The Mark of an Alpha
Chapter 16

*Alpha Adrian Hunter POV*

You always have to be careful when you wander into new territory. Especially if the territory has a new owner.

The new Alpha of the Moonless pack has been avoiding me.

I am not one to ask for help more than once but now it is dire.

I had a meeting with Alpha Julian Blake with his untimely death I have tried to reason with the new alpha.

He must not know what he is doing because a smart alpha would want to have alliances. Especially one that has such a big pack. Other alphas will want to challenge this newbie to gain more power and land. I am not seeking anymore land I need his help. If he gives me his help I will be in his debt.

“Alpha,” Ken walks into my office as I stare at the ceiling lost in thought.

“Yes,” I breathe in deeply as my chest heaves forwards and I straighten myself in my seat.

“I have news.” Ken is like a brother to me when the times are calm but at the moment we are in bad times and he composes himself accordingly. He might be a good friend of mine but I treat him equally when it comes to business.

“What kind of news?” He scratches the back of his head as he contemplates how to break the news.

“Alpha of the Moonless pack knows you are going to be visiting today,” he gulps, “but there is no word if the alpha will be seeing you. His beta is the one communicating back to us.”

Making his new beta do the dirty work, I want to punch him. He needs to own up to his responsibility.

“He can’t avoid me that easily. I will be making my visit today with or without an answer.” Ken nods and then the news that is truly bothering him is next.

“We ran into three new rogues scent at the border of our land.”

More of them?

“The rogues’ numbers are growing,” I raise an eyebrow and Ken shrugs.

“It appears so,” in the dull light I can see the scratch marks that are healing across his chest.

“Do I want to know how those happened?” My chin gesture to his chest and he glances down.

With a weak smile he bites his cheek, “It is not the usual scratch marks. Chris and Veronica got into it when we were on our rounds. She tried clawing him but I miscalculated my distance and she got me square in the chest.” Veronica is Chris’ mate, she is working on her jealousy. These two fightings are nothing new.

“We need to keep them separated if this continues. We need to fight our enemies not each other. We need to put up a united front.”

Ken nods, "I'll let them know," and with that walks out of my office.

It is time to meet this new Alpha whether he wants to or not.

A deer bolts out of the trees at the sound of my paws hitting the ground.

Any other day my wolf would consider running after the deer for some action but he knows we are here strictly on business. The mountain air is fresh and the smell of pine in the air makes my wolf feel free.

The sun is setting over the mountains giving the sky a beautiful purple hue. My wolf pushes himself to run faster, he is happy that I decided to run to the nearest pack’s territory instead of driving. He has been itching for a good run.

I allow him to surface as he takes over. My mind wanders to a different topic as he controls our movements.

This trip is just me, all alone, my beta wanted to join me but I need someone to stay behind to keep order within the pack.

My paws hit the wet grass as it releases all the stress that I have been feeling for the last couple of weeks.

Being alpha means putting the need of the pack before yours. They look to you for guidance. For the protection and at the moment I am falling short in one of those categories.

There has been a pack of rogues roaming around my territory and they have killed two of my pack members. They manage to evade us by maneuvering between territories, those sneaky mutts. They know that we are not allowed to kill on someone else’s land unless we want war. They killed my wolves so that is exactly what they are going to get.

That is why meeting this alpha is so important to me, usually, I do not bother with other packs but this time it is personal.

Trying to meet the new Alpha of the Moonless Pack has become like a cat and mouse chase. The alpha seems to want to meet me and then something comes up and he delays our meeting and time is something that is not on my side.

After a couple of weeks of this, I decided that I am not taking no for an answer. I want to make a treaty with the closest pack which turns out to be the Moonless Pack. I want to be allowed to explore their land and go after those disgusting rogues.

Once I arrive on Moonless Pack territory my wolf senses heighten as they listen for the alpha to make his presence known. Slowing coming to a stroll I decide to shift back into my human form not wanting to come off as an enemy. If I encounter anyone in his pack in my wolf form they are going to assume that I want to fight.

Changing into the sweatpants I am ready to meet the alpha.

