Rise of an Alpha Female (Two Moons Book 1) Read online

  "He is a man with a vision, and I have joined the cause because I believe in it. I am no traitor, so I would not answer those questions even if I knew the answers."

  "So all his warriors join him willingly?"

  There is a slight pause.

  "Some do not understand..."

  "Does that justify robbing them of their free will?"

  "I... some sacrifices have to be made."

  "Keep telling yourself that, if you think it helps you get to your Promised Lands with a clear conscience."

  "So you will grant me my glorious death then?"

  "You are honest in your convictions, even if I may see them as wrong, and you fought bravely. It's the only honorable thing to do. Consider it thanks for these lessons you've given me."

  "May I have your name Alpha?"

  "Jena."

  "It's been an honor, Alpha Jena," he says then raises his large head completely, looking up to the sky, and exposing his neck entirely.

  At the obviously exposed weakness, Jena steps forward and rips his throat out with just her right hand.

  The warhog collapses, his light extinguished soon after.

  "How are we looking?" Jena asks after she, Alastair, Lands, Nazih, and Hani retreat to one side for a bit of privacy.

  "Very light injuries, except yourself, in the last fight. So basically, the same," Lands says.

  "Jena, are you hurt? By Calla, you look horrible! Why did you do that? Why not finish him off sooner? I thought you were actually going to lose the fight for a moment there," Alastair launches at her accusingly.

  "Weren't you paying attention? I was testing myself and the warhog."

  "What? That's foolish."

  "Maybe. But as an Alpha it is her right to decide, not to mention she proved again her willingness to fight for her people," Lands says.

  "The morale of the people greatly improved as we told them about how the Alpha not only stood toe to toe but toyed with a warhog, beating him into actual submission," Hani added.

  "OK, this politics and people's feelings stuff is annoying. They didn't teach this in the Warrior training program. Nazih, where is Marcus, is he hurt?"

  Alastair had assumed his friend had been hurt and stayed with the other injured party, out of the fight.

  "I'm sorry my friend, he was badly injured and passed a while ago as we were coming back."

  "That's... unfortunate," Alastair says, trying to hold back his feelings, and failing miserably at it. Losing someone as close as a brother has his eyes glazing as the Beta fights off the tears.

  "He had a message for you though."

  "Oh?"

  "He said to tell you that he brought all his wolves back in one piece."

  "Damn idiot. Maybe I should have included him in that sentence as well," Alastair says, smiling sadly.

  Chapter 11 - Changes

  "Nazih, welcome! Have a seat."

  Looking at all the higher ranked wolves and cats in the room, Nazih considers his situation. Just a week ago, he was a Beta.

  "I'd rather stand."

  "This is not a trial."

  "It feels like one though. I'd rather stand, unless you order me to sit, Alpha?"

  "Don't be silly! I feel like there are things you need saying. Do so freely! I will hold nothing against you. You have my word!"

  "Alright then. I know people have accepted you as Alpha, and I am grateful for what you did for us. However, I do not think it wise to have a pride..."

  "Pack. This is now a pack."

  "...pack, full of cats as a high majority, and have it run by wolves in all the higher functions."

  "I see. Would you like my position then? The week term for challenges expired yesterday, but I could extend it one day. We can go out in the plaza right now and settle it."

  "No, that's not... not what I meant. Or want."

  "Then what is it you meant? Or want?"

  "Well, I assume I was summoned in regards to my position. I was expecting to be included in the higher functions of the pri... pack. But while I understand your need to have a wolf as your Beta, and right-hand man, I was at least expecting you to consider me for Gamma. There is a good reason I was where I was. I know the inner workings of this... pack, their members, strengths, and weaknesses...

  "I know," Jena says, but Nazih doesn't seem to hear her.

  "... how they think, what they want, what they need."

  "I know."

  "You need someone to represent the cats in this pack, in a way only another cat could."

  "I know."

