Page 3 of Alpha's Choice
He led us into the building through the oversized front door into a spacious entryway. There were clusters of plush seating scattered throughout, almost like a relaxed coffee house. Between a multitude of plants and windows, it almost felt like we were still outside. A few people were sitting in the chairs and curious gazes followed us, one man sniffing the air as we walked by.
Toward the back of the entry was a wide staircase, but Greg took us past it to another open area that had a handful of desks surrounded by low cubicle walls. At the back wall were four office doors.
A professional-looking older lady approached us. “Good afternoon, Greg. This must be your mate and her daughter.” She peered at Mom and me, her lips a thin line, disapproval wafting off her as she surveyed me. “The Beta is ready for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wells.” Greg nodded at her and motioned for us to follow him toward the offices. He stopped at the second door from the end, which had a plaque that read Beta Matthew Murray, and knocked.
“Come in.”
A massive, good-looking guy in his mid-twenties strode over and greeted Greg with a handshake and a grin. “Welcome back. The boys told me they finished moving your things over to the new house. Do you want them to stick around and help you unload the rest?”
“That would be great. Thanks for taking care of the arrangements for me.”
“Always happy to help when a pack member finds their mate.” Beta Matthew turned to Mom and held out his hand. “You must be Jane. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Beta Matthew, second in command around here. Reach out to me if you have any issues.”
“Thank you, Beta Matthew.” Mom shook his hand. “This is my daughter, Emma.”
“Welcome, Emma. I help once a week at the Summer Wolf Program, so we’ll see each other regularly.” His brown eyes exuded warmth as he grasped my hand. He motioned towards the sofa along the wall. “For now, have a seat while we get your mother joined to the pack. It’s almost all paperwork, so feel free to play games on your phone or whatever.”
I watched from the couch as Beta Matthew retrieved a gold goblet and a knife from a safe. “Did Greg explain to you how this works?” When Mom nodded, he took her hand and pricked her finger with the knife, dripping a few drops of blood into the cup. “Alpha Tobias already added his blood to the potion before he was called away on business. In his absence, I can complete the ritual to join you to the pack.”
My eyes widened. This was definitely not paperwork. Mom took the goblet and recited the lines Greg had taught us on the car ride. “I, Jane Chambers, swear to be loyal to the Gray Rock Pack. I will protect its members and its secrets. I swear allegiance to its Alpha, Tobias Parker, and the Moon Goddess who has chosen him to lead.”
Mom took a sip from the cup and handed it to the Beta. He did the same before announcing, “Welcome to Gray Rock Pack, Jane. Now for the tedious part.” He reached for a thick folder of paperwork. “I’ve had most of it filled in from the information Greg sent us, but I’ll need you to fill in the blanks.”
Mom sat in front of the desk with Greg to fill in the paperwork, while Beta Matthew went to his desk and started typing on his computer. Everyone was so casual, as if drinking a potion with blood was normal. That part of the loyalty ceremony wasn’t mentioned to me on the way.
I was glad I wouldn’t be joining the pack today. It would give me time to get used to the idea of drinking someone’s blood. Mom had some mystical mate bond to motivate her, but I did not.
I turned my attention to my phone. My best friend Gina had texted a rant about how I wasn’t going to be there for some party. I didn’t care about parties, but Gina loved to drag me along.
Just arrived.I texted Gina.Sorry I won’t be there. Sounds like I’ll be missing a good one.
I could see Gina start typing a reply.It would be better with you here, girl. Do you really need to stay there ALL summer long? This was supposed to be our last summer together before college.
I sighed, knowing I couldn’t explain the werewolf stuff to Gina, so I went with the only excuse I could.I need to be here for Mom. She won’t admit it, but she’s nervous about the move. You know she hasn’t dated since my father took off. I want to make sure she’s settled before I head to college.
Girl, you are too good. 18 years old and giving up a summer of partying with someone as AWESOME as ME to be all responsible. Bet you’re going to study this summer, too.
I chuckled under my breath. Gina and I were very different, but somehow our friendship just seemed to work. I would miss her, but I couldn’t risk not being accepted into the pack, as Mom might not stay without me. Assuming Gray Rock wasn’t a cult, and Greg stayed the good guy he was so far, I didn’t want to stand in the way of Mom’s happiness. And Greg was making her happy.
I might take a few classes, just to fill the time, which will definitely be boring without you.
Of course it will. You need me to get you out of your same old routine sometimes. I’m selfish and hate to tell you to find another me (which isn’t possible because I’m AWESOME), but try. Don’t miss out on all the fun of the last summer after high school.
People sometimes missed it because Gina had such a big personality, but she was super thoughtful, and not nearly as selfish as she said. I doubted I’d meet another Gina, but maybe I could make some friends here.
CHAPTER2
Emma
I groaned as my alarm beeped. I had stayed up later than intended unpacking the night before, and I’m paying for it now. If they didn’t expect me at the school bright and early, I would have gladly hit the snooze to get a few more hours sleep. But someone was sadistic and set the start time for seven in the morning. I rolled out of bed and stumbled for the shower, sighing with pleasure when the warm water hit my tired body.
I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and put on just enough makeup to brighten my tired complexion. Then I went to my closet and grabbed jeans and a T-shirt. Gina would gasp in horror at my clothing choice, but I didn’t want to give anyone the wrong idea about me.
I wasn’t opposed to dressing cute, but if I did my very first day, everyone would expect it from me going forward. I had watched Gina stress out over clothing choices all throughout high school, and I didn’t want to fall into that trap here.
I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Mom was already awake and greeted me with a smile and a plate of pancakes. “Um, who are you and what have you done with my mother?”
