The Alpha's Runt

Alpha Phoenix paced his bedroom as he contemplated the letter he’d sent.

Was he ready for a lifelong mate? Should he send another one to postpone it? Did he need more time?

He was twenty-eight years old and needed an heir. Fuck! This fuckin’ sucks ass. He sat on the corner of his bed and ran his fingers through his thick black hair.

Phoenix was deep in thought when feminine arms circled around his waist from behind.

“Are you ready for round ten?” She sucked his earlobe then nipped it with her teeth.

Phoenix smirked then turned around, pushing the woman onto her back on the bed. “I’m always ready for any number of rounds,” he growled as he hovered over her.

She spread her legs to give him quicker access. Phoenix entered her with a hard thrust, making her yelp in delight. His pace quickened, making the headboard slam hard against the wall.

They both moaned with pleasure until they were interrupted by a few knocks on the door.

“GO AWAY!” Phoenix growled as he continued to thrust harder into his lady companion.

“Don’t . . . stop . . . K . . . keep fucking me . . . hard.”

Phoenix continued, but the person behind the door continued knocking, and this time harder. Then he heard her voice.

“Phoenix, you’d better open this door right now. I will not ask again.”

Phoenix groaned in annoyance and pulled out of the pussy that gripped him nicely, grabbing the blanket and wrapping it around his bottom half.

The female companion was left bare, with nothing to cover herself.

She glared at his retreating back that was covered in tattoos as she grabbed a pillow and searched for her clothes that were scattered throughout the room, a reminder of their drunken nightcap.

Phoenix opened the door, stepping aside for the intruder to enter his room.

“You.” She pointed. “Get out now.”

The female companion bowed her head.

“Yes, Luna Halley.” She hurriedly left the room half-dressed.

Phoenix opened his dresser, grabbing a pair of boxers and putting them on, allowing the blanket to fall to the ground.

“How are you, Mother?” He placed a kiss on top of her head.

Halley sighed as she rubbed her temples. “Phoenix, my son, I’m losing count of all the women that walk out of your room on a daily basis.” She watched her son smirk as he sat on his bed.

“And your point being . . .?”

Halley angrily pointed her finger at him. “Don’t get sarcastic with me, boy.”

Phoenix was known as a tough and scary wolf, but when it came to his mother, he knew better than to disrespect her. “My apologies, Mother.”

She rolled her eyes at him as she walked toward his window that faced the woods. “You have to be careful, Phoenix.” She looked at him briefly then back out the window.

“You’re an Alpha and can only breed with a Luna to have children,” she sighed. “You already have a child with one of your former flings. Please don’t add more.”

Phoenix rubbed his hands together. “Calypso is a good kid. She’s my little princess. See? Her name is tatted right over my heart.” He smiled at the thought of her.

He remembered when she was born almost four years ago. Her mother had abandoned her as soon as she was well enough, leaving Phoenix to parent her alone.

“Where is Calypso now?” His mother turned to him with a smile.

“She’s with your cousin in the garden painting Goddess knows what.”

Halley laughed softly.

Phoenix got up from his bed, picking up his phone from his nightstand. “Yeah, send someone up to change my sheets and sanitize my room.”

He hung up, heading to his private bathroom and turning on the water. He stepped in, leaving the door open to converse with his mother.

“So you sent the letter, right?”

Phoenix grabbed the shampoo and lathered up his thick black hair. “Yes, I did, Mother, but . . . I’m having second thoughts.” He grabbed the conditioner next. “I’m not sure I want a Luna right now.”

Halley shook her head as she opened the door for the ladies to come in and change Phoenix’s bedsheets. Another had a big bottle of sanitizer spray and a white cloth.

Halley opened the windows to air out her son’s recently sex-scented room.

The ladies finished cleaning the room and left right before Phoenix emerged from the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his bottom half.

“Nix, just go to Alpha James and Luna Jenna’s and see. You already sent the letter, so you can’t back out now. You don’t have to choose any of the girls.”

Phoenix smiled warmly at his mother. She always called him Nix when she was trying to get him to see a different side to a situation.

He walked into his huge walk-in closet, coming out in gray sweats and a black tank top.

“Okay, Mother, but I don’t want to have this discussion again until I’m ready.” He tipped her chin up gently with his fingers, earning him a motherly smile.

“Deal.”

Phoenix jogged down the stairs and into the kitchen, where his Beta Dalton sat eating a sandwich.

Phoenix grabbed a mug, filling it with black coffee, then grabbed the creamer from the fridge and poured some into his coffee.

