Chapter 2 Surprises

We left the Vicious Peak Pack two years ago, and it was difficult. Don't get me wrong, I love being the Alpha and taking care of my pack, but we had to keep moving before we could settle in one place. Even though it was difficult for everyone, we eventually located some unclaimed land, where we have since made our home. We keep to ourselves and watch out that we don't bother the nearby packs. However, it can be challenging because our once-small pack has expanded to almost 200 wolves, all rogues or lone wolf. We will welcome anyone who wants to join if we come across them.

Being alone is really difficult for us wolves since we are social animals who yearn for the company of other wolves. Don't get me wrong, there are some awful rogues out there, but the most of them have either had their packs attacked, like my parents, or they have been exiled for an absurd reason. For instance, one pair left since the girl's father forbade them from mating because he wasn't a highly rated wolf. They are incredibly content together. We don't pass judgment on anyone, and as long as you haven't killed someone knowingly or on purpose, you are welcome to join us. We even have an Alpha's son with us who was exiled by his father because he is gay. The Silver Thunder Pack is now located a couple of hours' drive from our camp. When we initially arrived, the Beta and the warriors tried to drive us away, so they are aware that we are here. Thrain took charge of the situation and informed them that we merely wanted to settle down in peace and weren't there to cause any problems. They increased their border patrols for the first several months, but I believe they recognized we weren't a threat, so they stopped bothering us as much. Thrain informed the Beta that although the Alpha dislikes rogues near his area, he can't do much because we are on unclaimed land. Our tiny camp is fantastic; the main area, where we eat, workout, and hold meetings, is in a sizable clearing. The sleeping tents are dispersed over the periphery, but mine is in the center so I can always be close by if anything goes wrong. We're all currently enjoying food and dancing around the campfire. A happy moment, as one of our fighters has finally found his soul match. Although she hasn't yet explained her motivation for running, I can tell it was not good. Everyone is having a good time. Children were following one other around while laughing, and teenagers were dancing all over one another while their parents watched in terror. They were the same when they were their age, so I couldn't help but laugh. As a renegade pack, I am aware that anything can happen and that an angry Alpha could be on my pack's tail at any time. The notion of anything bad happening to my pack made my heart tighten. We work hard to prepare; even the kids participate in some form of training. There won't be a defenseless member of my flock. I only hope I could provide them with a suitable home. I sensed someone sitting next to me, and I recognized Thrain's fragrance. "Alpha, what are you thinking about?" He poked at my arm.I sighed; he knew me too well for me to ever be able to hide anything from him. I set down the plate I had forgotten and faced him. "I was simply wishing I could provide everyone with a decent place to live. Somewhere people can go at night and not simply sleep in sleeping bags, but also on beds. I'm a lousy Alpha, I thought as my throat constricted. Thrain tightened his grip on my hand and glared angrily at me, saying, "Alyssa, you listen to me. You're a terrific Alpha; you maintain everyone's safety to the best of your ability by leading training, being yourself, and showing them that you care. These people adhere to you because you give them a sense of security and because you have earned their loyalty. You have provided them with a place to live where they may be safe among their friends, family, and loved ones. "I want to be able to a proper pack though, with a pack house and enough food to last us" When Thrain started to speak, another voice interrupted him. "I think I can help with that" Josh was grinning at me when I turned around."How?" I motioned for him to have a seat, and once he did, he started to explain. Do you recall when Thomas took over as Alpha and had to travel to see the royal family? I had to accompany him." We both nodded. "Well, as you know, all Alphas are required to register with their bloodline in order to keep track of everyone. You, my dear Alpha, come from a long history of Alphas, therefore not just anyone can take over as Alpha.My face must have revealed that I didn't understand what he was trying to say because his smile vanished and he raised his hands in the air. "Goddess, Alyssa, you have to go the Royals and register yourself as an Alpha, claim this land and they will give you a stipend to support the pack until you get on your feet" Oh, the epiphany came to me like a ton of bricks. I can now provide a suitable home for my pack. I grinned, kissed them both on the cheek, and ran as fast as I could to my tent, expressing my gratitude as I went. I snatched my bag and stuffed a gorgeous clothing inside it along with some other clothes. We must ensure that we have food and water with us because we will have to run the entire way there. I headed back outside while carrying my stuff and approached Josh and Thrain to see if they would like to accompany me. Josh was sitting by the fire with Lauren on his lap when I initially came upon him. They were whispering as their heads were close together. Despite being such opposites, they make a wonderful couple. Josh has lovely green eyes and curly blonde hair. He is tall and has a Beta-like build. Despite Lauren's extreme diminution, she more than makes up for it with her attitude. You don't want to enrage her because she has deep fiery red hair and emerald eyes. "Hey guys, can I talk to you?""Sure, what's up Ally?" With a little smile on her face, Lauren raised her head to face me."I'm going to travel to the Royals like Josh suggested, but I wanted to know if you would like to be Thrain's joint beta, Josh. Both of you deserve it.Lauren gave Josh a little head nod as he turned to face her. It's an honor that you asked, Alpha, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline. Now that Lauren is expecting, I want a job that is less demanding. They both grinned and said, "That's okay, you can take the Gamma position if you'd like." Lauren's eyebrow was raised. I finally understood what he had said when he added, "Now that Lauren is pregnant." Oh, "Are you people fucking kidding me? This is incredible. I rushed over and gave them both a big hug. I'm overjoyed for them because they deserve to be happy. They left their pack to come live with me, and now I'll make sure to give them and their future pups a decent place to live. They were the first individuals, outside Thrain, to express faith in my ability to complete this entire Alpha task. Lauren drew closer to Josh as I sat down across from them after letting them go. "I'm grateful, Alyssa. I'll be delighted to serve as your Gamma, leaving Thrain to deal with any ongoing stress. "Why will I be stressing out?" Because you will be Beta and I will be Gamma, Thrain came over and sat down next to me. "Why?""Because Lauren is pregnant and I want to spend more time with her" Thrain laughed loudly, making some people flinch. He then grabbed Lauren from Josh's arm and gave her a hug before grabbing Josh. I'm delighted for you. He put both of them down before grabbing my shoulder and pulling me close to him. Many people have remarked that we act like best friends, but they are unaware of the struggles that the two of us have faced. He is just like my brother, and I adore him in the same way. As I considered my biological brother, who I don't even know whether he survived the attack, a wave of hurt went through me. Before anyone could notice, I shook those ideas out of my head and grinned. "So, why will I be Beta?" Because you and I will be traveling to the Royals to register our pack as a group, Thrain gazed down at me and I grinned. Thrain let out a loud laugh before calling everyone to attention. He would be an excellent beta because he already knew what I needed to do. The music stopped, everyone gathered around us, the clearing was silent, and they all turned to face me. Occasionally, it was unsettling to notice the stares that they all gave me, as if they would give their lives to protect me. The trust and loyalty in their eyes told me I was making the correct choice; the kids deserved to live in a decent house. I only regret not doing it sooner. I informed everyone of what would occur and that Josh would be in charge of keeping things running smoothly while Thrain and I were gone. After a moment of utter silence, applause could be heard. Thrain, Josh, and my three best warriors had gathered in my tent after I left everyone to enjoy the music and dancing. We discussed every issue that would need to be handled while I was away. After a while, everyone retired to bed in preparation for our early-morning departure. As I slipped into bed, I had the idea, "I just hope everything goes okay and I don't get any surprises.