Alpha Dane's Little Project

Vivica's POV

"Hurry, Hale!" Lydia, the head chef, barked my surname.

A deliberate act to keep my father's name alive- to serve as a constant reminder of his betrayal to the pack.

"You don't have to show the world how lazy you are all the time." She mumbled under breath, but loud enough for every maid in the kitchen to hear. "Don't keep the guest waiting!"

"Yes, Ma'am," I said, before carefully grabbing the drink and walking out of the culinary wing.

I rushed, my legs moving as fast as possible, while my hands did all they could to stabilize the freshly squeezed orange juice in the tray. As usual, I was met with the same scornful looks as I walked down the hallway.

It's been two decades since my Dad committed suicide after betraying the pack, and my mom- who couldn't live without her mate- followed suit.

I had learned to hold my head up, though not too high, despite the endless gossip. It was the only way to survive this hellhole. Besides, for how long would I atone for a sin I didn't commit?

As soon as I approached the entrance to the guest bedroom, the guard standing by the door blocked the way with his hand.

"I was asked to deliver this to the guest," I mumbled.

He asked me to hold on, then he knocked on the door before going inside. He came out almost immediately.

"You can go in," he said.

I gave him a weak smile before entering the guest room.

A tall woman with strawberry-blonde hair had her back to the entrance.

"Your drink, ma'am," I announced respectfully.

As I lowered the tray on the small table in the side of the room, she spun to face me. A cynical expression I'd recognize anywhere plastered on her perfectly glammed face.

"Betty?" I whispered, coming out as more of a gasp of terror than a greeting of surprise.

Her glossy, ruby lips stretched into an arrogant smile as she catwalked toward me.

"Long time no see. When did you return?" I blabbered nonstop, forcing a polite smile to conceal my nerves.

In a blink of an eye, she smacked me hard on the cheek. My head snapped to the side. I quickly messaged the spot, trying to soothe the burning sensation her fingers had left behind.

"That's for talking casually, as if we belong in the same hierarchy" she gritted, before landing a second slap on the other side of my face. "And this one is for taking an eternity to bring my drink."

"What the-"

"Another word from you and I'll have you kicked out of this territory. You know who my father is, don't you?" she bragged.

My mouth clamped shut in defeat, but my eyes still remained possessed by a rage that could kill.

She dropped onto the couch and crossed her legs, picking up the glass. She was about to take a sip but stopped suddenly. "How sure am I that this isn't poisoned?"

"And what would I stand to gain by poisoning you?"

She leisurely uncrossed her legs and sprang up. "Your parents were ostracized for betraying the pack 20 years ago. How sure am I that you don't resent me and my father? After all, he took over the Beta position after your father's shameful death."

My hands clenched on my sides as I fought the urge to punch her.I watched her drink, secretly wishing I had poisoned it.

"Ewww!" she spat the liquid onto my legs. "Did you make this?

"Yes" I mumbled.

"No wonder it tastes like shit," she sneered, returning to her seat."Now, get out of my sight now."

My lips pressed together in a desperate effort to keep from retaliating.I stepped forward to carry the tray, but she smacked my hand.

"The hell are you doing?" She snapped.

"Taking it away. You said it tastes like shit."

She scoffed, blinking as if uttered something insane. "Have you always been this dumb? I said get your stinky ass out of my sight!"

I grabbed the tray and walked. Once I was around the first corner and away from the guards, I hissed. "Stupid bitch. You just wait; I'll make you eat your words once I'm up there."

As I walked back to the kitchen, one of the doors in the hallway flew open. Jason yanked me into the room with ease, slamming the door shut behind us.

The moment my back hit the wooden door, he pulled me into a searing kiss.

The tray slipped from my numb fingers, clattering to the ground as I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning in to deepen the kiss.

our bodies pressed against each other, my soft breast crushed against his firm chest.

He broke the kiss and flipped me around to face the door. His hands worked restlessly, yanking up the black skirt of my kitchen apparel.

"Not here, Jason. Have some decency," I pleaded. My voice muffled as his hand pinned my head against the door. His other hand was already searching for my core.

"I can't help it, Viv. I want you as much as I can, wherever I can," his throaty voice breathed into my ear as he leaned on my back.

He hiked my skirt up, and as bare skin came to view, he let out a lustful grunt. His fingers shifted my pantries to the side, grazing my moist entrance.

