Alpha Zac

Chapter 3

ISLA

“Isla, hun, we’re here,” Mr. Andrews speaks softly as he taps my shoulder. I stretch my arms up and yawn, as I take in my surroundings. Outside the bus is a massive building, which must be the packhouse. This packhouse is far more elegant compared to the one I grew up in.

This place looks like a fancy hotel. Three stories, stonework from the ground up, rich wood doors and windows- Wow, I think to myself.

I glance down and see my shin is all healed, so I grab my satchel, and make my way off the bus. A statuesque blonde-haired man is standing in the front yard ready to greet us. Judging by the size of him and his muscles, it’s a fair bet he is a ranked member. Well if I’m going to live here, at least the sights will be nice. His lips curl up in a smile that shows his bright white teeth that contrast against his lightly tan skin.

“Welcome to Clear Creek! I am Beta Grayson and we are so very happy to have you here. I’ll take you inside, show you around the common areas and get you set up with your pack sponsors,” he says. “Follow me.”. Yessir, I will follow you anywhere.

We step through the large double wooden doors into a foyer. Wow, this place looks so cozy and inviting with its warm tan walls, exposed wood beams, and high vaulted ceilings. In the common room is a large stone fireplace and leather couches are scattered around the marble floors.

Beta Grayson leads us around, showing us the common room, a game room, the main hall, various conference rooms, a large industrial kitchen, communal showers, guest bunks, and offices. Once we enter one of the conference rooms and gather around the table as he starts to talk again.

“You all have access to the packhouse ground level anytime you need it. Doors are locked up after 9 at night, but the intercom system is always monitored. This is your home now, all we ask of you right now is to fill out some basic details here for pack records, then we will set you up with your sponsors. Tonight is the welcoming ceremony, you will all have time to get settled before then.”

I look down and frown at the form in front of me. I don’t want to answer much. I don’t want anyone here to take pity on me. Oh, the poor she-wolf from a broken home- no, this is my fresh start. I get it, they just want to be able to get medical records, family hierarchy, and such from previous packs. Heck, I don’t think Cedar Falls or the TRTC ever fully got my records. If I leave it blank, they’ll ask more questions…I’ll just give the basics, and then maybe they won’t pry too much.

Former pack- Cedar Falls, Blood Oak.

Family Ranking - Beta/Warrior.

Family in other packs- None.

Wolf Color- Gray.

There are more questions about family, contacts, and even about our desires for the pack but I can’t bring myself to add any more. I look around the room and see Beta Grayson introducing the three other shifters that came to Clear Creek with me to their sponsors. A geeky-looking guy named Steve is going to work in the tech security division, a sweet and shy gal named Suzie will be a part of the kitchen staff, and a douche kid named Kyle is joining the accounting department. Kyle was friends with Kyson, trash personalities attract other trash, I guess. As they all slowly make their way out of the conference room, it was just me left. I don’t see any more people here to be my sponsor. Great, no one wants me here either. Thanks, Goddess.

I keep my eyes on the floor as I pick at the skin around my nails, fighting back the anxiety that is growing inside me. “Well, should we get you to your quarters?” Beta Grayson says, as smiles down at me.

I look up at him questioningly. “You will be living on the second level here at the pack house along with the other warriors that are unmated. I am in charge of patrol schedules and training, along with Alpha Zac, of course. If you need anything, I am your guy.” Beta Grayson motions for me to follow him.

As we walk out of the conference room and make our way to the second floor, he further explains the layout of the packhouse. “The second floor is for warriors, as I mentioned, there is a laundry room through here and each suite has its bathroom.”

He points to a set of stairs, “The third floor is where myself and Alpha Zac live. Your room will be right here.” He twists the handle of a door beside the base of the stairs, “Go ahead, make yourself at home. Your patrol and training schedules are on the desk. I have some business to attend to, but I’ll be downstairs if you need anything at all, Isla.” He nods to me as he pulls the door shut behind him.

The room is way nicer than the one I had at TRTC. A large bed with plush bedding, a walk-in closet, and even my own TV is mounted above the desk. The bathroom is equally as nice. A large, roomy shower with glass doors is across from a vanity surrounded by lights. I decide to take a stroll through the second floor to pass the time. As I walk down the hall, I admire the interior; this is nothing like the pack house at Blood Oak. Blood Oaks’s packhouse was less homey. White and black were the only colors. It was also only one floor with a common area in the center, but it could have changed in the last seven years.

My father was the Beta for the Blood Oak pack. Life wasn’t always terrible there, it was mostly good until my mom died. My mom died while on patrol when some rogues attacked. I was eight at the time, and after that, Dad was never the same. The grief changed him. It changed everything.

A cold chill runs through my spine at the memory. I shake away the painful memories and head back to my room. I could use a nice nap before the ceremony tonight.