Her Savior Alpha
Chapter 61

The room was silent and still. Elders circled around the large dining table where no one ever dined. I sat on the couch in the living room, unsure why I was even there. I wasn’t serving anyone, nor was I doing any chores. It was all ready weird to me; I felt restless, like I should be doing something. My knee bounced up and down as I awaited someone to speak.

A hand pressed onto my knee. “Calm down Vera,” Thelma whispered, ducking her head nearer to me.

I smiled sheepishly, trying to still my body.

“All rise for the beginning of the meeting,” the head elder at the table rose with the announcement of his words. About half a dozen of the men and Grant stood up from their chairs, the ritual start to the official meeting. All but Grant wore ceremonial robes over their normal clothing. “Today marks the first pack meeting without the previous alpha. Our topic today is of critical importance: discussing the suggested heir’s right to the position of next alpha.”

“Aye,” all murmured in unison, their old, gruff voices bleeding into each other’s. They sat back into their seats, various cups of steaming tea in front of them.

From my place on the couch, I could see Grant’s slightly nervous demeanor, an expression I rarely saw on her. Her red lips were in a full pout - I commended her ability to still immaculately put on makeup even during an important meeting wit ha bunch of old men. Her heavy lashes blinked up and down as she tried to gauge the visages of all the elders around her. Even so, she remained straight-backed and posh, a regal queen with a crown of red, vibrant hair; a braid circling around her scalp threaded with pearly hairpins.

Today was the day she’d been waiting for. After banishing Dane, the elders knew that replaceing a new alpha was of utmost priority, and although Grant was the so-called heir, it had to be under pack consensus, along with the council’s unanimous agreement. They didn’t so much as bat their eyes when we decided to get rid of Dane; even though he had appointed them, they knew his time was up. Now, they only needed to see if Grant would be a worthy leader.

I thought back to that morning; I had come down to breakfast to replace a bare-faced, messy haired, ginger pacing back and forth in the hall.

“The council is having the meeting today,” she muttered, biting her nails. In her hand, she held a crumpled up piece of paper.

“Oh?” I asked, and her gaze glided over me. After apologizing, her interactions with me were so different, so much more human. She treated me with respect; not quite sisterly, but enough that I didn’t feel annoyance or dread when facing her.

“To decide on the next alpha, duh!” the words tumbled out in an anxious string. At least her snotty attitude was still familiar.

“Oh,” I nodded, wondering again why she was getting herself all harried.

“OH? What do you mean oh?” She mussed up her hair with both hands.

“I just though it was a given that you’d be alpha. You’re already doing all the duties anyway.”

“Yeah, just as a placeholder. They have to actually get the agreement from the pack and officially make a decision to induct me in,” she said as though it was common knowledge. As someone who’d only ever been under one alpha in my lifespan and never pick up any of the political books Grant had been consuming since she’d been a child, I was not aware.

“Can you please sit on this one? Not at the actual table, but just be there...like on the couch or something.”

“For moral support?” I asked, cocking a brow.

“No! For...to make sure there’s no funny business!” she shot, rolling her eyes. I chuckled.

Hence why I now had a front-and-center seat to the meeting, and Thelma tagged along beside me since she was coming over anyway. The couches of the living space were still a small distance from the long table, and being that I was actually present to it rather than a mere servant in the background, I felt out of place.

“All be seated,” the head elder said, and in a rustle of cloth, the council did so.

Another elder began speaking, his balding head shining under the afternoon light from the large windows. “The pack has been in uproar. Due to the failure of our previous alpha, we have fallen, but it is time to pick ourselves up.”

“Yes,” another one said, swirling his mug around. “After receiving information from the pack’s thoughts on the matter, we have come to see to schools of thought: it seems some of the wolves have already accepted you, Grant, as their alpha. On the other hand, many are wary of Dane’s grandfather taking the lead.′

Grant swallowed thickly. “I see. So it seems I must prove to them that I am a worthy alpha, if I am to succeed the throne, of course.”

“Exactly. How do you plan to do that, Grant?” Another hawk-eyed elder said, his aged voice raspy.

Dark eyes looking up to the ceiling, Grant seemed to be brainstorming. “Well, my grandfather’s largest problem was his dictatorship-like rule. Although the people were happy, they could not give their input on matters. For example, many were upset that so many funds went into training and growing our soldiers, while other things were left to rot, like our schooling system and our medical facilities.”

The elders nodded, looking at each other as if seeing where this was going.

Taking a deep breath, Grant continued. “As such, if I became alpha, I would do the very opposite, putting my focus and energy onto making this pack safe, healing our people, and giving them options.”

I turned to Thelma discretely, raising my eyebrows in appreciation. She nodded wide-eyes, her lips in a circle. I had to admit, I liked Grant’s idea; it would make for a refreshing start to the pack.

