FATED TO ALPHA HUNTER BY VENNEH LISAH

𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗔'𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗩:

Upon waking up, I found Hunter's leg draped across my waist and attempted to push him off as my bladder was screaming for me to get up and pee. His heavy leg was squashing it, and when I tried to move him, he rolled into me, adding to the weight. However, I suddenly remembered everything, but felt no pain.

Hunter stirred, lifting his head and yawning, covering his mouth with his hand before rubbing his eyes. As I stared up at him, waiting for an explanation of what had happened after the council came, he had other intentions as he leaned down and kissed me. His tongue invaded my mouth, but I pushed him away from me. He growled and used his calling to urge me to submit to him.

"What happened with the council and Sky? How long have I been asleep? What about Rina?" I asked, interrupting his passionate assault on my lips.

Hunter didn't immediately answer, he continued to focus on kissing me.

"Hunter!" I growled, grabbing his head to get his attention.

He pulled back slightly and replied, "Rina is back and safe. She was found at the borders with multiple marks and injuries, but her mate was able to heal her. Sky was responsible for tormenting her, but she confessed and we were able to rescue Rina. The council has been sorted out, and Sky, Mylar, and Fabian are all in the dungeons."

I was relieved to hear that Rina was safe and that the council situation had been resolved, but I still had questions. "How long have I been asleep?" I asked.

"You've been out for a day," Hunter replied before returning his attention to my body. He collected my wrists in one hand and pinned them above my head, his face dipping down to my bare chest.

"Is Rina safe?" I asked Hunter, hoping for a straight answer.

"Yes, she's safe," he replied.

"What will happen without the council of elders?" I asked, curious about the consequences.

Hunter sighed. "It's not ideal, but we'll manage. We'll have to make some adjustments and figure things out as we go along."

"And why are Mylar, Sky, and Fabian still in the dungeons? Shouldn't they be dead?" I asked, wondering why Hunter hadn't taken more drastic action.

Hunter didn't answer immediately, instead his concentration was on just nipping at my b***bs. I pushed him away, annoyed.

"That's it? That's all you have to say?" I demanded.

Hunter growled, sitting up on his elbow while still holding my wrists in his hand. "Everything is fine. I'm sorting it out. Mylar is the principal in our school, and there are protocols to be followed. The board members have to be aware of what's going on before anything is done, which is kind of hard considering they are all humans, save for me. I'm heading to the school now. I'm part of the board, and we're meeting this morning."

He palmed my br**st with his other hand before brushing his thumb over my ni**le. I ignored the bond, not reacting to his touch. He sighed his eyes moving to mine before he twisted my right-side ni**le making me hiss.

He chuckled, and I glared at him.

"It's nothing you need to worry about," he told me.

"Nothing to worry about? I just got whipped, your men were knocked out, and I don't need to worry? When you thought I was your traitor, you were in such a hurry to punish me. But because it's your best friend and Sky, the woman you had a thing for, you're buying time and stalling in punishing them?" I asked incredulously.

"I said I'm on it, didn't I?" Hunter asked.

"That doesn't mean I don't have to ask questions," I retorted. I had so many questions, like where all the vae-wolves came from and why I didn't know there were so many left. Why did the council freak out at the mention of who I was?

Hunter growled, leaning down to peck my lips. "I meant what I said, you don't have to worry," Hunter said, and I growled at him, trying to pull my hands from his grip. His grip tightened, and he stared down at me.

"Well, aren't you in a lovely mood this morning," he said, leaning down and nipping at my lips. "I wouldn't be in a bad mood if you would answer instead of keeping secrets from me," I snarled in response.

"You aren't answering my questions! Instead, you're trying to make love to me. Now stop it and let me go. I need to pee," I snapped at him. Hunter pressed his lips into a line, and I could feel his anger at me denying him, but he reluctantly let me go. I quickly rushed off to the bathroom.

When I came back out, Hunter was pulling on some clothes. He did the zip up on his jeans before pulling on a button-down shirt. I grabbed some clothes - a black blouse and dark blue jeans.

"You're not coming with me," he said, reading my intentions and looking over at me while buttoning up his shirt.

"Of course not. Am I supposed to be seen and not heard? Listen but don't ask questions? Sit and rot in the pack house, waiting in the dark for you to feed me a minuscule piece of information?" I snarled at him.

"Knock it off, Luna," he said, looking at me with darkened eyes.

"I'm coming with you," I told him.

"No, you're staying here. Lemmy, Joe, and I are only going for a few hours, so spend time with Rina," he said, but I ignored him, pulling on some socks and reaching for my shoes.

He snatched them off me, suddenly becoming angry. "I said you're staying here!" Hunter snapped.

I pursed my lips, fighting back tears. He was avoiding answering me, and it pushed me up the wall. Hunter sighed when I sat back on the bed. He walked over and stopped next to me before crouching down in front of me and placing his hands on my knees.

"I am so sorry I snapped at you, my love. When I get back, you can ask your questions," he said.

"But will you answer them?" I asked. He dropped his head.

"There are some things that are safer if you don't know."

"Bullshit," I told him, and his grip on my knees tightened. He clenched his jaw and pressed his lips into a line.

