Ethan
Being an Alpha means that I must do things on occasion that I don’t want to do, hosting the Crescent Moon Ball is one of those things. I hate being surrounded by strangers, all of them flitting around my territory. I don’t do chitchat and I don’t pretend to like people. I prefer spending my time in the woods, patrolling my borders, training my warriors, and the occasional she-wolf or two.
Sadly, the packs have voted and the Crescent Moon Ball will be held here on my territory. I’ve been the Alpha of my pack since I took over and we haven’t been to any functions unless 100% necessary. It’s been scarce. I was one of the youngest Alphas and because of that other packs thought that I needed to prove myself. We are one of the strongest packs in the United States.
I do take pride in the fact that we are also one of the wealthiest. I push every pack member not only in training but also in their academics and because of that we have had a lot of new business start-ups in our territory.
Another reason I had to accept that the Crescent Ball was going to be held on my territory is that it’s a part of the mating ritual. For werewolves, finding your mate is second to our natural instincts.
When we turn 18 years old we’re expected to find our Goddess-given mate but for an Alpha, the pressure is on. When an Alpha finds his mate, he finds his Luna, and she not only makes him stronger but makes his pack stronger.
My mate either wasn’t in my parklands or wasn’t of mating age yet. It’s been 2 years and I have yet to find her. The longer you go without your mate the antsier you’ll get. As an Alpha, my pack members are afraid I’ll lash out at them one day.
I’m not too focused on finding her but I know that finding my mate has been my pack’s priority. My Beta has been trying to get me to go out for drinks again. He goes to other territories for a night out in hopes of finding his mate.
“The other packs will start arriving soon Alpha. I’ll be at your side to welcome them.” My Beta Odis remarks. Looking around my office I know I have to get up soon. It’s customary for Alphas and their Luna to welcome the incoming pack leaders.
“Olivia notified us that the first Alpha and Luna should be arriving in the next hour.” Odis notifies me. Olivia is my Gamma, she is unmated and her duties always come first.
She’s got short black hair and she’s 5’6“, she’s tiny compared to me but she isn’t someone you piss off. “Let her know I won’t be late,” I chuckle. Odis laughs and mind links Olivia.
“Which pack is coming first?” I ask him. “The Half Moon pack Alpha and Luna will be here first,” he replies. The Half Moon pack is the second largest pack in the US, they had a treaty in place with the previous Alpha.
I’ll feel him out and see if we will be allies or enemies. Thinking of Olivia, I smile, but of course, I’ll be on my best behavior.
***
I’m standing outside in 80-degree heat wearing a suit. My Beta at my side, we were told they would be pulling up soon, and I’ve got a suspicion that Olivia had us come out a few minutes earlier than the eta.
Odis is also wearing a suit and tie, he always looks professional, even when we’re doing regular daily work. He stands at 6’3“, blonde hair that’s short on the sides long on the top, sun-kissed tan, with a muscular build second to mine.
He’s surprisingly celibate, despite all of the flirtatious advances he’s received from women. A large red jeep pulls into my driveway. Thank God they’ve arrived. “Let’s get this over with,” I whisper to Odis.
They pull up and the Alpha, Luna, and his kids jump out of the Jeep. “Alpha Ethan, may I present Alpha Joshua and his Luna Rose.” These words are spoken by who I assume is his Beta.
Alpha Joshua smiles widely at me, steps forward, and reaches out his hand. “Alpha Ethan, I thank you for personally welcoming my family and me to your territory. We are excited to be here.”
Odis looks back and forth from Alpha Joshua’s hand to me, I chuckle as I reach for Alpha Joshua’s hand. We shake and he’s got a firm grip. So far so good. He’s given a good first impression.
“Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoy your time here.” I say gruffly before nodding at his Luna. “Let us know if you need anything during your stay.” I hear a squeal behind them, I’m guessing these are his pups.
They look to be in their teens, twins. The male is tall, has wavy brown hair, and cold black eyes. His sister, is short, has black wavy hair, and warm grey eyes.
The male one looks at me with discontent and the little one looks at me with wide eyes and blushed cheeks. “I welcome you to my home.”
I can read people and I can tell she’s kind and innocent. I give her a warm smile and her brother lightly growls.
“This is my son Shane and my daughter Mavy,” Alpha Joshua says introducing his pups. “They’re still in High School but will finish this year.” Shane nods at me and Mavy bows her head respectfully. I nod, acknowledging them.
Olivia appears from nowhere, “Please come in, follow me, we will get you settled.” “I don’t like the way the pup is looking at us,” Elijah growls in my head. “He’s a pup and a teenager. We will not start a war over a pup,” I laugh.
“Thank you,” Alpha Joshua says before he and his family follows Olivia into the packhouse. “She always appears out of thin air,” Odis whispers. “She’s a witch, I tell you,” he says in mock shock.
“I heard that you brute,” Olivia mind links us talking to Odis. “See? Witch,” he mouths and I can’t help but laugh.