Chapter 3 Alex Greyson

Roselie kicked off her heels near a fallen tree and felt her wolf taking over. She wasn't allowed to shift without supervision.

The juvenile wolves could lose control easily, hence they were not allowed to shift on their own unless they were with reliable adults. But as a wolf Roselie had enhanced speed and senses than that of an average human. She took another deep breath to relax and then, suddenly she sprinted off into the woods, in her human form. It was slower than being in her wolf body, but it was nearly as good.

She could feel the thin branches and dead withering leaves crunch under her feet as she bolted through the forest. She loved the feel of the cool wind on her face. She could hear the waterfall some distance away, that was her secret place. She slowed down and climbed up a boulder. She could see the stream flowing into a beautiful little waterfall. She took a step back and then leapt high. Ripping her dress again. She cursed. What the heck? she thought. I'm grounded already. She flew across the stream to land on the other side.

She gasped in utter shock as she landed, on another body. He was sitting cross-legged on the boulder she had just jumped on. She let out a scream as she smashed into him. They both tumbled into the stream, limbs tangled.

"What the hell were you thinking ?" a male voice boomed as they resurfaced breaking the water.

"Have you lost your mind ??" he growled before finally noticing who had leapt on him.

"Who are you?" The stranger asked.

Roselie stared at the stranger, he was around 21-22. He stood a foot taller than her and his body was all muscles, his dark hair was dripping with water as they ran down in rivulets over his chiselled handsome face. His green eyes were flashing with anger. Her wolf cowered inside, he was an Alpha.

"You are asking me who I am in our territory? Who the hell are you?" She blurted out. Her mother had warned her about strangers. Should I alert everyone? she thought.

He clicked his tongue disapprovingly, "Making so much trouble. Aren't you ever tired of being so hyperactive?"

"You didnt answer my question, who are you? What are you doing in the Silver moon pack area?"

He frowned, then his face softened, the little girl seemed to be weak, there was no point frightening her.

"I am Alex Greyson, from the Greystone pack. I am here because your Alpha invited me to attend his coronation. So if you are planning to alert everyone about a possible intrusion, don't worry. I am not interested in taking over this dump."

"Oh!" Her eyes popped out in surprise. She had just insulted and jumped on a visiting Alpha!

The pack had invited several important people, like the council members, several pack leaders. Alex Greyson was one of the most powerful Alpha, his pack was strong and formidable. And right now he was glaring at her. Mom's gonna kill me! She thought.

"I was just running! I didnt know you were here," she said defensively and started to move out of the stream.

"Whoops!" she hit and rock and slipped again, pulling him along in the water. But this he was careful. He caught her arm and pulled her up on her feet.

"You are a disaster! Be careful, you slippery feet," he shook his head in frustration and started to move out of the water.

She grumbled but started to follow him, when she was going to slip for the third time, he swooped her by her slim waist to save her. They stared into one another eyes, frozen.

******

The moonlight shone on her face, accentuating the beautiful eyes and the curve of her nose. Her perfect pair of lips looked inviting but he let her go immediately when he realized she was still a juvenile. They were staring – or rather… he was been staring at her all this while. His heart pounded strangely in his chest when his hand first touched her waist. It was a very peculiar feeling, very familiar. It couldn't be? She couldn't be his mate, but he found himself liking that feeling. He searched his wolf, he had been mourning for days, now he was suddenly alert. But he was not eager to claim her. He was just waiting and watching......curious.

"Thanks," she muttered as she got out from the stream without even looking at him. "I need to go back and change. I have ruined the second dress today. Mom spent hours looking for it online."

She sighed but then she finally realized why was he here? He should have been in the hall with other guests.

" Alpha Alex, what were are you doing here all by yourself? Aren't you supposed to be with the other guests ?" she asked him.

He wasn't moving, he was frozen at the spot, staring intently at her.

She frowned.

"Alex?" she called, "Are you all right?" She caught his wrist, nudging him to get out. He didn't budge.

"Oh my goodness, I've turned you into a popsicle!" she exclaimed as rubbed her hands together trying to warm his hand.

"Oh, dear! did you get hypothermia? Please don't die!"

He pushed her away from her gently. "I'm fine," he said hoarsely as he moved out of the stream.

"I think I should leave," he said, then as if recalling something he asked.

" What is your name?"

"I am Rosalie Murdoch. Wait," she stopped him. "What were you doing here alone, Alex?" she asked him curiously but then she bit her lips because she thought she was over the line for questioning as Alpha.

"Sorry." she apologized quickly.

"No, it's OK." he answered suddenly. He needed to leave, but he figured he could stay for few minutes, to talk to her. The girl who made his heart thump in a weird happy way.

"I was thinking about.....stuff," he paused, "if I could lead my pack just like my father did, I'm worried that I might disappoint my pack members."

"You'll do fine." she said confidently, "I'm sure you'll be the best alpha they ever have!" she smiled at him widely. Her whole body was drenched. Her teeth chattered.

"Thank you for your kind words."

He turned and looked at her. He seemed to finally notice the torn and sad fate of her dress.

"Your Mom is going to be pissed when she finds out you're in a mess." he paused.

"Yeah, I have been grounded anyway," she said sadly.

"Come with me, I'm sure Sarah, my sister can find a dress for you."

She looked at him brightly. "Thanks," she said as she blushed.

He suddenly realized that he liked to see her blush. His handsome face broke into a smile as he offered his hand to her like a gentleman asking a girl to a dance, "Let's go then, the coronation's going to start soon."

*********

Roselie twirled in her new bubblegum pink sleeveless dress. Amelia gave her a questioning look. "Where did you get this dress, Rosie?"

"I – um, a friend gave it to me," she said easily, at least she wasn't entirely lying. She didnt want her mother to find out that she had practically destroyed the expensive dress.

"Amelia," her father said as he slipped his kept his hand on the back of his mate.

"We need to leave now," he said as he eased them into the chamber where the other wolves were being seated in their respective places. They sat with the other Betas and their families. It was a proud moment for them.