Listen to me 99

In “Listen to Me 99,” Sloane grapples with the weight of her potential destiny as the first female Alpha of her grandfather’s pack. The story begins with her reflecting on the challenges she has faced throughout her life and how the Moon Goddess may be preparing her for this pivotal moment. Arriving at Grandpa Waylon’s pack with her friends Slade and Scarlet, Sloane quickly assesses the situation and realizes that the current Beta and Gamma must be replaced. Their complacency and past actions have contributed to the pack’s decline, and Sloane feels a strong sense of urgency to take charge and rejuvenate it.

As Sloane navigates her new environment, she encounters various characters, including Daniel, a warrior who seems indifferent to her lineage. This interaction highlights her feelings of inadequacy and the pressure she feels to live up to her family’s legacy. Despite her doubts, Sloane’s determination grows, especially after witnessing the weakness of the pack’s current warriors. She recognizes the need for a complete overhaul and begins to formulate a plan to strengthen the pack and assert her leadership.

The emotional turmoil continues as Sloane discusses her responsibilities with her Uncle Roman and Aunt Samara during a car ride home. They express their belief in her capabilities as a future Alpha, but Sloane struggles with feelings of unworthiness due to her mother’s past. Aunt Samara’s passionate defense of Sloane’s worthiness resonates deeply with her, igniting a flicker of hope and determination. The conversation emphasizes the familial support she has, even as she grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her.

As the story unfolds, Sloane’s character evolves from uncertainty to a growing resolve to embrace her potential. The narrative culminates in her arrival at a party for Scarlet, where she is encouraged to enjoy herself and consider her future as a leader. This moment symbolizes her transition from doubt to action, as she begins to envision what it means to be an Alpha and the changes she must implement to reclaim her grandfather’s pack. The blend of personal growth, familial bonds, and the weight of leadership creates a compelling emotional landscape for Sloane as she navigates her path forward.

**Listen to Me 99**

As soon as Aisling planted that thought in my mind, it was like a seed that took root and began to flourish. The notion that perhaps this was the Moon Goddess’ way of compensating for our lack of a white wolf gnawed at me. The idea of being the first-ever female Alpha was exhilarating, even if it felt like an insurmountable challenge. But then again, what in my life hadn’t been a battle? I had grown accustomed to navigating through obstacles, and what was one more fight in the grand scheme of things?

Maybe that was the reason my life had been a series of conflicts; perhaps the Moon Goddess was meticulously preparing me for this very moment.

So, when Slade, Scarlet, and I rolled into Grandpa Waylon’s pack that Friday evening, I was determined to evaluate it as if it were destined to be mine.

The first realization hit me hard: I had no intention of keeping the current Beta and Gamma. They were not just remnants of a past I wanted to escape; they had contributed to the very issues that plagued my high school years. Two years had passed since their graduation, yet the Beta and Gamma families had grown complacent, lounging around instead of fulfilling their duties. My grandfather, no longer strong enough to lead a formidable pack, had allowed this lethargy to fester. It was painfully clear to me why he was so eager for me to take the reins. This pack was a ripe fruit, just waiting for a strong Alpha to seize it. I suspected that the only thing safeguarding my grandfather was the alliance with my Uncle Roman.

As I surveyed the scene, I noticed the Beta, Gabriel, barely acknowledged my presence; he was too busy flirting with Scarlet. My best friend, with her characteristic charm, flirted back, cleverly extracting information from him while I watched, amused.

The following morning, Slade, Scarlet, and I found ourselves in the midst of warrior training.

“You have your work cut out for you, Sloane,” Slade communicated through our mental link, his tone a mixture of concern and encouragement. That was putting it mildly. Even Scarlet shot me a look of disbelief as we observed the warriors of this pack. Their weakness was staggering. It was evident that with an aging Alpha and Betas and Gammas who were failing in their responsibilities, the pack had grown feeble. If I were to take over, they would be in for a rude awakening.

