Alpha Benji

♕Chapter Nine♕

                                                  ♕ The Imperious Pack ♕

I was sitting on my bed, braiding the loose threads from the throw blanket to keep myself busy. No matter how hard I tried, sleep wouldn't find me last night. I was once again a ball full of neurotic energy that couldn't be calmed down.

I woke up early this morning before Belinda had even come to drop off my breakfast. The door was still locked, so I couldn't freshen up but I opted to change out of my sleepwear to get a head start to my day.

I didn't wait much longer until I heard the familiar three knocks, signaling her arrival. Belinda came into frame, her salt and pepper hair pulled away from her aging face. Unlike most days, she didn't have a tray in her hands.

"You're up early." She noted, an eyebrow quirking upwards. "Would you like to go for a walk?"

My lips parted in surprise at her question. I hadn't been allowed to leave the room all week except for using the bathroom. I didn't know what randomly made them want to let me have some freedom, but I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity.

"Yes!" I jumped from the bed out of sheer excitement to be let out of my informal cage. "What's the catch, though?"

Belinda's lips curled into a small smile, shaking her head. "Don't be so skeptical. There is no catch. Alpha Benji requests you join him for his breakfast."

"Ah, so that's the catch." I mumbled underneath my breath, walking closer to the door.

Belinda chose to ignore my comment, ushering me out the door. She kept a lingering hand on my shoulder as she guided me through the guest pack house. I averted my eyes from the bathroom as we passed it, not wanting to be flushed with memories from last night.

"Where are we going?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me as we neared the front door.

"The formal pack house."

"Does the Alpha not live here?" My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. I distinctly remembered the Alpha being barely clad in sleeping sweatpants last night. Not to mention he came to the rescue in the middle of the night.

Belinda shook her head with a laugh, her grip on my shoulder getting distinctively tighter as we left the house. "Oh, no – he doesn't live at the pack house either. Alpha Benji and Beta Alaric both have their own personal houses for privacy. They have sleeping arrangements and offices in both our guest and formal pack house to be used if needed, though."

"Oh."

It was intimidating to think of how large this pack was. My old pack was small and very family orientated. This pack, however, was like a whole country. I suppose it makes sense though, considering how many packs the Imperious pack has overthrown. My old Alpha used to sleep in the pack house with all the other wolves. There was no separation or distinction in the rankings with things like that.

I let myself get lost in my thoughts as I took in my surroundings during our walk. It was still early in the morning, so there weren't many people out. This part of the Imperious pack was the opposite of where the cells where. The cells were dark and unsettling, while this side of the pack was filled with greenery and life. The buildings were clearly built within the forest using the resources they found around them. Greenery grew around a large portion of the buildings, making the pack almost blend into the forest.

It was a magical scenery for such a dangerous pack. The juxtaposition was almost ironic.

♕♕♕

The formal pack house was a fifteen-minute walk from where I was staying. It was like where I was staying, but just a more ornate and larger-scale version. The only thing that caught me by surprise as we walked in through the doors was the noise.

There were no pack guards waiting for us at the doors to interrogate us. Instead, we walked into a large hallway that was filled with movement. Working wolves moved around the hallway with ease, carrying trays full of steaming food towards an open door. A group of young female wolves were laughing loudly in one corner, clearly enjoying their morning gettogether. My heart twisted in resentment at them all. They were enjoying themselves while there were people in their pack grounds suffering.

"The cooks put out the pack breakfast a little while ago. A lot of members try to come early so they can get started with training and other pack activities." Belinda commented, answering my unspoken question about the liveliness in the house.

I nodded, gravitating towards the open doors of the grand hall. The smell of the food was delicious and practically calling to my empty stomach.

"Oh, no," Belinda wrapped a hand around my upper arm, tugging on it slightly. "Follow me."

"I thought you said he wanted to have breakfast?"

"The Alpha does, but he doesn't normally eat with the pack. There is a smaller dining room – just follow me."

"He seems to really like his alone time." I commented, rolling my eyes when Belinda wasn't looking.

For an Alpha, he really wasn't good at connecting with his pack. So far, he doesn't eat with them, live with them, or really socialize with them from what I can tell. My former Alpha had his flaws, but he cared about unity within the pack. We weren't known for being a stronger pack, but internally we were, and it was something I was proud of.

Belinda eyed me carefully, continuing to guide me down a new hallway. "The Alpha works hard – he deserves his privacy."

I bit my tongue, not wanting to come back with a snarky response. Belinda had warmed up to me throughout the week and was becoming increasingly more friendly. I didn't want to blow my chances with the only remotely friendly face I see around here just because I can't control my comments.

We came to stop at a new set of double doors, this time guarded by a set of guards. Without fail, a familiar question was demanded of us: "State your name, ranking, and reason for being here."

"Belinda, Guardian – I am here to escort Miss. Aria to breakfast. Her appearance was requested."

Their scrutinizing eyes came to look me over. It didn't take them long to confirm I wasn't a threat to them.

"Satisfactory," One of the guards grumbled, stepping to the side slightly. "She may enter on her own."

On my own – of course, just my luck. The familiar sense of anxiety found its way settling into the pit of my stomach. I looked at Belinda with desperation, silently begging her to disobey the orders and follow me inside.

She squeezed my shoulder one last time, offering me a tight-lipped smile. "Enjoy your breakfast, Miss. Aria. I'll be outside when you are done." 

Well, here goes nothing. 

♕A/N:♕

5/4/2020 - This chapter has been EDITED for grammar!