Rise of the Alpha (The Rise Series Book 1) Read online

  Rise of the Alpha

  Book 1 of The Rise Series

  Helen Dhanoya

  Contents

  Blurb

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  EPILOGUE

  WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Lucian’s Revenge - Blurb

  Alpha’s Desire – Blurb

  Alpha’s Desires – Chapter 1

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Rise of the Alpha. Copyright © 2021 by Helen Dhanoya. All rights reserved.

  Created with Vellum

  Dedicating this to my family – for always being here to support me.

  Thank you

  Blurb

  SIX YEARS AFTER the death of her parents, Dahlia Miller is rebuilding her life under the guidance of her loving grandparents. Just as she believes her path is emerging into light, new responsibilities are thrust upon her which might mean the destruction of all she’s worked for.

  When a malevolent organization kidnaps her grandmother in an attempt to weaken her, Dahlia must act decisively in order to save what remains of her family. As she prepares to battle an organization bent on the extermination of her kind, she must prove her place as Alpha – and make a heartbreaking choice between her childhood crush and her newly found mate.

  CHAPTER 1

  DAHLIA

  RAIN PELTED OFF the metal, and the fog was so thick I could barely see in front of us. We rounded the corner quickly—too close for comfort. I watched with wide eyes as another vehicle raced behind us, Mom’s frantic yells muffled by the storm.

  “Cyrus! We must lose them.”

  “What do you think I’m trying to do, Raegan?” he said through his teeth.

  A shot shattered the back window. I screamed out, covering my ears. Weeping, I ducked down, taking cover behind the seats. My seatbelt dug into my hip, causing a red burn streak from bending over. “Mom! Dad!”

  A loud explosion startled me, causing me to yelp again. Dad grunted as the car swerved. Mom buried her face in her hands and sobbed while he tried desperately to gain control of the steering wheel.

  “Dahlia, hold on!” He shouted over the squeals of the tires when the car rolled down the hill and sprayed glass everywhere.

  Once.

  Twice.

  Three times, before it finally stopped, our vehicle turned upside-down in a hayfield below.

  I gasped for breath, trying to bring in the much-needed oxygen. Everything hurt, and my vision was foggy. Black spots formed in my line of sight as I clung to consciousness. Neither Mom nor Dad moved. I called out, but they didn’t respond.

  Blood dripped from my head and arms, where the shards of glass cut into me. Just smelling the tangy, rustic liquid made my stomach clench. I had to fight with the urge to vomit while bile stung my throat. I struggled against the seatbelt, managing to find the button.

  Dropping from the seat, I came down with a thud against the padded roof.

  Gasping from the pain of the impact, laying on my side I choked on blood as it began to fill my mouth. “Mom? Dad?”

  Spitting it out, I tried to form more words but my throat burned and my nostrils flared. “Wake up. They’re coming.”

  Mom groaned, stirring in her seat. “Dahlia, sweetheart? Are you okay?”

  “I think so. Dad isn’t answering.” I crawled to the opening, my foot snagging on the debris from the side window. “I can’t get out. I’m stuck.”

  Urging me forward, Mom’s voice was stern but quiet. “There’s no time to argue. Go quickly. We’ll be right behind you. If they catch you, expect death. When you reach the pack, let them know W.E.U. is aware of our location. Tell them to run.”

  I had heard stories about the W.E.U., the Werewolf Extermination Unit, stories of them murdering our kind for fun. For revenge.

  I didn’t believe any of it until today. Shaking my head, I replied, panting, “I can’t leave you.”

  Mom released her seatbelt, falling with a thud against the roof as she stared right at me. “You can, Dahlia, and you will.”

  Jerking my foot again, it broke free. I pushed forward, and my body dragged on a larger shard of glass. My breath hitched. Blood seeped as I pulled it from my side, slicing my hand open in the process. My mother turned to look at me, desperation in her voice. “Hurry, Dahlia, go!”

  I groaned, holding the wound. Pressing forward, I turn back to look at Dad. His chest rose and fell with every breath, but he was barely conscious.

  Another vehicle quickly skidded to a stop on the other side of ours, mowing down the hayfield. Doors opened and closed as people climbed out. Heavy footsteps rushed toward us, splashing the cold water in every direction, while glass crunched underneath them.

  They got closer to Mom’s side. I could faintly make out mixed voices conversing with each other. A man grunted in reply. “Finish it. You two, check the area for any rogues or spies. We can’t be too careful.”

  The two men dispatched in different directions, their footsteps pounding the ground while they scouted the area the best they could in the rain.

  My mother gasped like she recognized the man who spoke. “Lucian, no! Please.” Tears streamed down her face, as she thrust herself from the broken window to beg before him. She bowed to him. “Think of Dahlia.”

  I looked back as he crouched down to her level, using his index finger to raise her face to him. The anger seeped from him, making the rain seem dull in comparison. “And who was thinking of my wife and daughter, huh?” he yelled, the anger and sadness radiating from him.

