The Alpha Meeting
Chapter 5

Saphera got up at the sound of her alarm. She dressed Zion and decided on a summer dress for herself. After breakfast she drove dropped Zion off at the crèche and went to work. She arrived, and could feel the tension on the grounds and also a sense of fear which emanated from Celix himself. She entered the building and everyone seemed afraid of her. She headed to the kitchen and poured herself a fresh cup of brewed coffee. It was going to be a long day.

At teatime Celix entered her office.

“I am so sorry about last night.” He rambled out before she could sit behind her desk.

“Well you better be, because that was unacceptable. If you weren’t my boss, I would have clawed you to a million pieces last night.”

Celix could sense she was really pissed. “Saphera, I am really sorry. I don’t know what got into me. You are off limits, I know. It’s just that sometimes the Alpha side of me is stronger than the logical side and, well… then stuff like last night happens.”

“It’s no excuse Celix. You were acting like a rogue last night. I’m also an Alpha, but I control myself better than you.”

“That’s not fair Saphera, you are an Alpha female in her prime, in my territory, and yet you are not claimed— so it will awaken my true nature, to justify the situation.”

“Oh so you want to claim me? Well good luck, because I will never submit to anybody.”

“Yes, that I know. You are too strong-willed.”

“I’m going to work from home for the rest of the day.” She packed her stuff and left.

I fucked up, Celix thought to himself.

Just then Josh appeared with an agency on the phone for Celix. He noticed the atmosphere and saw Saphera leave the office.

“Yes, you did,” Josh said, as if he could read his mind. “What were you thinking, Celix? She could have hurt you, or killed you. I told you her pack does not submit, that is why they are the strongest of all the packs.”

“I understand Josh, but since she arrived in this town all I could think about was how badly I want her, to claim her as my own. And now I will never, ever have a chance.”

Celix left, and locked himself in his own office for the rest of the day.

****

Saphera poured herself a glass of wine and phoned Demetri.

“Hey love, how are you doing?”

“Hey sunshine. I’m doing fine, just working my hands to the bone. But we are really making progress. And you?” “I’m doing okay, I guess. Working from home today,

not feeling so good.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Just a small headache, and I’m tired.”

“Well, take a little nap and then you can continue with your work?”

“Yes, I think I’ll do that.”

“I have to go, we have a maintenance meeting now.” “Okay love, enjoy your day. See you in four days.” “Yes, see you Sunday. Bye beautiful.” “Bye love.”

After the phone call, she finished her wine and decided to put on some meditation music and take a nap. As she slept, she had the most vivid dream. Celix was trapped in a building which was on fire and she was looking for a way in. His friends and the rest of the pack awaited her command.

“Get me a way in, Josh,” she ordered. She ran through the flames not even feeling the burn—her hair was burning brighter than the fire itself.

Celix was on the floor passed out. But she smelled foul play. As she looked around, she saw the dart dripping yellow liquid. That’s wolfsbane! Wolfsbane was a unique poison used to kill wolves and render Alphas like herself defenceless, giving enough time for hunters to kill them off. Luckily, she’d never had a taste of it, but she’d been told stories when she was very young, and had taken note. Hunters always had enough on them to kill off a pack. She got mad.

She woke with a jolt and was drenched in sweat. What are all these dreams about? she thought to herself. She poured herself a glass of ice water and drank it. She was shaking—not a usual thing for her. She decided to get back to work and to finish as much as she could before she had to fetch Zion.

Later, she fixed a quick dinner. Zion fell asleep fast. She was alone, and used her time to think about the Reon problem and also the Celix problem. She was still furious with Celix, but she had a bigger issue—namely Reon.

That night she did not sleep at all.

***

The next morning, Saphera felt as if a train had run over her, and she had a headache. The day went by fast. For the rest of the week, Celix and his friends avoided her.

On Saturday night she and Zion were invited for dinner at Christine and Jacob’s house. It was a pleasant idea, and it spared her having to make dinner. Zion loved the boys and played along so well. Saphera was really happy. Christine and Jacob caught up with her about Demetri’s work and when he would return.

“He’s coming back tomorrow. Me and Zion can’t wait anymore. Actually more Zion—he is so excited to see Demetri.”

“Yes, I can see they’re fond of each other.”

“Zion is lucky to have you and Demetri. You’re great parents to him.”

“Thank you. So how is it going with you all?”

Christine shook her head, something was wrong. “Jacob is frustrating me with this new project he has going, keeping him busy all the time. I have to be dad and mom to both sons.”

“Shame, what project is he working on?”

“He’s building a backyard braai and trying to remodel the back patio.”

“Well, that’s nice isn’t it? I mean, he’s improving the house and your entertainment area.”

“Yes, don’t get me wrong, it’s nice, but now I have to double up.”

“Just until he’s finished,” Saphera said with a reassuring voice.

After the dinner Saphera and Zion went home. Zion had a nice warm bath with tons of toys. Saphera decided on another glass of wine.

*****

Then she sensed him. Reon. She could distinguish now between the two alpha male’s scents. Tonight she was going to kill that bastard. She turned around and there he was—glaring at her through the lounge window. She could see his red eyes lingering with lust and anger. She took a breath, went out and was on her way to him. She sensed Celix immediately behind her.

“Get back Saphera, he has dark intentions.” He immediately pushed her behind him.

