Chapter 2 – Second Chance Mate

The meeting ended with them throwing insults and curse words at each other. Jared walked out when he had enough, as usual. Wade leaned back in his seat and deeply sighed.

“Is there still hope for him?” James asked once he knew his brother couldn’t possibly hear him.

“What else is there?” Wade replied while dismissing the others with a gesture of his hand. He’s already old and he really wanted to retire, but this son of his . . . he wasn’t assured that Jared will do as well as he did. His ideas and manner of doing things are obviously different than his. Sometimes, he couldn’t help but wonder . . . is his way really old-fashioned now? Have things changed so much over time? Still, he doesn’t want those changes to overtake the pack he loves. He can’t bear to see it.

He tried to reason with Jared, to discuss these things with him, but he’s sorely proud of himself and his own ideas. He’s beginning to wonder if anyone can make him listen.

As Jared left the meeting hall, he immediately went to the training grounds. He smirked as he saw the trainees becoming more serious with their tasks. They do slack off when he’s not around.

“You all must think I’m being lenient. Don’t think I don’t know what you do when I’m not here to supervise your training. Everyone, line up.” He barked the order and the young men scrambled to their position.

One thing about Jared, though, he’s of the opinion that only men can properly fight. Though they allow young girls to join the training program, when Jared comes to supervise, it’s only the boys he’s strictly observing. Right now, the young women lined up the perimeter of the training grounds, only watching what would unfold.

Some of the trainers looked away and rolled their eyes. How can their training be effective if he’s always bothering them? They’re always criticized and blamed by this bastard. As if he could do better training the youngsters? Given how they don’t have full authority with what they do in training, most of them have lost their passion and sense of responsibility. They no longer give it their all. After all, Jared would never be satisfied even if they’re already excellent. With the current situation, they doubt they would feel a sense of satisfaction when they only hear criticisms on a daily basis. Truthfully, it’s draining their energy and some have already mimicked Jared, acting grumpy and yelling most of the time.

They could only take a break and breathe properly whenever the man goes out of the territory for some official matters. He may not be the alpha yet but his father did delegate a number of duties and responsibilities to him. He was given free reign to do as he sees fit. It’s not all bad, but most can’t really stand the seemingly oppressing feeling in their chest. Why can’t they have a peace of mind and work diligently in a relaxed manner? Must they always act as if they’re overworking and having great difficulties? It’s tiring, that’s what.

Jared isn’t clueless. He knew exactly what they’re thinking, but this is his method and he believes it achieves the result he has in mind. They’re more vigilant. They’re stronger. He doubts they would achieve this level of strength if it wasn’t for his strict orders.

He doesn’t mind playing the bad guy, because he really is. He couldn’t care less about their grievances, as long as they’re prepared to defend the pack when it’s attacked. That’s all that matters to him. They don’t like him? So what? As long as they obey him when he gives orders, that’s enough.

One night, a woman boldly sneaked into his quarters. His eyes sharply stared at the figure on his bed.

His signature smirk was already showing, “What makes you think you can seduce me? Get the fuck out. Otherwise, I’ll give you a punishment.”

The woman didn’t look scared, which was a first, even to him. He’d seen her around the pack a number of times and you can say he’s already familiar with her face.

“As long as the punishment happens in this bed, I don’t mind. Come on, Jared. You need a release, don’t you? You’re always tense. You need to let loose once in a while. That’s what I’m here for.”

He could guess what the woman was thinking, or hoping to achieve, but he’s not one to partake in it. She’s interesting enough to talk with, he’ll give her that.

He’s not one to needlessly hit women, but it’s not as if he gives them enough respect. To him, strength is what earns you respect. Aside from his grandmother, his mother, and his mate, he doesn’t plan on having any close relationship with other women.

“I don’t need you here.” He went to get clothes and change.

“You don’t? You don’t have a mate yet, don’t you? How do you plan to pleasure her when the time comes? When she’s in heat? When she’s clinging to you for a few days? You need to know how to touch her properly, how to kiss, how to make her come . . .” Her seductive statements ended in a moan, which irritated him for some reason. He didn’t like that sound coming from a random woman.

“You sure are bold, I’ll give you that.” When he turned around, he was stunned to see her already naked.

His lip twitched, “However, I don’t need you to teach me. We’ve had that lesson a long time ago.”

“Do you still remember it, then? It’s all theory, though. You need an actual experience to learn it. How confident are you that you’ll be giving pleasure to your mate? That you won’t be a disappointment? I’m willing to show you tonight. You should take this chance.”

He narrowed his eyes as he took a few steps near the bed. He’s tempted a little, but he couldn’t bring himself to touch the woman in front of him.

The woman clearly thought he’s going to give in and smiled enchantingly. All she desired is a night with this man. She is beautiful, but like him, she hasn’t found a mate yet.

Jared closed his eyes and when he opened them, he looked terrifying.

“You have three minutes to fuck off. Get dressed and get the fuck out.” His tone was menacing. The woman could tell he’s not joking or messing around. She was momentarily stunned but quickly scrambled to get her clothes. She left quickly and he smirked at the closed door.

He took a deep breath before laying on the bed. He needed a good rest.

Soon, it was time for another alpha conference. For some reason, it will be hosted by Snow Mountain again. It probably has something to do with the recent attack in their pack. They wouldn’t dare to leave anytime soon.

He went there with the others, acting like nothing happened before. He wouldn’t apologize to anyone, not to Clyde or that woman. Ah, yes. He was told Clyde was the Alpha now. Inwardly, he felt some anger. He’s sure the man only became Alpha because he’s now mated. And that mate was supposed to be his. He couldn’t look at them without contempt. The woman kept her distance from him, always seen next to her mate. Wade has been watching his son’s every move. He gave specific orders regarding him. One misstep and he will be restrained like last time.

Thankfully, he seemed to behave well, even around Clyde and Sab. Or maybe Wade spoke too soon.

The next morning at Snow Mountain, Jared went on a walk before breakfast was served. He was checking the territory and the structures they have built after the last attack. Clearly, they have made changes and didn’t conform with the previous layout.

He was just beginning to relax when he caught a faint scent and frowned. It was sweet and enticing. His eyes slowly constricted as he began to understand what it was.

Mate! He has a second chance mate and she’s here!