Taking after my father

Chapter 1: The Meeting

Today started like any other day. I was lounging at home, waiting for my beta, Jay, to return. Oh, I should probably introduce myself first. My name is Nakita De Luca, but everyone calls me Nikki—except my dad, who insists on using my full name. My father, Trey De Luca, is the Alpha of all Alphas, and one day, I'll take over his position when he steps down.

You might be wondering why I have a beta if my father is still the Alpha. Well, ever since I was five, I've had the same power and authority over others—everyone except my father. That's why I'm an Alpha within my dad's pack. Since that day, I've been leading my own pack, made up of the same kids I grew up with. We're all friends, but when it comes to business, no one messes with us.

My pack includes Jay, my beta, and then there's Zeke, Marx, Storm, Rayne, and the twins, Jack and Ashling. Jay is reliable and always has my back, while Zeke and Marx are the muscle of the group. Storm and Rayne, with their sharp minds, handle strategy, and the twins, Jack and Ashling, are our scouts, always alert and ready.

As I was waiting for Jay to return with news from the morning patrol, he suddenly burst through my front door, his face flushed with urgency.

"Hey, Jay," I greeted him as he entered the living room, my curiosity piqued by his hurried entrance.

"Everything is fine, Nikki. No worries," he said, trying to sound casual. Yeah, right. Whenever he says that, it usually means my father has news about an upcoming meeting.

"Great," I said sarcastically. "What has my father planned now, Jay?" I asked in my alpha voice, making it clear he shouldn't evade the question. He flinched before replying.

"All the packs from America are coming to attend your father's meeting tonight."

"WHAT? Shit, I forgot about that! Fuck!" I exclaimed. They were coming because some kid thinks they're good enough for the title of Alpha or Beta of a pack. But that only happens if the current Alpha deems them worthy, and then they come here for us to evaluate.

"Fun, I know. NOT!" I said. "What time does it start?"

"Ten. I'll get the pack together for it," Jay replied.

"Yeah, sounds good. Don't mess up, Jay," I said, knowing he wouldn't but enjoying teasing him.

Finally, I could do what I really loved—boxing. I changed into sweats and a black sports bra and headed to the gym. Hitting the bag helped me release the stress and anger from the past few days. Despite my calm demeanor with Jay, I had a short fuse and a nasty temper. Once, I got so mad at my father's beta for trying to tell me what to do that I beat him up. My dad had to pry me off him. Since then, no one messes with me—except those from other packs, but they learn quickly.

I was so engrossed in my boxing that I didn't notice Jay enter the gym. When he touched my arm, I spun around and pinned him to the floor, almost punching him before realizing who it was.

"Wait, Nikki, don't hit me! I was just coming to get you because the meeting is starting in ten minutes!" Jay exclaimed.

"Sorry, Jay. You know better than to do that," I said, helping him up. "Alright, let's go," I said, walking out of the gym without bothering to change.

"So, you wondering what the meeting is about, Nikki?" Jay asked.

"No, it's probably just updates or something. Anyway, meet in the usual spot. Don't let anyone see you or the guys, got it?"

"Yeah," he said, heading to our spot in the rafters where it's dark and no one knows we're there. It's easier to intervene if things go south.