"You are so fucking wet, Vivica. Are you always horny or something?" He panted, his fingers massaging me from underneath.

"I...I... don't know," I managed to say through ragged breaths, my focus shattering as his thumb pushed inside me.

"Ah!" I squirmed.

"Keep your voice down, you don't want the pack members to see us like this, do you?"

Too overwhelmed to speak, I simply shook my head.

"Good girl. Be as quiet as possible" he whispered. I nodded, whimpering like a lost puppy.

He released his shaft-the thick, veiny length that always left me wrecked and unable to walk for days. With a slow, teasing motion he circled the tip around my opening, making my core pulsate with anticipation. When he shoved his full length inside me, my eyes almost popped. I felt myself stretching, my body forced to accommodate him until I was completely filled.

Jason gathered a handful of my hair in one hand, while the other held my waist in place as he rammed into me.

The study was no longer quiet; it was filled with the wet, rhythmic slosh of him slamming in and out of me and the shattered, uncontrollable cries I couldn't hold back any longer.

My body constricted, my walls clenching around him as I drew closer to climax. From the tremble in his grip, I could tell we were in sync.

A loud moan escaped my lips as I exploded, my juice, thick and warm, seeped down my thighs in a slow, heavy trail as my legs went wobbly.

But Jason didn't stop, he held me upright and kept pounding like his existence depended on it. Not long after, a guttural moan filled the room and his tempo doubled, followed by his crazy pull out game.

Jason staggered to a couch and fell back on the cushions. I leaned against the door for support, my legs still trembling from the experience. Once I regained myself, I wobbled over to him and plopped down into his arms.

He stroked my hair gently. " I hate that we have to be discreet. I want to hold your hand in public and flaunt you to the world"

I giggled softly, snuggling closer to his chest."Well, all of that will be over tonight."

"Yeah. I can't wait to see the look of shock on their faces when I declare you as my mate," he chuckled mildly.

"I'm worried, though," I muttered.

"It's normal. Your father's history alone is enough reason for them to object, not to mention you haven't shifted yet."

"I know," I sighed. "What if I don't ever get my wolf?" I abruptly sat up to look him in the eyes.

He stretched an arm to the side table, reaching for a tiny gift box I hadn't noticed before.

"You'll get your wolf tonight, I am certain. Most late-bloomers shift at twenty-five, and you just clocked twenty-five, didn't you?" He asked, handing me the box.

"I thought you forgot" I pouted dramatically before leaning in to kiss him. "Thank you."

"We've come too far to let everything go down the drain, Viv. Don't let them ruin what we have" he kissed my forehead, and I nodded.

"I love you Jason, I don't know what I'd have done without you," I cooed.

He sighed softly, pulling me closer in a warm embrace.

***

Night fell, the entire pack assembled in the Grand Hall for the Full Moon party.

The air bubbled with excitement. Members who had just turned eighteen looked forward to finally meeting their other halves, while those who already found theirs were there to celebrate.

As I trudged through the sea of werewolves in their human forms, someone poked my side. I spun quickly, a smile glinting on my face when I saw who it was-my only friend Celia.

Celia's mate had died a couple of years ago. She was grieving and at the verge of suicide when I found her. After a lengthy, emotional tirade,I managed to convince her to step down from the edge of the rooftop. Ever since that day, we had been inseparable.

"I'm glad you are finally ready to leave the past behind you," I said to her.

She beamed. "Thank you. And I'm confident you'll get your wolf today."

"Exactly what Jason said too!" I squealed, covering my face in excitement.

"By Jason...you mean the Alpha?" Celia's eyebrows shot up.

Shit. How could I be so careless?

A sudden roar of commotion echoed through the hall, a perfect distraction to prevent Celia from questioning me further.

"What's happening? Let's go to the front!" Celia grabbed my hand and pushed her to the front.

As I trailed behind in the suffocating heat of the room, something inside me snapped.

"Celia... I can't breath" I muttered, but she was too carried away by what was going on in the forefront to care.

I peeled my hand from hers, slouching over to steady my racing breath. My heart pounded so hard I feared it would explode, and my inside stirred as if a new force had suddenly occupied the hollowness.

"My wolf?" I gasped in disbelief. My sense sharpened and everything turned vivid, clearer than it had ever been."Celia, I have a wolf!" I screamed, catching the attention of everyone, but I didn't care.

