Filed to story: Wolf Crying Mate of the Alpha by Jazz Ford
‘This is my room, mine and John’s. This room over here is vacant. You can take this room if you like, then we will be near each other, she says excitedly.
‘Sure. I’ll take it,’ I say, smiling. The room is pleasant and straightforward. It doesn’t have a bathroom.
‘Where would I find the bathroom?’ I ask.
‘Only the highest ranks here get a bathroom. There are a couple of communal bathrooms. One-two doors up and the other down the hall. James’ bedroom is next to yours if you need anything,’ she smiles.
“Oh, thanks. That’s great, I say, hiding my unease.
‘You brought nothing with you. I’ll give you a nightie to wear, she says, crossing the hallway to her room.
‘Thanks.’ I smile and accept the nightie and towels she gives me.
‘Here you go,’ she says. ‘Have a good sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow,’ she says, skipping to her room. Once in the bathroom, I lock the door behind me and shower. I step out into the corridor and explore. It’s just bedrooms and bathrooms, so I return to my room and sit by the window.
‘Moon Goddess, I know I’ve only just learnt you exist and that I know little about you. Please watch over Ryker. I miss him so much and wish things were different and will treasure the short time we had together, how he would gaze into my eyes, and how he would hold me tenderly. I am so grateful that you matched us as mates, but I’m sorry it cannot be.’
Pushing myself up from the floor, I fold a blanket back and climb into bed for some much-needed rest.
I can barely sleep. Ryker is on my mind all night. I’m apprehensive and nervous about my first shift in four days. After a yawn and a stretch, I get dressed, make the bed, and go downstairs to the dining room for breakfast. A few members are already at the table eating, Amelia is one of them.
‘Good morning, Astrid,’ she says.
‘Good morning, everyone,’ I say, sitting next to Amelia. The other ladies smile.
‘You’ll have to tell me all about Shady Crest, I tell Amelia.
“Alpha Zenith is obviously our Alpha,’ she giggles.
‘Yep. I think I got that.’ I chuckle.
‘We train here daily, including she-wolves. Alpha Zenith likes to keep our reputation intact. We’re the strongest pack, and he wants us prepared if another pack becomes a threat so that we can take them out. His eldest son James hasn’t found his mate yet. Alpha Zenith has one in mind. He won’t say who just yet, but says he will only settle for the strongest she-wolf, as James will eventually take over as Alpha,’ she explains.
‘What if James finds his true mate in the meantime?’ I ask.
‘Alpha Zenith is part of the council called the elders. They have the power to vote and choose an Alpha’s mate for them if they feel their current mate is inadequate. If they don’t suit as Luna or don’t benefit the pack, she explains.
Alpha Zenith is part of the Elders’ council! Ryker said they had wanted Vanessa as Ryker’s mate. Why would Alpha Zenith make Vanessa Luna of Shadow Crest when she was the pack slave here at Shady Crest? It makes little sense.
‘That’s terrible, to remove someone’s, true mate. A mate that the Moon Goddess chose for you. Love is all that should matter.
Being with your true mate, your one true love, I say, feeling my eyes well up, thinking of Ryker.
‘Amelia? Where is Alpha Zenith’s mate? Where is the Luna of Shady Crest?’ I ask. Amelia bites her lip and looks at the other two ladies sitting at the table eating breakfast.
‘Um, you see-‘ They quickly stand and bow their heads. Alpha Zenith walks into the room.
‘Astrid. Good to see you’re ready for work,’ he smiles.
‘Good morning,’ I reply nervously. Other pack members approach the table for breakfast once we finish eating, and I follow Zenith to his car.
I sat in the back of the Mercedes with Zenith this morning. There is no sign of John or James.
‘Is John not joining us?’ I ask.
‘No, he will go in his car today.’
‘Oh, okay, I say.
‘I want to discuss some things privately with you, he says. I’m nervous and don’t know what to expect.
‘It’s your eighteenth in four days,’ he says.
‘Yes, that’s correct, I say. Zenith rubs his missing half ear in thought. I want to ask him about it but don’t want to be rude.
‘You would be a great asset to my pack, Astrid. When you turn eighteen, you’ll be able to sense your mate,’ he states.
‘Yes, I know, I say, unsure of where he is going with this.
‘You know my son James hasn’t found his mate yet and is of age.’
‘What does it have to do with me?’ I ask.
‘What would you say if I wanted you to be John’s mate?’ He asks.
‘T-I’m flattered, but I would prefer to find my true mate.’
‘What if you don’t find him?’ He asks.
‘What if I do?’ I retort. He lets out a chuckle.
‘Oh Astrid, you are a stubborn one! Perhaps think about the idea for a few days, he says, smiling.
‘Why would you want someone weak like me to be your son’s mate? Wouldn’t you want a strong she-wolf to bear his pups?’ I ask.
‘You’ll find out why I’m asking when you shift into your wolf on your birthday, he says, still smiling. What is he talking about? And mate with James! I don’t want to be with anyone other than Ryker, even if Ryker moves on with Vanessa. Just the thought of being with someone else makes me feel nauseous.
We arrive in the underground car park and ascend in the elevator in silence. I take my seat at my desk and start answering phone calls. John and James go into their Dad’s office. James winks at me as he walks past.
“Zenith Creations. Astrid is speaking. How may I help you?’ I say.
‘Tell the boss I got his special delivery here he ordered, the caller says.
‘Okay, and who is speaking?’ I ask.
‘Beta Glen, he replies. I place Beta Glen on hold and call Zenith.
‘Beta Glen says he has your special delivery here, I inform him.
‘Tell him to bring him up right away.’
‘Okay.’ I press the button for Glen.
‘Zenith says bring him up right away.’ I hang up the phone.
That is weird referring to the order as him.