ALPHA

-ADIRA-

There was an electric feeling in the air on the day of the full moon. As if the pack could sense it, everyone was buzzing with excitement to finally have another Alpha pair. I couldn’t blame them for being excited.

Not only were Rhys and I mating but there were 10 other couples, including Selene and Lucas, joining us for the ceremony.

There were many traditions that went into this ceremony, it wasn’t merely a party but a way to display our culture. It was the pack’s favorite part of the month. We didn’t usually have such a grand ceremony but it was unusual for 10 couples to be mated at the same time. This was a historic day. .

The first step of the ceremony was to separate the males and the females. Our ancestors believed this would strengthen the need to mate once the time came of our run. I would admit it was a little annoying this morning when Natalia and Kris came to separate Rhys and I, especially with how comfortable I was at that exact moment.

With Kris and a few warrior’s help they were able to get my mate away from me. We weren’t allowed to see each other until tonight.

It was agonizing but the ending would be worth it.

I propped my elbow on the table in the kitchen of the pack house and sighed longingly. We were now eating lunch which would most likely be the only real meal we’ll get to have today. Selene sat next to me pushing her food around her plate.

Natalia looked between us with a cup of coffee in her hand and rose a brow in annoyance “Seriously? It’s only been a few hours! You two are acting like lovesick puppies!”

I glowered at my sister who merely rolled her eyes “You know the full moon is messing with my emotions. My wolf knows something is up tonight so she’s all angsty.” I argued with a pout.

“Honestly this is ridiculous. Try not to think of how much you miss your mates and try to think of all the fun activities you get to do beforehand!” She grinned trying to cheer us up.

“I’m not looking forward to that milk bath.” Selene grumbled making me smirk.

All the she-wolves partaking in the run would bathe in a milk bath filled with the perfumes and flowers to mask their natural scent. It would give them a greater advantage to the run. After all, the run wasn’t meant to end quickly but to be a blood pumping chase. It meant having your male crave you by the end.

“Don’t want to smell like pretty flowers?” I tease even though I didn’t like the idea of covering my scent either.

“I smell perfectly fine, no need to cover my scent with so much. Besides, milk baths sound disgusting.” Selene crossed her arms leaning back into her seat.

Natalia shook her head “Be careful, you wouldn’t want Sonya to hear you say that about one of our precious traditions.”

Selene and I shared uncomfortable glances at the mention of the old woman. Sonya was one of the oldest members of our pack and is the one to watch over and guide the she-wolves before they were mated. She was downright terrifying and cared deeply about the pack’s traditions.

Soon we and the other eight women would join her in her home to prepare for our night.

While Sonya guides the women her mate, Raul guides the men. Like Sonya he is one of the oldest males in the pack. I wasn’t sure what the guys were up to but I knew Rhys and Lucas would be spending most of their time at my parents cabin in order to keep us from seeing each other.

Not that it would be a problem. While we were being prepared, the rest of the pack was setting up for the giant celebration that would occur tonight. Food and a giant bonfire would be the main necessities, while the couples were on their run, the rest of the pack would feast and celebrate over the newly mated wolves. There would be too much traffic to get anywhere today, the men would stay away.

“I wonder what the guys are doing?” I mused popping a chip into my mouth.

“Making a hole in the floor.” Selene deadpanned “I bet Rhys has been pacing back and forth ever since you two were separated.”

I let out a laugh and pictured Rhys doing exactly that. I wouldn’t put it past him. He was probably just as anxious as I was feeling. The reality of our mating had hit us and we were nervous.

“And Lucas?” I questioned raising a brow.

“Probably being an idiot and trying to make jokes to make Rhys feel better.” She replies shrugging looking down at her food.

Something had been off about Sel lately and I knew it had to do with Lucas. Though I wasn’t sure how anything could really be wrong, they seemed to be getting along perfectly.

“What happened between you and Lucas?” I asked sharing a look with Natalia who must have shared my same thoughts.

“You’ve been extra moody lately and it’s not just because of the full moon approaching.” Nat added in.

Selene groaned and leaned her head back letting her long hair flow behind the chair “You two are so fucking observant it’s obnoxious.” She says then sat up “We’ve just been arguing lately...about….marking.”

“Marking?” Why would that be a problem for either of them? They’ve already completed one part of the mating process. Why not finish it?

“Look I’m a little nervous about it okay? Lucas has been ready to mark me ever since we’ve mated but I just haven’t felt ready. Sex is one thing but marking….that’s forever.” She admits biting her nails nervously.

“Don’t you love Lucas?” I asked softly.

“Of course I do idiot.” She snapped before taking in a deep breath calming herself “I do love him.”

“And you want to spend the rest of your life with him?” Natalia interjected.

“Well I wouldn’t be participating in this ceremony if I didn’t.”

I smirked and leaned back into my seat “Then you’re ready for this Sel. Lucas is the one for you and you two have waited long enough for each other. Trust me.”

