The Alpha Shifter

Chapter 11 - Ari

A couple of days had passed since I told Davin I had found my mate, and since then the cubs had returned, bringing with them the liveliness that came with all children. The pack house was back to its usual loudness, bringing with it the bickering and playfulness that had left when the cubs weren't here.

With everyone back here I felt more whole, like some small part of me left when the cubs had to go. But with everyone back here I felt more at ease. I also had a promise I needed to keep.

I made my way upstairs in search of a certain cub, and came across him walking down the hallway looking slightly lost. "Hey there kid." He turned and and stood still for a moment, his eyes widening. Will then came bounding over, leaping up into my outstretched arms. As soon as he made contact I lifted him up and spun him round. His hands were gripped around me in a firm hug, and the cutest sound of giggles erupted from his tiny form. "Did you miss me?" He nodded, unable to stop the giggles that poured from his mouth. "Told you you'd be back in no time kiddo." I placed him on the floor and knelt in front of him, "I think I have a promise to keep don't you?" He gave a triumphant yes, as he grinned from ear to ear. "How about you and me head to the game room and meet up with the rest of the cubs ay?"

"Yes Alpha!" The little chum was grinning from ear to ear and it made my heart swell with joy that he was beginning to be happy here.

"Hey now, we're friends aren't we?", He nodded looking proud of himself, "You can call me Ari instead of Alpha." His eyes widened as I knelt in close and whispered in his ear. "Between you and me kid, only the adults gotta call me a Alpha." I winked at him and held out my hand. He took it and we made our way back down the stairs and into the large space of the game room.

As soon as I'd entered I heard multiple shouts of Ari, as the cubs realised I'd entered the room and tackled me to the floor. Each small face happy to see me, multiple shouting how much they'd missed the pack. I ruffled a few of their heads and slowly got up.

"Now now my little cubs. I have an announcement to make." They all waited patiently staring up at me with wonder in their eyes. They were all practically bouncing on the balls of their feet by the time I announced. I cleared my throat and yelled, "Movie marathon night!" I heard screaming's of yes, and giggles fill the room as they all tackled me to the ground in their excitement. I couldn't help but laugh with them.

I struggled to sit up and came face to face with Will, his small face laughing and giggling with the rest of the cubs. I nuzzled his face for a brief moment before I said, "Come on. Up you cubs get, let's watch a movie!" It was a couple more minutes before they decided to move, but I didn't mind. I could spend the whole day here with them. Them being happy ultimately made me happy. "So what'd you kids have in mind hmmm?" I heard chanting of a few different titles, but what stood out the most was The Lion King. I grinned, it was one of my favourites, and I knew that these cubs would be balling and sniffling during one climatic moment. I lifted my hands up, silencing the cubs around me. "The Lion King it is then!" The silence broke with that, and soon we were all seated on the floor, heaps of cushions, blankets and pillows to keep everyone comfortable. Some food was brought in from some older shifters in the pack, and they too joined us.

We all ended up watching a couple of movies, until finally all the cubs were asleep, dozing off on each other. Some snoring, and others not. It was a sight to see. My beautiful cubs. They all made me so proud. They kept themselves strong, even though most had a rough time the moment they found out they were shifters. But here, with this pack, they seemed carefree. Unburdened by the worries of the world, as children should be.

Will was asleep next to me, curling himself up in his blanket, using my tummy as a pillow. I ran my fingers through his hair, glad that he slept peacefully, and hoped that his unburdened sleep would continue.

I smiled, the most content I'd been in a while, with the snores of the little ones lulling me to sleep.

***

I woke up the next morning before all the cubs and shifters of the pack around me. Will's tiny form was still contentedly sleeping on my tummy. I didn't want to move him, or wake any of the other cubs. I was in no rush to get up, so I waited a while longer, waiting for the rest of the pack to awake. Through the window across the room I could see that the sun was only showing its first rays of lights, meaning I was up way too early.

After a little contemplating of whether I wanted to stay longer or not, I finally decided to shift Will so that he was laying on the pillow I had been resting on.

I slowly crept through the crowded room, making sure not to step on or disturb any of the cubs at my feet, and made my way out into the hallway. I let out a sigh of relief and looked back to make sure I hadn't woken anyone, and with a smile I silently made my way to the kitchen.

I grabbed an apple on the way in, and took a seat on the closest stool. I looked towards the clock on the wall and grimaced; It really was way too early for my liking at all.

As I ate my apple I watched the time go by and realised that my jaguar was getting jittery again, prowling inside my mind, reminding me of the mate I worked so hard to get my mind off. I had to admit, it had worked for a while, but I realised my jaguar wouldn't stay put contentedly any longer. She wanted to be let out, wanting to go back into town to track him down, my mate. I was losing some of the control I had over her, she wasn't happy that I hadn't gone to track my mate down sooner. I growled in frustration. I didn't have the time to track him down, not with me running the pack. I couldn't just keep leaving the pack house undefended just to search for my mate. I was the Alpha, I had a responsibility to my pack. I swore I would protect them all, and that's what I was going to do.

I was a little surprised to find that the pack's head cook, Marcus, had walked in and was staring at me with an amused smile. He had probably cleared his throat and I hadn't heard it. I smiled back warmly at him. "Hey Marcus how's it going?"

"I could ask the same of you Alpha. But I am doing well. Was there something you wanted specifically for your morning meal?"

I shook my head at him and thanked him for offering. "No it's quite alright. In fact was there something I could help you with? I seem to be up earlier than I would like to be." My smile had turned sheepish, and he simply laughed.

"Oh no no, I couldn't possibly hand you simple errands. It would be beneath you Alpha." He smiled reassuringly at me, but I wasn't gonna have it.

"Marcus sweetie, nothing is ever beneath me. I may be the Alpha, but that doesn't mean I can't help with simple errands." I stood up from my stool and put my hands on my hips like a chastising mother.

Marcus gave a huff and gave in easily. "Oh alright, if you insist. We do seem to be low on supplies again. The cubs do rather go through everything quite quickly. Especially since more and more of them are coming in everyday. Do you mind going back into town to pick up a few things?"

I patted his shoulder as I made my way out of the kitchen. "Sure thing, I'll be back soon." I gave a mock salute and was off.

My jaguar had been looking for an excuse to go back into town, but I would be lying if I said she was the only was who was looking for any old excuse.

I found Keil near the entrance looking as disheveled as ever. His black hair was a complete mess, and it seemed he was only half awake. It made me snort, and he turned towards me with confused eyes. "Ari?" He was now slightly squinting his eyes as if he couldn't see me properly.

"Keil, my dearest brother. I'm going into town to pick up a few supplies. Look after the pack while I'm out yeah?" I quickly kissed his cheek, making sure to take the keys to the jeep on my way out. I was definitely not making that same mistake twice.