“I wouldn’t have agreed to this if I thought you would, princess.” He grinned as he hit the accelerator and sped off down the dirt road, leaving a trail of dust in their wake.
Adam’s car was waved through the heavily guarded gatehouse without having to stop. The guards stiffened and saluted respectfully as they passed through.
Ann felt Maeve’s approval wash through her as they drove through the busy streets of the self contained town.
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The houses were well maintained, and with a quick glance at the buildings surrounding she could see that the training grounds were being put to good use and from this distance at least seemed to be in good order. Ann noticed a couple of schools on site and frowned. “Alpha…” She began.
“Adam, please, Ann.” He interjected flatly with the ghost of a smile on his face.
“Yes, of course, sorry, Adam,” She corrected hurriedly, “You have your own schools within the pack?”
“Yes. I know it’s unconventional and doesn’t adhere to the guidelines but I want my pack to be able to think for themselves.” He said firmly as he pulled off the road and into a sweeping driveway that nestled between immaculately manicured lawns and flowerbeds.
“They can do that at a normal school too, you know? The whole point of having mixed species schools is to ensure the supernaturals integrate with each other as well as the humans. We can’t afford for the races to be separated again.” Ann replied.
“I understand that, but how then do I enable my pack to grow and be successful beyond these walls? Here, they are taught critical and strategic thinking at an early age, they are encouraged to be active and spar with their friends, grudges are not tolerated they are resolved amicably. They are taught the history of the world, not just the human history, but that of the conflicts between races and species…”
“I understand, however, there are other options available Adam. That’s what the academies are for when they leave middle school, they follow the same curriculum instead of being segregated from other packs.”
“But they lose all those years of crucial study…”
“Instead gaining years of unmonitored education and the possibility of a superiority complex. Why can’t you add those as a compulsory study in the evenings or weekends? Or even as residential camps?” Ann argued back.
“So tell me, Ann, If I then introduce these programs after a full day at human school, how is it fair for the children to be studying until late at night or giving up their weekends?” It is imperative that they understand everything about the world we live in and why we coexist peacefully without revealing ourselves. The earlier they learn that the better.”
“But…”
“I’m not discussing this Ann. We aren’t doing anything wrong. This is my pack…”
“Our pack…”
Adam growled lightly.
“The education we provide will not change Ann. The pack is free to choose whether or the schools offered here or in the city. Most choose here because we do not tolerate b*ull*ying behavior.” He snarled.
“But…”
“No. In the mainstream schools do you have any idea how many of our Omega’s are bullied for being lesser than the ranked wolves? How many Omega’s do you think are mistreated within the pack structure? Do you think they enjoy mainstream school where they are subject to the superiority complexes of other wolves from other packs? Or the att*itudes of their Alpha’s when I am f0rced to confront them because our pack members have been so heavily beaten?”
Ann remained silent.
“Every wolf, regardless of rank deserves the same education. Of course, it is not practical for them to hold combat positions because of their wolves’ inferior strength and their submissive traits, however, that doesn’t mean that they can’t teach the theory that dominant wolves need to learn in order to be successful. It doesn’t mean that they can’t excel in their own careers in areas of their choosing if they so desire.”
Adam braked suddenly and pulled to a stop in front of an enormous mansion. He sighed heavily and ran his hands through his hair, turning to look at Ann with a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
“In this pack at least, Omega’s are not f0rced into servitude, they are the backbone of the pack that provides for all our basic needs. Food, cleaning, hospitals, gardening whatever it is they do, enables us to not worry about our basic needs so we can focus on protecting and providing for the pack. They might be weaker than us in strength and combat capabilities, but their minds are still sharp and they are skilled in other areas. They are paid a fair wage, work in rotating shifts, and are free to come and go as they please. I won’t change this Ann…I won’t compromise on the community and the ideals that I intend to uphold.” He finished quietly as he opened the door and got out.
Ann sat silently for a moment trying to take in everything that he had said. She swallowed nervously.
‘I don’t see the issue, Ann. You’re being pedantic. I think Adam’s vision of a healthy pack hierarchy is far superior to the structure and politics in most packs.’ Maeve offered thoughtfully.
‘I understand that but it’s not how it’s supposed to be done. We have established procedures and…’
‘Just because things are supposed to be done one way, doesn’t always mean that it’s the best way. A good Alpha knows this and will challenge established practices in order to improve them.’ Maeve answered smugly.
Ann huffed and took her seat belt off, turning in her seat and getting out of the car.
‘I think I liked it better when you were quiet.’ She grumbled back to her wolf as she hurried after the retreating form of Alpha Nocturne.
Adam waited at the top of the set of stairs that led from the pathway to the veranda that spanned the width of the building.
Ann was a little impressed with the size of the main house. Its grey and white brick were accented with black slate rooftops and white pillars ran the length of the veranda, various flowering plants climbing languidly along the screens placed intermittently between them.
It probably had more in common with a small palace rather than a mansion, just because of its sheer size. It certainly reminded her of the royal palace, although the architecture and design of this house were far more modern.
Ann was a little curious about the need for a 4 storey house, but after the frosty reception she had with her questions about the education provided, she thought she would wait a little longer before she asked anything else. Adam’s demeanor was a little off, and he seemed to be a little cold toward her compared to his earlier warmth. He took her hand firmly, with no trace of a smile on his face.
“I would prefer it if you would at least attempt not to contradict me in front of the pack. I appreciate that you have different ideas of how to do things here, but any discussions will be held in the privacy of our room, or offices. A united front is imperative.” He stated in a very businesslike tone.