Walking towards the outskirts of the forest I can sense a person nearby. The soft thump of my bare feet on the ground and rustling of the grass lets the wolves around know that I want to be heard and not planning a sneak attack. Once I am out of the forest I am greeted by the beta.

He stands there looking at me as I take him in as well. We both size each other up. He looks like your average beta not as aggressive or dominant as an alpha, yet takes pride in his ranking and is respectful towards others.

“I wasn't expecting you. Where’s your alpha?” Not bothering with pleasantries and not hiding my annoyance. I breathe in from my nose as I try to calm myself.

Maybe he is on his way?

He must be young and stupid to stand up someone such as a fellow alpha. This Moonless Pack’s alpha is starting to push my buttons I came all this way to meet with him.

“Hello, my name is Andrew, the beta of the Moonless Pack,” he stretches out his hand and waits for me to do the same.

I sigh and lower my shoulders completely ignoring him. My index and forefinger press tightly on the bridge of my nose.

You’re coming off as an asshole.

I came to meet the alpha not his second in command. You know that!

If he were the alpha I would not just leave his hand there but since he is not I could care less if he found it rude.

“What’s the excuse this time,” rubbing my temples as I feel a headache come on. My voice is strained with annoyance, my anger lashes through me, but I clench my jaw holding back my anger it is not for the beta.

“I’m sorry Alpha Hunter but that is between you and Alpha Blake.”

My eyebrow arches as I look at this boy full on. He is not even a man, he is still a teenager.

“Would you like to come back to the packhouse and talk about why you came and I can pass along the message to my alpha.” The beta tilts his head to the side as if to make understand or the very least agree to go with him.

What else can I do since he does not want to see me? I give him a nod and follow his lead in uncomfortable silence.

We walk through the trees a short distance towards a lavishing house.

It is big enough to hold everyone important in the pack and some guest. The house has a huge garage capable of holding at least a few cars, and the windows are tinted so nothing can be seen from the outside. This alpha likes his privacy.

Something we have in common.

As we walk towards the house there is a scent in the air that makes my inner wolf stir.

As we make our way up the path the scent gets stronger. My wolf wearily acknowledges this now as he falls into the darkest corner of my mind and returns to its slumber.

The beta opens up the door and allows me to enter first showing me the respect an alpha deserves.

“I’m so sorry Alpha Blake couldn’t meet with you today. You know the Alpha is always busy.” He walks in behind me closing the door. The house is unusually quiet for a packhouse.

“Is there any way I could be squeezed in tomorrow? I want to meet your new alpha.” More like I need to meet with your alpha, but I do not want to show my desperation.

I stare at the room before me. The living room it appears is simple. A few couches and a television. Andrew walks into the living room and gestures for me to take a seat.

Oh brother! You reek of desperation. If the rogues sink their teeth to yet another one of your pack member people are going to start raising questions. Just stay until he shows up which has to be sometime soon.

Andrew clears his throat, “I can’t say.”

The scent has an aura of power about it there is no mistaking it, the alpha is home. My eyes dart to the stairs.

“Your alpha is upstairs!” The words blurted out from my wolf’s realization.

Is he avoiding me?

“I can assure you that that is not true,” Andrew mumbles as his eyes move around trying to find something to change the subject to, he is in on this. The alpha and beta do not want to meet with me.

“Alpha Blake you either come down or I will come up. You’ve postponed our meeting for a couple of weeks now.”

Andrew seems uncomfortable standing in the middle of the living room unsure of what to do.

“I’ll give you a few minutes to decide.” Damn right, I am going to meet you today.

The scraping of metal tells me that a door handle is being turned, well he is coming now.

“Andrew, fetch me a glass of water.” My throat is starting to feel parched from the run.

Andrew leaves with a glum look on his face. I stand in the middle of the living room waiting for the alpha to make his appearance.

Alpha Blake is coming down the stairs slowly but his steps are not that of an alpha's, they are unsure. When an alpha walks he does so with confidence wherever they go.

Maybe we’re wrong?

“Here you go Alpha Hunter,” Andrew’s face is pale and his eyes seem to become exhausted in the last couple of minutes.

He hands me the glass of water and lets it go as if it weighs a ton. The light footsteps stop right behind Andrew and my eyes automatically go towards the person behind him. My eyes widen as they take in the person behind him.

