I sat upon the decking staring out to the forest ahead, music playing on the speakers inside of the cabin. It was peaceful today. The sun shining, and cloud low within the sky. The only sounds other than the music was the birds singing and my breathing. I was growing used to my peaceful little haven…
I had cleaned the cabin. I had done my work out and my run. That was my daily routine all but complete. I knew that this could not continue. I had duties I had to attend to. I was a Beta. And a Beta could not live this life. But, at the same time, I did not know the sort of Beta I could be. I had no motivation. No determination. No fight. And, as things stood, I was certain I may well be on the way to having no wolf too…
In the time since Seren had left, the lingering presence of my wolf that I had begun to sense again had slowly begun to fade. It was as if without her here he could not continue. He needed her energy to survive. Seren was no
I didn’t imagine I would be coming of age without my Dad there to guide me. That does not mean I do not appreciate my Mum. Hell no, she is the strongest woman I know. Losing your fated mate can destroy you. Though, personally, I think losing the one you love is enough to break anyone. But, the bond we share as werewolves with our mates is something else; and when that is broken, it can tear you apart from the inside.Yet my Mum pulled through it. Not just any old she-wolf either. A Beta’s wife. Bringing up a hard-headed son who, I am not ashamed to say, is a stubborn little fucker. I took after my Dad in that respect. I know that much. But, taking after him was the last connection I could have with him. That and the fact I would be inheriting his title.Yet, despite losing him, and knowing she had a heart-broken son struggling to cope with the loss of his father to bring up, my Mum battled on through, resilient as ever, never letting her determination waiver, or at least never in fron
Seems my wolf was quite an irritating little fucker. Either that or he liked to disagree with everything I said just to rile me up. I was undecided. I picked at my breakfast, making polite conversation with those sitting around me, just as my eyes were caught by a movement by the large window of the dining hall. My gaze was instinctively drawn in that direction, only to be greeted by the dark-haired figure of Seren stalking past. The one member of the pack I hated above all others.Her long dark hair pulled up into a high pony-tail, and dressed in yoga pants and a cropped top. Maybe she had been at the gym? But I felt irritation bubbling... Everyone had come to the dining hall to wish me a happy birthday, I assumed, at the former Alpha or former Luna's request. All except her. I can’t say I am surprised. While I hated a fuss, and would rather nobody felt they needed to do all this for me, I appreciated the effort they had gone to. It was more that Seren felt she was above joining in..
Today was a day that the pack was making such a big deal over. Lachlan, one of my older brother’s best friends, had his birthday. Yes, it was an important birthday, because he was coming of age, but, because he was the pack’s soon-to-be-Beta, everyone appeared to be acting like the world needed to stop spinning.My Mum was friends with his mum, and had been involved in decorating the packhouse, like they so often did for birthdays, and I had been instructed to ensure I would be there for the ‘Birthday Breakfast Banquet’ or something along those lines, I believe my Mum had named it. So we could all blow smoke up Lachlan’s ass… I mean, wish him a happy birthday as a pack, and celebrate with him. Anyone would think the guy was royalty or something.As a whole, I loved pack celebrations. Being part of a pack was amazing. The community spirit and camaraderie was something that I don’t think you would get anywhere else. It was like an extended family. So, when it was someone’s birthday and
She was giving as good as she got, while I was struggling, battling with the noises from within coming from this new wolf I was trying to adapt to. He had been one thing before this new development, but this was something else entirely. Now he had gone from the cocky and cheeky character he was, to one that was a whimpering mess. One that so clearly had decided that he needed his mate. That was not the strong, ruthless Beta wolf I had been expecting to receive when meeting my wolf, that is for sure!But, one thing is for certain, my wolf, Tyr, was determined. He was resilient in fighting me to get out. To get to his mate. But, I knew that could not happen. Because the moment I allowed that to happen, he would be all over her. I had seen what an uncontrolled wolf could do, and I had no intention of letting him take over with Seren. She may have been fated to me, but she was never going to be mine. And I don't think Tyr was ready to accept that just yet.I felt her eyes upon me, but as
My head was a mess by the time I walked into the house. Only to find my Mum’s angry eyes staring at me. Yes, I had managed it again. I had pissed her off. I could win awards in that.“I lost my bracelet when I went for a run, okay?” I explained, hoping she might at least show me some sympathy, or, if not, then try to understand the reason I had not returned when she had asked me to. “So I had to go back and look for it.”Her big green eyes darkened at those words, her brow furrowed. “As in the bracelet your Dad gave you?” Her voice was hoarse, and already I knew this was not going to go as I hoped, so I simply nodded.A heavy sigh slipped from my Mum’s lips as her hands fell to her sides in what I could only assume was frustration. “How could you be so irresponsible, Seren?” she snapped. “You know how precious that bracelet is! It is not like you can just get another one. Or at least not one that would hold the same meaning.”My eyes widened at her reaction. She had to be kidding, rig
