The Shadow Alpha

Red sat on the pencil holder on my desk and chirped happily, a sweet tune escaped his beak making me smile; if I didn't know better I would say Red was a shapeshifter himself.

I was just about to leave for the conference when he swooped into my office through the open window.

"Hey buddy, you wanna go with me?” I chuckled and extended my hand for him to hop on, which he did without hesitance. I walked us downstairs to the garage where my other shiny red beauty was parked waiting to be driven after so many days, I hadn't left the pack territory in so many days- last being when we met the Full Moon pack along the border, that I had no reason to drive the beast.

Devin was standing a few feet away talking to a few of his pack members, when he noticed my arrival he excused himself and walked towards me. He cast a strange look at Red, but didn't comment on the bird's presence.

“Ready to go?” he asked mechanically and I nodded, “Good, you go ahead and I'll follow behind you.” I was taken aback by his statement.

“Is anyone else coming with?” I questioned and it was his turn to frown.

“No, why would you think that?" he replied.

“Then why are we taking two vehicles? We're both going to the same place and coming right back here afterwards, so why should we travel separately? Hell we can even run there, it's just outside the territory.” I stated the obvious and he looked away guiltily.

“Is there a problem, Devin?” I queried and he shook his head “no’. “Good. Hop in.” I said and stepped up to the driver's door of my Audi.

“You're kidding me right?” he scoffed and I smirked at his offended tone.

“No one drives my baby and plus, I haven't driven her in a long time, I was really looking forward to this chance to get in tune with her again.” I pouted and after a few minutes of giving him the puppy dog eyes he growled in frustration and threw his hands up defeated.

“Fine!” he grumbled and yanked the door open

"Hey, watch it or I'll make you walk!" I threatened seriously, but it had no effect on him as he continued to moan about me being an insufferable woman making him get driven around.

His childish behaviour only amused me, I chuckled as Red hopped onto the dashboard and I revved the engine.

When we got onto the main road Devin’s curious tone broke the silence, “So what's with the bird?" I chuckled lightly and sent him a smirk.

“I was waiting for that. Devin, meet Red; Red this is Devin.” I introduced and Red chirped a greeting, which left Devin staring with a dropped jaw, “Red is a Northern Cardinal and as you can tell, he's pretty smart too.” I praised and Red sang happily.

"Where did you find him?” he enquired as he extended his hand for Red, the bird hesitated, but quickly hopped on when I nodded.

“It was actually the other way around, he found me. The morning after I spent the night at the clearing, he found me and has been around ever since.” Devin nodded in understanding.

The car was silent apart from the soft murmur of the radio until Devin spoke, “I'm sorry for what I said that day.” He apologised, but I didn't care for it.

"You apologise a lot, you know that?” I pointed out and he grimaced, “I get it Devin, you never asked for any of this, but then again, none of us did. It's okay though, I don't hold it against you.” I confessed.

Truthfully I had somewhat come to terms with Devin's rejection, mainly because I didn't think I could handle fighting a losing battle.

If being free of me is what made him happy, then I wouldn't force him to stay.

“Yes Alpha Jeston, they will be welcomed and accommodated.” I reassured him with a smile, and bid him goodbye.

With a grin in Red's direction, the bird followed me as I strode out of the office and made my way to the kitchen where I heard everyone gathered. As I neared the kitchen I heard the tune of “Perfect’ playing over the home sound system and smiled a little at the sound of guys singing along passionately.

I screamed in shock when Oliver grabbed hold of my hand and spun me into his arms, all while singing along to the music animatedly. His terrible vocals made me burst out laughing, but even through my little fit; he continued to twirl me merrily.

I was breathless when the song ended, “Okay, okay, I surrender!” I chuckled with my hands in the air gasping for breath. I collided with the kitchen island and held onto it for support.

Everyone was having a good laugh at my expense and as upsetting as that may sound, I wouldn't have it any other way. Hearing their giggling and seeing the sparkle in their eyes made it all absolutely worth it, everything felt right again.

Oliver was smirking at me from his position at the stove; it was a sight to behold, the bulky man in a frilly, floral apron working the stove like a pro chef. What was worse was that he had a group of guys, including Christopher and the mischievous twins helping him prepare the ingredients. It was a relaxing Friday afternoon and by the looks of it, bonding time.

From the corner of my eye I caught Dristan eyeing me with a strange look on his face, not understanding what it meant I nodded my head questioningly.

“Nothing. I just like seeing you happy. He smiled and I blushed at his insinuation. "You really like him, don't you?" he asked and my cheeks reddened further, I mentally prayed that no one looked in my direction.

“He's different..." I replied and cast a glimpse in Oliver's direction. Not expecting to catch his eye, I looked away quickly when he winked cheekily. “He cares.’ I added with a smile towards Dristan, which he returned with a satisfied nod.

"You deserve it, Sis." He stated and cut off our connection when Lilly said something to him.

I looked around the room feeling a hint of reminiscence at the familiar faces of all the people who had somehow come to mean so much to me.

Some held love in their eyes as they gazed at their mates, others mirth as they fooled around with each other. One thing they all had in common; was their presence in my heart.

We may have lost a few loved ones along the way and for that they will always be heroes, our very own angels in the sky, watching over us by Mother Selene’s side.

We may have been betrayed by some that we trusted amidst it all, but it's the things that don't kill us, that make us stronger.

Not everything comes easy, never without heartache and a few tears, not everyone gets to live to see the dawn of a brighter day, but that's the beauty of life.

It goes on.