The Elder Problem

CONNOR

I was out on a run, the cool evening breeze brushing over us as I let my wolf run free. We needed the release, the escape from the pressures of the day, when the alert from the gate came through about two women asking to see Beta Joel. It piqued my curiosity instantly, because Joel hardly had any visitors, let alone women. But as I approached, I picked up the irresistible scent and Miles went ballistic in my head.

I was about to peek through the window when Cassandra opened the door, saw me in wolf form, and screamed. I just had to see her. The pull was instantaneous. Only, she didn’t feel the same, or she was holding back. I sensed her wolf, but it was clear she hadn’t shifted yet.

Her mother was human, and I noticed some tension between Joel and her. Could she be his mate? A human woman? I made a mental note to ask him about it in the morning. It was unusual for us werewolves to mate with humans, but it wasn’t unheard of.

But there were some serious downsides. We had to stay hidden; humans were scared of what they didn't get and would've tried to wipe us out.

 This presented a problem for me. If I let Cassandra’s mother stay, the elders would bitch about it. I was actually waiting for one of them to come knocking at my door. They’ve probably heard everything about our visitors by now. I chuckled to myself. News traveled fast in the werewolf world.

‘If we let her mother leave, Cassandra will want to leave with her. We can’t let that happen, Connor.’ Miles spoke up. He was a worrier. Constantly.

“No, we can’t,” I agreed. The thought of her leaving tore my heart.

I stood there in the shadows, peering at Joel’s house, hoping to glimpse Cassandra. I was like a teenage boy with his first crush. She was perfect. Tall and proud, with her head of auburn curls held high as she stared me down, oblivious to my status. For a moment, I saw a flicker of heat in her tiger-like eyes. I could easily lose myself in their depths.

‘She’s young.’ Miles sighed.

I tried to ease his concerns. “Our age difference isn’t that great, only five years. Give or take.” I was twenty-four and Miles made it sound like I was on the brink of old age. Reluctantly, I morphed back into Miles and trotted back to the pack house. I couldn’t stand there all night and watch Joel’s house like a pervert. Although, I wanted to.

****

As expected, I hardly made it out of my shower when there came an urgent knocking on my bedroom door. Three elders arrived, carrying with them an air of importance.

“Sorry to disturb you so late, Alpha. But this couldn’t wait.” Elder Marcus, the senior elder, spoke first. “We have human intruders in the pack.”

The sarcasm in my voice was lost on him. “Really?”

“Yes, it’s a matter of great concern. What do you propose, Alpha?” Elder Marcus was always testing me. I saw the glint of challenge in his dark eyes.

"I am well aware of what goes on in the pack, Elder Marcus." The strained relations between us were no secret. They doubted my ability to lead, despite my father's confidence in me. He retired a year prior and took my mother on a well-deserved cruise.  

Then there was the problem of being unmated. They’ve been nagging me for months now, urging me to take a chosen mate. I’ve had countless propositions, but none of them suited me. Until now. But I was reluctant to tell them. I wanted to get to know my little mate first without pressure from the pack or the elders.

Elder Marcus inclined his head slightly. The other two shifted nervously. “Of course, Alpha. I didn’t mean to offend you, but…”

“The human woman and her daughter pose no threat to the pack. They are our guests.” I asserted firmly, putting some steel in my tone. “No one, and let me stress that, no one is to harass them. Is that clear?”

“Well, I… We must advise you against letting humans into the pack, Alpha Connor.” He went on, “The pack will feel that you don’t have their interest at heart.”

Suppressing the urge to roll my eyes, I responded. “You have nothing to be concerned about, Elders. I know my duty and I take personal responsibility for the well-being of everyone.” Especially my mate’s. “The woman and her daughter will come to the pack house early tomorrow morning. I expect everyone to be polite.”

“I strongly suggest one of us must be present.” Elder Nicolas, the youngest of the three, offered.

A humorless chuckle escaped from me. “I do not need a babysitter, Elder. They are defenseless women.”

“Even so, Alpha Connor.” Elder Marcus stressed.

“I will think about it. Good night, Elders.” With a dismissive wave of my hand, I watched them leave, sinking down onto my bed. Privacy with Joel, Cassandra, and her mother was what I craved. The last thing I needed was the elders poking their noses in.

****

Before the sun opened its bleary eye, I was out on the training field with my warriors. Even though the packs around here were peaceful and our pack, Wolf Creek, was one of the strongest, we still had to stay on our toes. We had occasional problems with rogues.  

After an hour of combat training with them, I left to prepare for my meeting with my mate. Miles was carefully excited.

“You should really stop worrying so much, Miles.” I laughed at him. “Cassandra is ours, and nothing will change that.”

‘She could still reject us,’ my insecure wolf worried.

“You are impossible,” I huffed. “She was obviously attracted to me. I saw it.” Of course she was. I mean, what’s not to like? I was hot.

‘You’re so modest,’ Miles scoffed.

A couple of omega girls blushed and giggled when I walked by. I flashed them with a wink and a smile. “See?” I told Miles. “Nothing to worry about.”  

I had my personal servant prepare breakfast for us in my private dining room and mind linked Joel to bring his guests directly to me.

‘We’re on our way, Alpha,’ he linked back, and my heart leaped like a wild stallion in anticipation.

I couldn’t wait to see her again.