"Jason, I need to tell Jason!" I said frantically. My eyes rummaged through the crowd like a maniac, desperate to share the news-that I was finally whole.

I found him, eventually. He was standing at the Centre of the hall, the centre of everyone's focus. But he wasn't alone. He was with... Betty?

"What is he doing?" I asked myself, my eyes gradually welling up with tears when I saw the ring.

My heart, which was fluttering seconds ago, sank to my stomach.

Betty squealed, holding a hand over her mouth while Jason slid a ring on the other one.

The crowd erupted with cheers and laughter. But for me, the world went dead.

Jason turned his head towards the crowd, his eyes sweeping over faces until it landed on me.

The moment our eyes met my wolf let out a gut- wrenching cry in the back of my head.

"Mate!"

Vivica's POV

"You are my...mate, Jason. What are you doing with her?!" I blurted in a fit of rage.

The hall instantly erupted with loud whispers and sniggers. In no time everyone had encircled us-me, Jason and Betty.

My friend, Celia, tried to pull me away. "Viv, let's go" she whispered, reaching for my hand, but I shook off her grip.

Jason remained as still as rock. His eyes were calm and unreadable, as if he wasn't the one I was talking to.

Betty, on the other hand, started by laughing the situation off. "What did you just say?"

"I'm not talking to you, so stay out of this!" I dismissed her and turned to Jason.

"You promised we'd be together, whether the pack approved of it or not. So what are you doing with her?! Why did you give her a ring?!" I snapped, tears freely dripping down my cheeks.

Jason scoffed, then stepped forward. "I don't owe you any explanation."

"No, you do! You have to explain to me why you waited for me to get my wolf all these years, just to turn around and be with Betty."

Betty chuckled wildly at that. "He was waiting for me, not you, dumb ass." She shook her head in disbelief.

"What?!"

"She's right. Now step back in the crowd and stop interrupting the party," he snarled it.

His words pierced through me like a double edged knife to the heart -sharp, suffocating, and painful.

"So you've been toying with me all this time?"

"Isn't it obvious? Who in their right mind would want anything to do with you?"

"It's because of my father, isn't it? If my father wasn't a...traitor, would you have-"

"No! Betty is the ideal woman for me," he pulled Betty to his side. "You are unfit to be my mate, Hale. I sever whatever bond there is between us," he announced with a tone of finality.

His declaration ripped through me, wrecking the last sliver of hope I was clinging to.My teary eyes blurred everything around me, making it impossible to find my way out. My legs buckled as I moved aimlessly, until I finally crashed to the ground.

As soon as Jason discarded me and pulled Betty to the seats reserved for them, the pack members swarmed around me like flies perching on a corpse.

"How stupid of her to think she stood a chance with the Alpha," a girl said,kicking me.

"I know right? The same way her father thought he could overthrow the late Alpha, just because the pack celebrated every battle he won."

They continued to chatter, saying all manner of inhumane things about me and my late father.I remained on the floor, absorbing every word. The best I could do was remain calm; eventually, they'd get tired and leave-then I could finally run away from this place.

The murmurs suddenly died down, as if a god had suddenly landed on earth.The eerie silence lingered, followed by the faint sound of approaching footsteps. Since my head was down and I couldn't bring myself to look up in sheer embarrassment, I listened instead.

"It's Alpha Adrian," I heard them whisper in frantic, hushed tones.

Adrian Danegan? My mind raced. Before I could look up, a pair of sleek black leather boots came into view.

My heart was doing it again-the same rapid beat, the same heat crawling through my bones, the sudden burst of energy from my wolf. What kind of joke was this?

I crawled back, my face tilting up to meet his gaze; intense hazel orbs with glistening gold flecks.

"You feel it too, don't you?" Adrian Danegan, Jason's long-lost step brother, squatted in front of me.

Unable to control myself, I nodded.

He stretched out an arm."Then come with me. Let's get you out of this hellhole."

For the first time in my life, I was hesitant about leaving the pack. Questions raced through my mind. What if this was a trap? What if he was only uprooting me here only to put me in a more cruel place? Has he forgotten who my father was?

I looked through the crowd, as if any of them could tell me wrong from right. That was when I saw Celia, smiling sweetly at me.She nodded and I instinctively reached for his big sturdy hand-slow, unsure, but willing to take the risk.

