Mom Is Mated To The Alpha

"LIZZIE, OVER HERE!" she heard her aunt's voice calling. As she turned to the side, she noticed her aunt, Kate, waving energetically to catch her attention. Lizzie smiled warmly and made her way over.

Moving cautiously, Lizzie was acutely aware of the many eyes on her at the station. The town Kate had moved to was predominantly a werewolf community, with very few humans who were aware of their supernatural neighbors. Two packs resided on opposite sides of the town. Lizzie knew that his pack often roamed freely here, making it quite the intriguing environment for a wolf shifter like herself.

"Aunt Kate," Lizzie greeted with a grin, stepping closer. Her aunt's expression shifted at the name, reflecting her distaste for being called 'Aunt.'

"Lizzie, you know how much I dislike that word," Kate responded, though Lizzie sensed her underlying happiness at seeing her.

"Apologies, Kate," Lizzie replied, hugging her aunt.

"How was your journey?" Kate asked, taking Lizzie's bag as she pulled her suitcase behind them toward the exit.

"It was okay. I flew in first, then took a bus for the last twelve hours. There were stops along the way to stretch, but I'm used to it and double-checked that no one was tailing me," Lizzie responded. She noticed the bus driver exchanging keys with another driver, both casting glances her way.

She sighed, feeling the weight of their stares.

"If one more person keeps staring, I swear I'll show them a piece of my mind," Pam, her lycan counter-part, grumbled in her head. Lizzie's mother was a lycan, as were Alicia and Kate.

"Why is everyone staring at me?" Lizzie whispered uneasily, sensing Pam becoming more alert.

Kate scanned the area, then smirked. "Well, it's not every day a stunning young woman enters town."

Lizzie laughed, "Surely, there are others here. But seriously, you get what I mean." Her eyes caught two old women staring. When Lizzie looked back, one seemed to be communicating silently.

"Probably alerting their Alpha that someone new is here," Pam speculated, reclining in Lizzie's mind with a yawn.

Kate leaned in. "You should be careful when Pam emerges; your eyes change color slightly," she whispered discreetly. "We'll discuss more in the car," she added, leading Lizzie to the parking lot.

They headed to Kate's modest Honda when a BMW abruptly pulled up, blocking it. Kate sighed, eyeing the luxurious car. "One Alpha too many. Be polite, Lizzie," she murmured through gritted teeth as a man emerged from the vehicle, accompanied by two young men around Lizzie's age.

One of them approached, his scent familiar. Recognition sparked, eliciting a low growl from Lizzie.

She knew that scent.

Although not her father, the man carried a similar essence. He must be his son—perhaps a brother Lizzie had yet to meet.

"You must be Kate's niece, Lizzie. I'm Dave, Beta of the Midnight Pack, and this is Paolo, our Gamma. We wanted to introduce ourselves," Dave stated formally.

Lizzie regarded him with disinterest. "Yes, that's me. Could you please move your car so we can leave?" she retorted sharply.

Kate looked tempted to reprimand Lizzie but controlled herself. "LIZZIE," she scolded lightly.

"Sorry, we didn't realize it was your car," Dave lied, given Kate had resided in town for months. "John, please move the car."

John, the driver, complied, parking in a space opposite Kate's Honda. "Is that better?" he asked with a forced smile.

"Suppose so," Lizzie replied curtly. "Kate, can we go, please? I'm exhausted," she feigned a yawn, seeing through the ruse.

Kate chuckled, handling Lizzie's luggage. "Yes, anything else, Beta and Gamma?" she asked, placing Lizzie's bags in the car.

Paolo seemed momentarily distracted, possibly mind-linking someone. Pam observed with amusement from within Lizzie's mind.

After a pause, Dave addressed Lizzie. "Actually, one more thing. We'll be at the cafe later for cakes we ordered for the ceremony."

"No problem, they'll be ready for pick-up. Hope the new Alpha's party is successful," Kate replied.

"Oh, it will be," Dave assured with an overly confident smile that made Lizzie shudder at its implications.

"We invite you both," he added suddenly.

Kate glanced back at the young men with a measured look. "I don't think that's possible. Lizzie needs to recover from her long journey," she explained, her voice edged with a knowing frustration. The thought of who might attend the gathering made her insides clench.

"The invitation stands," Dave responded politely.

Paolo, the Gamma, looked at Lizzie with a tentative expression. "You should really consider visiting the pack house..." he began, but Lizzie interrupted him.

"Absolutely not. You both surely know my father is part of your pack. I refuse, or rather will never, set foot in your pack house. Why don't you both carry on with your business before I ruin your shoes?" she retorted sharply as she moved toward the car. Before settling into the driver's seat, she turned, offering one last biting remark, "And do send my regards to my father. It's been a decade since he last cared to see me. Enjoy your party, but stay away from me."

She climbed into the vehicle, slamming the door decisively. "Stupid wolves," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

Seated in the car, Lizzie watched from the window as her words left the trio momentarily speechless. Her heart simmered with resentment; she had no desire to face the man who had deserted her.

