Chapter 6 - The Lycan

Carson POV

                  I hated these events.  Even more so when I despised the Alpha of the pack.  And the Red Pines Pack had been a thorn in my side for years.  Ever since I took over the Full Moon Pack as the Alpha Lycan.  I am one of five Lycans who had to fight for their pack in the Kingdom. 

                  We had to fight for our packs, and under us are the packs within our jurisdictions.  Unfortunately, a few of the packs in my jurisdiction are run by assholes.  I had my suspicions about the Red Pines Pack but could never prove anything.  I sighed as I listened to Jeff, my Beta ramble on about us being late for the ceremony.

                  “We are going to miss out on all the hot women,” Jeff muttered, as I laughed at him.  “I am sure there will be a woman or two left for you,” I replied, as he smiled, “Undoubtedly,” he agreed.  “What happens if you find your mate?  You have been with almost every woman out there,” I reminded him.

                  “I am convinced I have no mate.  I have not found her yet, and therefore, the Moon Goddess has blessed me with many encounters of lovely women,” he replied.  “Yes, but not all women are as appreciative of your diverse interests,” I said.  He shook his head, “That is true, but I have since learned my lesson.  No more sisters,” he said, cringing at the memory.

                  I laughed as our SUV pulled up to the main doors.  We had arrived and were expected to join the ceremony.  We both exited the vehicle and walked up the steps to enter the pack house.  I had been here before and I knew where to find the event hall.  As we walked through, I detected a hint of something delicious.  My Lycan, Kane, started to bounce in my head.  “Mate!” he exclaimed.

            That was not possible.  I had a mate who had died during a rogue attack when I first met her several years ago.  I never got over her and was satisfied never having a mate again.  I reluctantly moved towards the event hall, distinctly aware that the scent got weaker the closer we got.

The guards opened the doors to the hall, nodding to me and Jeff as we entered.  The scent had been stronger but was now fading.  Wherever she was, she was not in here.  I put the thoughts behind me, as Kane howled in my mind to find her.  Instead, I ignored him, and moved forward to our seats.

As the ceremony concluded, everyone clapped as the young Alpha Maxwell was presented as the Alpha for the Red Pines Pack.  I had always questioned whether he was ready, only being eighteen and having everything handed to him on a platter.  I admit it pissed me off, but I had no qualms about how I came to be the Alpha of the Full Moon Pack.

I had fought and earned my place, and I had the trust and commitment from my pack members.  I cared about them and wanted them all to be successful.  Whether they were an Omega or a ranked officer, they were important in our Pack.  I stood and made my way towards the young Alpha and his father Luke.

I saw Alpha Luke tense, as I approached.  “Lycan, I am surprised you could make time for this little ceremony,” Luke stated.  I looked down at him, given that I was taller and smirked.  “I would never miss the introduction of a new Alpha in my jurisdiction,” I stated softly.

I knew I made the Alpha uncomfortable and the silly grin on his heir’s face, reminded me what an idiot he was as well.  “You remember my Beta, Jeff,” I said, reintroducing Jeff to the pair.  “Of course,” Alpha Luke responded, nodding to Jeff.  Alpha Maxwell had the sense to put his hand forward and accept Jeff’s congratulations.

 “Did we miss anything exciting?” I asked, surprised to see a look shared between the Alphas.  Something was amiss, but what?  “Nope, the ceremony was the main event,” Alpha Luke responded.  Jeff suddenly turned and headed away from us.  I glanced his way but was focused on what I was not hearing.  The truth.

“You will have to excuse me, Alpha Carson.  I have some urgent pack business to tend to, and Maxwell needs to attend with me,” Alpha Luke stated, before nudging Maxwell to follow him.  I watched the Alpha scurry off.  I was about to follow him, when I heard, “Mate!” come from behind me.

I turned my head, to see Jeff enthralled with a young woman.  She was standing in front of him, looking at him shyly.  I could see Jeff was conflicted.  He had always said he did not want a mate, yet here he was faced with one.  Before anything else could be said, Jeff pivoted and walked away from her and headed out the door.

I watched her face fall and immediately follow Jeff out the door.  I grabbed his arm, “What the hell are you doing?” I demanded, embarrassed by his actions.  He shook my hand off his arm, “I cannot have a mate,” he said, shocking me.  “Well, you have one.  Now what are you going to do about it?” I questioned.

“Nothing.  I am going to leave.  You did not want to be here.  Let us leave now,” he said.  “Absolutely not.  What is your problem?  That woman in there is devastated that you walked away.  At least tell her it is not her fault, but yours,” I said to him.  “I cannot.  I do not deserve her.  You saw her.  She is perfection,” Jeff muttered as his shoulders slumped.

“The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes.  I would give anything to have my mate back with me,” I reminded him.  He had known my mate, before she died.  He knew what I went through when I had lost her.  “I suggest you get your ass back in there, before she misunderstands further,” I told him, pushing him back towards the door.

I followed him in and watched him walk towards the young woman who was being consoled by her parents.  Her mother nudged her to turn and watched as Jeff walked towards her.  He held out his hand to her and he lifted her hand to his lips.  I could see the moment the sparks bounced between them. 

Her eyes lit up, and she smiled softly.  She would be good for Jeff.  She was a calm individual, where he was more excitable.  She would balance him out.  As Jeff pulled her in his arms, I moved away from the pair to give them some privacy.  I looked around and noticed pockets of people talking about something that had happened earlier.

I moved closer to one group of young women.  “I cannot believe she tried to pull that stunt.  An Omega mated to an Alpha.  That is unheard of!” one of the women exclaimed.  “Especially that Omega.  Marly Bent is nothing but an embarrassment to the Red Pines Pack.  Even her parents do not want her,” another said.

Marly Bent.  Who was this woman and why was she being cast aside for being an Omega?  We had Omegas in our pack who were cherished as we would any other pack member.  I looked around and noticed that the Alphas had not returned yet.  I stepped outside of the event hall and followed where I had last detected the familiar scent.

                  The scent was no longer lingering but I could hear raised voices coming from the direction of the Red Pines Pack’s meeting room.  I slowly walked closer and noticed the chocolate and strawberry scent start to tickle my senses.  “Mate!” Kane said bouncing around in my mind.

                  I paused.  I did not want this.  I realized it made me a hypocrite after what I said to Jeff, but this was different.  I never expected or yearned for a second chance mate.  This woman deserved a mate who wanted her.  I was drawn from my thoughts as I heard the rage behind Alpha Luke’s command, “Accept his rejection!”.

                  What the hell was going on.  I saw the guards standing outside the room.  I saw them stand taller, but I could smell the fear coming off them.  I simply stared at them, and they moved out of the way.  As they did, I watched as both Alphas whipped open the meeting room door.

                  They had not seen me yet.  Alpha Luke told the men on guard to keep her contained and they would deal with her later.  As they turned, they both saw me and were startled backwards.  “Alpha Carson, what are you doing here?” Alpha Luke spit out.  “Looking for someone,” I replied calmly.  “And who would that be?” Maxwell questioned. 

“My mate.”.