"Don't you dare!"Jason's voice slit through the silence just as my hand was about to settle in Adrian's.

I stopped, turning to look at him.Jason's eyes were dark and furious, but I caught a flash of regret in them before it quickly switched back to resentment.

"You belong to this pack! You'll serve and cater to the needs of my people until your last breath. That is the only way to atone for your father's sin!"

"Not on my watch," Adrian snarled, his well-carved lips stretching in a deadly smile that made my blood run cold.

Jason's face twitched. His fingers balled into fists on his sides, but he didn't move.

"Let the whore go, my love. She's of no use to our pack, anyway. Alpha Adrian will regret this decision sooner or later," Betty said, curling her hands around Jason's, her sinister signature smile dancing on her lips.

"One more word from you and I'll have your head chopped off!" Adrian snapped and everyone stepped back in terror.

He placed both hands on my shoulders and carefully pulled me up with him.

"Let's go home" he cooed, tucking a stray lock of hair away from my face.

For the first time in twenty years, I trusted someone other than Jason. I took his hand, and we walked towards the exit, the crowd parting without being told.

"Guards?!" Jason shouted, and a swarm of soldiers ran forward. "Seize her!"

The men took their first steps, but as soon as Adrian's gaze fell on them, they stopped in their tracks as if pinned in the spot. As his gaze lingered, they began dragging their feet backwards, their bodies trembling in defeat.

***

Adrian held my hand until we reached the parking lot of Jason's pack-Red-Bone pack. A sleek, black Mercedes-Benz was waiting for us.The driver scurried out of the car to get the door, but Adrian stopped him with a gesture , and opened it for me himself. I hopped in, and he slid in next to me.

As the engine purred to life, I peered out the car window, still finding it hard to believe I was finally leaving the walls of Red-Bone pack. The pack members hovered in every corner-the garden, the balconies, even the gate. They were just as shocked as I was; "Adrian and Vivica" in the same sentence was something no one ever saw coming, especially considering how influential and arrogant drian was rumored to be.

Adrian had left the pack years ago after he was denied his legacy as Alpha. Since then, we had only heard rumors about him when the news outlets covered his achievements. Those stories were often told with narratives that seemed a little too exaggerated, but his appearance today proved they were all true. Adrian was not only successful, he possessed an undeniable power that everyone bowed to without even realizing.

We drove out of Red-Bone, I let out a sigh of relief, closing my eyes to savor the fresh air brushing against my face. So this was what peace felt like?

When I opened my eyes again, he was staring, intently.

I fidgeted, adjusting in my seat to put a little distance between us. "You haven't told me what you want in return?" I stated.Then subtly mumbled, "It's not like I have anything to offer, anyway."

"You have everything to offer, but I want nothing in return," he said with a soft smile-not the cold, unfeeling one he had given Jason earlier.

Nothing? Now, that was something to be scared about.

"I don't believe you."

He leaned closer and my heart jumped.

"We are mate's, Vivica. Isn't it normal that we are together?" he whispered, his gaze dropping down to my lips like he wanted to kiss them.

I blinked repeatedly, unable to wrap my head around what was happening. I snapped out of it instantly and cleared my throat.

This man must think I'm a fool.Adrian Danegan would never be a damaged girl like me.

What was he really up to?

Vivica's POV

Moon-Crescent was something out of the ordinary.The tall towers, tarred streets, and lush greeneries gave the pack, which looked more like a city, a sophisticated and tranquil atmosphere.I moved in my seat, my eyes roaming the environment in utter awe as the car passed through gate after gate, finally halting in front of a massive white mansion.

"Welcome to your new home," Adrian announced.

I looked away from the window, staring at him for the first time since we entered his territory."You own all of this?" I asked, unable to hide my astonishment.

"Mhm" he nodded. "Let's go inside.The elders are waiting for us."

"The elders? Why?"

"Why not?" He squinted. "You are my mate, and I'm the Alpha. It's only normal that you meet them."

"Well...I..."

"I know this is all new, and probably overwhelming. But I want you to know that you aren't the same Vivica from an hour ago. You are with me now, and whoever is with me gets nothing but respect and honor. You are special, Viv. Embrace it."

My eyes welled up at his words.I hid my face and quickly wiped my tears.

"Shall we?"

"Yes," I nodded.