"I'm sorry about Lizzie," Kate said apologetically as she approached the car and opened the door. Dave, having regained his composure, attempted a conciliatory smile. "We mean no harm," he assured them both.

The three young men turned and walked away, retreating to the direction from which they had come. Lizzie and Kate watched their departure. "Stupid wolves," Lizzie muttered again under her breath.

"Lizzie, you need to control your temper and watch what you say," Kate advised as she started the car engine. They exited the parking lot, merging onto a straight road and driving in silence.

"Kate, why did you want me here?" Lizzie eventually asked, the silence in the car becoming too heavy to bear.

Kate sighed deeply, "I wanted to see you. You're my niece." Lizzie eyed her aunt, sensing something unsaid lingering beneath the surface. "And there's more to it, isn't there?" Lizzie pressed further.

After a brief pause, Kate continued, "Your father came to the cafe a few weeks ago. Someone in his pack mentioned I was here. He wanted to know how you were and if you'd be returning to live here." She glanced over at Lizzie, her expression softening. "He wants to get to know you, Lizzie."

Lizzie chuckled softly. "Yeah, right. He hasn't shown any interest in the past ten years, so why now?" she wondered aloud.

Kate shrugged, her expression reflecting shared resentment. "I don't know. I understand your anger toward him for what he did to your mom and everything else that followed. I hate him too for abandoning you both. But he seemed genuinely torn when I told him you'd probably never want to see him again."

Lizzie stared ahead silently, knowing Kate would respect whatever decision she made about seeing him. The man had left her, and she couldn't fathom facing him now.

"You don't know the whole story about why he left, Lizzie," Kate remarked gently.

Lizzie's face remained expressionless as she silently reflected on the truth she believed she knew. The real problem with that statement was that she remembered clearly why he left; perhaps Kate wasn't aware Lizzie knew or had been misled by whatever stories he told.

"Who's this new Alpha anyway? And why are they throwing a welcome-home party for him?" she asked, eager to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Kate glanced at her briefly before refocusing on the road. "His name is Drake. He's the Alpha's son. He's been training in neighboring packs for the past few months." She paused. "He used to come into the café every day before he left. You'll probably see him around soon."

The thought of encountering any Alpha or wolves made Lizzie uneasy, and she promptly dropped the subject, turning her gaze out the window. This small town was surrounded by an expansive forest, with houses nestled closely together—a convenient setup for those who needed to shift and run into the woods at a moment's notice.

"We need to go for a run later. I need it," Pam, her wolf, suggested, feeling neglected from the recent months of travel without any form of release.

As Kate parked in her driveway, the familiar sight of the house stirred memories that Lizzie tried to suppress. Quickly shaking off the nostalgia, she got out of the car, moving toward the trunk to retrieve her suitcase, as Kate collected her bag from the backseat. Suddenly, Lizzie felt a pair of eyes on her.

"Pam, do you sense someone behind us?" she asked her wolf without looking back.

"I'm not sure, but I already have a bad feeling about this place," Pam replied. "Everyone seems tense. I don't know if it's because of us or this Alpha returning, but something feels off."

Lizzie couldn't shake the same feeling. She noticed Kate gazing past her, unreadable. "Let's get you unpacked. I need to head to the café to close up," Kate stated, gently guiding Lizzie toward the front door.

"Okay, Kate," Lizzie replied, following her aunt inside.

Once inside, Lizzie took in the quaint sitting area and open floor plan, noting the kitchen at the back of the house. As they entered, the stairs rose directly in front of them. Kate paused to glance outside before carefully locking the door.

"Everything okay, Kate?" Lizzie asked, sensing an underlying tension.

"Everything's fine. Let me show you to your room so you can shower and rest. I need to check if Alicia has finished the cakes for the ceremony at the café." Kate led her upstairs, showing her the guest room with an en-suite bathroom. "I had this put in last week, anticipating your visit. Now, it'll be more convenient since you're staying."

The room was a comfortable size, a luxury compared to the small, makeshift spaces Lizzie had grown accustomed to during her travels.

"I got everything you might need, but if there's anything else, we can grab it tomorrow at the café. Do you want to pick up some shifts there?" Kate asked as she moved toward the bedroom door.

Lizzie nodded gratefully, aware that she'd be compensated for her help. "Yeah, sure." Just then, her stomach rumbled loudly, betraying her hunger.

Kate laughed lightly. "I'll make you some sandwiches and bring them up. Try to rest afterward—it's been a long day."

Lizzie covered a yawn, prompting a soft smile from Kate. "I'll bring up the food while you're in the shower."

Lizzie leaned in to hug her. "Thanks. When are you heading out to the café?" she inquired.

"As soon as I make your food. I won't be gone long," Kate assured her, pausing before leaving. "I'm going to lock the door from outside, just in case. I don't want anyone wandering in while you're sleeping."

Lizzie raised an eyebrow, the unease returning. Who would be interested in coming in here?

