Undercover Wolf

*Beep. Beep. Beep.*

I GROANED in frustration as I silenced the alarm for the fifth time today, resisting the urge to throw it across the room.

Sometimes, I despised these early morning training sessions, but what keeps me going is the aim of this all.

One day, all our training would pay off and everyday that passed was a day closer to our redemption.

"Roxy be down in ten!" My brother, Aiden, shouted from behind my door. He was always up and ready to train. He dedicated his life to this mission and sometimes I fretted that he was in too deep.

I guess I could understand though; he was going to be the next Alpha so it was in his nature to be territorial and protective. After what happened to our pack, I knew he'd feel obligated to protect and lead.

Getting up, I threw on my training gear, pulled my hair into a low bun and dragged on my sneakers as quickly as I could before Aiden could get a chance to holler at me again.

It was 5:30 in the morning, so I didn't expect anyone except the three of us to be up. Grabbing an apple and my water bottle, I made my way to the training ground, seeing both Aiden and Phillip, my trainer and Beta, ready and warming up.

Even though I was never a girly girl growing up, they got use to my slight tardiness, given that I have more to do when getting ready.

"Well kids" Phillip started with a smirk. I rolled my eyes at him. Even at 20 years old he still considered us kids. "As you already know, your training will come to an end very soon, and you'll fulfil your purpose, making your father and I proud. Mostly me though" He winked and I laughed.

Phillip always made training fun. Being with one person 6 days a week for five years can get boring quite easily, and he knew that, so he always found creative and exciting ways to teach us. He was more than good at his job--he's the best.

"You've mastered all the skills needed to perform your mission, hence, the upcoming week will be one of crossing the T's and dotting the I's"

"Wait. So does this mean we will go on mission soon? Since we only have a week of training left?" I asked more than relieved and excited.

I loved training, because it was the only thing I did since I turned 16, but sometimes I just wanted to get this mission over with and move on with my life. But I knew I had a duty to my pack first.

"Yep. The Alpha has finalized everything, so you guys will get the introduction to the mission from him soon" He confirmed, while Aiden and I shared a happy look.

You see, eighteen years ago our pack was attacked by Truemoon Pack. They took most of our land, our people, and left us weak and helpless. People died, some were kidnapped and my father, Alpha Blake, has done everything in his power to bring us back stronger than ever. The problem is, we had no knowledge of Truemoon's strength, and so going in blindly could be a suicide mission for us.

That's where Aiden and I came in.

My brother and I will go undercover in their pack to get as much information as possible, so that ultimately we will be sure about how and when to attack.

At first, I wasn't too fond of raging war, but my father made it clear that it was the only way we would get back what's ours. All he has ever wanted was to have everything in line for Aiden when he takes over, so that he won't be leading a 'broken pack'. This made Aiden more determined about the mission.

We didn't exactly know what the mission will entail as yet. Our father dealt with all the planning, while Phillip dealt with all the training.

When we are of age and maximum preparation, he said he would sit us down and explain the plan with us.

He needed people that he could trust, and who better than his own kids? We had the same determination and drive as him, so he knew we were fit for the job.

Even though we don't exactly know what we were going undercover to do, he had much confidence that when we find out, we were gonna be able to take on anything.

That's what we're trained for, after all.

We were swift, strong, intelligent and discrete. We were taught how to master acting skills, since we will have to do that a lot.

We learnt how to be fast and quiet on our feet. This was vital in our training since most of the mission will consist of us doing lot of sneaking around.

We learnt how to be manipulative and cunning in order to earn the trust of the pack members. This wasn't my cup of tea, so I decided not to be either of those unless necessary.

And finally, we learnt how to be strong.

Strong in mentality, strong emotionally and strong physically.

We cant, under any circumstances, get attached to anyone or feel guilty about anything. We aren't ruthless people, but we gotta do what we gotta do, right?

Days, weeks, months and years in and out of classrooms, gyms, training fields and testing grounds, in and out of wolf form, will finally be put to use. I am more than ready.

I shared another look with Aiden, and he seemed just as ready as me. Maybe even more.

"So when you guys are done having your twin moment, meet me at the clearing in five. We have some fighting to do" Phillip smirked once again before jogging away.