‘Good. They need one,’ Aisling chimed in, her voice laced with determination as she watched Slade effortlessly take down Beta Gabriel once again.

Amidst this chaos, I found a warrior named Daniel who intrigued me. He was older than I, probably in his mid-twenties, but unlike the others, he seemed indifferent to my lineage or purpose. He guided us around the pack lands, revealing various points of interest and informing me that my grandfather’s territory bordered that of Benedict’s pack.

“These pack lands are adjacent to the Winslow pack lands?” I asked, glancing at my brother and best friend. Was I the only one oblivious to this fact? The expressions on their faces confirmed my suspicions.

“Yes, Alpha. We’ve maintained a solid relationship with the Winslows throughout Alpha’s tenure and even prior to that,” Daniel replied, his tone respectful.

“Is your relationship strong enough that Alpha Waylon received an invitation to Alpha Benedict’s birthday party next weekend?” I inquired, curiosity piqued.

Daniel flashed a grin. “Are you kidding? That’s all the young she-wolves can talk about! The invitation extended to all eligible she-wolves and wolves aged fourteen to twenty. They’re all hoping to be mated to the Alpha King, as they’re calling him.”

I rolled my eyes, imagining Benedict’s reaction. Naturally, the invitation we received was limited to Uncle Roman and Aunt Samara. It was curious that Benedict had sent individual invitations to Slade and me; I still hadn’t figured out the reasoning behind that.

“He’s not a king,” I growled, irritation creeping into my voice.

Daniel shrugged nonchalantly. “He may not be a king, but his family is as close to royalty as yours is, Alpha.”

“I’m not sure we’re royalty,” I retorted, a hint of doubt in my voice.

He paused, turning to face me. “Alpha, your aunt is the last white wolf. Only pure Alpha females can be white wolves. Luna Beatrice isn’t a white wolf. So, regardless of how far back their lineage goes, it doesn’t compare to the purity of your family line.”

While his words were intended to uplift me, they only deepened my sense of inadequacy. I should have belonged to that legacy, yet here I was, an outsider looking in.

Scarlet’s birthday coincided with this weekend, and she needed to depart Saturday evening for her party on Sunday. Since Will couldn’t attend her celebration, she graciously shifted her party from Saturday to Sunday, allowing us to visit my grandfather’s pack.

I used her birthday as my excuse to leave early on Sunday, but I promised my grandfather I would return the following weekend. With Benedict’s party at his packhouse, I could visit my grandparents Friday night, attend the party Saturday, and still have time with my grandparents on Sunday before heading home.

Upon returning home on Sunday, my mind was a whirlpool of thoughts, swirling with everything I had witnessed and learned at Grandpa Waylon’s pack.

“Are you okay, Sloane?” Uncle Roman asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

I met his gaze, assessing the situation. We were en route to my family’s old pack, where Scarlet and her parents resided, crammed in an SUV with my aunt and uncle’s three pups, along with Slade, Aria, and me.

“Grandpa Waylon’s pack requires significant work. Honestly, I believe if it weren’t for your alliance, he would have been overthrown by now,” I replied, my voice steady yet filled with concern.

“You’re absolutely right,” he affirmed. “First in line would be his son, Kaelin, but there are other Alphas I’ve heard whispers about, eager to challenge your grandfather. This is a precarious time for him. Rumors are circulating about him announcing his successor. I haven’t heard anyone mention you, Sloane, but any Alpha wanting to seize that pack would prefer to act before a new Alpha takes charge. He’s in grave danger right now.”

“Is there nothing we can do to assist him?” I pressed, desperation creeping into my voice.

“He hasn’t sought my help, Sloane. However, if the incoming Alpha were to request my assistance, I would gladly offer it,” he said, holding my gaze in the mirror until he had to refocus on the road.

