Avoiding Alpha

“Because lately, every time you call, something’s been wrong.”



Oh. That kind of blew. And it was totally true. “Right. Well, yes. I’m fine. But no, everything isn’t okay.”



“What’s wrong?”



“Meredith’s sick.” I hated the sound of that. “I need to talk to Claudia or Raphael. You wouldn’t happen to know their numbers or anything, would you?”



“No.” Her voice was firm, like I’d just asked her if I could start stripping.



I paced my room. “Mom. Do you—”



“I know where they live, but I don’t have their numbers.”



Awesome. Maybe this wasn’t going as bad as I thought. “Great. Where—”



“I don’t think it’s a good idea that I tell you, honey. They’re all a little…” She sighed. “…upset about your situation right now.”



I couldn’t take that answer. She had to tell me. “I’m not joking. Meredith could die, and I really don’t care how upset they are.”



“Explain.” So, I did. When I got to the end, she was quiet for a minute. “I know you wonder why I didn’t bring you back to Texas sooner, but the truth is, I still don’t agree with how La Alquelarre—the coven—is being run. If you go, they’ll try to make you stay. Luciana’s in charge, and she isn’t a friend of the pack. She’ll try to manipulate you, and needing help will make it that much easier.”



That sounded like a whole bunch of not fun, but I didn’t have a ton of options. “Mom. Please. I’m strong. I’m a werewolf for God’s sake and I’m not about to let anyone manipulate me.”



“You don’t understand. If they have something that you want, they’ll…” Mom stopped herself. “I’m worried about what could happen to you.”



“You shouldn’t worry so much.” I had it covered for both of us. “I’m going to be fine, but Meredith might not be.” I paused, hoping that would sink in. “The address, please.” I squeezed my eyes shut and crossed my fingers.



She was quiet for so long this time, I had to check to make sure she hadn’t hung up. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. Don’t you wonder why I kept you away from them?”



“Sure…” Not that it was relevant right now.



“Your grandmother led the coven because she fulfilled the two requirements: she was female and had the gift of sight. When Luciana took over, your abuela started searching for the next generation’s leader and found you. We were already in LA because Luciana had everyone fooled. I didn’t have any gifts, so she didn’t bother pretending around me. Mija, she’s not a good person, and the coven went dark when she came to power.”



I didn’t like hearing that this lady had been a total bitch to my mom, but I couldn’t let that scare me away. “I get that she’s bad, Mom, but that doesn’t change the situation that I’m in. I have to go over there. Maybe later I can help straighten out the coven, but not now. I barely have a handle on this werewolf stuff.”



“That’s not what I meant. It’s not your problem anymore. The coven has been in trouble for a long time, and your abuela thought it best if we waited to bring you back. After she died, we almost didn’t come back at all, but you were having a hard time and your brother was leaving and your powers were growing so strong…so I thought…it doesn’t matter. What matters is that going over there now is not a good idea. Not after what’s happened. It was dangerous before. It’s why we stayed away. But now they feel like the pack wronged them by taking you as their own, and it’s even more dangerous. I understand why Dastien did what he did, but he’s placed you in a very bad spot. As your mother, I have to protect you. Even when it’s hard. Even if it means risking your friend’s life. I cannot give you information that could put you at risk.”



I wished she had told me this before, but that didn’t matter. “But I’m strong, Mom. You have to trust me. I’m a werewolf and a bruja. I’ll be okay.”



“No. I’m sorry, but no.”



She couldn’t do this. “Mom. Please. I’m begging you. I’ll do anything.”



“I’ll be praying for Meredith. I’ll light a lámpara for her.” She sighed. “Te quiero mucho, mija.”



This was not how I wanted this to go. Not at all. Frustration burned in my gut, but there was nothing I could say to Mom that would change her mind. I got my stubbornness from her.