I had done the good guy role. Going against every part of me that hated Seren. But, the part of me that knew what it was like to lose my father. The part that clung to that pain day in and day out was what made me step up and offer to help her find her bracelet. Or at least try. That had been torture being that close to her. I hate her. I truly do. But my body want her. The matebond wants her. This is nothing but a mess.Her scent was overwhelming. Enticing. Alluring. As it teased at my senses. Like it wanted me to reach for her and sink my teeth into her neck. Mark her and make her mine. Her scent had filled every part of that forest as we searched for that damn bracelet. As I did the decent thing. Torturing myself while being the good guy. Yet, we never found the damn thing, and she rushed away with tears in her eyes, and I had to ask our patrols to look out for it. Another promise to the bane of my life...Now I needed to go and party. Reward myself for being the good guy. I think
The party was in full swing by the time Marcus and I arrive, more than a couple of shots down. Seemed my friend was not about to let me leave the house having had only one. He was out to ensure I had a good night, and for that I was not going to complain.The moment we arrived to the party we were swamped with well-wishers. Most of whom I had already seen today at my birthday breakfast, or in and around pack, but I was gracious as always. They were, after all, members of the pack I had grown up in, and members of the pack I would be assisting in running once they allowed me to begin my Beta training now I had my wolf. The next stage in my life. One that I had to say I was excited about. Following in my Dad's footsteps. Earning the title he had passed on to me. One my Mum had tried hard to bring me up honourably to earn.Once Marcus and I had managed to ease ourselves away from the majority of the crowd, we noticed three women approaching. All three with affectionate smiles upon their
I made my way around the party, just as my Mum asked, ensuring the food tables were stocked up, and the drink tables too. Vry much being used like staff today, to ensure the party went as smoothly as it could. Heaven forbid that Lachlan did not have the most wonderful party that ever existed. It was on one of those run arounds that I noticed the king of the hour. Beta Blockhead himself. Some slutty-she-wolf draped all over him...No surprise really, we had quite a few she-wolves in pack more than willing to do that to get ahead. My brother had been known to take advantage of his title in that way, as disappointed in him as that makes me to admit it. And, I believe, our very own Alpha, Marcus, had done the same too, until he had met his mate. I think it is just a very shameful part of being a senior role within pack. The lure of the senior title in the pack was appealing to a certain type of she-wolf, and they found themselves flinging themselves upon said wolves at every given opport
I sat upon the decking staring out to the forest ahead, music playing on the speakers inside of the cabin. It was peaceful today. The sun shining, and cloud low within the sky. The only sounds other than the music was the birds singing and my breathing. I was growing used to my peaceful little haven…I had cleaned the cabin. I had done my work out and my run. That was my daily routine all but complete. I knew that this could not continue. I had duties I had to attend to. I was a Beta. And a Beta could not live this life. But, at the same time, I did not know the sort of Beta I could be. I had no motivation. No determination. No fight. And, as things stood, I was certain I may well be on the way to having no wolf too…In the time since Seren had left, the lingering presence of my wolf that I had begun to sense again had slowly begun to fade. It was as if without her here he could not continue. He needed her energy to survive. Seren was no
Seren had returned to her home on campus, I was aware of that, and as Cole and I worked out alongside one another in the gym, he told me she had taken her own car this time with her feeling better. Last time we had chosen for us to take her, with her having just come out of the hospital, so we didn’t think driving herself would be the best. Not to mention we wanted to check out the security of her home and the area around it. From the things Cole had said Seren seemed glad to be back.I knew that with the current situation as it was with Lachlan she found it easier to be away from pack. I don't think I could blame her, and I think, even if he would not admit it, that was why he stayed out at the cabin the way that he did. Refusing at every turn to come back home... But, for the whole, I knew that campus life was good for Seren. A little change would do her good. Learning... gaining the qualifications she wanted... all while having fun and making new friends. I was just glad she was ab
I drove away from pack, tears within my eyes. The mindlink to Lachlan remained unanswered. He had done it once again, and I was not willing to allow him to get under my skin any more.‘You know where he is, go and visit.’ Maia urged. And, she was not wrong, I did know where he now hid out. Dodging his pack duties as Beta. But I had no intention of going to visit him. My day of staying in pack as requested to ensure my heat was in fact over had been filled with my mother making far too much fuss of me, and my brother being on my case demanding details of how Lachlan had treated me.Having to go over those details had made me think of Lachlan, in turn resulting in me mindlinking him a number of times, all of which were met with silence. As were my text messages. I don't know what I wanted to gain from contacting him, but had hoped perhaps if I did he may try to reach out. Speak to me more. Explain his feelings again. But there had been nothi