Sel seemed to think on my words before nodding her head “Okay. You’re right. I’ve just been making a huge deal about this for nothing. You think Lucas is still upset with me?” She asks nervously.

“Knowing Luc, he probably forgot about it the moment you two were separated.” Natalia says rolling her eyes but not bothering to hide her giggle.

Selene chuckled “That’s true.” Her gaze softened as she looked at the both of us “Thanks guys. I know I can be stubborn-“

“That’s an understatement.” Nat snorted earning a punch from Selene.

“But thanks for always being here to help me see that I’m usually the one being an idiot.” Sel continued giving us a rare and genuine smile.

“That’s what sisters are for.”

After an hour or two of lounging and getting some paperwork done, it was time for Selene and I to head to Sonya’s home.

“What do you think it’s going to be like?” I asked as we walked down the path towards Sonya’s home in the center of the pack.

“Boring.” Sel replies trying not to look nonchalant about this whole ceremony but I knew she was just as nervous as me.

“It’s anything but boring Sel.” Nat chimes in from next to me “You two will basically get the royal treatment!” She and Emilia volunteered to help Sonya prepare us tonight. Usually the she-wolf’s mother stepped in for this position but with mom gone, our sisters accepted this role.

“Nat we aren’t supposed to say anything about it!” Emilia whispers harshly elbowing our sister.

Natalia rolled her eyes “I didn’t say anything important, relax you worry wart.”

We were now in front of Sonya’s home that sat on top of a small hill, the glow of a fireplace could be seen from one of the windows. It’s now nearing the end of the day and soon the sun will begin it’s decent down and the moon will take its place. We didn’t have long until the ceremony.

I took one more glance around and noticed the pack had begun gathering together and different trays of food were being placed on a large wide table. I was slightly jealous that I wouldn’t be participating in the feast but I would have my own personal celebration tonight.

When Emilia opened the door we were greeted with a full home. Seated on the floor were the eight other she-wolves and their mothers. Sonya sat in a wooden chair in front of the fireplace with a raised brow. Her gray hair laid in waves over her chest and her piercing brown eyes never wavered from our face.

“Alpha, Gamma, how nice of you two to join us.” Sonya greets with a rasp “Come in and shut the door, the full moon is nearly upon us.”

Selene and I quickly joined the other women on the ground. I smiled politely back at the few who offered smiles of their own.

“Tonight is a very important night for you all. You will finally be one with the wolf the Moon Goddess has blessed you with.” Sonya’s eyes roamed the room until they landed on me “For some, it means welcoming a new Alpha to our pack.”

I gulped nervously and took in a deep breath to keep my emotions at bay. As much as I tried to play it off, I was anxious about tonight. Everything would be different when tomorrow comes. Was I ready for it?

“The run will be the most exhilarating and the most important part of our ceremony. To prepare, we will be disguising your scent to allow more time for the chase. Mothers and loved ones may begin assisting you into the tubs for your baths.”

Placed around the room were 10 tin tubs for us to bathe in. Nudity was not a problem for our species so we had no shame as we all stripped of our clothing and entered the tubs. I sighed in content as the warm milk hit my skin. Different brightly colored flowers and citrus floated around my body beginning to mask my scent.

Natalia helped by taking a sponge, infused with floral petals and began running it across my back and shoulders “I’m sorry mom can’t be here.” She begins as she continued to move the sponge against my body.

“It’s okay Nat, she’d be happy to know you and Em are here for her.” I murmured, offering her a reassuring smile.

“I know but still. She was supposed to do this for you, for all of us.”

I said nothing and continued my bath not wanting to risk crying during this moment. I couldn’t let my mourning come before my joy. And tonight was supposed to be joyful.

“Now she-wolves you will partake in a dinner consisting of fresh fresh fruit and vegetables. This will fill your stomachs while keeping you from feeling stuffed. I suggest you eat what you can.” Sonya advises gesturing to the fruit and veggies that were placed on plates in front of us.

I tightened my silk robe and began my meal. I would need my strength for tonight’s activities. I knew none of us would be eating until morning. I bit back a smile seeing Selene scowl at the piece of broccoli placed on her plate.

“Finally as you dress into your gowns, we will paint the ceremonial paint across your body, a tradition that has started since the beginning of this pack.” Natalia helped me into the white silk gown that didn’t leave much imagination of my body.

I tore the bottom of the gown allowing me to be able to run. A slit ran up both sides of my dress freeing more of my legs. I needed as much advantage as I could get, I knew Rhys was fast but I could be faster if I wanted to.

Selene has turned her gown into a two piece set with side slits as well. It seems like we had the same idea.

Natalia took paint into her fingers and began to paint across my arms, face and neck. A crescent moon was painted in the center of my forehead.

We were now ready for the mating ceremony. The other she-wolves around me whispered in excitement amongst each other feeling a newfound electricity in the air. The reality of tonight was now catching up to us.