Aiden kissed my head softly and threw an arm around my shoulder, as we both made our way to the clearing. Aiden and I were the closest siblings you could ever find. Even though we are the same age, he always treated me like a little sister, but I didn't mind. It's good to be spoilt by at least one person.

Of course, I had other friends. Phillip's son, Jace, and daughter, Jane, were my closest friends. Jace was meant to be the future Beta, so him and Aiden were extremely close. Sometimes I got jealous of their relationship, but he always assured me that nothing is stronger than a twin bond, and so far, I believe him.

We arrived at the training ground to see ten very bulky men that I recognized as some of our warriors. I knew exactly what we were about to do and I dreaded the moment that I got out of my bed today.

"In the enemies' territory, an unfortunate incident of being made can occur at any given moment. We don't train you to be arrogant fools, we train you to be wise"

Phillip paused, eying us carefully while he repeated the speech we've heard too many times.

"So, today we're gonna pretend that you guys were caught, and have to escape alive. Of course, you will have to fight before you can live. And remember , never surrender." He looked us dead in the eye. He could be scary sometimes.

"These men will be fighting you both, together. Never leave each other's side"

He didn't have to tell us twice.

"Your goal is to take them down and escape to the border of our territory alive." He ended with a nod to the warriors, telling them to attack.

I hated this exercise, I always ended up with some broken bones. We didn't master it until two years ago. We often 'died' in the fighting or on our way to the border.

Even though we learnt how to take them down and escape successfully, I still hated it.

But we had to do whatever it takes to get what we want. And if all we had to do was get a few broken bones, I'll do it.

Whatever it takes.

***

Three fractured ribs and busted face later, Aiden and I were sitting at the border, enjoying the rush of the river as it tickled our toes gently.

I stared at the land across the river, the land that use to be ours. The land that will be ours once more.

I had a feeling that one of the reasons why we were sent to the border so regularly in our training, was to remind us what we lost, and what we ought to get back. It motivated us to train and to fight.

"We'll get it back Roxy. We'll get it all back" Aiden whispered, doing the exact same thing as I was doing.

Deep down I knew he said that to comfort me, but I didn't need comfort. I needed my home.

And that's what I'm going to get.

The week of revision went by slowly and torturous. Every exercise was intensified twice as hard, just to be sure that we were indeed ready.

My father told us that we would hear the plan today, and that was the only thing that kept me from losing my mind from all the pain. We would find out when we're scheduled to leave, how long we are expected to complete the mission, and so on.

Aiden and I quickly made our way to Father's office, anticipating the news we will receive. Everyone who didn't know about the mission were sent out of the house before the meeting started. This was confidential information that could only be shared with people we could trust. Imagine having such information falling into the wrong hands? Detrimental.

Entering the room, we saw both Beta Phillip and our dad waiting with satisfied yet confident looks on their faces.

"My pups!" He beamed joyfully, causing us to groan as he embraced us in a warm hug.

Our father wasn't the affectionate type, but he loved his kids. He said we were the reason he was still sane after our mum died.

He told us the story of how she died a couple months after giving birth to us. Sometimes it hurt to live without a mother, but we never actually mourned her, since we didn't know her personally. We loved her though. She was described to be strong and loving. She was quite beautiful too, from the pictures I've seen.

She'll always be apart of us no matter what.

Dad gestured for us to sit as we made our way across the table. Both of them had papers and documents neatly aligned across the table.

This is going to be a long meeting.

"So as you know by now, you will go undercover in our neighbouring pack to carry out your mission" He started, suddenly serious, so we matched his demeanor.

"You will leave next week" Phillip stated nonchalantly, but I could see that he was excited for us.

Our seriousness was long gone as we fist bumped the air with whispered cheering. We were finally going on our mission.

The meeting went on for quite a while. We were told that we were going undercover as 'chief warriors', where Aiden would be 'taught' their fighting skills, and learn their strategies.

I on the other hand, would be observing and making notes, compiling and strategizing their moves and skills to put them to proper use. Like a warrior supervisor. This was odd, given that we were basically fully trained warriors, so our acting skills would have to come in handy.

I could tell that Aiden didn't like this, since he knew so much and will have to act like he doesn't while taking instructions from other non-Alpha blooded wolves. However, Father convinced him that he should focus on the main goal, which he seemed content with.

I was bummed that I spent so many years training to only be 'supervising', so I protested. Luckily after much bickering, we came to a conclusion that I would be getting in on the action sometimes too, to ensure we don't raise much suspicion.