  "Then what do you want to do? I mean it has been so long since I was a Delta, I don't know, I guess I could do that for my people. You may be the Alpha, but they are MY people first and foremost!"

  "Keep your tone leveled, Nazih! Nobody is contradicting you," Alastair says warningly.

  Nazih looks at him for a moment holding his gaze. He does not lower his eyes but nods in acknowledgment.

  "Actually, as the Alpha, they are MY people first and foremost. As are YOU!" The Alpha strength behind the words drives their meaning home, crystal clear to everyone present. "You can not hold the Delta position," Jena says soon after.

  Though his face was lowered in respect and submission to Jena's earlier display of power, his eyes shoot up, and he glares at her in shock.

  "WHAT? BUT I... do you want me gone then?" His tone quickly drops in intensity.

  "You will be my Beta."

  Alastair raises a brow at her statement but says nothing, almost sighing in relief.

  "Are you exiling me? Is that it?"

  "Beta."

  "Because I can't return to unranked! I have my pride, and some things are unacceptable. I've worked too hard just to be remov..."

  "Are you REFUSING?"

  A drop of Alpha power manages to pull the former pride Beta out of his monologue.

  "Refusing what?"

  "The position."

  "What position?"

  "Of Beta."

  "Excuse me?"

  "You are excused," Jena says, and the others in the room start smiling, snickers being heard here and there.

  "No, I mean... Beta? What about Alastair?"

  "What about him?"

  "I didn't say I want to replace him."

  "You aren't."

  Those in the room turn quizzical looks towards the Alpha, but only Nazih, in his current mindset and as he sees it – predicament – voices out what almost everyone is thinking:

  "You make no sense, woman!"

  "NAZIH!" Alistair snarls, jumping in front of him up close and personal, their faces so close to one another it would be effortless to kiss. The strength of the challenge and the fact an actual Beta is issuing it, has Nazih taking a couple of steps back before being able to stop himself.

  "I already said he could speak freely Alastair, at least this time. And I can't expect him to forget a lifetime of idiotic male dominance indoctrination in just a few days."

  Though Jena is referring directly to Nazih, almost everyone present gasps at her boldness. A brief look around the room sums things up easily. Lands and Hani have no reaction, Gudrun – Hani's mate and Jena's chosen female representative – smiles widely while the others are showing various degrees of disbelief and disapproval.

  "Feel free to quote me on that as either of you talk to the rest of the pack but use my words exactly. Who knows, a misquote might lead to a missing tail or worse.

  You have all already accepted me as you Alpha, as evidenced by the lack of anyone contesting my position yesterday.

  Those who haven't but did not contest me are either afraid, which I can understand, or are planning nefarious deeds in the future.

  I don't like schemers. Ask the warhogs what happens when I don't like something. Or someone.

  This pack already has two were species in it, the other wolves that are still affiliated with my father's pack have asked to join and I have accepted so you can see this is not a traditional pack. The pride may have been, b
ut our pack is not.

  That being said, I choose to have two Betas. Nazih and Alastair."

  "That can't happen. The law says there can be only one Beta," says Jacan, one of the older cats.

  Unlike Hani, he had already moved to be an elder in the pride long before Jena and her wolves arrived as a diplomatic party.

  "The law is what the Alpha says it is. Unquestionably so even more since Jena has become the Alpha by combat," Gudrun says.

  "You shouldn't speak; this is no place for women!" Jacan says and spits at the ground in her direction.

  Hani fumes at the Elder's disrespect for his mate, but just as he's about to jump him, the Alpha speaks.

  "Alastair, please escort the elder to his residence. The agitation of the recent events has obviously affected his ability to think straight and talk proper since he can't really expect a pack with a female Alpha to have no other women present when matters of import are discussed."

  "Come, old man, I'll help you find your way," Alastair says placing a hand around Jacan's back and on his upper arm.