  “Please, that wasn’t us. We told you, we can’t control all the rogues, but we are trying,” Mom pleaded. By the sound of it, her pleas fell on deaf ears.

  Dad stirred, undoing his seatbelt before climbing out of the car, just as a man rounded the front of the vehicle from the other side. From what I could see, this man wore a black suit and his hair was a dark, matted mess—his facial features hidden from view thanks to my father’s body. He grabbed him roughly, Dad grunting in response while fighting back. With a staggered stance, my father snapped the man’s neck with ease, the sound a loud irritating pop.

  I watched in horror as the man’s body fell to the wet, muddy ground with a plop.

  The other man next to my mother raised his gun. My breathing was heavy as the anticipation struck me like a dagger. “You’re all monsters, Raegan.” He pulled the trigger, the shot loud and piercing. It made my ears ring, her body going limp.

  Before I had a second to think, I was wrapped in my father’s arms, my body like a piece of paper, as he ran from the scene. “Dahlia, your mother and I love you. Quickly, get behind that bale.” A loud shot echoed, and I was thrown behind the hay. He let out a muffled grunt as he fell. I peered around the side, mesmerized by the blood pooling under his body. My hands found my mouth as
I tried my best to silence my screams.

  I stifled more cries, but I knew he saw me.

  He made his way around the bale, raising the gun to my head. With a finger tightly pressed against the trigger, he glared at me while I stared down the barrel. Fear was not an option anymore.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a ball of fur fly over the hay, as the gun went off. I cried out as the bullet grazed my forehead. The spot grew hot. I reached up to touch the wound, the blood trickling down my cheek. It was warm but it burned like hell.

  He cursed, struggling with the wolf as the crisp air filled with howls.

  When I opened my eyes, he had fired another shot and made his way toward the trees. Through the fog and rain, I could make out some of his features as he bolted. Tall with broad shoulders and blonde hair. But what stood out the most was his sickly, pale skin.

  Screams from other men filled the valley.

  They came. My pack had arrived just when my world went dark.

  SIX YEARS LATER, the memory of my parents’ death still haunted me. The guilt harbored deep within my heart for leaving them, though there was nothing I could do. I was a child then, helpless against the enemy.

  Now at the age of twenty, I’m late again. It was the story of my life for the last two years. Eva, my inner werewolf—we share the same consciousness, for the most part—growled her displeasure as I read the letter out loud again. “Shut up, Eva! It’s not like we have a choice. We have to go.”

  The Werewolf Alphas from the area surrounding us had summoned me for an appearance. I groaned, crumpling the letter before tossing it into the trash bin. Ugh, what a way to start my morn- ing, and Eva surely wasn’t helping. With her voice and opinion, she made it clear she didn’t want anything to do with them.

  “Dahlia, it’s time to go.” Grandma knocked on my door before opening it. She wore a blue shirt with loose jeans and her shoes were white sandals, very much Grandma. “We’re going to be late for your first meeting.”

  I tried to wipe the tears from my face before she saw them, but I was too late. “Honey, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m sorry, Memaw. I was just thinking of that afternoon. I can’t help but wonder what Mom would say if she were here. She would know exactly how to prepare me for this.”

  Grandma smiled at me, stepping closer. “Oh, Dandelion, your mother is always with you,” she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. A single tear slipped down her cheek as she sat beside me. She wiped her face. “Come now. We can’t keep Grandpa waiting any longer. You know how he is.”

  I grinned. She was right. You didn’t keep Pop-Pop waiting, or you were in for it. “Okay, let’s go.”

  I groaned, standing and smoothing out my red blouse before following her to the car. My hair picked up in the spring air. I tucked the same strand behind my ear, pulling the strap of my purse onto my shoulder. “What do these grumpy old men want with me anyway?”

  Grandpa frowned as I climbed in the back seat and closed the door behind me. “Dandelion, you need to respect our Elders. We don’t know what the summons is about. We’ll know more when we get there.”

  Shaking my head, I sighed and looked out the window. He pulled out of the driveway and away from our small, two-story house.

  The trip was relatively short, as we made our way to the secluded mansion up above the town. Rumor has it, Alpha Liam settled there as a way of looking down on the people he protected.

  The autumn-colored trees zoomed past us. A gentle breeze carried the aroma of dirt, pine trees, and grass through the vents.

  Movement caught my attention through the shade of the trees. A beautiful light brown doe jumped out onto the side of the road. The tall grass reached her knees; she twitched her ears, listening for any predators. Finding none, she bent her head down and started nibbling at the field.

  I smiled at the breathtaking view.

  Suddenly the wind picked up, blowing leaves everywhere. The yellow and orange foliage rained down. I loved the autumn season. It was my favorite time of year. Something about the bright colors, festi- vals, and pumpkin patches dragged me in. Not to mention, the late nights around the fire and enjoying horror movies—even though they never got werewolves right, and the bloodsuckers? Don’t even get me started there.

