Chapter 3: Today’s The Day

Eliza’s P.O.V

I set my alarm to wake me at 4am this morning and I instructed the soldiers to do the same. We needed to start training early because today is the day Alpha Kaiden arrives and there’s a celebration tonight which some of the men are guarding.

“Good Morning meat bag.” Amber said with a yawn in my mind. “Good Morning mutt” I replied as I exited my bed. If some heard the way we spoke to one another, they’d wonder why we had been put together but my wolf and I had always used these terms, not out of hatred or dislike, but in fun. They were our terms of endearment, like when couples call each other sweet heart or dear.

“So, today’s the day. Do you think you can get through it without punching or offending the Alpha?” She asked with a chuckle.

“I don’t intend to be around him long enough to feel that urge, I have no desire to be around another arrogant Alpha, we need this alliance so I figured the more I avoid Alpha Kaiden, the less likely I am not to do anything that could jeopardise it,” I replied, after all, it was a solid plan, I couldn’t promise anything other wise, I will be the first to admit that I’m a loose cannon with low tolerance for arrogance and entitlement.

“Liza, I hate to break it to you, but you’re the Gamma now, father will need you and the Beta to help reassure Alpha Kaiden that Half Moon can go against those rogue flea bags.” I took a moment to let Amber’s words sink in and then, reality hit me, as much as I hated to admit it, my wolf was right.

Now how was I going to handle this? I couldn’t answer Amber and I definitely wasn’t going to tell her she was right, so I simply said “Amber, we don’t have time for this, we have a long day of training and preparations for tonight’s celebrations.” And with that, I took my self for a shower and got ready for the day’s tasks.

Once I was ready, I discarded my dirty laundry in the laundry basket and made my bed, while I knew this was Cara’s job, I didn’t want to put too much on my friend. Just as I cleared the last wrinkle from my now neatened duvet, I heard a knock at my door “Who is it?” I called, I then received a mind-link from my father “It’s me little lavender, please keep it down, your mother is still sleeping, are you ready?” Just as promised, my father had arrived to accompany to the training ground so he could inform the men of my new position. “I’m coming” I linked back, I opened the door to my bedroom and my father drew my into a hug while linking “Good morning my little pup,” my father loved to use the term ‘little’, I couldn’t couldn’t argue though because on a technicality, he wasn’t wrong so I giggled quietly and linked “Good morning grumpy.”

Father released his hold and gestured towards the stairs “Shall we?” He whispered, I nodded at my father and we headed out, having father with me calmed my nerves, I knew he’d be able to deliver the news to them better than I could, father had a way of getting people to really listen and understand what was going on and the reasons behind his decisions.

I admired my father for this, he radiated power without being dick about it which only made me love him more. My father is a kind man but can still be fierce and generated fear into those who needed it.

We reached the training ground and as my father had requested, all the men were there waiting for us.

“Good Morning everyone” he called across the grounds.

“Good Morning Alpha” they called back with a thump to the chest and a bow of their heads.

I smiled as they straightened and waited for what ever daddy was going to say.

My father cleared his throat and began to speak to the large group of men. “Gentlemen, as you all know, yesterday morning, we all lost our dear friend and Gamma, Alexander.” As I looked out at the crowd, every single soldier had bowed their heads out of respect to Alex and as such I bowed too. “Alexander was one of the bravest, most courageous and most loyal men we could have ever of had the pleasure of knowing, but time must move on, titles must move on and so, though it was a hard decision to make, I have unfortunately had to replace him.” The men looked up but didn’t at all seem surprised, I suppose they knew we couldn’t really function without a Gamma, my father continued “I had a rather long and difficult conversation with our Luna and Beta Gregory about this matter and we reached a decision,” father took a deep breath and exhaled “I have given the title to Eliza, just as Alexander requested if anything should happen to him, so with that being said, I will hand you over to your new Gamma.”

“Yes Alpha” they chimed back and father turned to leave but something stopped him in his tracks “Oh and gentlemen, there’s one more thing,” the men’s ears pricked at this as did my own, “Don’t piss her off, this one has a low tolerance for BS,” he said with a smile and walked away. The men laughed at his words and suddenly swarmed around me, giving me hand shakes, hugs and congratulations, while it was nice, I couldn’t cope with the soppy crap so I ordered them to break into pairs and spar, they again thumped their chests and did as instructed.