  While Jena's words may have been considered as expressing concern, the Beta's were obviously not; calling and Elder old was akin to calling him useless, and it didn't help that the grip around the Elder's shoulder was strong enough to lift him off the ground entirely.

  ***

  Jena is restless, though the pack seems to have gone to a state of relative peace. Relative because everyone knows or at least feels that something is about to happen.

  Her messenger returned barely a half an hour earlier, and she has already sent for him. Being one of the older wolves in her initial diplomatic party, he had left with only two wolves and two cats as an escort. The scout report received an hour before he arrived said there were two more wolves accompanying him back.

  After a knock on the door, a well built, muscular wolf, with a familiar face comes in.

  "Brams! It's good to see you!"

  "Likewise, Alpha!"

  "How was your trip and what news have you brought?"

  "Uneventful and you'd best read this on your own," Brams says and hands over a rolled up scroll, sporting her father's seal.

  <

  Dear Jena,

  Or should I say Alpha Jena? Ha, I knew you'd make it!

  I've read your report and have considered your request.

  The answer is yes.

  I also sent you a present, seeing as you had no proper wolf healer in your new Pack. Get Brams to show them in; he is outside your entrance.

  >

  "Brams, show them in!"

  <

  The girl volunteered, and the boy wouldn't let her go alone, so I hope you get along fine.

  Best wishes,

  Alpha Magnus Rork,

  Oasis Pack

  P.S.: Daddy loves you!

  >

  "Hannah! Oh by the Moons how I missed you!"

  "Jena, wow! You look so good! I almost didn't believe the Alpha when he said you have taken over another Pack," Hannah says in turn and comes in close for a hug. "I can still hug you, right? I don't need to bow or anything?"

  "Ha, ha, don't be silly, girl! Get in here," Jena replies and proceeds to squeeze the life out of her friend.

  "Wow, can't... breathe..."

  "Oh my, so sorry Hannah, did I hurt you?"

  "I think I'll live," Hannah says and smiles to her.

  "I'm just so glad to see you!"

  "I know. Me too, but by the Moons, you are so damn strong. And I bet you weren't even trying."

  "Aham," the other person in the room clears his voice.

  "Oh, hey Joel!"

  "Alpha," Joel says with a slight bow of his head.

  "Oh my, haven't you become all proper and well behaved! Come for a hug, we are alone, and technically I'm not your Alpha yet."

  So Joel smiles wildly and joins in the hugging.

  "I missed you too. Seems like you've been busy."

  "Yeah, well had some fights, lost some good people, killed a traitorous Alpha, became an Alpha instead of the bastard. Normal everyday things. How have you guys been?"

  Almost two minutes pass with both Hannah and Joel staring in turn either to Jena or each other.

  "You always had a way to oversimplify the most complex and serious of things. You'll have to tell me more, but considering your Alpha request, I'll answer you first," Hannah winks at her best friend, emphasizing the importance of her title. "Well I've become a junior healer, and it was really easy since I was a Field Healer already. I'm aiming for a full-fledged healer in the future, as soon as a position is available and I've had enough practice and experience." Hannah finally says.

  "Nothing much here, still a Pack Warrior, doing my duty as a Home Guard. Never thought I'd say it but the real thing is even harder than the training program we used to have. Discipline all the time, pack tactics and maneuvers, that kind of thing," Joel adds his own update.

  "I see, well I'm happy for both of you!"

  "Ok, so let's get serious. Alpha Jena, I request permission to join your pack!"

  "Joel?"

  "Where she goes, I go. I also request permission to join your pack."

  "Very well then, are you ready to take your oaths?"

  "I am."

  "Me as well."

  "Good! There is a condition though," Jena says, looking expectantly to her friends.

  "Oh? I thought this was something you had already established with your father. The Alpha didn't say anything about a condition," Hannah answers, raising an eyebrow.

  "My pack has been through a lot lately. As you know, I have both cats and wolves here. There is, of course, a cat healer, but she only knows the basics about wolves. I am in dire need of a wolf healer. Your qualifications and my pack's needs say you're it. To join the pack, you also have to accept the Healer position."