“Well hello there,” my wolf’s eyes open wide as he takes her in. Her big gray eyes locked on mine as her mouth is left agape as a gasp of breath escapes her.

A she-wolf Alpha, well that’s unexpected.

I have to agree with my wolf the whole time my mind was set on the alpha being a man.

She’s a redhead, she must be stubborn.

Stop it.

My wolf not liking that I am trying to shut him out so he goes back to sleep mumbling incoherently. We have had a hard month and he wants to rest up.

“Hello,” her voice is raspy. She clears her throat as her hand covers her mouth.

Her pale complexion makes her hair and lips look much bolder. When my sight lands on her puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks my eyebrows shoot up.

She has been crying.

An alpha crying, what has this earth come to?

A growl erupts within me. My wolf bows his head in a surrender gesture.

“I can come back some other time if you like.” She visibly swallows and shakes her head.

We don’t have time to waste!

Can you not?

“You came here for a reason let’s quit with the waiting.” Her voice sounds rough. A frown starts pulling at the corner of my lips.

“It can wait ’til morning,” I take a step towards her.

There is a glimpse of her pain in her stormy eyes. They are alluring as I stare deep into the eye of the storm. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Andrew steps away letting me pass. I have forgotten he is even here.

“Here drink this,” she is standing on the bottom step looking at me with curiosity. I hand her the glass of water and her hand goes up slowly.

Is she even the real alpha?

Stop it will you or else I won’t shift anytime soon.

Andrew walks to her side protectively, is he her mate?

It is quite possible since most alphas make their mates their betas─well the females would I guess.

Male alphas' mates are their lunas. Andrew whispers into her ear and her eyebrows pull together at the information he has given her. She gives him a stern nod and Andrew walks out leaving us alone.

“Are you planning on going out?” Her soft voice calms my weary wolf.

“No, I was not.” There is a gleam of curiosity in her eyes which she quickly replaces with an impassive stare.

“Okay, there is one room empty if you don’t mind sleeping in the room next to mine.” I shake my head, “is your mate on her way as well?”

My head stiffens and my eyes stay locked to the ground.

You know that everyone brings up mates.

I growl at my wolf, “No,” is all that I am willing to say.

“Then follow me,” she walks up to the stairs with me right behind her.

A redhead she-wolf alpha. This is not what you expected.

Nothing ever is.

My wolf is searching for her human dominate aura but all we are getting is her wolf’s aura.

Maybe she’s just pulling our leg.

It does not seem like it.

We head to the second floor and my wolf keeps talking but I ignore him as she leads the way.

Andrew is walking out of the bedroom as Alpha Blake and I get to the door. Andrew stares at his alpha and she nods and walks into a different room.

“Come Alpha Hunter.” Andrew is now the one that is leading me into the room that I will be spending my night in.

Andrew opens up the door and leads me in, my eyes dart to the closing door next to mine.

“This is going to be your room for the night. The bathroom is to your left and there is everything you will need inside already. Did you bring any clothes?”

Did he see you bring anything with you?

“No!” I narrow my eyes at him.

“I will bring you some pajamas and a set of clothes for you to wear.”

Andrew walks out of the room and I walk over to the edge of the bed. After a few minutes there is a knock on my door and pushing myself off the bed I open the door to find that Andrew is back. He has clothes in one hand and a plate of food in the other.

“The cook left you a plate if you’re hungry,” I mutter a thank you and he takes out a water bottle from his pocket handing it to me.

I eat my food and take a quick shower. Andrew brought me pants and a shirt but I sleep in just pajama bottoms. Full and showered I jump into bed and lay there awake.

Sleep usually does not come easy so I lay there and stare at the blank ceiling as my mind takes its usual crazy path.

After a while, my eyes drift to the alarm that is next to the bed, 5:32 AM blinks at me.

Shit!

Sleep has evaded you once again.

I pull the cover off of me and sit up. My scratchy throat seeks my attention so I get out of bed in search of water to cure my dry throat.

Walking out I see that Alpha Blake’s door has been left ajar I walk quietly when I am directly in front of it the scream coming out of her room sends chills through my entire body.

She needs your help!

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