I slowly walked around, visiting each pair and watched as they battled, making a mental note of each one, their strengths and their weaknesses, keeping each in mind and showing techniques that would surely help them overcome their weaknesses and further improve their strength and abilities in battle. Though we could shift into our wolves, there wasn’t always time, so battle would sometimes begin in human form until we had opportunity to shift.

We continued on this through the morning, the men pushed themselves hard and I couldn’t have been more proud of them, with each passing minute, they improved but something was bugging me. I had this gut down feeling I was missing something, I just couldn’t put my finger on it, I glanced down at my watch, 8:47am “Oh crap!” I exclaimed. I then yelled across the training ground “That’s a wrap guys, go home and get some rest, I want the men that are guarding the celebration tonight to meet me in the lobby of the pack house at 5pm sharp to discuss the plans, is that understood?” “Yes Gamma” they called back and dispersed.

I quickly gathered my things and ran back home, daddy was definitely going to kill me, he’d informed me last night that Alpha Kaiden would be arriving this morning and asked that I be home by 7:30 at the latest.

I ran through the door and was intercepted by Beta Gregory. He offered me a bow and a smile and then spoke “Your mother and father have requested your presence in the study.”

Crap, crap, crap I thought to myself, I was definitely in a trouble! I nodded at the Beta “I’ll head straight there.”

I ascended the stairs and walked down the hall to daddies study, I knocked and entered.

My mother smiled and came to hug me but my father’s face was stern, oh yeah, I was in trouble.

“Sit!” My father ordered so I nodded and sat in the seat opposite him at his desk.

“Where have you been Eliza?” He asked, anger spread over his face, “I’ve been at the training ground daddy, I’m sorry, I just lost track of time,” I said, my eyes focused on the ground, I hated upsetting my father, I loved him dearly but this was a genuine accident, I didn’t intend to be late. After a few moments silence, my father spoke again, this time, his face and tone had softened “Well, I suppose there’s no harm done, you’ve only been Gamma for for a morning really, I suppose this only shows that you’re taking your new role seriously.” I looked up and cleared my throat to speak but my father cut me off before I could say anything “Liza, your mother and I wanted to discuss something with you, it may come off offensive but we really don’t mean anything by it,” he said with a slight apologetic tinge in his voice, I tilted my head in slight confusion.

My mother looked down at me with a smile and placed a hand on my shoulder as she always did while I was growing up, she always said it reminded her of when I was a pup, I’d always tilt my head when I didn’t understand, my mother then said with a slight giggle “You have a tendency to be a little hot headed darling, it’s a trait you got from your father,” “Thank you darling” my father cut in jokingly, “Not a problem dear,” she fired back with a slight smirk “Anyway” she continued “All we want to say is we want you to be on your best behaviour during the Alpha’s stay.”

I looked at my parents for a moment, this was important so I simply nodded my head “Of course,” my father stared at me for a moment and then smiled “I’m so proud of you Eliza, now, why don’t you go and rest and prepare for tonight’s festivities, I’ve had Cara go and buy you some new dresses and accessories for tonight so she’ll deliver them later and assist you getting ready.” I smiled and thanked him. As I stood to leave, my parents also stood and approached me, they drew me into a hug, I then turned to leave when my mother called out, “We love you princess.” I turned and smiled at them “I love you too.”And with that, I turned back to face the door and left.

I had every intention of doing what my parents advised but as I stood in the hall, the noise filled my ears, I walked towards the top of the stairs and looked down.

The foyer of our usually quiet mansion was absolutely buzzing with life, maids were rushing in and out of the house, fetching and carrying things between the mansion and the pack house, while guards were switching shifts and being directed by Beta Gregory. I’d never seen anything like this before, at least, not here. I snapped out of observing gaze when a hand gently grabbed my shoulder.

“Is everything alright sweetheart? I thought you were going to rest” my mother stated. “I’m fine mum, I just rushed back so quickly that I didn’t see any of this going on.”

My mother giggled “Well princess, there were some last minute things that couldn’t be achieved until today, so we’re just whipping around and trying to get them done in time for tonight.” I looked up at my mother and my head must have tilted again because she followed up with “what’s on your mind?” I didn’t know whether I should say anything or not because I’m not sure if my mother would appreciate what I had to say but mother knew me better than any one and I knew her well enough to know that she wouldn’t leave it alone until I told her, so I took a deep breath and straightened myself, “I really don’t understand why we’re making such a fuss for another Alpha, I mean, seriously mum, if the others are anything to go by, this one will be just as arrogant and snobby as them” and there it was, the disapproving look.