  "Close your mouth love! And answer our future Alpha," Joel says with a smirk.

  "Umm, but I just finished the training, and I'm still..."

  "Shush! Just say yes already. Our cat Healer will help you adjust. I also expect you to both learn about cat physiology and teach your counterpart about wolves. I feel dark times coming, Hannah. I need you!"

  "Like there is any way I could refuse you after that speech!" Hannah jumps to hug Jena again. "But two healers?"

  "You of all people should know I'm anything but conventional. Plus, imagine how easy it would be to take a day off!" Jena counters.

  "And practice baby making!" Joel adds.

  In a well-practiced move, Jena gives Joel a shove while Hannah's leg magically appears behind her mate, helping him land on his ass.

  "Ouch! What was that for?" He asks nonchalantly while looking up.

  "Because you are..."

  "Such a dog!" The women complete each other.

  "Let's get you in your new pack then," Jena says, remembering there are more things to do before she can even consider a break.

  Had anyone asked her a few months back, she'd have never imagined herself in the current situation.

  ***

  "Ah Nazih, thank you for coming!"

  "Of course, Alpha. What can I do for you?"

  "Get my people in the center of the settlement in one hour. I have an announcement to make."

  "Yes, Alpha," he answers, quickly leaving to ensure everyone will be ready.

  About an hour later, tired of looking over reports and estimating enough time has passed, Alpha Jena stands up from her desk and stretches. Muscles used to intense training complain about being used for nothing more than maintaining a fixed over-the-papers position for so long.

  She is both excited and nervous about addressing everyone for the first time.

  Warriors, unranked, children, elders, women, they have all gathered waiting for Jena.

  As everyone seems to be present, she steps between them, edging forward and finally climbing the side of the fountain.

  "Settle down people, let the Alpha talk," Alastair says from one side, slightly rais
ing his voice, just enough for the desired effect.

  "Thank you, Beta! I know you must all be wondering why I have summoned you here, but I also know you are all aware of the recent attacks on our lands and homes.

  "Not really your lands and homes, are they?"

  The voice is low. Still, she is able to pick it up. A quick look towards Jacan has him looking at the sky as if he wasn't the one to say it.

  I'll have to keep an eye on that one, Jena thinks.

  "Don't worry, Alpha! I have my eyes on that idiot," Gudrun quickly assures her over the mindlink. "And Hani called dibs on removing his balls whenever you allow him to."

  She can't help but smile inwardly.

  "We are facing an enemy of unknown strength; though from what we have witnessed so far, there are indications they greatly outnumber us. While these lands and houses will always belong to us by right, a house not safe enough to live in is not a home.

  Through me becoming the Alpha this pack has gained an invaluable ally, loyal to us unconditionally, and that is the Oasis Pack. They have many warriors with the best possible training and more than enough land..."

  "What are you saying?"

  "You want us to run?"

  "We are no cowards!"

  Several voices come out from the crowd.

  "Never has anyone said anything about cowardice. This is a strategic retreat where we get into a more favorable position until the current situation has been resolved."

  "Maybe they won't attack again," someone says.

  "Are you willing to bet your life on that? Or that of your mate? Your children?"

  More than one person lowers their eyes.

  "What about the canyon? We defeated them once there; we could just do it again." This time Jacan is the one to speak, and he does not avert his eyes.

  "That was a small party the enemy sent expecting no resistance. How many do you think they will send next time, now that they know we pose a threat? How much time do you think you could hold out in such an enclosed space? And with how many casualties on our side until we face total annihilation?

  I also fail to remember you taking part in the actual fight. But by all means Jacan, if you feel you have enough people supporting you, stay in the canyon. I won't take any kind of measures against you. Feel free to call yourself Alpha of the Canyon Pride or whatever, because anyone staying behind will no longer be a part of this pack.