The Alpha 9: Protect. Procreate. Prevail., page 18
There was a dark ring around Blair’s pupils that seemed to bleed out into the honey irises, and I could have stared into her eyes all night long. They seemed to make the rest of her face light up like she was standing in direct sunlight, and it was one of my favorite things about my werecat omega.
Once Blair and I had showered and dried ourselves off, we brushed our teeth and then walked our naked bodies back into the bedroom.
We hadn’t been in the shower for very long, but Nikita had already fallen asleep, and it looked like Azalea was close to falling asleep, too. Arielle was reading a book, and Hailey was holding her cell phone horizontally out in front of her. She had one earbud in her left ear, but I couldn’t see what she was watching.
“Do we have plans for tomorrow, Jesse?” Arielle asked as she used one finger to mark her place in the book.
“I don’t think so,” I replied. “I have a call with the betas in Vancouver, but that’s about as exciting as our day is going to get. Is there anything you’d like to do?”
“I was thinking, depending on the weather, of course, we could take a trip to the beach?” she suggested. “We still haven’t introduced Azalea to the selkies, so maybe we could do that tomorrow?”
“Of course, I’d love that.” I smiled.
“I second that,” Azalea mumbled into her pillow.
“I third it!” Hailey grinned while she put her phone away for the night. “I haven’t even met the seals yet, so you know I’m desperate to go!”
“What were you watching, Hailey?” Blair asked as she climbed into bed beside the werewolf omega.
“Richie Rich,” Hailey giggled. “The Macaulay Culkin version, of course.”
“There’s more than one version?” I frowned.
“Yes, but we don’t talk about that.” The werewolf rolled her eyes. “Like I always say, everything was better in the 90s.”
“Aah, but nothing beats the music from the 80s,” Blair replied. “We don’t get music like that anymore.”
“Yeah, but what about TLC, Alanis Morissette, or Sir Mix-a-Lot?” Hailey shrugged. “Everyone knows those songs.”
“But then you have Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Guns N’ Roses…” Blair argued. “My list could go on and on.”
“I might need to agree with Hailey on this one,” Arielle said apologetically. “I really like that one Queen song, what’s it called? But that’s from the 90’s, right?”
“Which song are you thinking of?” I smiled.
I often couldn’t get over how cute Arielle was.
“The long one…” Arielle frowned in thought. “Rhapsody… something.”
“Bohemian Rhapsody?” I asked.
“Yes!” Arielle clapped. “I love that song.”
“I’m sorry to tell you this, but Bohemian Rhapsody was released in 1975,” Blair chuckled. “So now you’re entering a completely different decade.”
“Oh…” Arielle snorted. “Then forget what I said.”
“However, I’m going to take that as you supporting my side.” Blair smirked. “It’s close to the 80s, and Queen were huuuuge during that time, so I’m going to say it counts.”
“Fiiine,” Hailey sighed. “You win. Nothing beats Freddie, I suppose.”
“Who’s Freddie?” Arielle frowned, to which we just laughed.
“I often think it would be hard to love you more than I already do, but then you constantly surprise me,” Blair said as she wrapped her arms around Arielle.
“You don’t know who Freddie Mercury is?” Hailey asked.
“I don’t think so.” The werecoyote shook her head.
“He was Queen’s lead vocalist,” I explained.
“Aah, that makes sense now,” Arielle mumbled. “Basically, I had to listen to Gray’s music, I wasn’t allowed to pick the songs. One of the songs he liked was Bohemian Rhapsody, and because he never wanted to interrupt the song, he would sit in silence while it played, and I found myself loving those several minutes of pure peace. I just knew the title and the name of the band, I didn’t know the singers. Then before Gray found me, I would always listen to my favorite songs, and Queen just wasn’t on that list.”
“Well, now you have all the time in the world to get to know the classics.” Hailey leaned over to give Arielle a kiss on the cheek.
“And you know I allow you to listen and watch whatever you like,” I said while I tried to fight back my anger.
“I do.” Arielle nodded with a small smile on her face.
We already knew that Arielle didn’t have the same upbringing as everyone else, which was why there were a lot of famous shows and movies she’d never seen. I’d just assumed she would have heard Freddie’s name before. But Arielle was forced to live a very sheltered life, and it only got worse from there, so it made sense that she wouldn’t know who Freddie was if his name hadn’t been brought up in conversation before now.
At least Arielle now had a loving family around her, and she was treated with the respect she deserved. But it always angered me whenever she talked about her life before I saved her, especially when Gray was mentioned. I tried to not let it affect me too much, but that was often easier said than done.
Fortunately, the conversation didn’t last for much longer after that, and I relaxed in bed with Hailey curled up beside me. Nikita and Azalea were sleeping peacefully on either side of the bed, and as the silence settled around us, I began to think about visiting the selkies and spending a peaceful day at the beach.
The bed was much more comfortable than the circular bed we had before, and I only woke up once with a desperate need to drink some water. It might have just been the recent relaxation which caused me to sleep better, but had it not been for my phone forcing me awake, I probably would have stayed asleep for a few more hours.