"Why did the council freak out when they heard who I was?" I asked, and he looked at me.

"I am busy right now, and I don't want to argue. I nearly just lost you, for goodness sake. Let me sort some things out, and then when it's safe, I will explain," he replied. I shook my head and chewed the inside of my lip.

"You're the alpha, you're always busy! Yet not too busy when you want something!" I snapped at him.

"Enough, Ania. We will talk when I get back," he said, standing up and kissing my forehead before walking out.

𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔'𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗩:

Mylar had taken me to an abandoned building in the woods close to the borders, where she and her sister Sky tormented me day and night because I refused to be used as a tool to poison Ania. Days passed, and when Joe finally came to my rescue with police officers, I was so relieved. Joe took me back to the pack house and explained that he was my mate. I instantly felt safe around him.

We spent the whole night talking about everything that had happened while I was away, as he held me close, afraid that he would lose me again.

The next day, I was happy to learn that Ania was finally awake after a brutal experience with the council. I had missed my best friend, and I was glad to know that she had held fort for me to be found, giving her mate, the alpha, sleepless nights.

"Well, come with me," Joe said, bringing me back from my thoughts.

"I'm not following you around like a lost puppy. I don't see what the big deal is," I told him, as I walked over to grab my flats and socks. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I bent down to pull my socks on, but Joe snatched them from my hand and knelt in front of me to help me put them on. As he finished mind-linking, he groaned in annoyance and I glanced at him.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"The Alpha wants to leave early. He and Ania had an argument," he said with a sigh.

He came over and pressed his lips to my forehead before gripping my chin, forcing me to look up at him.

"I didn't mean to have you follow me like a puppy. I lost you once, and I can't afford to lose you again. Do you understand?" I nodded, and he smiled, dipping his face closer to see if I would pull away.

When I didn't, he pressed his lips to mine softly, and my lips parted invitingly. Joe groaned, pulling me closer, his hand going to the back of my head as he tipped my head back. He ran his tongue across my bottom lip first before delving between my lips, brushing mine gently. I kissed him back, wanting all of him.

Joe appeared to have a tough exterior with sharp edges and an intense fiery energy, but he was gentle and sweet at heart. Being with him made me feel safe, and I trusted him inexplicably. He massaged the back of my neck with his fingers as he deepened our kiss, then pulled back slightly to suck on my bottom lip and nibble on it. I chuckled, and he smiled against my lips before embracing me in a hug. I hugged him back, enjoying his masculine scent as his arms wrapped around my tiny frame.

"I cannot afford to lose you ever again," he hissed, his voice filled with emotion.

"I'll be back in a few hours, and..." A knock interrupted him, and he looked up with glazed eyes. He leaned down to kiss my nose before stepping away.

"Ania is at the door," Joe murmured, and my eyes widened. I was excited to see her. Seeing her while she was asleep wasn't the same. I needed to hear her voice and hear her say she was okay. Ripping the door open, I ran into her, and her arms enveloped me instantly. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when they took you away," she whispered. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when they hurt you," I whispered back. "I love you, Rina. You're my best friend," she hissed. "And I love you too. You're my best friend," I hissed back.

The crack in her voice told me she needed the hug as much as I did.

Pulling back, I noticed the alpha leaning against the wall behind her, keeping watch and making me nervous.

"Are you ready?" the alpha asked Joe, though his eyes never left Ania. The way she sucked in her pursed lips as she tried to stop the action made me realize she was livid about something.

"Yeah, just need to grab my wallet," Joe said behind me. I turned towards the doors at the end of the corridor, and Ania leaned her shoulder against me. Before she even got two meters past Hunter, the harsh intake of breath she let out told me she was trying to keep her emotions in check.

"Ania!" the alpha snarled. She ignored him and continued walking towards the stairs.

"Where are you going now?" the alpha asked. She didn't bother answering and instead kept walking. I pressed my lips in a line, a little worried. Ania wasn't usually defiant, and she looked like she was deliberately trying to push his buttons for some reason.

"Where can we sit down, relax, talk over a drink?" she asked me, ignoring her growling mate behind us.

"I told her, 'Let's have breakfast first'," as we walked down the steps towards the kitchens.

"Ania, answer me!" the alpha bellowed from the top of the stairs. I noticed Kim waiting on the stairs with Lemmy. He smiled softly at us while Kim raised an eyebrow at Ania, who continued to ignore Hunter. I heard the alpha stomp down the steps behind us.

He gripped Ania's shoulder, and she stopped and growled at him. "I asked you a question?" he snarled, looking annoyed.

"I asked you one too! I got my answer. Here's yours," she said, turning back and stomping down the steps. She shot him a look when she got to the bottom.

"Trouble in paradise, my alpha?" Lemmy taunted.

"Shut up, Lemmy," Hunter snapped, and I was surprised at how angry he was becoming just because Ania was ignoring him. It was clear that he liked being the center of attention with her and didn't appreciate being challenged. Lemmy was the first to step forward and block Hunter when he reached out to stop Ania again.

Hunter growled, and it was strange for me to see them put themselves in front of the alpha for her. They were bound by a pack oath to choose her over him, and I didn't realize it extended to his interactions with Ania as well.

