Chapter 5

Daunte's POV

"Aye, D, is your ass up? Let's get started," Dominic, my overly responsible Beta, said as he decided we would train early in the morning.

If he weren't so damn proficient at his job, I would have fired him already. Luckily for him, I was already awake.

It had taken me all night to ensure the business finances were in order. While inheriting my grandfather's business wasn't everything I had wanted, being the CEO of the largest cybersecurity firm had its perks. I was proud of the work I had done, and I was excited about the company's future. I knew I had a lot of hard work ahead of me.

I was also able to provide fulfilling jobs to all the wolves in the pack, regardless of rank. After visiting many packs in the past and witnessing the poor treatment of lower-ranking wolves, I made sure that wouldn't happen here. I had faith that I could make this business much more successful than it already was.

"Let's go, D! Come on, you're the Alpha. How does it look when the HAIC isn't in attendance at training?" Dominic said as he opened my bedroom door and walked in.

"I am up," I said, cocking my brow at him.

As I pulled my sweater over my golden-brown hair, I asked, "Suppose I had a woman in here, and you just walked in?"

Alonzo roared with laughter.

"You know what they say? The day a woman comes in here, hell freezes over," he said before adding, "No, seriously, though, we're going to be late."

"Okay, I'm ready," I replied as I grabbed a water bottle from the mini fridge and followed him out of the room.

"So, why were you up so early, anyway?" he asked as we walked down the hall.

"Verifying the business finances to ensure we have enough to build that upscale condo on the northern end of the pack border and renovate that mall. Plus, I need to scout out that area by the western border you told me about," I told him.

"I'm glad you're considering it, bro. We could add a couple of cottages to the neighborhood or even build another school," Dominic replied.

I nodded in agreement as we exited the pack house and headed for the training fields.

Logan's voice echoed through the mind link as we approached the training grounds.

"Alpha, we spotted a pack of rogues just outside the western border," he said.

Smirking at Dominic, I said, "I guess I'll skip training today."

I shifted into my wolf and ran off toward the western border.

"You ain't skipping tomorrow!" Dominic yelled after me.

"Hey, Romo, let's play a game. You catch five today, and I'll let you run all night," I said to my wolf.

There was no one more of a pushover than him. It was fair to say that he was a big-ass softy, but when it came to protecting his pack, he was a beast.

As Romo pushed forward, he responded, "You lie too much."

I laughed at his comment as I drifted to the back of my mind.

Once we reached the western border, he sniffed around and spotted the two rogues. We chased after them, with Romo moving like a blur as he raced at top speed.

The rogues were no match for him, and he quickly took them down. He wagged his tail with pride as he proclaimed his triumph.

I laughed in response, feeling a sense of pride in my wolf.

"Since we're here, let's explore the area," I told him as we began to look around.

There was no doubt that Dominic was right; this was a nice little spot for a few cottages for older wolves who wanted peace and serenity in retirement.

There was only one problem: it bordered the Crestview Pack as well.

While we made a few trades with them here and there, they were one of the worst packs. If I wanted to, I could easily wipe them out.

We continued trotting through the area when I saw something moving in the trees.

At first, I thought it was another rogue, but upon closer inspection, I realized it was a she-wolf.

She had red hair that flowed behind her, and she was young, not yet eighteen.

My attention was drawn to her as she climbed down the hill. Her face was filled with sadness.

I watched her as she crossed the stream, following closely behind. There was something about her that intrigued me.

Suddenly, she stopped and looked at me.

Those blue eyes held a sadness that I could tell had been there for a long time.

Without moving, she stared at me. I was sure she was probably scared. To avoid frightening her, I turned and walked out of sight into the shadows.

I followed her until she reached the borders of Crestview.

As he watched her leave, Romo said, "She must enjoy coming here."

He then turned and headed toward the hill the girl had come down.

After we reached the top, we looked out and were amazed by the view.

"This is an amazing view. What's not to like?" I said as I looked around.

My thoughts went back to her. There was just something about her that caught my attention. I tried to take my mind off her, but I couldn't.

"Let's get home before Dominic sends a search party," I told Romo.

Taking one last look in the direction she had gone, I wondered what her story was. I also wondered why she had strayed so far from her pack's safety.

Shaking my head, I turned away from the sight, overwhelmed by a bittersweet blend of sadness and admiration.

I wondered if I would ever see her again...

"Dude, where have you been?" Dominic asked as I approached the pack house.

"You were right about the area by the western border," I replied as I shifted back. Then I added, "The only thing is, it borders the Crestview Pack."

"Nah, does it?" Dominic asked, surprised.

"Yes, but if I play my cards right, I'm sure I can convince them to let me buy it," I told him.

I knew Crestview had some financial difficulties, so if I offered them the right amount, I was sure they wouldn't mind. If that didn't work, some trade could be arranged.

Regardless, I would ensure I purchased the area, hoping to catch sight of the redheaded girl again.