A few seconds passed in silence, then the first elder tapped the table. “We will not vote if we are to official instate you as alpha or if we are to look to other candidates. All in favor of Grant taking the role, raise your hands.”

A tense few seconds passed, then one elder raised his hand. And another. Then two others. Only two were left still mulling over the decision. One of them finally picked his hand up, and the only one left was the head elder, who rose his hand after seeing everyone had done so.

“A unanimous agreement,” the head elder said. “Thus, I bestow the title of Alpha upon you, Grant.”

Grant let out a whoosh of breath in relief. “Thank you, Council. I am honored to take up the position, and I assure you I will rule responsibly and with the wellbeing of the Mount Hunter Pack in mind.”

“Of course,” the head elder smiled. “And to finalize the decision, we will announce an induction ceremony a couple of days for now, for the pack to witness you taking your throne.”

Thelma thumped my shoulder in excitement. “A party, Vera!”

“That’s not exactly what he said, but...” I muttered. A ceremony huh? The word left a bitter taste in my mouth.

***

The courtyard that was etched into my nightmares took on a completely different light on the day of Grant’s induction. It was early evening, right on the cusp of sunset, and gold and white streamers hung from lamp to lamp. Twinkling fairy lights hung around them, down the poles of the lamps. Light airy music danced around us. The balmy night felt magical, dream-like. Without Dane’s looming presence, the cobblestone courtyard was filled with carefree pack members, milling about and spilling across the grassy area surrounding us. It was a small town, but with everyone present tonight, it seemed like a concert outside.

As I entered the area, moving through crowds, they happened to part for me, recognizing me immediately. Vera, the Lycan. Vera the pack pariah. Vera the one who nearly tore apart her mate and his friends.

Yet fear did not appear in their eyes, curiosity and awe and respect did. As the fabric of my silk dress swished around my legs, my hand brushing Archer’s beside me, my nervousness reduced. Thelma flanked my other side. No one seemed to detest me.

Somehow, word had gotten out that I had helped get Dane away from the group he’d been terrorizing, cornering him in the woods before Archer came to land the final blow. Obviously many details were omitted; they couldn’t have known Dane’s true intentions with me unless Grant said anything - which I doubted she would ever. She seemed ashamed at her grandfather’s actions. All she might’ve said was how I took her and Clive to the medical hall to heal her, which might have gotten most of the pack to warm to me.

A hand waved out above people’s heads. It was Clive, standing near a table beside his brother. Both looked incredible handsome, having cleaned up well. As Clive turned back to say something to a stony looking Reily, I appraised them. Clive had his golden hair slicked back, a couple thin strands falling over his forehead. He wore a navy blue pinstriped fitted suit, without a tie, the collar’s top button undone. Reily was dressed only in a dress shirt, suit jacket thrown over his shoulders like a cape. His hair was tied back in a ponytail, bobbing as he spoke to Clive. Then he pointed behind him, where Gina stood in a pink dress with his other crewmates, before turning in a flourish and leaving just as we got within a few feet. His eyes flickered to me, and he managed a small nod before walking away.

“Hey Clive,” Thelma greeted. “How’s little Mr. A-Hole brother doing?”

I nudged her, but Clive didn’t miss a beat. “He’s...better. Been just doing his own thing, but he’s been really open during our meetings with Grant. We definitely talk more.”

I grinned, happy that Clive was finally getting a break-through with his brother.

Archer grabbed a flute of wine, handing me one, while Thelma hit the fancy appetizers.

Just then, the music stopped and a voice spoke on loudspeaker. On the dais in the middle, the head elder stood before the mic. “Hello all. Thank you for coming. This is an important occasion in the history of Mount Hunter Pack: the induction of our new Alpha.”

People clapped respectfully as the elder stepped back.

“Allow me to introduce to you - Alpha Grant Fenris!”

The pack clapped and whistled more fervently as Grant stepped up the dais slowly, her long flowing sea green gown trailing behind her. She looked like a queen, her red hair like a rose atop her head, green and silver hair decorations glimmering. She held her chin high as she reached the microphone, and the elder draped the ceremonial Alpha’s silver fur cape on her bare shoulders.

“Welcome everyone. I am glad to see you all gathered here on this momentous day,” Grant started, her voice reverberating across the space. “We have had a rough couple of weeks. I know that you all have suffered hardships and pains, have lost loved ones and glory. To that end, I would like to apologize sincerely for the previous Alpha. Although he did build Mount Hunter up, his own power struggle nearly tore it down.” She paused, letting her dismaying words sink in. “However, our pack will never be torn down! We are strong and have have will and honor on our side. And restoring our safety and power will be my first goal as alpha. I promise to clean up the gaps left from the previous reign, to rule fairly and justly, and to return a voice back to our wolves.”