My father arranged for us to stay in the Alpha house, which was exactly what we needed to get the information we wanted. We would be right under their noses and they wouldn't even notice.

We were given four months to complete our mission, since that's how long they say the 'training' will take.

Of course, it was puzzling as to why this pack would allow us to come stay with them, but we were informed that a new Alpha had taken over. The old Alpha that took our pack died two years ago from unknown reasons.

When the former Alpha died, his son still wasn't old enough to take over as yet, so the Beta was in charge for those two years until the heir was of age.

"Since he's new to the whole Alpha concept, he will be willing to make alliances with other packs, no matter their history" Father said with a conniving look on his face.

"He isn't dumb though, but he was easy to convince" He continued. "Since everything is new to him, it will be easier for you guys to swoop in, get the information and swoop out"

If only it was that easy.

This could actually work. Nobody outside our pack knew that our dad was building up the pack to be strong. To everyone else in other packs, we were still the weak pack that was invaded years ago.

Invasion was something that happens in the werewolf community, but not often. Alpha's respected each other and their property, but you do have the few that are power hungry.

You wouldn't know that they are until they reveal themselves, which they normally do when a pack was at its most vulnerable state. In our case, losing a Luna. After mom died, dad admitted that he got weak and that's when Truemoon attacked after knowing the circumstances.

However, this time around, the invasion will be made in reverse. The new Alpha is inexperienced, giving us more than an advantage. To some this might seem ruthless, but so were they when they did it to us.

This is why Father was so specific with his timing, he had it all planned.

"You know the rules" he said while we nodded, having heard them every day for five years.

"And finally, would you guys prefer to have a name change?"

"Yes"

"No" Aiden and I said together. It was weird, because every time we talked together it was usually the same thing.

"It would be better to get a name change Rox. That's the whole point of being spies" He tried to explain as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. I rolled my eyes at him.

"No it wouldn't be much safe to choose that option. Remember some of our pack members live there now. What if someone recognize our scents huh? Remember that we're Alpha bloods so our scents would be too obvious. Not to mention the scent of the pack that I'm sure they still know. Plus, our striking resemblance to mom...They wouldn't know we're there on a mission. What if they spread the word that the Alpha's kids are in the pack? We were two when they were taken right? They must've learnt our names by then" I reasoned.

"It's too risky. I think we should keep our identities. No one will be suspicious that the Alpha's kids are the chief warriors. By far, they believe we're the strongest wolves here anyways"

They looked convinced at my proposal, and I was more than grateful that they always kept an open mind when it came to discussions. It made compromising simpler.

We were ready for this. This is what we're trained for. It was finally going to happen. Soon we'll be who we were always meant to be.

It was all in our hands.

***

"You're leaving for four months?! I'm going to be the only young woman in here" Jane pouted after I told her the plan.

"Yep. I'll miss you too. My only friend for the next four months is going to be Aiden." I sighed, thinking about how lonely I will be.

"The testosterone here is going to kill me" She whispered a little too dramatic as she held her head in her hands, pulling back her hair so that her eyebrows were arched.

"You'll be fine" I hugged her tightly. I'm really going to miss her.

Apart from the few females in the pack that I would consider my friends, she was practically the only girl that I had to keep me feminine.

Her mom lives here too, but she was always busy. Sometimes we would all just have a girl's night and be ourselves. No boys, no training, no duties, just us girls. I'll really miss that too.

"What if your mate is in that pack?" She asked all of a sudden. I laughed so hard that my tummy hurt.

"I doubt he is. Something so blessed to me wouldn't come from a pack so corrupt." I proposed confidently as my laughter died down. "And if he is, I wouldn't want him. Duty first, pleasure later. Or never since he would be one of them"

"It's not that easy Rox" Was all she said.

"Well let's just see, shall we."

I threw my last bag in the trunk of the very expensive car that was sent to pick us up.

The two men that came to collect us were much nicer than I expected them to be. They only became professional when we were talking business, but then they were back to being cool and collected.

This made me more suspicious about them. Why were they so nice?

"All set?" The one whose name I learnt was Ryan asked with a smile on his face. I gave him a short nod as I went to say my goodbyes.

I made my way to Jace and Jane first, giving each of them a bone crushing hug.

