The Alpha's Mutt

“Mystique…” He gaped, barely able to get the word from his mouth.

I assumed that he was in shock after my sudden appearance. I was not surprised by his reaction, I had sent his trackers away, yet I had appeared here, myself. I was certain that this had been the last thing that he was expecting.

“That is ALPHA Mystique, to you.” I corrected.

“Alpha?” He questioned, the confusion evident on his face.

He took a few steps towards me. I was not sure if he was aware of what he was doing or if the bond was carrying him forward, either way, his advance was unwelcome.

“Come no further.” I growled in warning.

“What?!” He responded, freezing in his steps.

“I do not wish for you to touch me.” I informed him, not wanting the mate bond to interfere with my better sense. “Let me be clear, I am not here to reignite anything between us. I am only here because the Moon Goddess, herself, has requested it. We will work together for the sake of our packs. Nothing more.”

I watched as the light in his eyes faded away. Any hope that had been lingering there, instantly removed by my words. I could not help the ache in my chest that came from knowing that I was the one who had caused him this pain.

But I was resolved to remain strong. He brought this on himself with his selfish choices. I knew that Selene had wanted me to return to him as a mate, but I figured that as long as we were working together, that it was just as good. We may have needed to support each other through whatever was to come, but that did not require us to be romantically involved.

“I have come here with my pack, on orders from the Goddess, Selene. We are here to offer our support in the dangerous times to come. If you will allow us to enter your lands, then we shall set up camp along your border, here.” I motioned to the clearing where we currently stood.

“Of course. You all are welcome for as long as you wish to stay. Though we could offer you rooms in the pack house, rather than staying out in the woods.” He offered, a tiny flicker of hope reigniting in his eyes.

I scoffed. I knew exactly how my pack would feel about staying in the pack house. We did not live like that. Our pack was not about the finer things.

“No, thank you. We are fine here.” I declared.

“Alright.” He sighed, clearly defeated.

“Once we have our camp set, I request an audience with you, Alpha. So that we may discuss the situation further.”

“Of course, Alpha. I will leave my guards with you to assist with anything you may need. Just let them know when you are ready to meet.” Farris responded, his tone subdued.

I had to turn my eyes away from him. I knew that he was feeling a range of emotions, as was I. It was difficult seeing each other after so long. There was a large part of me that wanted to turn tail and run back to my mountainside. I regretted having pulled my pack from our territory for this. This was all too intense for me. I had avoided this for so long for a reason.

But I refused to look weak in front of my pack. I would not let them see me falter. This was my decision, and I would own it. So, I swallowed the lump that was forming in my throat and kept my face stoic.

“Your cooperation is appreciated.” I nodded.

With that, I turned and walked back towards my pack who had already begun shifting into their human-forms behind me.

“Let’s set up camp in this clearing.” I instructed. “This border is the closest to our homelands.”

They nodded in understanding and began to do as I requested. Putting up old, makeshift tents and cutting trees to form other shelters. I quickly jumped in, making sure to do my fair share. I was no lackadaisical Alpha, I worked just as hard, if not harder, than the members of my pack. I asked nothing of them that I would not do myself.

Once we were nearly finished with the set-up of our camp, I requested that one of the guards contact Farris. I needed to know if they had heard or knew of anything at all that may give us an idea of what we are up against. I needed all the intel that I could dig up to determine how it was that we were meant to fight it. Anything that Farris knew could prove to be vital in the days to come.

“Jamari?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“I would like you to accompany me for the meeting with Alpha Farris.”

“Of course.” She answered without hesitation.

I knew that she would be eager to have my back in the situation.

“Emlyn?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“As usual, you will be in charge during our absence. Please avoid interactions with the Elwood Pack for the time. I’m sure that they’ve been told to avoid this area, but let’s strive to keep things amicable, for now.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

Jamari and I were escorted by one of the guards to the pack house. I had agreed to meeting with Alpha Farris in his office, knowing that my pack would be more comfortable without his immediate presence. They could take care of themselves, most of them having been rogues before coming to us. However, I did not want to give them a reason to be on edge. The fact that they had been rogues, meant they were also uncomfortable with your more stereotypical authority figures.

Alpha Farris represented a lot of what they had run from.

Upon reaching the pack house, I had to close my eyes and take in a deep breath. This was all proving a bit more difficult for me than I had expected. I was forced to keep reminding myself that I am not the wolf that I was. I shed the mutt, the night that I left this place behind. Now I was a proud Alpha, and I was going to behave as such, even if it did me harm.