Chapter 3: Manuals and Mates

No one would say out loud what a joke that was, but all of them knew it was. Caleb and Nash knew because each time they paused in another packs territory of course they sought out the Alpha. William Burgess was a gray haired paunchy man whose scent they hardly detected Lupine on. In telling him what their business was he was surprised and directed them to his Historian and Secretary who would advise them on locations of she wolves and their rights and then promptly closed the door. 

       Sadie knew it was a laughing matter for the most part because she had met this man… maybe twice in her life? Runs in their pack were split by needs, and were highly organized. Like a damn board meeting. William had two major jobs: keep the peace and keep the secret. Her only hope in this case was that this stranger in his territory would set off concerns for one of them. She left the kitchen with a glance over her shoulder, practically daring Caleb, who hadn't taken his eyes off of her, to follow her. 

       The call was short. Sadie was shocked when his secretary actually put her through. Her shock increased when William’s response, after listening to the situation, was a clipped:

      “I will be there in 15 minutes. Do nothing until then.” Say less. Avoid this possessive male? No issue. 

     Besides, there was a binder of wolf tradition and law she now needed to pour over. It was sent by Mr. Burgess’ secretary on Sadie’s 22nd birthday. Great gift. It was because twenty two meant she was technically of age, even though it wouldn't really click for at least another two years.

      She ran through the labeled tabs until she reached one labeled mates. The section was dense with history and rights. Sadie scanned until she reached the rights. Ok, good, she could reject this…. After cohabitating for 60 days? How was she supposed to do that? Why is this happening? If he is scenting her, shouldn't the same be true in inverse? Sadie flipped back, into the lore. Scenting….there! Alpha’s will often scent their mates before their mate does. This is especially true if the mate is newly of age. This section made her blood run cold. This could really be happening. Fuck. Sadie didn't know how to be around an Alpha. What was she going to do?

     

      In the kitchen the elder Mercers sprung into damage control after receiving texts from their Alpha regarding his imminent arrival and expectations of order and respect to the visitor. 

      “Mr. Miller, Mr. Colter, would you care for a drink?” Ms. Mercer has begun setting out a light spread as commanded. 

     “Please. I'm Caleb, he is Nash. Water would be nice.” Her scent getting further away had allowed a small sense of control to return to Caleb’s brain that was otherwise screaming, Claim her. Making these people like him, that was the smart move here. 

     “Caleb, William had requested I gather some information. May I ask you some questions?” Sutton was sitting with her laptop, fingers flying. Each of the Mercers had been assigned tasks and were expected to carry them out efficiently. Hers was to find out everything she could as quickly as she could while Sienna politely interviewed about what couldn't be found. 

    “I suppose,” Caleb responded cautiously. This packs’ way of responding to a claimed mate pairing was clinical 

    “How many wolves are in your pack currently? Sadie is used to such a large pack.” Sienna could try to be innocent if she wanted, but a wolf was a wolf. 

    “Enough,” Caleb was no fool. 

     “Right. How do you organize pack business? Is there a physical center of your pack?”

     “I have all the usual roles. As for a physical location, I'm guessing you don’t know much about Montana?” Stay calm. Stay Vague. Sienna didn't answer the question. This was a game of two predators. Despite a clearly higher role in his pack, Caleb was not used to this type of political game. 

     “Would there be somewhere for Sadie to continue her education?” Finally a question that seemed like they gave a damn about her. 

     “Yes. University of Montana. What is she studying?” Damn moonstruck sounding voice.

      “I'm sure she'd be happy to tell you all about herself. Are you in treaties with the packs in your area?”

     “Would William like me to outline our weaknesses for him, or is this line of questioning better for him?” Where others saw rude, Caleb saw blunt. He wasn't about to lay out how Painted Ridge worked to outsiders, and certainly not to people standing between him and his mate.

     “Weaknesses? CBP hasn't been in any sort of pack conflict in over a hundred years Caleb-” Sienna was in full PR tilt. The problem is that they were late to the game and trying to do their homework now. Nash had already done theirs 

     “Would Sweetwater Creek Pack agree with that?” Nash asked in a voice hardly above a whisper. Unlike many wolves, when he got quiet, the danger was rising. 

     The color drained from Sienna’s face. Perhaps they were more involved in pack affairs than they had previously let on. 

    “The hospitality is nice, and I am certain the questions are just to ensure the wellbeing of Sadie, but I also know my rights. With all due respect, when is your Alpha going to arrive?”

     “Presently Mr. Miller,” William Burgess answered as he stepped through the kitchen door followed by his team.