception, a superior wolf can kneel to a weaker wolf to gain trust, like I did when I first met Alice but it is a rare practice as they tend to be too dominant for such an act of submission.
With a slight wave of my hand everyone sat back down. Glancing around I locked eyes with my mate sitting at the head of the long dining table across the room, I did notice of everyone he didn't kneel but instead only bowed his head an act of disrespect that I planned to deal with tonight. His Beta sat to his right and my left eye twitched at the sight of Alice sitting next to him her true mate while smiling brightly. The Gamma was absent though and the blonde who looked livid was sat a few seats down as she was the strongest female warrior of the pack. When she kept shooting glares at Alice it left me to conclude that Alice had took her seat. The Alpha's right side was vacant though and as my gaze locked with his again he gestured for me to take it.
Raising an eyebrow I continued to blankly stare at him, that seat is normally for the Luna of a pack but more importantly the second power after the Alpha, did he think I would really sit there. When he continued to stare at me I realized he was serious and just like that my dominance flared.
I took a few steps forward to stand at the other end of the table that was vacant as was normal with all packs since there is only one head seat within all packs. I gave him a hard stare making it obvious I wasn't going to submit to him then took a step to the side and raised my right hand. With the snap of my fingers the chair from his right appeared next to me as I sat down coolly leaving everyone gaping except for the Alpha. Who was at first surprised but now had a small smirk, he seemed amused.
Then whom I would assume to be servants stood from their seats and quickly brought over all the cutlery to me that got left behind since I only teleported the chair. When all was right I sat up some more ready to eat, it was only then I noticed something everyone's plate was empty, even the Alpha.
"Now that our royal guest is here we can begin, Alex you can go first." the Alpha spoke to the pack and then to me, he still thinks my name is Alex. Good that'll work well for my future plans.
Wow, they were waiting for me, now I felt guilty for being late. Reaching forward I took a bowl of scrambled eggs and spooned some onto my plate then bacon, toast, some fruit and so on until I was satisfied. Only after I poured a glass of orange juice and settled back reaching for my fork did everyone start to get their own food.
Breakfast was mundane, no one spoke except for the Alpha and even then it was little questions directed to me like, 'How was your stay so far? Do you like the room? Is there anything that you need?' To which I answered vaguely.
It irritated me that Alice seemed overjoyed sitting next to her mate but I calmed down remembering what Aries said. Something happened from yesterday to this morning. While I was busy doing research on the packs history and their relations with humans, the Alpha had already made his move.
Finishing up I stood up to leave but not before addressing the pack.
"This was pleasant." I spoke for a lack of compliment on the experience.
"I'm honored that you joined us." The Alpha responded smiling lightly.
"Likewise I was able to observe the pack at another level, which will help me decide your pack's judgment." As I stated this some members froze up.
"I'm glad to be of service. Please feel free to come to me if you need anything." The Alpha spoke putting emphasis on his last word with that same smirk. It held a double meaning I didn't miss. With a quick 'Okay' I left before he could stir me up, time to continue my research and find a way to expose the Beta's true self.
. . . .
Alice's POV
It was now midday and sunny out as I sat on the docks waiting for Emma she had said that she wanted to talk. She must have been surprised to see me there next to my mate, Jarred. I was beginning to understand a few things about her, like when she whispers under her breath she was using her magic or when her eyes turn red she was really angry. What she said about not being a normal royal I think I understand now. Since only council members have ancient magic and a select few royal she must be one of the royals who is next in line for the council especially since she also has magic. After a few more minutes she arrived and sat down beside me and like before whispered something under her breath but unlike before I knew what she was doing, casting spells so we could speak freely and as she removed her mask my suspicions were confirmed.
"I obviously missed something, what happened?" She questioned her tone a bit harsh yet her face was emotionless.
"My mate had finally accepted me." I said smiling brightly because I couldn't help it.
"I could see that but how? What exactly happened?" Her tone irritated now but her face gave nothing away, it almost didn't make a difference that she took off the mask.
"Well he was really romantic. Last night when I was in bed he threw pebbles at my window and when I looked out there he was with a bouquet of lilies my favorite. I came down to him and he told me everything, the truth."
At this comment her mood seemed to darken and before I spoke again though I realized something, the sky was now grey which was very unusual. Not mere moments ago it was sunny another thing was that while I could see her face it was angled slightly away so I couldn't see her eyes.
"The truth huh? Go on." She spoke slightly sarcastic while her mood seemed to be getting worst. While a bit hesitant I continued.
"He loves me. He had always loved me it was Alpha Jake keeping us apart. He rejected me because Alpha had threatened to kill me if he didn't. He thought I was too weak to mate with his Beta and hence chose the strongest female to be female Beta instead." I finished a bit sad for being weak but it didn't bother me as much now.