At this, the pack clapped, many yelling out sounds of agreement.

Cheeks rosy in excitement, Grant continued: “As Alpha, I hope to bring the Mount Hunter Pack happiness and security, and my first order will be as such: Celebrate your hearts away today, and leave not a speck of food on the tables!”

The crowds cheered, clapping and whistling echoing in their midst. The sun beginning its descent in the sky created a hauntingly beautiful purple-pink haze beyond the bright white lamps and decorative lights slung across streamers. Music started up again as the festivities began.

I faced my friends, grinning.

“Cheers!” Thelma exclaimed, lifting her glass. Our drinks clinked together, letting out a satisfying sound. I brought my glass up to my lips and took a long, sweet sip of the chardonnay, meeting Thelma’s eyes across from me as she did the same. Clive took a small sip, a bright grin spread on his face for the first time in a while. I didn’t want to get used to his sadness-tinged smiles.

Archer leaned down to plant a sensuous kiss on my forehead. I felt my face flush with a pleasurable warmth, one that turned the temperature on my already rosy cheeks from the happiness and festivities.

“What do you say we both go back to my place after this?” I whispered to him, staring up from beneath my lashes.

“So impatient, aren’t you? At least ask me for a dance first.” He teased, donning a crooked grin.

I pouted. “But I’m hungry. I’ve been craving chocolate all day.”

“Alright, chocolate for the madam, then a round of a dance,” he imitated a posh British accent. “Hark, are those chocolate strawberries, I see?”

I giggled as he dragged me over to another table lined with desserts.

***

Clive

Although my eyes roamed to take in the entirety of the celebration, I couldn’t seem to stop them from landing on the two figures who stood by a table of desserts, away from the crowd.

Plump pink lips, glossy, opened delicately for a chocolate-covered strawberry. Her long, gleaming black hair was pulled into a sharp, high ponytail, embedded with a hairpin of purple roses; the sleek hairdo contrasting with Vera’s normally soft features.

I couldn’t take my eyes off of her tonight. She wore a long silky lilac dress that hugged her slim yet generously curvy figure. A long cut started at mid thigh and trailed down, exposing her leg. The dress was sleeveless with a wide neckline, see through gauzy material crawling up her neck, where a lavender pendant choker glinted. The look fit here; a mixture of innocence and sexiness.

And the man beside matched perfectly, a tall, elegant form in tailored black suit, black silk dress shirt that give a hint of chest, cropped slacks and made him look even taller. His usually unruly, fluffy black hair was smoothed back, and I had to admit Archer looked very handsome, compared to his usual rugged appearance.

Right now, the man in question couldn’t keep his own eyes off of Vera. His heavy lidded gaze was set on every inch of her face as she took a sensuous bite of the strawberry, as she licked the chocolate off the corner of her lips.

I wasn’t stupid. I realized Archer and Vera had gotten much closer since the failed mating ritual; far past the friend-line. They seemed comfortable enough physically, both taking any chances to touch the other. Fingers in fingers, hands on arms, a tug of hair, a poke on the cheek. A sinking realization that they must have already gotten to third base filled me. Vera must have already laid with Archer, and while I respected both of them as friends, a deep sense of regret filled me.

I was too late.

Now that my relationship with Reily was getting off on a better foot, I wanted to change other things in my life. Amidst the pack turmoil, while laying helpless and healing, I was filled the strong sense of needing to go after what I wanted: family, safety, pack protection, friends. I’d gone too long alone, all the while avoiding my true feelings just to prevent getting hurt again.

I was done running.

But I’d missed the train when it came to Vera. The feelings I’d pretended didn’t exist bubbled back to the surface too late.

“Hey,” Thelma said, probably noticing my frown and succumbing expression. Shit. I wasn’t trying to hide it at all. “You okay?”

I cleared my throat, looking down at the small young woman. Her light blonde hair was curled, creating a cloud of ringlets that framed her delicate heart-shaped face perfectly. Wide blue eyes framed with dark, feathery lashes and tinged with sparkly gold eyeshadow. Warm, bronze blush powdered her cheeks, as she looked up at me with concern. “No, nothing at all,” I replied.

“Hmm,” she eyed me thoughtfully, then followed my gaze to Vera and Archer. “I think I might understand more than you think.” I looked back at her to see an eerily wistful glint in her cerulean eyes as she stared at the two. I was about to ask what she meant, but she quickly turned back and planted a shaky smile on her face. “What’s meant to be is meant to be, I guess. This is just the beginning, Clive. Life will get better.”

For some reason, her words reassured me, and I snapped my gaze away from the source of pain.