It didn’t really hit me until I could see the deep booming sounds of drums thunder from outside Sonya’s home. It was finally time.

We were led by Sonya and the rest of the mothers down the now torch lit path way towards the edge of the woods. We passed by the large party held by the pack and I spotted families eating, dancing, and laughing amongst each other. A large bonfire was roaring at the center of the celebration.

The drumming grew louder as we neared the spot we’d begin our run. A small crowd of mated couples gathered around the drummers and from the distance I could see Raul and the rest of the men.

My eyes instantly searched for Rhys but knew we weren’t close enough. Butterflies began to fill my stomach and I knew there was no turning back now. The moon was finally reaching its peak and we’d begin the run.

When I finally spotted Rhys I felt my mouth go dry. Covered in the same paint as me, my shirtless mate stood taller amongst the rest of the men. He looked so handsome.

As if he knew I was staring his blue eyes caught mine and instantly they turned into a lustful shade of black. He roamed my body and I could see the hunger flash across his face. My loins clenched at the unfamiliar feeling and I felt myself grow hot.

The drumming grew faster and faster now that all the couples were now facing each other.

Sonya joined Raul at the front of the crowd and the old man held up a hand silencing the drums and people simultaneously. “Tonight we celebrate the mating of these wolves. The Moon Goddess has surely blessed our pack with not just one, or two matings but 10. This is surely a joyous occasion.”

“With the Moon Goddess now smiling above us, we will begin the run.” She held up her arms towards the heavens and mumbled as small prayer. She and Raul nodded their heads towards the row of drummers who began their steady rhythm that was gradually getting faster.

“Women.” Sonya addressed us over the drumming “You will have a three minute head start. We suggest you start running now.”

Selene met my eyes and we took off towards the forest. I could hear the other women giggling behind us as they ran as well.

I could hear the drums getting faster and faster as time went on. It wasn’t long until I lost Selene and was now on my own sprinting through trees and bushes. I zig zagged and tried to make my trail as confusing as possible.

The sounds of men howling caused me to momentarily stumble over my feet. Our three minutes were now up. The drums played in a fast rhythm almost matching the beating of my heart and I felt an excited giggle escape my mouth. This feeling was so primal, exhilarating and wild.

My mate was now on the hunt.

Howls of wolves now echoes throughout the woods and I knew the men had shifted into their wolves. It wouldn’t be long until Rhys caught up.

I was still ahead for a few minutes until I heard the familiar howl of my mate not too far from me. He was getting closer and I knew there was only one place for us to mate. It was still quite a distance away but I knew I could outrun him, I had to.

With renewed energy I pushed my legs faster towards my favorite hiding place. A snapping of twigs got my attention and I could hear the harsh breath of Rhys nearning me.

His playful growl rang into the air. Rhys had found me. I let out a laugh and continued running. In the distance I could see the familiar wall of bushes that hid the cleaning.

Just as I entered the clearing I felt Rhys wolf spin me around and caused us to crash onto the ground. Before his large wolf could crush me, Rhys shifted and landed on top of me.

“Hi there.” He panted out over me. His eyes were black and I could see the desire on his face.

“Hi.” I murmured almost shyly.

“You look beautiful tonight.” He says and brought his head down towards my neck kissing across the skin “And you smell different. Did you try to throw me off, little mate?”

“Possibly.” I tease earning a playful growl to escape his mouth and a nip to my skin causing me to gasp “But it didn’t seem to work.”

“It’ll take more than flowers and citrus to keep me from you Adira.” Rhys says and lifted his head to bring our lips together.

A small moan left my mouth as he brought his hand up to caress my face. A burning fire began to ignite my body as Rhys continued to kiss me passionately.

I whimpered as he grinded his pelvis against mine. I felt my cheeks heat up realizing that he was completely naked. “Rhys.” I mewled loving the delicious feeling he was causing.

We had waited long enough for this moment and there was no taking our time. The primal side of us had now taken over and we wouldn’t deny it any longer.

“Are you sure you want this Adira? There’s no going back?” Rhys asked, pulling back to gaze at my face in search of any sign of discomfort. I felt my heart melt at the fact that he had enough will to stop and make sure that this was what I wanted.

And it definitely was.

I was ready for us to become one. I wanted to be fully mated to Rhys Carson.

“I want this Rhys, I want you. Take me Alpha.” I say confidently as I began removing the dress that was now more torn from the run and pushed it down my body.

Rhys growled admiring each new part of my body that was revealed then captured my lips once more, this time more roughly.

From then into the rest of the night, he would take me to a paradise I didn’t know existed.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I’m sorry for the lack of smut but I’m supperrr terrible at writing it.

Now that Ad and Rhys are mated what do you think will happen next with our Alpha pair??

I’m so excited to get the rest of this story out, we don’t have much longer left!

Until next time readers!!