He turned, leaning against the counter as he stirred his coffee then took a sip.

Dalton looked at him with a smirk.

“What?” Phoenix asked as he took another sip.

“I saw Georgia coming down the stairs half-naked. Your mom scared her off?”

Phoenix laughed, nodding.

“I hope you used protection . . . this time.” Dalton’s left eyebrow lifted, making Phoenix flip him the finger.

“Fuck you, asshole,” Phoenix grabbed the second half of Dalton’s sandwich, eating it without a care. Dalton gasped dramatically, making Phoenix chuckle.

“When are we leaving for Alpha James’s territory?” Dalton asked as he made himself another sandwich.

“In two days,” Phoenix sighed. “I don’t know about this, Dalt. I just don’t think I’m ready.”

Dalton stopped with the cheese midair. “Nix. If you’re not ready then cancel.”

Phoenix shook his head. “I can’t for one good reason.” He looked at Dalton, who was waiting for his good reason. “Mother.”

Dalton made an “O” with his mouth then continued making his sandwich. “Look, you don’t have to pick either one. Just go and then politely decline and come back home.”

Phoenix grabbed a bottle of beer, tossing one to Dalton as he took one for himself. They both removed the caps and tapped their bottles.

“That is exactly what I’m going to do.”

***

Three Days Later . . .

Luna Jenna scurried around the pack house giving orders on the preparations. She then hurried to the kitchen, where five women pack members were cooking a huge feast.

Luna Jenna checked on her baked pies and smiled. She then helped with the cooking.

Mira sat at the end of the counter mixing her infamous Nutella cheesecake, happily licking the batter as she poured it into the pan. Luna Jenna smiled at her daughter’s happiness.

“Mira, sweetie, your face is full of Nutella.” She looked at her from head to toe. “So is your shirt and everything else.”

Mira only giggled as Luna Jenna used her finger to point up and down her attire. “I’ll go shower soon, Mom.”

Mira walked up to her mom, giving her a hug then placing the Nutella pie in the fridge to get firm. “Ever since you received that letter, you’ve been running around like a crazy woman.”

Jenna chuckled. “Alpha Phoenix will be here today, so I need to make sure everything is perfect.” She shook her head. “Are you going to Grandma’s today?”

Mira nodded as she broke off a piece of the cherry pie crust, eating it.

“HEY!” Jenna went to smack Mira’s hand, but Mira only laughed as she ran out of her mother’s range. Jenna shook her head, as did the other women in the kitchen, with laughter.

“Yup. Destan and Delta Roman are going to accompany me there.”

Jenna opened the double oven doors to baste the pot roast and turkey. “How long will you be staying with her?”

Mira sniffed the delicious steam, closing her eyes in delight. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning. Can I please have some food? I’m starving.”

Jenna smiled at Mira with a playful roll of her eyes. “Pass me that plate on the counter. I’ll carve you some meat while you use that spoon to scoop the potato salad and green beans.”

Mira did as she was told, excitedly piling food on her plate.

***

“Ready, Mira?” Destan asked as he helped her place her travel bag on her back.

She gave him the thumbs-up.

“We’ll get there faster if you ride my back after we shift.” Delta Roman placed clean clothes for him and Destan on the porch chair for when they returned.

Mira covered her eyes with her hands as both males removed their clothes to shift. She heard the snapping of bones along with growls.

Mira felt Destan’s nose nudge the top of her head, giving her the okay that it was safe to look. Mira smiled as she looked at both wolves who stood even taller on their hind legs.

The wolves in her world didn’t stand on all fours like dogs. They remained on their two feet as beastly men.

Mira climbed the chair as Destan crouched for her to climb his back until her arms wrapped around his thick, hairy neck. Soon, the trio were off at a fast speed, making Mira giggle with excitement.

They soon came to a small cabin where a woman sat in her rocking swing chair, smiling at them as they approached.

“Hi, Grandma!” Mira waved as the two beasts came to a halt.

Mira climbed off Destan using his hair. If it hurt, he never said anything to her. He just let her do it.

“Mira, my sweet girl.” The older lady opened her arms and Mira ran into them, hugging her tightly. “Hello, Destan and Roman.”

Both wolves nodded their heads.

“Thank you guys for bringing me here. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning.”

They nodded once again and took off back into the woods, on their way home.

“Come, Mira. I have that special tea waiting for you to drink. It will give you strength and bring some color into that beautiful face of yours.”