Again, Adrian opened the door for me, an act that made me uneasy.But if that was all it took to fit into this new world and never go back to Red-Bone then I'd do it.

"Your Majesty," the guards positioned at the fleet of stairs leading to the main entrance bowed.

Adrian only gave them a curt glance before leading me inside.

My eyes accessed the interior- a mix of modern design and the renaissance. The walls were incredibly high. Expansive artifacts and oil paintings hung against cream-colored walls, and the marble floors were so clean I could see my own reflection.

Suddenly, a girl with bouncy black curls and sparkly brown eyes ran toward us.

"Dane!" her shrill voice cried out as threw herself at Adrian.

Tisha, my wolf, churned inside-a clear indicator that her territory had been bridged and she didn't like it. As much as I was happy she had finally awakened, it bothered me that she might land me in trouble if I didn't control her. Why was she getting jealous over a man we barely knew?

"It doesn't matter how long we've known him," Tisha growled in my mind. "He's ours."

"Who is this?" The questioned, unable to hide her disgust.

Adrian pulled away from her, something he should have done immediately.

"This is Vivica Hale. My mate" The statement rolled off his tongue so effortlessly.I suppressed the silly smile that threatened to break out on my face."Vivica, this is Arella, my cousin"

Oh. She's his cousin.

"Your what?!" Arella shouted, startling me. "Is this a joke of some sort?" she scoffed.

"It's not a joke, Arella. We'll finally be having a Luna," Adrian stated proudly.

"Your Highness" A male voice called out, and a man who was almost the same height as Adrian came into view.

"The elders have been waiting for a while now" he stopped, then quickly added. "You must be Vivica Hale."

With a subtle hint of confusion I peeked at Adrian's face for answers.

"This is Theo Reeds, my Beta," Adrian introduced him.

"Nice to meet you," I mumbled.

"Same here." He gave me a toothless smile and stepped aside. "Shall we?"

"Sure," Adrian took my hand in his without warning, and I flinched. He gazed at me-a stare meant to reassure me that he had everything under control.

Guards were positioned throughout the expansive hallway; every single one of them gave a bow as we passed.We arrived at the entrance of the council room. I exhaled loudly, a breath I didn't even realize I was holding.

"Relax. As long as we are together no one is going to harm you."

I nodded, and his Beta pushed the door open. The room suddenly went quiet as every eye landed on us,m-on me, to be precise.

"Your Majesty!" They chorused.

"I apologize for the delay," he muttered.

I just stood there, awkward and clueless. The only times I had ever been to the gathering of pack elders were when I needed to serve drinks or food, and it had ended in chaos every time. Adrian pulled me toward the table, drawing out a chair right next to the seat of honor at the head.

I sat down uneasily, every fibre of my being screaming at me to get up and flee.You don't belong here. You have to leave! The voice persisted.

Adrian took his seat, and immediately one of the elders spoke.

"We were told you went to the mating ceremony at the other pack," the man-whom I later found out was named Tristan- said, his eyes strained on me even though i

He was talking to Adrian.

"Yes. And as fate would have it, I came back with my mate," Adrian announced gleefully.

"A mate? From a rival pack? Your Highness, is this a-"

"I have told you a million times that Red-Bone does not possess what it takes to be tagged a 'rival' pack." Adrian snarled. "Do not piss me off, Elder Santos."

"Forgive me, Your Highness. It's just that marrying outside of our perimeter is unsafe for us. You have spent years building this ethereal territory; why risk losing it by bringing in an intruder?"

The rest of the elders mumbled their approval of Elder Santos.

"Vivica is not an intruder. She is my mate, my fated one," Adrian emphasized, his voice echoing through the room. "It might take you all a while to adjust, but you have no choice but to accept her."

"But Your Highness-"

"One more word and I'll have you out of this territory for good." His voice was calm, but it carried an underlying tone that sent shivers down my spine.

"This gathering is over," he declared.

The elders grumbled among themselves, but no one dared to speak out.They all rose and were about to leave when the door flung open and Adrian's cousin marched in.

"Wait!" she yelled. "That woman!" She pointed at me.

My heart sank into my stomach at her words, and every head in the room spun in my direction.

"That woman isn't just some lowly intruder like you all think" Arella sneered, her fingers pointing at me accusingly. "That's Vivica Hale! The daughter of a renowned traitor from two decades ago!"