Mother’s eyebrows creased together and her disappointed tone reached my ears. “Eliza Marie Silver! I raised you better than that!” I instantly dropped my head in submission and glared at the floor hoping it would open up swallow me whole. “You shouldn’t judge people Eliza, not all Alpha’s are the same, just look at your father! I’ll also have you know that Alpha Kaiden is a very kind and polite young man and you will show him respect, do you understand?” Her last words were rhetorical but I lifted my head to look at her, oh she was pissed, right now I wasn’t looking at my mother, I was looking at her wolf. “Yes mam.” I nodded, I knew there was only going to be one outcome with Sky at the surface so I did the only thing I could do in that moment, and that was to submit.

Once my mother and her wolf Sky were content that I would behave myself, I was finally allowed to leave my spot on the stairs but of course, Amber had to pipe up before we entered our room, “Well meat bag, you really fudged that one up didn’t you, my mother never claws to the surface.”

“Shut it mutt, I just don’t understand what all the fuss is about that’s all” I snapped back “Well you better keep those opinions to yourself, father is counting on you to behave and help the cause.” Damn she was right but instead of saying a word I just grunted at her and retired to my room to shower and rest. Hopefully tonight wouldn’t drag on too long.

Once I’d showered and changed, I decided that a nap may be in order, I needed to be well rested in order to keep my mind clear and in check when I inevitably met the Alpha.

“What do you think he’s like?” Amber piped up out of no where, “Who?” I asked as if I didn’t know who she was talking about, “The Alpha!” She replied, her voice sounded irritated in my mind.

“He’s an Alpha, the Alpha’s from the other neighbouring packs have all been arrogant, pompous, douche canoes, why would this one be any different?” I put to her. Amber was silent for a moment but then she fired back “You’re judging him before meeting him, you shouldn’t draw conclusions without evidence meat bag, it will be your downfall.” As if it were a matter of fact. The only response I gave was a scoff, to which she replied “Fine Eliza, but mark my words, no good can come from your lack of willingness to get to know people before judging” and with that, Amber retreated back into the back of my mind. I loved my wolf dearly but I could never understand why she would be so tolerant of these Alpha’s, she’s been there and seen their self entitled attitudes and yet, she still thinks I should try to understand them, “stupid mutt” I said to myself. “I heard that!” Amber shot at me, I simply rolled my eyes and didn’t reply.

Well, I will not tolerate their B.S, not me, hell no, I will not role over like a dog wanting belly scratches I declared to myself, I then rolled over and sank into slumber.

“This is your gift” a voice called from deep within my subconscious. I looked around but all I could see was a bright light, “Cherish it, respect it” it called again “What gift?” I asked but got no response, the bright light flashed and suddenly, I was standing in the lavender field I frequented with my father as a child, I was standing under a full moon and clear starlit sky and the only sound I could hear was the gentle breeze flowing through the lavender and surrounding trees, it was beautiful. I looked up at the hill and noticed a huge, pure black wolf with bright orange glowing eyes, he was breath taking.

Suddenly, I felt Amber pulling forward, “Mate” she rumbled, feeling her attraction I replied “Amber, that’s impossible, we’ve had 2 mates already, a third is simply not possible.” Amber grunted and retreated back into the back of my mind. I sat myself down among the lavender and took in the beauty around me and watched the wolf, he was prancing around like a pup chasing the birds, it was so cute to watch. After a while the wolf disappeared and I was dragged back to light. “This is your gift” the voice repeated “cherish it, respect it.” “What do you mean? What is my gift?” I asked again, this time, I was frustrated, I didn’t understand what this strange light was talking about, again, I was met with nothing but silence.

The light flashed once again but this time I woke up. I shot up and sat, taking in the room for a moment and then dropped back to my pillow. What in goddess’s name was all that about? I wondered. The bright light, the confusing talk, the wolf and Ambers confusion over the wolf? What does it all mean?, non of it makes any sense.

I tried to filter through all these thoughts but decided there was no sense to be made, it was just a silly dream, it means nothing.

I dragged myself from my bed and took myself to the bathroom and threw some cold water over me face, “You need to get a grip of yourself Liza” I said out loud as I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes turned purple and Amber spoke, “We still have a few hours before we have to get ready meat bag, why don’t you try to get some more sleep.” Though I didn’t want to admit it, Amber was right yet again, sleep is definitely something I don’t get a lot of these days so I nodded as Amber retracted again and took myself back to bed. I felt as if I’d been lying here forever, trying to quieten the thoughts that kept rushing through my mind.