Jace was the eldest of us all, and I had the weirdest crush on him when I was younger, so I was always awkward around him. However, I don't think he ever noticed, so the awkwardness was always one-sided. Nonetheless, we all grew up together as a family, and so he was very much dear to me.

Jane, on the other hand, was more than family. That made it much harder to say good-bye to her than anyone else--even my dad.

"You make sure you come back to me in one piece" Jane mumbled in my neck as she squeeze the breath from my lungs.

"I'll be back, don't worry. The four months will pass in no time, you'll see." I mumbled in a small voice. I release her shortly after, shooting her a quick reassuring smile before escaping swiftly. I loved her, but I'd be in a Jane-hug for days if I didn't get out of there.

I went to Beta Phillip next, and he openly welcomed me in a warm hug. It was quite unusual, given that we never show affection in this family. You just know the love is there.

"Make me proud" Was all he said as he gently kissed my hair.

I most definitely will.

He passed me to Rose, Jane's mom, and we said our awkward goodbyes next. It only felt weird becasue neither of us were good at goodbyes. But in the end, she uttered a few encouraging words before bidding me farewell. I appreciated each word she said, reminding me the great responsibility I had to this pack.

Finally, I went face to face with my dad, and I oddly felt like crying. I knew it wont be easy for Aiden and I to live in a foreign place where there was no one to look out for us like my dad did. Just being there on the edge of good-bye reminded me how hard this mission could be.

"Be brave, strong and bold" He whispered in my hair as I hugged him. "Make us proud, even though I'm already proud of you guys. Look out for your brother, don't let him get too caught up okay?" I nodded, knowing just what he meant.

Aiden had a tendency of going a little overboard, especially when things weren't going his way. But despite that fact, if anyone could complete this mission, it's him. All he will need is a little self control.

He kissed my hair as I whispered my goodbye, quickly wiping my tears before heading to the car.

Aiden and the two friendly strangers were patiently waiting, conversing about something I couldn't hear.

My brother was never the type to give hugs and kisses unless it was with me, so he just oddly waved at everyone as we loaded the car.

We were informed that the drive wouldn't be long, probably an hour and a half max. I couldn't tell where our territory originally ended, but I knew it was a large portion that was taken.

"So what are your names?" The unnamed one asked. Aiden and I shared weird looks before turning back too him.

"I'm Aiden and this is Roxy. Didn't your Alpha inform you about who you're picking up?"

"Alpha Ace doesn't disclose information about our visitors until he meets them personally first." Ryan informed us and I nodded in understanding.

I couldn't ignore the shiver that ran through me when he said the Alpha's name though. Maybe it was my body's way of reacting to the evil in them.

Yea that's it.

"What's your name?" I asked the man who's yet to be identified. I wasn't being friendly, I was just polite.

"I am Beta Calum at your service ma'am" He did a little playful bow as he spoke, and I awkwardly smiled at him. It then dawned on me that I didn't sense in his scent that he was Beta blood, but my mind was too far fetched to even notice.

If their pack was anything like ours, I'll be living with this man for the next four months. He seemed fine, I just hoped the others were this easy going. That would make my job much easier so I could leave faster.

<"Why are they being so nice?"> Aiden asked through our mind link.

<"I don't know, maybe they are actually nice?"> It came of more of a question than a statement as I considered the possibility.

<"Maybe. But we should keep an eye on them ">

<"Agreed".>

My wolf was opposed to the idea for some reason. She felt as if she could trust them. I know our wolf's instincts were what kept our species alive throughout all our existence, but I couldn't trust her on this one. We were in the enemy's territory after all.

After a few more minutes, we were pulling into a beautiful town-like area. I felt a pang of jealousy run through me as I thought about how luxurious they were all living, while our pack land was half broken down and barely making it's way back up.

Our Alpha house was the biggest building in the pack, and even it wasn't half the size of some of these buildings.

My dad did his best to repair the damage that was made 18 years ago, and even with the work he's done, it still wasn't half as good as this.

Doubt ran through me for a second as I wondered if we could really take this pack. I knew that our father built up the warrior team and more, but can we really compare to them?

'That's what you're here for Roxy, to find out', my subconscious reminded me.

I mentally slapped myself for doubting everything we've worked so hard for. Mind-set is everything.

