The Alpha Is Her Mate

Audrey was out in the fields all day with the men, Sword in hand and eyes flashing. She held her sword like the expert she was fast becoming and never for once pluck her eyes off the focus. She was training with the men, preparing fiercely for the rogues who visited them every now and then to steal and destroy . When Audrey had first started her training as a little girl, her mother had been panicked and had tried to make her father, Alpha Austin to see reasons why Audrey should be kept away from the wildness of the battlefield but all her efforts had proven abortive.

She had watched Audrey grow up, fighting and wielding the sword perfectly. As well as a warrior. A strong one. Audrey loved the outside. The fields and the idea of bringing down enemies mortally appealed to her. For weeks, her pack, the Burning Mountain pack had been visited with unaware attacks by rogues of a distant pack and all those times, she had derived pleasure from bringing the enemies down and defeating them. They had retreated again and again but only returned again even when they were proving feeble and not any match for Audrey's men. She had fought all of those times to chase the rogues back against her mother's wish. Her mother, Victoria Simmons would rather not have her in the face of wars, trying to fend off stubborn enemies while she stayed inside and kept herself safe from the chaos until the soldiers did what she regarded as their jobs. "The luna wants you to come into your rooms now and rest. She said I should tell you that you have trained hard enough for one day" The maid who had suddenly appeared behind Audrey as she drank some water said. Audrey did not hear the girl walk up to her and she was startled by the voice. She gained her composure and cursed herself for not paying enough attention to her environments, the reason she did not hear the maid walk up to her. "Tell her I will come when I am exhausted and ready to leave the fields", She replied the young lady. The maid did not leave. She looked dismayed as she stood there. Perhaps, she had been told to try to convince Audrey to come in and she did not want to fail in her job. "I am sorry, but the Luna insisted that you come inside and rest. Perhaps, you can come back and continue your work for the day after you have had enough rest. Don't you think that is a good idea, my lady?" She asked. Audrey did not reply her as her hand moved to the hilt of her sword and she began to take quick strides to the field to continue her training. "My lady, am I to return into the mansion without you? The luna will not like that", She called after Audrey. "Well, I am the one out here and I said I am not ready to leave the field yet.. go tell her to Stop worrying about me!" Audrey called as she unsheathed her sword and ran the few steps to the other men. The maid stood there for what seemed like ages before storming off. When the maid reached the study where the luna in the company of a few other maids where making embroidery, she gave the message in few words. "My lady, Audrey will not come with me.. she said she will retire from the fields only when she is exhausted and done for the day", "And you could not convince her to leave the fields? " The Luna asked. She was not angry, but she was disappointed that the maid had returned without Audrey and she did not hide her disappointment even though it was none of the maid's fault, everyone knew how strong willed and stubborn Audrey could be and the luna knew that Audrey was hardly one to abandon her training and go for a leisurely rest. But she had hoped still. " I did my very best to make her come with me but she would not. I am sorry, my Luna", The maid said. The luna nodded and dismissed her. ***** It warmed Audrey to know that they were having the upper hands with the rogues. It elated her and propelled her to train even more during the day. While the other women, including her mother made embroidery and cleaned the rooms and made nice pastry, she stayed out in the sun, training with the men and always ready to defend the Burning Mountain pack. She loved her people that much and would not take their safety for granted. She was in the tub, in the warm bath that the maids had prepared for her and she felt strength seeping through her veins. Baths strengthened her and she saw baths as a therapy. She was still immersed in the bath, her red hair wet and heavy from the water when she heard the door of her bedroom creak open. She strained her neck to see if the maid that was supposed to wait on her had left. She did not see the maid. The door to the bathroom had been left ajar and she could only peep the figure in her bedroom. She sighed. "Mother, I am in the bath. what is so urgent that you did not wait for me to finish bathing before you stormed into my room?" She asked. Her lips were smiling even though she did not mean to smile. Seeing her mother look so stern and forbidding always made her laugh. The woman scolded her everytime and always told her it was for her good. She was friends with her mother and she told everything to her mother since she hardly had friends of her age too. " Well, you stubborn little red head. Why did you refuse to come with the maid today when I asked her to come and fetch you? " She asked as she examined the dress that had been laid out fot Audrey. She walked past it and stood by the bathroom door. Audrey