“What are your thoughts, Sloane? I’m not trying to pressure you. Honestly, I’ve wrestled with this from the start. I never wanted you to feel obligated to take over your father’s pack. But from the moment Alpha Waylon discovered you were his granddaughter, I believe he has been watching and hoping you would become his heir,” Aunt Samara interjected, her tone gentle yet firm.

“That pack is a disaster,” Slade chimed in, his eyes still fixed on the scenery outside, yet clearly engaged in our conversation.

“I concur. So what needs to be done?” Uncle Roman asked, his expression serious.

I exchanged a glance with Slade and smiled. “A complete overhaul,” I declared, a sense of determination swelling within me.

“Absolutely,” he agreed, his enthusiasm evident.

“What does that entail?” Theo piped up from the backseat. At only nine years old, Uncle Roman had been grooming him to become Alpha since birth.

“It means his Beta and Gamma are utterly useless and need to go,” I stated, my voice resolute.

“Who would you choose as your Beta and Gamma?” Aunt Samara asked, her curiosity piqued. “Have you thought about it?”

I caught Uncle Roman’s eye in the mirror before looking away, pondering the implications.

“I have. I just don’t know how it would be received. And that’s IF I decide to take over this pack,” I admitted, uncertainty creeping in.

“Why wouldn’t you? You are the heir,” Theo insisted, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“But you’re a male heir, Theo. I’m a female heir,” I countered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

“Why does that matter?” he pressed, genuinely confused.

“I don’t know. It just does,” I replied, my tone clipped.

“But Alpha Waylon asked you to be his heir, Sloane. So why does it matter?” he pressed again, his innocence both refreshing and irritating.

I turned to Aunt Samara. “Aisling believes this is the Moon Goddess’ way of compromising. I may not be worthy of a white wolf, but I am worthy of becoming an Alpha of my own pack.”

My aunt swiveled around in her seat, giving me her full attention, along with Ayla’s.

“You are NOT unworthy! You have never been unworthy. I don’t understand how the blessing of the white wolf works, but I know your mother lost it before you were born. That’s not your fault; it’s on her,” she declared passionately.

This was an argument we had had before. My Aunt Samara didn’t believe I was paying for my mother’s sins, but I felt that I was.

“Samara,” Uncle Roman said softly, attempting to intervene.

She pressed her lips together, turning back to face the front.

I turned my gaze back to the window, only to have Aunt Samara pivot to me once more.

“You are MORE than worthy of a white wolf, Sloane. You are more deserving than anyone I’ve ever known. I don’t know why the Moon Goddess did what she did, but it breaks my heart that you feel unworthy because of your mother’s actions. You are NOT her. You are a better woman than she ever was.”

“Samara,” Uncle Roman said, his voice firmer this time.

“What, Roman? She needs to hear it. She needs to know that others believe in her!” she exclaimed, her eyes fierce as she looked at me. “I believe in you!” she growled, Ayla’s spirit shining brightly within her.

“Thank you, Aunt Samara,” I said, gratitude flooding through me.

I watched as the anger in her demeanor softened. “Don’t thank me, sweetheart. Not for believing in a remarkable woman like you. Just be the amazing woman and Alpha you were destined to be. I hope you choose to take over your grandfather’s pack. But if you don’t, we will support you unconditionally. You need to know that.”

I nodded, looking out the window as we neared my family’s old packhouse. It hadn’t felt like home since I left nearly ten years ago.

I was grateful that Scarlet and her family had moved here. I was glad she had transformed my old room into something entirely different from what it had been. But I couldn’t bear to visit the Alpha floor anymore; too many painful memories lingered there. Thankfully, when we came, we stayed on the opposite side of the packhouse, far removed from the memories that made my heart ache.

As we exited the SUV, I helped get the pups out, making me the last to step out of the vehicle. When I finally emerged, Uncle Roman was waiting for me.

