For The Love of An Alpha

Rising Sun

Seven years ago...

A puff of air moved the auburn strand from her view, as she turned the pages on the book in front of her. Reading line after line, she turned to make notes in the small spiral book she kept. The black ink of her pen put her thoughts onto paper, as her wolf helped to guide her. She had been researching for months. Pages and tomes had been flipped through over and over, as Scarlet guided her on what she was looking for. Ancient myths, folk lores and legends were poured over, every word processed and recorded.

Jhera stood from her seat at the table, the most recent book on Greek folklore in her hands. She had been in the library enough as of late, that she knew where to return the book to. She gathered up her books from the table and placed them in her pack. Turning from the now empty table, she began her trek upstairs to return the book to it's rightful place. Passing the areas of fictional books, she headed for the desk of the archives section. The attendant behind the desk smiled politely at her as she approached.

"Would you like me to put this back for you?" Jhera whispered softly, holding up the book in her hands. The leather binding showed some signs of wear, but overall it was kept nicely.

"I can get that." The attendant took the book from her, "I could use something to do." She flipped open the pages then turned to Jhera, "How'd you translate?"

Jhera smiled and tapped her backpack, "I bought a book for it. We lose a lot when other's translate."

The pair shared a smile and then Jhera turned to leave. She stopped in her tracks when a smell came in off the elevator to her right. The rancid smell filled her nostrils. Her stomach flipped and she turned her energy to focusing on calming herself. She had learned what that smell meant. How warlocks sell their souls for energy. Because of the connection to the demonic realm, the smell leaks slowly into the area around them. Jhera walked back down the stairs calmly.

We can't ignore it. Scarlet's voice came through clear.

I know. Jhera's calm reply had surprised her wolf. She focused her attention on where to sit and where to stand. She positioned herself so she could see the main doors easily. Grabbing a book that was on a table, she sat down and began to act like she was reading. The book in front of her was nothing of interest, it spoke of the uses of charcoal in drawing. She really couldn't care about what was on the pages. She kept her head low and her senses high. It wasn't long before the smell came again, it wafted by as a man in a three piece suit walked by. The smell obviously coming from him. Jhera watched him reach the door intently, then moved to follow him casually.

When she stepped outside the building, the busy city streets began to fill her ears. The smell of the car exhaust and women with too much perfume filled her nostrils. It only took a moment before she caught the sent once more. The trail was hot and she was not going to lose this one.

Are you sure we are ready for this? Jhera asked her wolf, as they walked with purpose down the city sidewalk.

Of course. We've been training for years. Jhera could feel Scarlet smiling. We got this!

Jhera smiled to herself as she turned a corner. She nearly ran into the man she was following, and with a quick action she side stepped and barely missed him.

"I'm so sorry." Jhera said, holding her hands up. "I should pay better attention." She smiled awkwardly to the man, everything in her wanting to tear him apart.

He smiled back at her, "No worries."

Jhera stopped and looked around, "Seriously..." She muffled under her breath, hoping he heard her. She stooped down and pulled out her phone and looked at, acting like a text had just gone off.