rose from the tub and reached for her towel.. it seemed her mother had dismissed the maid. "You do not want me to abandon my activities for the day and run back into the pack house because you think I am exhausted and needs some rest, do you?" Audrey asked as she stepped out of the tub, dripping wet. She picked another towel and wrapped her hair in it. She heard her mother sigh . "Audrey, I have been trying to let you know, you can not strain yourself beyond your capacity. When you go out to train, remember to always return when you are tired. You are a woman and you should not overwork yourself as much as the men do _" She said. Audrey rolled her eyes. She knew what was to come next,. She was familiar with her mother's little lectures and she was not surprised when she heard her mother say, "You are a woman and you must be conscious of the fact that you will give birth to children and you cannot afford to live like a man when you are yet to be married to your mate. You are Twenty and yet to find your mate, and I am beginning to worry_" " Mother, can we not continue with this discussion? I know you mean well for me and want to see me happy and fulfilled, but please, trust me, I am not overworking myself. I am doing only as much as I can and you of all people know of the constant attack by rogues which is the reason why I spend extra time with the men in the fields. I will not lose my Femininity by fighting out there with our enemies or by training out there_" Audrey said, she was exasperated. Everytime she had to listen to her mother's little sermons, she did so without asking questions and explaining anything but this time, she felt the need to speak and make her mother see things the way she did too. It worried her that her mother was worried about her not finding a mate when they were faced daily with attacks from rogues and their utmost focus should be on how to send the rogues away completely. "We should be talking about more pressing things, mother. In due time, I will find my mate. I am only twenty_" " I was married to your father at twenty, Audrey. We met and fell in love and we got married. I met him, my mate when I was nineteen", The luna said. Audrey rolled her eyes as she walked past. "Well, I am not you. I am Audrey and I will find my mate when the time is right. Or maybe, my mate will find me when the time is right.. whichever happens. For now, I'll focus on sending the rogues away".

Audrey sat on the gold emblazoned stool in her room as her mother dried and oiled her hair as she always did when she was younger. She had ended the discussion about finding her mate and they both sat there in silence, the only sounds in the room were that of the comb running through her hair and the occasional sighs of her mother. Soon, her hair was back to being the beauty that most women envied. Red and full and long with a shine that never completely wore off no matter what. She was grateful for her hair. It had been the sole attraction of many in the past and still at present..

when her mother rose to leave , she felt a pang of pain. She had to enjoyed having her hair taken care of by her mother and it had made her nostalgic. "I'll send in the maid to come and see you into your dress so that you can come down for dinner", Her mother said. She nodded as she set the stool aside and sat by the dressing table, to admire her hair in the full length mirror and see how tanned her skin hae become from days of training hard in the sun. She smiled.. she looked even prettier with her skin tanned and all the paleness away and her coiffure was beautiful too. She heard the door close and opened again not long after. Her mother had sent in the maid. She was still sitting by the mirror, smiling for reasons she could not name when the maid appeared behind her. "My lady, the Luna asked me to come and see that you are dressed up and ready to go down for dinner". The young lady said. Audrey turned to her. "I see. But first, what do you think of my coiffure?" She asked the maid, hardly unable to conceal her pleasure. The maid seemed surprised that she had asked her, an ordinary maid about her looks and she beamed. "Your coiffure is very beautiful, my lady. It suits you just perfectly!" She said truthfully. "My mother made it!" Audrey exclaimed as she took one last look at the mirror and patted the few tendrils that had been left to cascade down the sides of her face. She will never forget how dexterous her mother was when it came to making beautiful hair styles. "You should get dressed now, my lady or you will be late for dinner." The maid who had gotten over her excitement said. She was aware she had come to have her work done and she could not afford to have the Young lady in her care go down late for dinner. When Audrey stepped into her dress, she looked extreme beautiful that the maid stepped back, examined the dress and burst out laughing in delight. Audrey could not also seem to be able pull herself away from the mirror as she twirled continuously in front of the mirror. "Why, you look so beautiful tonight my lady. Tell me, is your mate down there waiting for you?" The maid asked, still beaming. Audrey turned to her sharply without any hint of amusement on her face and that alone caused the maid to flinch. "I will wear whatever I chose to wear and look good when I want to and not because anyone is waiting for me!" She snapped. The