  As we drove the twists and turns, the scenery changed from forest to field, with a neat metal fence starting at the forest’s edge and continuing all the way up to a hidden gate.

  If I were human, I would be terrified, thinking that some kind of sketchy shit went on up here. Like kidnappings or rituals of some kind. But no, this was the Alpha’s vacation house, he did none of that. Any wolf in the area was welcome here.

  I enjoyed the warm breeze as I climbed out of the vehicle.

  Grandpa spoke first. His voice was steady and cautious. “When we enter, only speak when spoken to. This meeting is an important one, so don’t mess anything up.”

  “Yes, sir.” I rolled my eyes when he turned toward the mansion.

  In front of us, the mansion loomed. Four tall, white columns stood at the entrance of the old building—each one displaying a different banner of the town's surrounding packs and activities. The red brick wasn’t enticing, appearing chipped in several areas.

  We climbed the stone steps that led up to a set of double oak doors. A butler pulled them open, greeting us, before inviting us in with a wave of his hand.

  Once inside, the building’s beautiful interior had a soothing atmosphere. In a painting above, an alluring angel floated around in the clouds and below the painting was a large white double grand staircase. The gold inlay railing matched the white marble stone, making the pair breathtaking.

  At the top of the stairs stood a large man in a dark suit with his arms folded. His figure was muscular and lean—a cold expression masked his face before coursing through his emerald eyes. Something unknown built inside me when his eyes landed on me. His shaggy blonde hair covered his eyes but they glowed as he looked at me. I shook my head lightly to avert his gaze.

  The butler bowed and motioned to the right side. “If you go up these stairs, Nathan will show you to the meeting room.”

  Grandpa nodded as he started up the steps with Grandma and me behind him. When we reached the top, Nathan bowed his head and motioned to a door on the right side of the hallway.

  “Elders.” He opened the door, waving his hand to invite us in. “The meeting will be in the second dining room, so please make your- selves at home.”

  “Thank you, Nathan,” Grandma said gently, as he took her hand; he then kissed the back of it. She waved me over. “This is my grand- daughter, Dahlia. Dahlia, this is Warrior Guard Nathan.”

  “Hello,” I said as he held out a hand for me to take. Something about him was familiar, but nothing in my head could point out what.

  As I stared into his eyes, sudden realization struck me as my mind replayed memories I had

  long forgotten—memories of two children playing in the treehouse, or making cookies. I remembered who Nathan was, that awkward and cute, chubby child I was neighbors with. We were best friends growing up.

  “I’m sure you’ll be an excellent Alpha just like your grandfather was before you. If you need anything, call me. I’ll be in the kitchen during the meeting.” I blushed as he kissed my hand.

  Wait… Alpha? Why is he talking about me becoming an Alpha? I haven’t even had my first shift yet.

  I smiled at him, catching up with my grandparents, as they followed the larger group into the dining room. I turned back to look at him, just as his eyes trailed my body and he licked his lips. My core clenched in reaction, I didn’t know what to expect from Nathan, but clearly, my body yearned for more of his touch.

  Much to my internal discomfort, I stood before my assigned seat with the other wolves. The Alpha sat tall at the head of the table. To my surprise, he looked younger than I thought he would be. His black hair was tousled but still neat. My eyes trailed his athletic body as he straightened hi
s shirt. I couldn’t help but notice a powerful aura around him. His face warm and gentle as he looked around the table at all of us. “You may be seated. We’ll begin now that everyone is here.”

  As we took our seats, everyone turned their attention to me, causing my face to burn a deep red.

  I knew Alpha Liam from before, my father and him were good friends. “Since we have a new member, let us introduce ourselves. Dahlia, you already know me. I lead the Lewin pack. You met one of my warriors, Nathan, already,” Liam spoke casually.

  I licked my lips at the mention of Nathan’s name, Eva stirred and growled in protest. I ignored her as I turned my attention back to the Alphas.

  He nodded to the Alpha on the right, who was older with gray hair. His face wrinkled slightly, yet his aura was calm. “My name is Ryker, and I lead the Harlow pack. We’ve been allies with your grandparents for a while.”

  The last man who spoke sat on Liam’s left. His shaggy blonde hair stuck out from underneath his gray hood that covered his facial features. His thick accent made it difficult to understand what he said. “My name is Rowan. My pack is Ivanov. Forgive my English. I am not native.”

  I smiled, reassuring him. “That’s okay. I’m Dahlia Miller. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

  Liam cleared his throat, bringing our attention back to him. “Now that introductions have concluded, let’s begin. Over the last few weeks, we’ve had rogues, and even members of our packs, go missing. We still don’t know who is doing this or why. The town below is unprotected, but our packs are so overcrowded that we’ve only got one choice. We’ve decided to introduce a new pack.” He looked at me and smiled. “That’s where you come in, Dahlia. What is your opinion?”