I rubbed my tired eyes as I searched around for my phone, but the fact that someone was calling me first thing in the morning wasn’t always a good thing. I instantly began to worry that it could have been one of my patrol groups, and maybe they’d noticed a threat on the way.
However, I was even more surprised when I noticed Jack Nolan’s name in the middle of the screen.
I had no idea why Jack was calling me, especially at eight in the morning, but I tried to clear my throat as much as I could before I answered the call.
“He-hello?” I asked with a thick morning voice.
“Did I wake you up, Jesse?” Jack queried. “I’m sorry.”
“N-No, I’m awake,” I sighed as I sat up in bed.
“You’re not a very good liar,” Jack laughed. “I need to remember that not everyone wakes up as early as I do.”
“It’s okay, honestly,” I replied, although I really wanted to ask why he’d called me in the first place.
Fortunately, these were the next words that left his mouth.
“I apologize for waking you up, but I have something very important to run by you,” he explained. “You see, I’ve been able to book two nights in an arena in Vegas, which is a big deal, as you can imagine.”
“Vegas?” I frowned. “Wow, that’s amazing.”
I remembered Jack mentioned Las Vegas just before the tour started, and he’d said it was his dream to have his orchestra perform there, even if it was only for a night. He’d been able to take his orchestra all over the country, but he hadn’t had the ability to book Las Vegas before, and now he clearly had his chance.
“I know, I’m very excited,” he chuckled. “But I thought it was only right that I included the original musicians in the show. The ones who I started this tour with. So that would be you, Jesse. If you’re up for it, of course.”
“I… Thank you,” I scoffed. “That’s very kind of you to offer. When are these shows taking place? Because I’d need to think about class starting again if it’s at the end of the tour.”
“That’s the only issue…” Jack sighed. “Because the venue is so popular, and artists and performers are constantly trying to book any dates they can, I had to accept my first offer, which is a week from now.”
“A week?” I asked with my eyes open wide.
I had a strange feeling I was still sleeping, and perhaps this had all been some vivid dream.
“Yes,” he replied. “A performer had to postpone their dates last minute for some reason, and because I was waiting for an availability, I was the first person the company called. I guess it means it won’t interfere with classes starting again, but I realize it’s very short notice.”
It wasn’t the notice that bothered me.
I’d only just settled myself at home again, and things had been going great since we’d left California. I hadn’t had any issues in Nevada, so it was probably a safe place to go to, but it meant leaving the security of my home again.
“I’ll…” I paused. “I’ll need to think about it.”
I wanted to take Jack up on the offer, because it wouldn’t have just been a big moment for him. It also meant I could extend the trip by a day or two and visit the new betas in Modoc County.
I just wasn’t sure if it was the right time to leave Monroe, especially until I had the SDD under control.
“I’m not sure if this would help, but Kyle has instantly accepted the offer,” Jack continued in an amused tone. “And you don’t need to worry about paying for anything, because I’d happily cover the cost of any expenses.”
It would have been nice to see Kyle and the rest of the orchestra again, and money definitely wasn’t an issue for me. But I still couldn’t work out what the right decision was.
“How about I–”
But before Jack could finish that sentence, Thalia’s frantic voice slipped into my mind.
Alpha, Alpha! she cried. Are you awake? Please, please, are you awake?
What’s wrong, Thalia? I asked.
I had no idea what Jack had just said, and I was far too concerned about the fear in the werecoyote’s voice.
Avians, Alpha! she shouted. An entire flock of them are headed this way!
Get the rest of the patrol groups together, I ordered. Make sure you keep your eyes on those fucking birds until I get there.
“Jesse?” Jack asked.
“S-Sorry, Jack,” I said as I jumped out of bed, and my omegas were only a step behind me. “Can I call you back with an answer later?”
“I’d need to know by the end of the day,” he replied. “Or first thing tomorrow at the very latest. I have to give the venue numbers, or find one of the first violinists to take your place.”
“Yes, yes, that’s fine,” I told him as I ran from the room. “I’ll make sure to call you.”
I really needed him to end the call, and I definitely didn’t want to come across as rude or inconsiderate.
But there was a flock of avians headed right for us, and as much as I loved music, I only had one priority at that moment.
I needed to protect my family, and then I could think about the orchestra.
It was the third attack in two weeks, and I should have known the relaxing days at home weren’t going to last for very long.
Chapter 11
I was already in the kitchen by the time Jack Nolan had ended the call, and I all but threw my phone onto the table as I turned to look at my family.
Aunt Eva was dressed and ready for the day, but my omegas and I hadn’t bothered to change into any clothes when we left the bedroom, and Benji was only wearing the boxers he’d worn to bed.
“Benji,” I said as I looked at my half-brother. “I need you to inform the betas in Everleigh and on the islands, and make sure Kristina brings the rifles with her. Tell them to meet us in the main street. Aunt Eva, I want you to handle one of the rifles, so you can shift now if you want, or you can just remain as you are.”
“Of course, Jesse.” She nodded.
