Chapter 15: Plea 2 

**Alice’s Point of view**


Derek and I have always been good friends. He's a little older than me, like Elliot I think, but we've always been very close. We often trained together, which was very challenging since we are both Alphas.
My dad saw the strategic advantage it gave us over the Reds. The closer he was to me, the more he would take my side when I had problems with Elliot. Ma dad would occasionally joke about the possibility of us being fated mate but I never thought he would make a deal with Alpha Jack when he realized that the Moon Goddess didn't pair us. And behind my back at that!
I never made a secret of the fact that I didn't want to mate to remain the Alpha of my pack. I've always been criticized for my ambition and my thirst for power, but I don't care. This place is rightfully mine and no sexist Alphas are going to change that.
Derek has always understood me and never judged me and I think that's one of the reasons why I like him so much. If Sam and Melanie are like my brother and sister, Derek is my best friend. He is always there when I need him and I feel like we can talk about anything.  
Honestly, if I had to pick someone, at least to have pups, he is the one I would choose because besides being just adorable and a good fighter, he is gorgeous. He is very tall and muscular without being impressive, his black hair is short and his brown eyes are warm. 
Yes, I would have chosen him and maybe even mate with him.
But that was before Elliot.
Part of me hates him for turning my life upside down, my beliefs, my outlook on life, absolutely everything. But I miss him. I miss him like I've never missed anyone, which makes Cassie very happy.
"Alice! I'm so glad to see you! How was your first day at college? I didn't have time to see you I was busy." Derek tells me with a big smile.
"Great. The campus is very nice. Today we didn't work, it was more like sightseeing and presentations so I'm looking forward to tomorrow." I say, smiling at him.
"Anyway, what are you doing here? Is this about earlier? Thank Goddess Simon came to pick us up on time."
"Yes, thank Goddess. Elliot and I managed to calm things down a bit before our fathers arrived but they won't listen to us. As I was saying to Alpha Jack, I think the threat is to all of us and it's external. We need to unite and not divide like the rogues want us to."
He sighs. "I'm sorry Alice but I agree with my father. There's a good chance it was the Reds who pulled this strategy." I am about to speak but he cuts me off. "However, I think you are right. We should leave no stone unturned and we should ask our allies if they've heard any rumors about a pack that wants to see us fall. Can you ask Alpha John to do the same?"
I huff. "He'll refuse. He's too stubborn for that. He's convinced it's the Reds. I can't handle it myself. Alphas will refuse to answer me." I say as I lower my head. 
Derek kneels in front of me and puts his hand on my knee. "No doubt. A lot of them are idiots, unfortunately. But we'll take care of it don't worry."
I smile softly at him. "Thanks. Both of you." I add as I look at Alpha Jack who looks happy with our closeness. I suddenly realize the situation and stand up hurriedly. 
"I better get home. Thanks for having me." I head for the door but Alpha Jack calls me back. 
"I don't want to intrude on what's none of my business but did you find your fated mate?" 
Derek reprimands his father but I can tell when he looks at me that he's hoping I answer in the negative. I feel very uncomfortable and dance from one foot to the other. "Not yet. And even if I find him I don't know what I'll do. I never wanted a mate and I haven't changed my mind."
Derek looks down, looking disappointed, but I prefer to cut short the plan my father and Alpha Jack have in place and keep my secret about Elliot and me. 
I'm surprised that Derek is so disappointed. I suspect that he, like me, saw me as a plan B, a friend he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life with, but I didn't think it would hurt him this much and I feel guilty.     
I hesitate to comfort him, to say a kind word, but I am afraid that his father gets it wrong. I don't think he'll give up his little project so easily so I just wish them a good evening and leave. The sad look on Derek's face makes me think I should text him and suggest we have lunch tomorrow, but Cassie gets upset.
*"What? He's my friend and we haven't spent time together in a while. I miss him."*
*"No. Tomorrow we're going to see mate."* She growls.
I sigh. *"You know that no one can see us together."*
*"I don't care. I want to see him."*
I'm worried about her determination. Her attraction to him has always been very strong but the more time passes the more impatient she becomes. I'm afraid I'll soon lose control and do something I'll regret. 
The fact that the night we found out Cop was Elliot our mate and that she was able to take control and run to him is amazing enough. She had never fought me so hard before.
When I think about it, she was particularly strong that night. I mean, the rest of the time she fights with her claws and teeth to get me to run to Elliot when he's close, but I always manage to keep control, even tonight when everyone else would have seen us. 
But that night was different. I thought it was because she took me by surprise but she started fighting again during the day to get to him, without warning but without succeeding. 
I wonder if this behavior is normal. It's in her wolf nature to want to be with her mate but I didn't think she would be so violent when it's only been 2 days since we found him and barely 24 hours since we knew about his double identity.
Maybe that's why. In reality, we've known each other for about two weeks without knowing who we were to each other. Sharing this secret, hunting together, saving each other's lives, all of that must have strengthened our bond. 
Yes. That must be it.
I'm surprised to hear Cassie sneer. I hadn't realized she'd been following my train of thought. *"It's not just that. I had a little help to take control."*
*"Help? From whom?"*
*"From the Moon Goddess of course!"*