Mira’s right eyebrow went up. “You mean that dirt water . . .?” Mira bit her lower lip as she looked up due to the scowl on her grandmother’s face.

“You little ungrateful shit.”

They both burst out laughing.

Mira walked into the cabin, dropping her bag by her swing chair before heading into the kitchen. She saw the tea and began to drink it.

Her grandmother sat on the stool next to Mira and lovingly placed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

Mira barely smiled as she kept her eyes on her tea. “It’s almost time, Grandma.”

Her grandmother shook her head in denial. “No, you aren’t leaving this world, your family, or me.”

Mira’s lavender eyes looked at her grandmother, wanting to believe everything she just said with all her heart, but she knew better.

Fuck, she felt it. Her life span was coming to an end, and there was nothing anyone could do about it. She loved her grandmother with all her heart. She loved her hope and faith of a possibility.

Mira only nodded to make her grandmother smile. “I’m going to go shower.” Mira jumped off the stool. “I’m ready to watch whatever movie you want to watch.”

Once Mira closed the door to the bathroom, her grandmother prayed out loud. “Goddess, please hear my prayer. Don’t let my beautiful Mira die.

“Please spare her and bless her with one of your miracles. I will gladly trade my life for hers. When my time comes, I will accept it with open arms. No questions asked.”

She wiped away the tears that slid down her face as she heard Mira shut off the shower.

By the time Mira joined her in the living room, the movie was on pause and a large bowl of popcorn full to the top.

Mira clapped her hands excitedly and plopped herself down next to her grandmother, getting herself comfortable under the blanket and placing the popcorn bowl on her lap.

They both looked at each other, and then Grandmother hit the play button.

***

Alpha James and Luna Jenna waited outside as two black SUVs pulled up to their house. The doors opened to reveal the visitors for the night.

Alpha Phoenix came around from the driver’s side and walked up, extending his hand to shake Alpha James’s hand.

“Welcome, Alpha Black.”

He nodded at Luna Jenna, and she nodded back.

“Thank you for receiving me and my men.” He began to introduce them. “This is my Beta Dalton and my two warriors, Charles and Dennis.”

Everyone nodded in greeting.

“Please follow us inside. We have the dining room already set up with dinner. I hope you and your men are hungry, Alpha Black.”

They followed Luna Jenna to the dining room and quickly took their places at the table.

“Thank you, Luna Jenna. This food looks mouthwatering, and I am very hungry.” Beta Dalton sniffed the delicious aroma of the feast before them.

Phoenix only rolled his eyes then laughed at his men.

Misty and Aqua walked in, taking their places next to their parents at the head of the table.

“Alpha Black, these are our daughters, Lady Aqua and Lady Misty,” he introduced them.

All men stood in respect, bowing their heads, except Alpha Black. As an Alpha, he bowed to no one.

He found them attractive, but they didn’t make him desire them, nor did he consider them as his Luna. He just had to be polite.

“Good evening, Lady Misty and Lady Aqua. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

Both ladies greeted their guest and quickly took a seat. After an hour of conversation and enjoying the feast, it was time to retire for the night.

Alpha James showed Alpha Black and his men to their guest house. Although he was visiting to find a mate, Alpha James wasn’t taking any chances having this bad-tempered bad wolf in his family home.

“Wow, Lady Misty is fuckin’ hot!” Dalton said as he plopped on the bed, kicking off his boots.

“I can’t believe I have to share a room with you. I can’t wait to go home tomorrow evening.” Phoenix plopped on his bed, removing his boots and clothes.

“I’m going to take a shower. Try to keep your dick in your pants and not in your hand as you think about Lady Misty.” Phoenix stopped by the bathroom door, turning to Dalton.

“Besides, according to Lady Misty, she flat-out stated she isn’t interested in having a mate.”

Dalton rolled his eyes.

“All I need is one night with her to change her mind.”

Phoenix laughed at Dalton’s ego. “Dude, I would looooove to see that.” Without another word, he entered the adjoining bathroom to shower.

Another car pulled up into Alpha James and Luna Jenna’s driveway. A tall, slender man came out and walked up the porch then rang the doorbell.

Luna Jenna and Misty answered the door, only for their smiles to drop when they saw Councilman Fredrickson.

“I believe my mate Alpha James called Councilman Gregory. Why are you here?” Both Jenna and Misty remained in the doorway, not inviting Councilman Fredrickson in.