“The rest of us will shift and race down to the main street as quickly as we can,” I continued. “We’ll meet everyone else there, and hopefully we can get these fucking birds sorted and dealt with. I’m hoping there will be enough of us to overpower these assholes, but we live in a town full of shifters, so it could be that the other residents automatically shift without me having to tell them.”
“I feel confident about this,” Azalea said as we headed for the front door.
“Me, too,” Blair growled. “Those winged motherfuckers will soon regret pulling us from our sleep.”
I was suddenly glad that Jack had called me when he did, because otherwise it would have been much harder for Thalia to wake me up.
I hadn’t planned on fighting a flock of avians today, and I would have much preferred spending the day at the beach, but there wasn’t a lot I could have done about that.
My town and my pack needed to be protected, and I wasn’t going to stop until the entire fucking road was littered with feathers.
“Everyone has been informed, and they’re already making their way here,” Benji said as he threw his phone onto one of the couches. “Some of the patrol groups had already told them about it, so they should be here soon. The betas in Everleigh are driving really fucking fast, bro.”
“Excellent,” I replied. “Then let’s go.”
I made sure to give my omegas a hug and a kiss before I headed outside and allowed my secondary form to take over. My body seemed to burn with anger as thick black fur covered my skin, and I allowed a howl to ricochet into the air as my powerful paws slammed onto the asphalt.
Beside me, Arielle shifted into her werecoyote form, and a strong breeze whistled past my face as Azalea’s enormous wings lifted the bald eagle into the sky. Nikita, Blair, and Hailey all pawed at the ground as they snapped their jaws together.
They were ready to pounce, and it was almost like a car revving its engine before it took off at great speed.
As we took off into the trees, Aunt Eva jumped into her new Jaguar and silently told me that she’d meet us down there. She was the only one in her human form, and until she had a rifle in her hands, I wanted to keep her as well protected as possible.
We’re on our way, Thalia, I called out silently. Do you know how long it’ll be before the avians arrive?
I… the werecoyote paused. I want to say we’ve got about five minutes. They’re flying at some speed, but they haven’t reached the islands yet.
Perfect, then I’ll meet you on main street, I said.
I can see the birds from here, Jesse, Azalea called down from the sky. They look to be ravens, and they’re all coming in together in one large group.
Can you tell how many there are? I queried.
It’s hard to tell, because they’re all bunched together, Azalea replied. But there’s no less than one hundred, that’s for damn sure.
Okay, thank you, I said as I focused on the trees ahead of me.
I couldn’t help but wonder if it was a coincidence that a group of ravens was often known as a conspiracy of ravens. Because the SDD definitely seemed to have been plotting these random attacks on me lately, and if so, it was certainly their intent to do something unlawful and harmful to me and my pack.
However, I also tried to think positively about the entire situation. The bald eagles were enormous, and I’d been victorious against Reuben Dillard. I hadn’t seen any raven shifters before, but I assumed they’d be smaller than the bald eagles, which I hoped would make them easier to fight and kill off.
Either way, if my small army and I could kill Reuben, then I felt confident we’d be victorious again, especially with a much larger group at hand.
It wasn’t until we arrived on the main street that I first spotted the ravens in the sky, and it was like a damn Hitchcock movie. I just hoped the birds didn’t start attacking some poor kids as they ran from their school.
The avian flock in the sky looked like a black storm cloud, and it creeped closer and closer toward the small town as adrenaline continued to build inside me. The entire road was covered with various members of my pack, and the mixed species stared up at the sky as we watched the threat approach us.
Here’s what we’re going to do, I informed everyone. The shooters will bring the birds down from the sky, and then the rest of us will finish them off. If the shot doesn’t do that for us, of course. It’s our mission to work together to defeat our opponents, but we also need to make sure we work in groups. Avians have an advantage over us, so I don’t want anyone to be working on their own.
You’ve got it, Alpha, Spencer replied for the group.
I was about to add in one more point, but then an unpleasant scent drifted past my nose. It smelled sour, like moldy oranges, but there was also a stale smell mixed in with that, like an overflowing ashtray which hadn’t been emptied for a while.
It took me less than a second to realize it was the avians’ unique scent, but there was something more to it.
As well as the stale cigarettes, I could also smell something stronger, like cigars. It was a more powerful scent, and that only meant one thing.
The alpha is present, once again, I growled.
That shouldn’t be a surprise anymore, Benji snarled.
It wasn’t a surprise that the alpha was present, and it also wasn’t a surprise that the flock hadn’t taken anosmiacs, either. It could have been because we would have spotted them arriving whether they took those pills or not. But I wasn’t sure how confident I felt about that theory.
I also couldn’t smell any omegas, and if this was another attack set up by the SDD, then there was a chance the alpha didn’t have any omegas to begin with.
I was starting to get pretty damn good at piecing together the oddities of these random attacks. I just wished I knew why the hell these factors were being implemented at all.
Either way, because there was an avian alpha present, I had to make sure Azalea constantly had guards around her.
Dallas, Gavyn, and Luke, I said as I darted my head around to find the bald eagles. You must stay with Azalea at all times, do you understand?
All of the avians, including Azalea, had perched themselves behind me on the roof of the diner.
Of course, dude. Dallas nodded.