"Okay," she agreed reluctantly, feeling an inexplicable caution creep back.

Pam fought back a yawn, feeling both exhausted and on edge. "Are you okay, Lizzie?" she asked, clearly picking up on the tension in Lizzie's voice.

"Yeah, it's just something about Kate is bothering me. Did you hear what she just said?" Lizzie replied, stifling another yawn.

Pam nodded reassuringly. "She probably just wants to ensure our safety, even though we're more than capable of defending ourselves. She wants to make sure no one intrudes. Lizzie, you're running on fumes. You really need to rest. We'll go for a run once you wake up, though I have to admit, I'm feeling quite sleepy too."

Lizzie felt Pam's weariness seeping into her own consciousness, prompting yet another yawn. She glanced at Kate, who was watching her closely. "I'll see you later, Lizzie," Kate said before exiting the room.

With her remaining energy depleted from the journey, Lizzie managed to unpack a few clothing items. She grabbed her pajamas and headed to the shower, taking what felt like the shortest one of her life as pure exhaustion settled in. Emerging from the bathroom and quickly drying off, she entered her bedroom to find a plate of sandwiches waiting on the side table—Kate had clearly been in while she was showering. Lizzie slipped into her pajamas, set her suitcase aside, and crawled into bed.

As soon as her head touched the pillow, she drifted swiftly into a deep, untroubled sleep.

.......

Kate couldn't quite believe Lizzie was finally there. She had missed her immensely over the past two years. Lizzie had wanted to travel, and who could blame her given the tumultuous decade she had endured?

Knowing the calming effects of lavender and sage, Kate was certain it would lull both Lizzie and Pam into a deep sleep. Lizzie needed rest, but more importantly, she needed to be safe.

As she stepped outside and locked the door behind her, Kate was acutely aware that he was still lurking, watching Lizzie's every move as she returned home. Making her way down the driveway, she spotted him standing off to her right.

"She looks just like Lucia," he remarked, his eyes still fixed on Lizzie.

Kate shot him a grim look. Despite being Lizzie's father, his actions were unforgivable. Kate harbored her own resentment towards him for everything he put her sister through. "You shouldn't be here. She doesn't want to see you," Kate replied firmly. "By the way, she met your son, Paolo, and he asked to come to the party tonight, but she refused," she added with a sneer.

"I heard. She mirrors Lucia's fiery spirit," he commented.

"Stop saying my sister's name. You have no right," Kate snarled, walking around him.

He appeared hurt. "Kate, please, you know what happened?" he pleaded, guilt evident in his voice. "I had no choice."

Spinning around to face him directly, Kate could feel her inner Hybrid growling, ready to lash out. "You have some nerve saying that. I wouldn't be surprised if Lizzie knows more about what happened," Kate warned. "And you need to back off. She really hates you—actually, more like loathes you. Regarding your son, she doesn't know him or your daughter, so you'd better keep them away from her for now."

He gazed at her with a blank expression. "Kate, please, I want to know my daughter," he implored.

"Gregory," she replied with venom in her voice, treating his name like poison. "Back off. I'm warning you. You, your mate, your children, and that old Alpha you chose over your family need to leave her alone—or you might be surprised at what she's capable of. She's been through more than any of you could imagine," Kate revealed, realizing she might have said too much.

"What do you mean? What has she been through?" His face showed shock before he quickly masked it. Like hell she was going to tell him—that wasn't her story to tell.

Kate turned and walked toward the café, just around the corner from her home. "Kate, tell me, please," he called after her, continuing to follow. She opened the café door; it was closing time. They were shutting early because everyone was heading to the ceremony.

Alicia was behind the counter and greeted Kate with a smile that vanished the instant she saw Gregory. She despised him too.

"Kate," he insisted. "You can't keep this from me. She's my daughter."

Kate had reached her limit with this insufferable man. He hadn't cared about Lizzie for the past ten years, and she was only living there again for Alicia's sake. Turning to face him, Kate felt her patience snap.

"Listen closely, you worthless piece of crap. You've never been in her life. I don't owe you anything. You never came back for her, not even when I sent you messages. You are not and will never be her father," Kate hissed. "I raised her and Alicia on my own, without any help from you. If you want to know Lizzie, come in here and talk to her or wait until she wants to talk to you, which I can assure you will be never."

Kate could sense his shame, but before she could add more, his son Dave walked in with the new Alpha, Drake. The tension was palpable as both new arrivals assessed the situation.

"Dad, why are you here?" Dave asked, glancing between his father and Kate.

Gregory straightened, pressing his lips into a tight line.

"Kate, what is going on here?" the young Alpha demanded.

Kate regarded them all with disdain. Stupid wolves.

"She was just telling this jackass where to go and not to come back," Alicia interjected, stepping up beside Kate.

A growl erupted from Gregory. "Don't show disrespect in front of my wolf, or I'll kill you," he threatened through clenched teeth.

Alicia growled back defiantly. "You might be Alpha, and I might be part of the pack, but you will not ask my mother anything that doesn't concern you," she declared.