He cleared his throat. “I’m quite aware of the conversation. However, I volunteered to come to his place.” His eyes scanned Jenna then Misty. “May I come in?”

Misty glared at him. She couldn’t stand him with every fiber of her being. She hated how he would look at Mira—and it wasn’t in an admiring way. He lusted after her, and they all knew it.

Misty knew he only volunteered so he could see Mira, which made her happy she was away for the night.

He was creepy-looking. Misty compared him to that classic silent black-and-white movie Nosferatu, only he wasn’t bald. His hair was blond, flat, and always looked dirty.

“Don’t let that thing in, Mom. It’s gross,” Misty deadpanned.

Jenna held back her smile then cleared her throat. “There will be no need, Councilman Fredrickson. Both my daughters have declined Alpha Black, as did he.”

Fredrickson’s eyebrows went up in surprise. “Sorry to hear about it. Although,”—he looked at Misty in disgust—“I couldn’t blame Alpha Black for . . . passing up an opportunity to mate with . . . her.”

His long, bony finger pointed toward Misty. She only smirked in return then responded to agitate him.

“I know, right?” She nodded with sarcasm. “Now go away, freaky creature of the bowels of hell.”

Fredrickson squinted at her then turned his attention to Luna Jenna.

“Luna, I understand no mating will take place, but I did travel a long way and would like to stay for the night. I will have my leave first thing in the morning.”

Misty rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest. He could sleep in a muddy hole infested with maggots swimming in shit for all she cared.

But Luna Jenna, being kind and polite, stepped aside to let Fredrickson in.

“I’ll have the guest room prepared for you. Excuse me.” Luna Jenna gave Misty a quick look that was understood as, “Stay here and watch him.”

Councilman Fredrickson ignored Misty’s presence and headed toward the family room to sit down and make himself comfortable.

The door swung open, revealing Destan and Delta Roman. They were in conversation when they spotted Misty standing with her hands on her hips.

She said hello to them without removing her eyes from Fredrickson. Destan and Roman followed her gaze and cringed when they spotted Fredrickson.

“What is that thing doing here?” Destan asked as his face scrunched up in disgust.

Delta Roman laughed as he shook his head.

“It’s here for the mating that isn’t taking place, so he will be leaving tomorrow morning. Like, very early. Very, very early.”

Roman glared at Fredrickson as Destan crossed his arms over his chest. “Good. The earlier the better.”

Fredrickson squinted at the siblings. “You know I can hear you, right?” Misty and Destan shrugged their shoulders, showing him they didn’t care.

Delta Roman looked at his watch then left to find Lady Aqua.

Fredrickson cleared his throat. “How is your sister, Mira?”

Destan quickly growled, and before Fredrickson knew what had happened, Destan had wrapped his huge hand around Fredrickson’s throat, lifting him off the floor.

“Don’t you ever ask about my sister Mira. Don’t even think about her.”

Misty didn’t make any effort to stop Destan until Alpha James and Luna Jenna walked in.

“DESTAN! PUT THE CREEPY MAN DOWN! NOW!” Alpha James’s powerful Alpha voice boomed out.

Destan dropped Fredrickson, making him land on the floor. Hard! Fredrickson coughed as he rubbed his neck. He stood up angrily, glaring at Destan and Misty.

“Alpha James, control your son!” Destan walked away and gave Misty a high-five.

“Destan, what the hell?” Alpha James stopped Destan from leaving. “Why would you do that?”

Destan clenched his jaw. “He asked about Mira.”

Luna Jenna gave Fredrickson a cold stare that made him clear his throat with nerves. “Our daughter’s whereabouts is none of your concern. Now, please follow me. I’ll show you to your room.”

As Fredrickson followed Luna Jenna, he swore Misty and Destan would pay for what they did to him. To disrespect a Councilman was a behavior that would not be tolerated. It was unacceptable.

As for Mira, she would be his. He just had to figure out a way to get her out of her family’s clutch and get his own on her. He wanted her so bad he could practically taste her.

As they passed her room, his eyes roamed to her door. Was she in there now? By herself? Was she naked? He thought of all the ways he would have her.

A smirk made its way to his lips, but he quickly disguised it when they made a stop at the end of the hall. Luna Jenna opened the door to allow him in.

“There are clean towels on the adjoining bathroom basin. Have a good night.” She closed the door, not wanting to hear his thank-you.

Fredrickson removed his clothes, placing them neatly on the chair. He stood completely naked, then went to shower.

“I will have her. Even if I have to destroy and kill everyone in this fuckin’ pack.”