Lachlan’s words meant a lot, and I could see the genuineness of them as he spoke. That meant as much to me as his previous apologies. I should have taken that opportunity to talk to him. Especially now that my mind was beginnig to feel like my own again, but my brother was sweeping me out of the cabin and toward the car before I could respond. Cole wanted me away from Lachlan, or away from the conversation that was developing. So, I was marched to the car. I had expected Lachlan to follow. Assuming he too would be ready for a break from the cabin. But, once again Lachlan did what Lachlan did best, he stayed away. Or, more specifically, he watched me walk away...I would not lie, there was an unexpected ache in my chest as I was ushered away the short distance to the car by Cole. Maia whimpered as she quickly realized the footsteps behind us belonged to Marcus and not to Lachlan. A brief glance back told me he had not stepped foot from the cabin. He was
I had walked away from their argument unable to listen any further. Anger bubbling beneath my skin. I wanted to say so much but knew it was not my place. Marcus and Cole already appeared to think so little of me, I did not need to make things any worse. So walking away seemed the better option. But I sat upon the chair on the decking looking out across the forsest. The front door remained opened and I could hear every word that was being said. Hearing Seren come to my defence shocked me to my core…The words of the man who was meant to be a friend invariably hurt, but, this was his sister he was trying to protect; and in his mind this was no more than I deserved. He believed I had treated her badly, and he wished to see me suffer. Yet Seren came to my defence time and again. Giving her brother the reasons why the things I had done were not as bad as they may seem.In truth, as I sat there and listened as our past was discussed everything hit home. Hard. It truly was as bad as it seeme
Lachlan opened the door to the cabin, by brother and Marcus strode inside. Neither one looked happy to see him, nor did they acknowledge him as they passed him by to stand inside the living area. I had not wanted them here, but Lachlan had taken it upon himself to assume that I did. He had not answered my question, instead choosing to tidy up and avoid me at every opportunity. Which considering the size of the small cabin was quite a task…His eyes had expressed a thousand words the moment they met mine, which I think is why he had quickly averted his gaze, and moved away from me. He knew that I would be able to read his thoughts from his eyes. I knew Lachlan too well. In choosing to rush around the cabin occupying himself he was only silently allowing more secrets to be revealed. More things had been said between him and my family, I was sure of it, and one way or another, I would get to the bottom of it.“Aww, Ren, you look better.” Marcus offered
Seren was acting oddly. No. Not oddly, sultry. Needy. Not that she hadn’t been acting like she wanted me the past few days, because she had. She had been in heat. Wanting me was all she had had on her damn mind, but this seemed different. The alteration in her tone told me her wolf was pushing forward too. My own wolf had done that enough in the early days, I knew what it meant...Tyr may have been lingering here and there while Seren was here, but he was not back. Not fully. So he was not able to communicate with Maia I didn’t think, so maybe Maia was hoping to connect with me? Either way she appeared to want her mate.But her wanting to encourage the two of us told me something was off. She had always been quite supportive of Seren’s choices, but it seemed right now she was defending me. She was pushing for things to work for us. And while I would understand a wolf wanting it's mate, she knew how bad I wad for Seren. She knew the things I had done.
I woke with a start, shocked to find Lachlan looking down at me, an unreadable expression upon his face. He was leaning against the wall of the cabin, his arms crossed, and those big, beautiful dark eyes of his were watching me intently. Should I be freaked out he was watching me sleep? Maybe... yet oddly, I found it almost reassuring... I rolled over on the bed to face him, stretching slightly as I did, and his eyes observed every slight movement of my body“What is wrong?” I questioned, noticing for the first time since my arrival here that the rush of heat upon waking had lessened. I had to hope that could only be a good sign...Lachlan offered me a questionable smile, before shrugging slightly. “Nothing, Ren. Why would something be wrong? I just came to check you were okay. You have been asleep a while.”I nodded. That seemed plausible. I had no clue how long I had been asleep. It felt like sometime since I had come
I walked back through the now familar trees surrounding the cabin,my phone to my ear. "So you don't think it was as strong?" I questioned.The supply drop had been completed a short while earlier by Colton, but I had waited until Seren was resting until Ileft the cabin to go and collect, as I had done each time previously. I did not want to leave her when she needed me, nor did I want any other wolf in close proximity to my mate whilst she was in heat. But, from what my friend was telling me, that may not be too much of an issue now."The scent has certain dissipated. I think another day and it will have gone. Is she feeling any better?" He asked.I chuckled. "I don't think she would tell me either way, Col, she is making me guess at best. Anything but admit she is struggling. Shows weakness, right? Seren will not let me think she is weak." I told my friend, who in turn began to chuckle too."Damn, that sounds like somebody I know. Hmmm,