I kept telling myself it was just a stupid dream but my own mind betrayed me with a counter question. What if it wasn’t just a dream? What if it was actually a message of some kind?

After an hour or so and no sign of falling back to sleep any time soon I decided to get up and watch a film in the hopes that it would take my mind off of the dream.

I settled down on the sofa with a blanket and watch my all time favourite film, ‘Bad Boys 2’. The humans world and our world never mix, we make sure of it but even we have to admit that the humans know how to make a good film.

As I sat watching the film, my concentration was disturbed by an incoming mind-link. “Liza? Are you awake?” “Yes” I replied. “Awesome, your dad asked me to get you some new dresses for tonight so I just wanted to bring them up so you have time to choose one for the party tonight.” Ah yes, the dresses, I had forgotten all about those, my father had mentioned them to me earlier.

“Sure” I said “Come straight in, the door’s open.” I closed the link and continued with my film until Cara arrived, she had so many bags, I didn’t know where to start. I wasn’t one for formal wear so I relied on Cara to help me a lot where shopping was concerned, that’s why my father sent Cara shopping instead of me.

“Cara, what the hell is all this?” I asked, shocked at the mountain of bags she piled in my room, “Seriously Liza, you have new outfits to choose from for every night this week! Your dad demanded that I ensure you’re prepared for any and everything!”

What in the hell is my father doing? I thought to myself, “Cara, there is absolutely no way I’ll be wearing all of this!” I shot back “Well you should!” She snapped back “You’re beautiful Liza! And this stuff will just amplify your beauty, you spend so much time looking like you’re ready for fight, I’m sure you’ve forgotten how to look like a woman!”

While I felt slightly insulted by her outburst, she wasn’t completely wrong, I enjoyed the comfort of baggy jogging bottoms and T-shirts, I was always prepared incase we came under attack, I’ve never really been the ‘girly’ type except for special or important occasions. Makeup and hair styling are completely alien to me but thankfully, I’ve always had Cara’s help for these kind of things.

The other she-wolves in the pack have always said I’m a natural beauty but I could at least put on some eyeliner to enhance my eyes. I did try once but I damn near poked out my damn eye so decided I was more than happy to continue as the goddess intended.

Cara began unloading the bags into my walk in wardrobe, showing me each piece as she was putting them away, I counted at least 14 dresses in the haul, I never understood why she-wolves bought so much when they’re never going to wear it all. After around half an hour, we’d finally managed to minimise the choice of attire down to three. A long red, figure hugging halter neck dress with an open back, a long, figure hugging, emerald green, off the shoulder dress and a long, blue, strapless dress that had a minimal but stunning crystal design on the bodice. We talked about the pros and cons of each but decided on the blue dress, the tone matched my eyes perfectly, the fabric of the blue dress changed shades in different lighting just like my eyes depending on my mood, and the crystal design twinkled in the light, it was certainly perfect for me and enhanced my curved in the right places.

Once we’d decided on the accessories that would best compliment me and my dress, Cara informed me that my mother had given her the afternoon off as she would be waitressing at the celebration tonight so I invited her to finish the film with me. Cara obliged but insisted we needed some snacks first, Cara always believed you couldn’t watch a film without snacks so I smiled and let her gather the snacks. Once she returned, she snuggled under the blanket with me on the sofa, we ate our snacks and laughed to the point of having tears in our eyes. I loved having this time with Cara, it didn’t happen as much as I’d have liked these days so when we got the chance, I truly enjoyed it.

Once the film had finished and the snacks we gone, we were well into the afternoon, we decided it was time for me to get ready as I had to meet the men guarding the pack before the celebration so, while Cara prepared my outfit, I showered and joined her back in the bedroom. Cara then helped to dry my waist length hair and assisted me into my dress, she then took time and care to style my hair into simple but stylish up do and ensured my makeup was complimentary but elegant.

Cara stood back and admired her work as I stood and took myself over to my body length mirror, as much as I wasn’t into all this girly crap, I had to be honest, I looked amazing. “You did an amazing job as always,” I smiled at Cara, “What can I say, I had the perfect blank canvas.” “Shut up idiot” I giggled which in turn made Cara giggle herself “I need to get going Liza, I need to be ready for work, please don’t do anything to ruin any part of your look,” she pleaded, I giggled “ I won’t, I promise,” Cara smiled, turned on her heels and left.