maid gasped. Surely, something must be wrong with Audrey she thought.. what woman did not like the thoughts of getting dressed up to see a man? "I am sorry, lady. I did not mean to irritate you. I was only thinking_" "Quit thinking. And do not ask me again. I have not found my mate yet!" She said as she gathered her dress in her hand and began to walk to the door. The maid reached the door before her and flung the door open. Audrey stopped by the door and sighed. A guard was going to escort her down to dinner. *** Audrey was hardly able to work an appetite. She sat there, nibbling at many different foods that had been placed before her without really taking a sumptuous bite. "What is wrong, Honey? You do not seem to be enjoying the meal. Tell me what the matter is", Her father, Alpha Austin said. He had set down his cutlery and was staring at Audrey across the table. When she had first appeared, he had paid her so much compliments that she had thrown her head back and laughed, forgetting the sour mood that the Maid's question had put her in. It was always difficult for her to remain in a foul mood when she was around her father. He encouraged her to do the things she loved, applauded her when she did well and never pressured her unnecessarily. He hardly ever spoke of her finding a mate and he knew when to ask her certain questions in ways that she was never offended. Across the table, Audrey's brother, Johnson was watching her keenly and her mother did not seem to be focusing on anyone or anything but her plate of food.. she was still eating but one could tell that she was very much aware of the ongoings around her and she was paying full attention to the conversation. "I am fine, dad. I don't know why I do not have appetite for this meal", Audrey said.. as she set her fork down. Her father looked at her for a long time, trying to figure out what could be wrong with her. "I do not think anyone who is totally fine will find it difficult to eat food. What is wrong dear, are you anxious or worried over anything at all? Do let me know", Alpha Austin said. He still had his eyes on her.. she sighed. "I have been a bit nervous all evening. I do not know why. I cannot really tell why I am" . Audrey said. True, she was anxious and worried over a myriad of things she could not mention and even though she had laughed and momentarily forgotten her worry, it had come back again, stronger. " Maybe it is as a result of the work you do out there. You could be suffering extreme exhaustion, dear. " Audrey heard her mother say. She sighed. Her mother had a way of making all problems center around the things she did not like it want and Audrey knew better than to argue. She picked up her fork and tried to get some food into her mouth again. "I do not think you have any reason to be nervous, unless you are only being uneasy as regards finding your mate soon. I heard people can get a sign ahead of time before they meet their mates", Johnson said. He was not looking at Audrey as he spoke. He knew beyond doubt that she was not going to like the topic but he raised It anyways. The Luna nodded to what he had said, an indication that he could be also right but she did not say anything. Audrey was looking at them, jaws clenched. Her eyes looked like they would emit fire soon and she gazed intently at them. She was furious. Her mother and Johnson were not looking at her and that in itself maddened her. "You should not torture yourself by getting angry when your family talks about you finding a mate, Audrey", She heard her father's soothing voice, calm and sonorous. "But why does everyone keep saying it? Why do they only talk about me finding my mate and nothing else?" She asked, exasperated. She had turned her gaze to her father and she felt her lips tremble as she spoke. Her father set his cutlery down and reclined on his chair. "Do not vex yourself over it. You will find your mate and no one will have the guts to say mean things to you anymore", Her father said. Audrey took deep calming breaths and relaxed. It was amazing how his words could calm her down easily. She wondered why her mother who was supposed to be her friend was suddenly proving to be a pain in the neck. She could not fathom it. " Do not worry over anything, Audrey. You should go to sleep early today and have all the sleep you can, when you wake up tomorrow, you will be refreshed and in a better mood, okay?" Her father said and she nodded. *** Audrey went to bed early that night but did not get any sleep until it was past eleven PM. She was still worried for reasons she did not know. She turned and tossed in bed until the slumber took her. No sooner had she slept off than she heard the loud noise and shouts outside her windows. There were feets away running below her window and the unsheathing of swords and stamping of foot was unmistakable. They were under an attack!

Audrey was on her feet before the clock could make another tick sound. She was in her night dress and she was disoriented for a few seconds before she gained her strength and composure. She reached for her sword which never went too far away from her bed since the rogues started attacking and picked up her boots. The noise outside intensified and she could hear feets hurrying pass her door. The guards and all the domestic staff in the house were scrambling past, either to go out to the fight or to hide in a safer place.