Ann nodded meekly as her heart sank a little and her wolf tutted in displeasure at her.
‘We haven’t even been here an hour and you’ve already pissed him off.’
‘I agreed to marry him. I never agreed that I would make him like me.’ Ann grumbled.
‘He is a strong male who can’t find his mate, you rejected yours…I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to try to get closer to him.’
‘So you want me to roll over and agree to everything he wants like a good little wife?’ Ann snorted in disbelief.
‘I never said that. Alpha’s are touchy at the best of times. Telling them they’re wrong is the same as putting a gun filled with silver bullets in their head. You have to be smarter than this Ann.” Maeve snapped.
Ann bit back the sarcastic replies that formed on her tongue and f0rced a smile on her face.
“Of course. I may have differing opinions, Alpha,” She began, biting the last word out not be aware of my background, but I’m fully aware of how successful leaders conduct themselves within a pack.”?
“I’m very aware of your background, princess. I don’t think much of your father’s choices, his policies, nor the alliances he tries in vain to forge. It seems to turning your backs on your fated mates is a common theme within the royal males and the men they choose to ally with,” He replied coldly without batting an eye.
Ann almost felt as if she had been struck across the face. She fumed silently as the front door was opened and he instinctively reached for her hand to pull her through the doorway.
A group of staff were gathered in the hallway, lined up in a uniform manner, and bowed deeply speaking their greetings in unison.
As they straightened up and curious glances were cast toward her, she plastered on her face the most welcoming expression that she could muster. She had taken a few years to master this to perfection, but she had succeeded eventually.
She had been expected to meet the foreign dignitaries that attended her father’s court and it provided a better impression for the daughters of the Alpha King to sit quietly and demurely, speaking softly to showcase their ability to rule with grace and nobility, nothing more than pretty little dolls who could be easily moulded into what was needed for the royal line of succession.
Ann had hated every second of those meetings. She was always complimented on her submissive nature in diplomacy yet fierce nature on the battlefield. With her and her wolf two halves of a whole that perfectly complimented each other, n
If they had known the fiery nature of her personality there would have been an uproar. The question remained whether she would be true to herself from the beginning here, or whether she would keep her mouth shut. After all, it was only for 5 years.
Adam introduced her to the omega staff and she greeted them happily while her mind overflowed with conflicting desires.
“Welcome to the pack, Luna. Please bear with us while we get to know your likes and dislikes. We will work our hardest to ensure that everything is to your liking.” One of the staff spoke out from the line before her.
“Thank you for your kindness, but I don’t think you’ll need to put any extra work into accommodating me or my needs. Please, continue to do as you would normally and if I have any specific requests or needs then I’ll find someone to speak.” Ann answered warmly with a smile. The omega who had spoken merely inclined her head and answered quietly.
“As you wish, Luna.”
“Let me show you to your room for tonight, my love,” Adam said, wrapping his arm around Ann’s shoulder with a smile.
He was doing a great job of imitating affection but as Ann stood closest to him, the fond gaze that he was attempting to mimic wasn’t actually filled with warmth as it should have been.
It was ever so slightly indifferent.
As if that small disagreement they had in the car really had changed his att*itude toward her completely.
She returned his gesture and leaned into him, her performance of adoration much more convincing than his had been and for a moment, an unreadable look passed across Adam’s eyes.
He cleared his throat and took her hand in his own and with quick thanks to the staff a*s*sembled, guided her up the stairs.
Ann grinned to herself. If he wanted to punish her by shutting her out then she would show how little it mattered to her.
As Adam guided her down the corridor and around the corner, once they were out of sight of the staff members, he abruptly let go of her hand.
Ann turned her head to the side slightly, c*oc*king her head as she did so, and eyed him shrewdly, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
“Adam, are you annoyed at me?” She asked, a slight hint of amusement in her voice.
“No.” He answered curtly, without sparing her a glance. Ann fought the urge to smirk as he huffed loudly and increased his pace to walk a few steps ahead. She ignored Maeve chiding her for irritating him and instead turned her head to look at the decor.
So far everything had been tastefully decorated in an oddly satisfying mix of modern design and elegant accents. Sleek lines and original fixtures seemed to blend seamlessly and the place was spotlessly clean.
While the atmosphere wasn’t exactly warm and inviting, it did leave the impression that you would be well cared for here. Ann hoped that once she had settled in properly and been here a little while, she could help make the place feel a little homier. It was lacking a little something, but what that something was, she couldn’t quite decide.
Adam stopped abruptly in front of a large pair of dark mahogany doors with an intricately carved design of the moon Goddess on each door. Ann couldn’t help but gasp at the workmanship and instinctively reached out to gently run her fingers over the beautiful design.
On one door, the Moon Goddess was depicted smiling at two wolves before her, surrounded by trees and natural rock formations. The wolfs hearts appeared to have an almost ethereal thread flowing outwards from them and she held one thread in each hand as if she was caught mid-motion in connecting the two threads.
On the second door, the two wolves stood together watching as a litter of pups played happily before them in the same clearing and The Moon Goddess smiled down from above at the scene.
“Adam this is… this is beautiful…” Ann murmured, completely enthralled by the scenes depicted.
His indifferent glare softened slightly at the sight of her almost childlike awe at a simple door carving and he sighed, jamming his hands into the pockets of his trousers as he patiently waited for her to finish her appreciation.
“I think it was my great grandfather that had those commissioned, several in fact. I think you’ll enjoy your stay here if this kind of thing excites you,”
Ann nodded absentmindedly.
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