Once Cara had gone and I’d tidied up my dressing table, I decided to head out to the pack house so I would already be there when the men arrived for the briefing.

I arrived at the pack house by 4:44pm so I decided to stop in at the banquet hall to see how my mother was doing, I looked around and finally found her stood over on the far side with her trusty clipboard and talking to one of the maids.

Mother looked more stressed today than she has been in the last month planning this event, I walked over and waited for her to finish speaking. Finally she turned to me, “Oh Eliza dear, just look at you!” She exclaimed with her hand cupping one side of her face “You look beautiful princess” I replied simply “Thank you mother.” She stood for a moment and took in my appearance then took a breath “What brings you here darling?” She asked, “I’m the new Gamma mother, I need to ensure my men know what they’re doing tonight both here and out on patrol.” “Oh yes of course, silly me, I’m so sorry baby, I’ve been so busy today, I completely forgot about your responsibilities” she replied as her sudden realisation sunk in, “I’m a little early for the briefing so I thought I would drop in and see how you’re doing.”

My mother looked at me and smiled, “such a sweet child, I’m fine darling, just finishing up and then heading to get ready.” I turned and looked at the clock on the wall, “Well, I have to go now mother, the men will be here any second, please don’t worry, tonight is going to be fine.”

My mother looked at me, not quite convinced but simply nodded and smiled, I turned and walked back to meet the men in the lobby.

Once everyone was gathered, we went to the meeting room and discussed the plans for tonight, if everything went according to how I planned it, then there should be no issues tonight.

The men dispersed to the designated places and I decided to head to the bathroom before I joined the celebration. One I had completed my business and took myself over to the sinks to wash my hands, I gave myself a small pep talk before leaving “Behave Eliza, it’s not so bad, you can do this” I told myself, I just had to be patient and get through tonight. I promised my mother and father I would keep myself in check and do my best not to be rude, though I doubted I’d be able to stick to it, I’d definitely try, for their sake more than mine, after all, if the Alpha decided he didn’t trust me, then the alliance would fall flat and it would all be my fault.

I felt the whole weight and severity of this situation on my shoulders, I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle this, what would Alex say? I wondered, I stood back and stared at myself in the mirror, searching my mind for the words Alex would say to calm my nerves, the way only he could.

Just then, Ambers voice broke through the chaos in my mind “Everything will be fine meat bag, just stay dignified and remember your manners,” she said. “What if he’s an ass hole though? I don’t know if I’ll be able to control myself Amber” I stated back, my voice tainted with concern. “You’ll be fine if you just follow my advice for once” she was right, every time I ignored her advice, everything went belly up and turned to complete crap, “You know what Amber, you’re right, I promise I’ll do my best to keep what you said in the front of my mind.”

Amber chuckled in my mind “Yeah right meat bag.” “Shut up mutt” I fired back as I turned and made my way back out of the bathroom.

I stepped in to the hall and heard a voice from the past, there, stood before me was one person I never wanted to see again, Austin.

I narrowed my eyes at him “Well, look what the dog coughed up.” I said, clearly agitated by his presence. “It’s a pleasure to see you too Eliza” he responded with his arrogant smirk, agitating me further. “I assure you, the pleasure is ALL yours” I spat back “What are you doing here?” I asked, not that I really cared, Austin was my second mate unfortunately and a total tool. Everyone was ecstatic when we found out I had a second chance mate. Everyone except Austin that is, he said that Selene must have made a mistake because he couldn’t possibly be mated to a short, boy-stress mutt like me.

Austin took in a breath but rather than answer my question, he instead replied “Eliza, I never knew you could look so feminine, you’ve changed so much since our last encounter,” he said as if I was supposed to be flattered by his words “I have indeed, look Austin, what ever game you’re playing, I suggest you stop right there because now I’ll gladly throat punch you for so much as even breathing in my direction, do you understand?” I asked the question rhetorically, I turned to walk away but Austin grabbed my wrist with a firm grip and snarled “That’s no way to talk to your mate Eliza, maybe I should teach you some manners!”

He raised a hand to hit me but I ripped my wrist away and popped him clean in the nose, his nose instantly cracked and spat blood. Austin stood there cupping his face “YOU BITCH!” He yelled and I just stood there in front of him, a smile crept onto my face, I felt content with this situation, “You rejected me ass hole, go back to chasing your tail,” and with that, I turned and entered the hall.

Let’s get this show on the road.

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