"Did my mate ever try to kill you openly?" She questioned while her mood seemed to be getting worst by the second. I could understand her pain. Her mate is a horrible man and Alpha.
"Well there was one time he ever seriously tried to hurt me, I'm not sure what happened after Jarred shifted because I had pasted out but I was told I almost died." I spoke softly at the memories. Just then something wet fell onto my check. Wiping it off I realized it was rain. Looking up at the sky I realized it was pitch black and there was a light rain that seemed to be falling heavier and heavier, at this rate it will soon be a down pour. Standing up I was about to find shelter but a hand grabbed mine before I could leave.
"Where are you going?" She questioned almost monotone now.
"It'll be pouring soon, we need to find shelter." At my comment she turned and her eyes snapped to mine. Blood red met green and my eyes widened. Unlike the other time her eyes were red this time she didn't seem angry, instead she had a painful expression like tears were close to the surface but why? She then looked at the sky and right before my eyes the sky cleared and became its sunny self again.
"The weather is fine now sit and continue." She spoke once again in monotone.
"Did you do that?" I questioned intrigued.
"Not intentionally, continue."
"Okay I wouldn't ask more questions about it. Jarred said you helped change Alpha's mind about me but I know the truth. You're Alpha's mate and he can now understand the pain he was putting me in so he's letting us be together. My mate had prepared a picnic so we went into the woods and found a clearing where the night sky was in view. We spent the whole night cuddling together, talking about everything while staring at the night sky. When I woke up though I was alone but he left a note saying there was something urgent he had to do. I was a bit disappointed but still after everything that happened I didn't let it bother me. I finally have my mate." I finished smiling.
"I see, so you're happy?"
"Yes very, which reminds me, Jarred said that I don't need your help anymore and while I don't need you to break the bond anymore I really like you and if it's possible I think we can be great friends." I smiled even brighter.
"Okay" She responded quietly but I wasn't sure if she was listening properly. Just then her phone rang and as she pulled it out I saw HQ flashed across the screen, I wonder who that was.
"Can you give me a minute I need to take this?"
With a quick 'Okay' I got up and walked to the beach and as soon as my feet left the dock and touched the sand she disappeared like she was never there to begin with. I was shocked for a few seconds until I realized it was the spells she placed. I was now outside the bubble of privacy she created. I then sat on the sand and waited for her to finish.
. . . .
Emma POV
"Is everything okay?" I answered.
"Not exactly, there is a problem." Demetrius stated.
"What's wrong, it must be really serious for you guys to call again so soon."
"It's the witches. They are up to something. What, we don't know thanks to all their cloaking spells. The last we heard is that they were meeting up and right after that they fell off the map."
That really is suspicious because unlike werewolves, witches love to live in isolation surrounding nature so when they all come together like this I can grantee they are up to no good.
"Meeting up? Something big must be going on. Do you think it might involve me?"
"We really don't know right now but we have already sent informants with the spelled gadgets you created to spy on the witches. We will continue monitoring the witch council and of course inform you if there are any suspicious actions."
"Good but if you need my help let me know."
"Okay." Hanging up I got up and walked to the beach.
Despite both werewolves and witches being gods children, the werewolves are very social beings who love to live together in packs while the witches are not social beings they prefer nature before each other and live in isolation also one of the reasons why they are so few in numbers. While the werewolf council is under one roof the witch council members live separately therefore gathering like this is something to be very concerned about.
They were up to something and it really worried me that as soon as I used my full power to break Alice's bond they would be able to find me. What if it wasn't a coincident? What if they knew they were going to have a chance to find me and hence are preparing to catch me? No stop, you're thinking too hard. Right now I need to find a way to reveal the Beta's true self.
Stepping onto the sand Alice's eyes found mine and green met black. She didn't question me a lot and I was happy about that. She seems to understand I couldn't talk about it.
Almost like god himself heard my dilemma an opportunity presented itself. I would recognise that irritating screeching the blonde thinks is a voice any day. Staring into the forest I focused my senses shutting everything else out. Not even an Alpha would hear them from this distance but I was different. While Alice waved her hand in front my face confused I ignored her and continued listening for their exact location. Finding it I was now able to hear everything that they were saying and doing. Clothes rustled, their wet kisses, pleads of so called love, a zipper opening.
I felt disgusted by their actions and hesitant as I stared at Alice's wide innocent eyes that were now looking at me in concern. I don't think I could do this to her, is she strong enough to see this? No she wasn't but then I remembered what Aries said and the reason I was here, my foresight. She isn't strong enough so she needs me to be her strength. I have to help her heal. She needs the blatant truth no matter how ugly.
Staring at her regretfully I spoke, "Come, there is something you need to see."
....
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