“Leave her alone,” Reon said. “She is not your mate.” “Well neither is she yours.”

“She can be claimed by whoever the strongest male is.”

“I will not be claimed by anyone. Got it, asshole?” Saphera was getting angry. Her eyes and hair started to gleam.

“Shit,” Celix muttered.

“Reon please leave, she will rip us both to pieces. You have no idea how strong she is.”

“No I don’t, but I intend to replace out when I take what she loves most,” Reon laughed.

“Reon, if you touch my son my teeth will be the last thing you feel around your neck.” Saphera jumped out from behind and pushed Reon to the ground.

“Fuck, you are strong,” he said. “I like strong females. They’re a treat in the bedroom.”

She growled.

Reon started to sense an enormous power building. It can’t be! He looked up at her. “You are from the Mignan pack. It’s not possible.” He tried to push her off, but she hardly moved.

“I will murder you, if you touch my son,” she growled, and without warning she slashed her nails across his face.

“You bitch, you will be sorry.” He pushed her off with force and fled.

Who the hell is she? There was no story about an Alpha female of the Mignan pack, let alone a true blood. And what was she doing this far south? His face was dripping blood.

Damn, she is really going to pay.

He knew the mark of an Alpha doesn’t heal easily—it always leaves a scar.

“Saphera are you fucking crazy?” Celix almost shouted at her.

“Get out of my way.” She pushed him so hard he fell to the ground. “It’s best you leave.”

She went in house to check on her son. He was still playing in the bath unaware of what had just happened outside. Celix left immediately. He knew he would be her second victim for that night if he hung around.

***

At the fashion house, Celix explained to the rest what had gone down. They could see when he entered the building that he was shaken up.

“She attacked him?” Zane asked in disbelief.

They were not familiar with Alpha males being attacked by females.

“Saphera is strong.”

“Yes, we witnessed that a few days ago, Celix.”

“Yes we did, but that was not even the beginning of her power. She was enraged tonight. And Reon was scared to shit when he figured out who and what she was. He fled on the spot. He got a huge scare.”

“Well, that’s good for us?” Josh said.

“Yes, but remember Reon wants blood now, and he is going to come for her,” Leon said, stating the obvious.

“Yes, you have a point. He’s dead set on her. He wants her, not her blood. He wants to claim her.”

“He wants to what?” Xander wasn’t sure he’d heard right the first time.

“Reon is going to get killed. If he tries to claim that female, she will pulverise him.” Xander was already seeing the picture of Reon’s head on a spike. Celix was just smirking, as he knew very well that Reon would not last a minute with her.

***

Back home, Saphera put Zion to bed and took a sleeping pill to sleep. She was so angry, and needed to rest. Suddenly she heard a knock on the door. Checking her senses, she felt it was Demetri. They’d come back earlier. She was very glad, and welcomed him. He was happy to see her. They talked for a few minutes, but Saphera could see he was tired and decided she would hear all the details tomorrow.

On Sunday Morning they opted for church, and got dressed in their Sunday best. She always remembered the promise she’d made to Ralph about having Zion live closest to a mortal life.

At church they ran into no other than Reon.

“Morning Saphera,” he came up behind her.

She immediately went into protective mode and shielded Zion. “Reon, I did not know you were going to church here?” she snarled at him.

“Yes, I changed my church, this is a much more inter-esting church.”

She felt Celix behind her. He stepped between Reon and Saphera, his friends surrounding them.

“Hi Reon. Fancy meeting you here,” he growled. Saphera saw the light scars on Reon’s face and she smiled, knowing that she had scarred him for life. Demetri sensed some tension. “Hey Reon, why don’t you join us?”

Saphera was about to object. “Thanks Demetri, that would be nice.” Celix almost doubled over.

“He can sit with us,” Demetri said. “We are old friends.” Demetri and Reon went inside. “Celix?” Saphera nodded.

“Don’t worry, just don’t let him and Demetri get close, Saphera, or he will penetrate your family circle. And then it’s over.”

“How am I supposed to do that?” “Figure something out.” Celix went inside.

Shit, Saphera thought. How things can get any worse? After Church they all went for a braai at the local park. Celix and his pack, Reon, and Saphera and her family. Demetri somehow managed to bully them all into the idea—Saphera was not very happy or pleased with the situation, but Celix would not let her go without him. So all of them tried to have a chilled braai, and not think about viciously killing each other.

The twins refused to let Reon get close to Zion—they practically shielded him from Reon. Saphera was still fuming with Demetri, and watched them chatting away as if they were old buddies.

“Saphera, I don’t like this,” Celix came up behind her. “Do you think I like this?” Saphera turned to him. “But how do I explain to Demetri without putting our whole species in jeopardy?”

“That’s what happens when you choose mortals over your own kind.” Celix stepped over to Demetri and engaged in the conversation. After the braai they all went their separate ways.

That Sunday evening, Demetri told Saphera he would be going away more and would have to leave again this coming Friday.

“Are you mad?”

“No, not at all. I understand it’s work and all, but it gets lonely when you’re not around.” She stood up and gathered the dishes.

“Are you alright Saphera, you look drained?” he asked cautiously.

“Yes, just tired. A lot of work stuff going on.”

How on earth was she going to tell him her secret, and about what happened last night? It was really stressing her to bits, not to mention Celix and the kiss. This was going to be harder than she’d ever thought or imagined.