He enveloped me in a warm hug, holding me tightly. “I haven’t always been the best father figure to you, Sloane. I didn’t realize I wasn’t being told the truth about what was happening at your school. But I KNOW, without a doubt, that you would make an incredible Alpha. And I also know that the person you’re considering as Beta would always stand by your side. You should ask her.”

I pulled back, looking at him in surprise. He smiled knowingly and winked at me.

“But…”

“I don’t think she’s going to be mated to Will. I could be mistaken, but give her an alternative. She’ll know for sure once she sees him,” he suggested.

“Thanks, Uncle Roman. And it’s not your fault you didn’t know about school. I never told you,” I replied, my voice softening.

He cupped my cheek in his hand. “Sweetheart, if you decide to take on your grandfather’s pack, you’ll understand that I should have known. Alphas don’t have the luxury of ignorance. It’s our duty to be aware of everything. I hope that when the day arrives and you realize that, you will forgive me for being blind.”

I wrapped my arms around my uncle, feeling a surge of affection. “There’s nothing to forgive, Uncle Roman.”

He embraced me tightly. “And this is precisely why you would make an extraordinary Alpha, Sloane.”

“SLOANE!”

I pulled away from my uncle’s arms to see my best friend, who was waving frantically for me to join her.

“Go. Enjoy yourself with your friend and future Beta,” he said, a smile breaking across his face.

I returned his smile and dashed over to grab Scarlet’s hand, letting her pull me into the vibrant atmosphere of her party.

In the whirlwind of revelations and self-discovery, Sloane stands at a pivotal crossroads, her heart heavy with the weight of legacy yet buoyed by the flicker of newfound purpose. The journey to her grandfather’s pack has unearthed not only the stark realities of its decline but also the fierce determination brewing within her. With each encounter, from the complacent Beta to the insightful warrior Daniel, Sloane grapples with her identity as a female heir in a world that has often dismissed her worth. The unwavering support of her family and friends, especially Aunt Samara’s passionate declaration of her worthiness, ignites a spark of confidence that propels her forward. As she embraces the idea of leading her grandfather’s pack, she transforms her feelings of inadequacy into a fierce resolve to prove herself, not just to the world but to the Moon Goddess she feels has been guiding her all along.

As the vibrant atmosphere of Scarlet’s party envelops her, Sloane realizes that this moment is more than just a celebration; it is a stepping stone towards her destiny. The laughter and joy around her serve as a reminder that she is not alone in this fight. With Slade by her side and the possibility of a strong alliance with Scarlet as her Beta, Sloane feels a sense of belonging that had eluded her for so long. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the fire ignited within her heart is undeniable. With each heartbeat, she feels the call of leadership resonate deeper, and as she takes her place among her friends, Sloane understands that she is ready to embrace her role as the Alpha she was destined to be. The journey may have just begun, but with every step, she is no longer the outsider; she is a force to be reckoned with.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

As Sloane navigates her complex feelings about her potential role as Alpha, the stakes are about to rise dramatically. With the looming threat of her grandfather’s pack being challenged by ambitious Alphas, Sloane must confront not only her doubts but also the expectations that come with her lineage. The tension between her desire to lead and the weight of tradition will become palpable as she grapples with the reality of her responsibilities. Will she find the courage to claim her rightful place, or will the shadows of her past continue to haunt her?

Additionally, the upcoming party at Alpha Benedict’s pack promises to be a turning point for Sloane. As she mingles with the other young wolves, alliances will be tested, and unexpected connections may emerge, especially with the enigmatic Daniel. With Scarlet’s birthday celebration coinciding with this pivotal event, Sloane will have to balance her loyalty to her friend and her burgeoning role as a leader. The dynamics of friendship, love, and rivalry will unfold, revealing the true nature of those around her and challenging Sloane to step into her power. Will she seize the moment, or will she falter under the pressure? The next chapter is set to be a whirlwind of emotion and revelation, leaving readers eager to discover Sloane’s fate.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.