I glanced at Aiden to see him with the same expression as mine, except his was filled with determination, contrasting to the doubt I had. Of course, seeing the wonders of this pack only drive him more. Shame on me for resorting to doubt.

Ryan randomly pointed at things and places, telling us what they are and where we can go when we wanted to.

Eventually, we pulled through a long driveway, leading to a huge house that I assumed was the Alpha house since it didn't look like a pack house. We jumped out the car simultaneously, as we stared mesmerized at the house we would be staying for the next four months. The girl in me was already squealing, wishing I never had to leave; but I had to keep focus.

The doors burst open and a girl around our age ran through, coming towards us with excitement written all over her face. After a couple seconds, I noticed she was running towards me. I made a move to run once I caught on, but she got me before I could get away.

"Oh my gosh another girl! It's so nice to meet you" She squealed as she let me go. "I'm Lilly by the way"

"Babe why are you attacking our guests?" Calum asked with a smile as he grabbed her in for a hug. I concluded that they were mates, and I had to resist the urge to gush.

"I was so excited! When we were informed that we were having trainee warriors, I didn't know there was gonna be a girl!" She stated excitedly as they made their way inside. Aiden and I following closely behind.

"I'm sorry but I tried to keep her inside" A man, I assumed was the third in command, rushed out as we entered. "But she looked through the window and saw the girl and freaked"

"The girl's name is Roxy" I stated in annoyance. I didn't appreciate how informal these people were. They were the heads of the pack, after all.

He quickly looked to me, then a smile took over his face as he took my hand and kissed it. Weird.

"It's a pleasure Roxy" He coaxed, rolling the R of my name.

"Wish I could say the same" I mumbled lowly as I pulled my hand from his grip.

"Feisty, I like it" I bit the inside of my cheek as he winked at me, trying real hard not to punch him. But luckily for him, Beta Calum saved the moment.

"Scott where is your professionalism? Have some respect" Calum scolded, and for the first time since I got here I actually believed that they actually knew how to be formal.

"I apologize for the confusion" Calum said. "But we're a little above schedule. You see, we weren't suppose to be back this fast, since we assumed you would've taken longer to say your goodbyes. Hence why they weren't in their usual greeting positions and why our Alpha isn't back as yet"

Well that explained some of it.

Aiden cleared his throat as he spoke for the first time since we got in here.

"No worries, we totally understand. But if I may, I'd formally like to greet you all" He turned to me with a proud look on his face as he grabbed my wrist. "This is my sister Roxy Gilbert, and I'm Aiden Gilbert, the Alpha's first borns. " He ended and I noticed everyone apart from Calum and Ryan stiffened.

My theory was that they didn't know we were Alpha bloods, but if they were focused they would've noticed from our scents.

It was in that moment of silence that I noticed how wonderful this house smelled. Every passing second that I inhaled, it got better. It was almost intoxicating.

"Oh my gosh your house smells so good" I praised, almost in a trance as I took a deep breath. Everyone except Calum gave me questioning looks as they sniffed the air as if trying to see what I'm talking about.

Didn't they smell that?

"Well someone who lives here will smell quite good to only one wolf in the whole world, and I guess that wolf is you." Calum coaxed with a smirk.

I was confused as to why he was giving me that look, but then my gaze shifted completely.

The most attractive man I've ever seen entered the room, looking so groomed and sexy in his buttoned down white shirt and dark jeans. His jaw was chiselled perfectly, and his arms were toned to literal perfection.

His face was slightly scrunched into confusion as he walked further into the room, and I could see that he was focused on something. My chest tightened and my breath hitched as he got closer. My head felt feathery and my throat felt dry. Deep down I knew why all this was happening, but I didn't want to accept it.

But the moment his eyes found mine, I knew there was no denying it.

I felt my canines pierce their way through my gum, itching to sink in the neck of this man. I also felt my eyes shift to my wolf's as I took him in, and I noticed his changed too.

He took a step closer and so did I. My body moved on it's own accord like a magnetic to metal. My feet moved forward again when Aiden grabbed my hand, saving me from this retched moment.

"Alpha Ace, this is Roxy Gilbert, one of our guest" Calum stated sneakily as his smirk grew. Playing matchmaker I see.

Wait did he say ALPHA Ace?

"Rox why is he looking at you like that?" Aiden whispered fiercely as he made a move to go in front of me protectively, but I stopped him.

"He's my mate