Kim's hand fell on Hunter's shoulder not even a second later. My breath hitched in my throat when Hunter growled, turning his intimidating glare on Joe before he sighed. He looked down at Ania, who raised an eyebrow at him.

"It was a simple question, Ania. I just wanted to know where you are going so I can ensure you have proper security," the alpha said while pinching the skin between his eyes.

"I can't let you know all my secrets now, can I?" she growled back before storming off. I hurried after her.

"Where are you going?" she asked me.

"Wherever you're going," I chuckled when I caught up to her and looped my arm through hers. I giggled, but then again, she never went anywhere, so I didn't understand why he would ask.

"Lemmy, you're with me and Stanley. Joe is now watching the girls with Kim," I heard Hunter say as he reached the bottom of the steps. The alpha headed in the other direction. Lemmy huffed and growled, making both Ania and me stop to look back at him. Joe walked towards us with a silly smirk on his face. I was glad we could bond.

"Great! See what your defiance gets me, my Luna. I have to hang out all day with his grumpy mood, without his Beta, so awful," Lemmy taunted. Kim snorted, trying to maintain his expressionless face.

"Lemmy! Now!" the Alpha roared, stalking off.

"I'm coming, my Alpha," Lemmy called, jogging after him. Ania shook her head at Lemmy, and Kim moved to her side again, while Joe followed behind us.

"So, what's up with you and the Alpha?" I asked as we stepped into the kitchen.

"Nothing. I just think he's hiding stuff," she said with a shrug.

Ania looked in the fridge before pulling out some orange juice. She grabbed some glasses, and Kim cleared his throat. She looked at him over the fridge door.

"I've got juice," she said, holding it up. Kim pointed to the blender, and Ania rolled her eyes before walking over to it. She grabbed the jug and poured the contents down the sink.

"My Luna, the alpha made that himself specifically for you. It's nutritious for you and the fetus, and he commanded me to make sure you took it," Kim said as she poured her own juice, seemingly uncaring.

"What he doesn't know won't hurt him. Tell him I'm happily eating the lies he feeds me. Besides, it's not confirmed that I'm pregnant," she said, holding up the juice to him before drinking it. She placed some cups on the counter in front of the boys with juice and handed one to me. She offered one to Joe and Kim, but they both shook their heads as Valentine walked in from the back.

"Have you girls had breakfast?" she asked.

"Yep. I had some alpha truths for breakfast," Ania said bitterly, and Valentine gave her a look.

"And how did they taste?" she asked.

"Bitter, like the alpha," Ania muttered, sipping her juice. I snickered.

"I heard you and the alpha arguing," Valentine said.

"You did?" she asked skeptically.

"Pretty sure everyone heard you both fighting," Valentine chuckled.

"Well, if everyone stopped keeping things that involved me from me, we wouldn't be arguing," Ania said, looking around at everyone who averted their gaze as she said it.

She bit the corner of her lip. "You all know what he is hiding," she stated.

Ania growled, "Of course everyone knows but me!" Her eyes turned to me, "You are the lost princess of Devonshire. The Alpha isn't telling you because he needs to be 100% sure how you went to Brooks before he informs the king and you."

I blurted out under her aura, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"I am over this crap!" Ania interrupted, "You are supposed to be my family, and all of you are keeping things from me." She stormed off through the back door, followed by Joe and Kim. But as they caught up, she spun around with a furious look on her face.

"Don't follow me! And don't come near me!" she snarled. Her command nearly staggered me, and Joe rocked on his heels. Ania was gone before she realized what she had done. None of us thought we could move an inch to go after her.

"What the hell?" Kim cursed.

"You need to mind-link with Hunter, because until she removes the command, neither of us can go near her," Joe growled, then rubbed a hand down his face.

"Wait! Do you mean me too?" I asked, trying to move towards the door she had walked out of. However, my feet wouldn't let me go in that direction. At the same moment, Ben walked in, completely oblivious to all of us frozen in place.

"I thought you were gone?" Kim asked.

"No, I had to see that the princess was up and kicking before leaving and mete out punishment of our traitors too," Ben mumbled.

"Where is the princess? I followed her scent here," Ben asked, glancing around for Ania. Joe and Kim looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

"Did you get hold of the alpha?" Joe asked. Kim shook her head. "He is blocking me out," he answered.

"Ah, hello? Where is the princess, your Luna?" Ben asked, waving his hands impatiently. Joe shook his head.

"She commanded us, and none of us can follow her," Kim answered.

"Where did she go?" Ben asked, frustration clear in his voice.

Joe growled and looked at the door.

Ben snarled, stalking off toward it.

"No one is trusted around her except us," Joe spat, gripping Ben's hand tightly.

"I am the last person who would hurt her," Ben spat back at him.

"You're not under the alpha's oath," Joe snapped.

"Yes, I'm not under oath to the alpha. But to the Devonshires, I am," Ben snarled, shoving Joe before stomping off.

The kitchen fell silent, and everyone's eyes glazed over simultaneously.

I didn't need to be told that they were all trying to get hold of the alpha.