She felt the adrenaline rush up her spines as she shrugged out of her night dress and slipped on her trousers and boots. She was soon done and she took in deep gulps of breath. Just then, the door to her room banged. She rushed to the door and held the knob, ready to open it but the voice out in the hallway made her stop. "My lady, the Alpha said you should not leave your rooms, you are safe here, the rogues have not been able to penetrate the pack house and the men are out there trying to keep them away!" The person said breathlessly. Audrey knew it was one of the guards and she shook her head in disappointment. Her mind was made up, she was going to go out and see how well she could help. She had not stayed out all day in the sun to train only to have to hide behind closed doors. She stood there, time was ticking. "My lady, are you in there? Did you hear what I said?" The guard from outside her door asked. She knew the guard would not leave until he was sure she was inside and had received his message. She sighed, she had to make him leave so she would be able to leave her rooms unnoticed.. outside, below her window, she heard the wails of the men that had been struck by sword and she could not decipher which one was the voice of hee men and that of their attackers. She ached to hold her sword against the throats of their enemies and she desired above all things to be out there, fighting. The voice came again, this time, accompanied by quick and desperate rasps on the door. The guard was afraid she was not inside and he seemed ready to break the door down and come see what she was up to inside the room. "I got your message. You may leave now" , She replied from inside and she heard the sharp intake of breath from the other side. The guard was relieved. She hoped that none of the men had been stationed by her door to make sure she did not step out. She opened the door slowly and there was no one in the hallway. She was relieved as she stepped one booted feet on the hallway. She heard the noises still coming from behind, down her window. She was worried with every sound that the air swept up to her ears. She was not sure where her parents and her brother were but she was sure they were safe, wherever they may be. She began to run down the hall, the guards, she reckoned had all left the insides and were either by the gates or standing watch by the windows that led up to their room upstairs. Audrey was running with her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. She would draw the sword at the slightest opportunity and she would use it just as she had learned and practiced. She was soon by the door. It had been bolted and there were two guards standing watch. She lowered her head as she reached them and spoke huskily. "Let me pass, I have orders to shout to the men out there by the Alpha", She told the guard at the door. He looked at her skeptically but then, the situation at hand did not need him to scrutinize any one amongst them too much. The only people they were to scrutinize where those who did not belong to their pack and so could be potential threats and enemies to them. Audrey knew she had passed easily because she had lied that she had orders from the Alpha to shout to the men fighting.. it was a crime to lie in the Alpha's name and it could be punishable by death, hence, no one ever did. The guards had not questioned her when she had said so because they could not convince themselves of the possibility of someone lying with the Alpha's name. She was soon running out to the gates where the men where trying hard to keep all the rogues away. There was bloody battle going on there and she had her sword in her hand as she joined forces with her men and fought the rogues. After a long time of futile attempt by the rogues, they began to fall back and retreat.. most of them were injured and most seemed to be losing interest in the fight even though they were well armed. Audrey was pleased with the work the men had done.. she too had fought brilliantly and had struck a few of the rogues with her sword. "My lady! How are you here with us? Do you know how risky this is?" Audrey heard a voice beside her suddenly. She had not hidden her face while she fought and she had snarled and grunted as she used her sword. The men had only seen her as one among the many soldiers fighting, they had been too engrossed with the task at hand to pay her close attention and see that she was not just one of their soldiers, but the daughter of the Alpha. They would be in trouble if she was hurt and none of them wanted that, but now, the Beta had seen her amidst the chaos and had recognized her. Or perhaps, it was Because the rogues where retreating and the battle was becoming less fiercer. "I am here fighting and defending the Burning Mountain pack and I will do it even at the expense of my life because I put the pack first!" She replied.. she was a grown adult and knew what she wanted and what she was doing and it irritated her when the lot of them tried to dictate her life for her like she was clueless on how to live her own life. She knew her reply was going to bother the Beta but she did not mind. He could worry and make as much fuss as everyone else, she did not care. "This is not your war to fight, Audrey. I will be here and see you get hurt, leave this place at once and run into the pack house. The men here are capable enough to see that the rogues are kept away!" The Beta said. The Beta, Kade was scared for her and furious at the same time that she was stubborn but there was not much he could do to make her retreat and go back to the pack house. He wondered how It was possible that she had been granted access outside the pack house when the whole place was in chaos. He would go back later when the whole fight had quelled and he would find out the incompetent fellows that had been at the door and had granted Audrey Access outside the pack house when she ought to be in her rooms, away from the troubles. "You know I will not run away from this place and go back to the pack house. I had come out here to fight the rogues and defend my pack in the best possible way I can and you want to send me away? That is impossible, sir and you know that", She said. Just then, an arrow was shot towards them, its target was Audrey and she ducked very quickly. The arrow missed. She changed her position and ran away from where she had been standing. The Beta ran after her, horrified. "Young lady, that was very close. Please let me take you back to the pack house where you will be safe! " He shouted behind her. She was not paying any attention to him as she joined the men in the front. The rogues where coming back with full force and she saw them, even in greater number. They had also been become embolden and they were now pushing back at them with even more force, pressure. Audrey heard the commands shouted by their leader who had on his helmet like everyone else except her. She was not on an helmet and the only thing she had was the breastplate and shield which she had retrieved from an injured soldier who was being taken away to the pack house to be tended to.