Unwanted

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Teegan’s P.O.V.

We arrive at the next pack, and I’m already prepared for the worst. However, what greets us isn’t what I expected. The pack is extremely small, and when we pull up, only a few people come out to greet us. I don’t see any guards anywhere, like in the last pack.

“Everyone, wait here. Teegan and I will go first.” Joel tells the others as he and I get out of the vehicle.

“Can we help you?” An older man asks, looking at us wearily. I don’t pick up anything from any of them other than fear.

“I’m Prince Joel, and this is my mate, Princess Teegan. Can we speak to the alpha, please?” Joel uses a much softer tone than he did at the last pack. The man looks down and shakes his head.

“I’m sorry, but we have no alpha or any leaders anymore. Our pack was attacked several years ago, so only a few of us are left.” Joel and I exchange a look.

“Can you tell us what happened?” I ask gently. A few more people come over, looking at us curiously.

“The alpha discovered that a few people in the pack were being paid to hold stolen pups. When the alpha tried to stop it, those coming to get the pups attacked us. They killed the alpha, beta, and their mates, as well as our warriors. We saved some of the orphaned pups, but we couldn’t care for them here, so we sent them to a group home near Springfield, Illinois. There are people there that help shifters of all kinds.” He replies. That sounds like a place we need to check out. Maybe they have some of the pups or had some go through there over the years.

“Thank you. We’ll check it out. I’m sorry about your pack. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.” Joel says. We get ready to leave, and the man stops us.

“Actually, there is something. Do you know of any pack that might be willing to take us in? Only about twenty of us are here now, and we can’t survive another rogue attack.” Joel turns and smiles.

“Actually, there’s a pack in Flint, Michigan, that I believe will take you in. The alpha that has just taken over will be happy to take in new pack members. I’ll call him myself to let him know you’re coming.” Joel gives the man the pack’s information and then calls Mike. He was eager to accept them after what we did to save his pack and eliminate Tyler.

“I take it they don’t have any pups here,” Anton asks as we get back in the SUV.

“No, but they gave us a place I want to go next. It’s a group home for shifters in Springfield, Illinois. They said there’s a good chance some pups are there. It’s about a five-hour drive, and it’s already late, so let’s find a hotel to sleep for the night, and we’ll head out in the morning.” Joel says as we leave the pack.

After spending my entire life away from werewolves, seeing these packs has been eye-opening. I would never have known they faced so many problems. I assumed that because they were wolves, everyone left them alone. It’s sad to know that there are even group homes needed for shifters. However, if these people are as good as they sound, I’m glad they exist.

About thirty minutes later, we pull into the hotel parking lot. After checking in and going to our rooms, I’m ready to fall into bed. I take a quick shower while Joel orders us food. When I’m done, he gets in, and our food is delivered just as he comes out of the bathroom. I barely taste anything as my thoughts are on what we saw today.

“Are you okay?” Joel asks, taking my hand. How do I answer that?

“I can’t get the pups and people we saw today out of my mind. I know the people who were responsible have been killed, but what about the alpha before Tyler? Was Tyler the first one from the pack to do this, or did the alpha before him start this?” I ask as tears start running down my face. I can’t stand to see people hurt, and from the condition of those we saved, I know they’re not going to be better for a long time, if ever.

“Mike told me that Tyler’s dad was the previous alpha. When he died, Tyler took over and turned into a monster. They said the building was built a couple of years ago, so I don’t believe this has been going on for long,” he replies. I feel a little better, but I’m still dreading what we’re going to find in other packs.

“That’s something, at least. I’m hopeful we get good news from the group home tomorrow.” I throw the rest of my food and Joel’s empty containers away. After turning the lights off, I pull him to bed.

“I need you to make me forget for just a little while what we saw today,” I say as I take my clothes off and lay down. He smiles and removes his clothes.

“Gladly.”

Springfield, Illinois

Petra’s P.O.V.

After cooking breakfast, I help Jelena and her mate Garrett prepare the kids for school. Garrett is tall with thick dark brown hair, while Jelena is petite with long black hair. Grant is Jelena’s twin brother, and he’s mated to Garrett’s twin sister, Holly. They are all wonderful, caring people with two group homes. Each couple runs one of them. Their children also help, and I’ve become close to most of them, so I feel like a big sister.

Jelena keeps pushing me to get out and try to find my mate, but a big part of me doesn’t want to lose the only family I’ve ever known. I’m scared of being out in the world alone. However, that’s not the only thing that I’m afraid of. I’m terrified if I leave, they’ll forget about me, and once again, I’ll be unwanted. That’s one of the worst feelings in the world, feeling like no one wants you or cares for you.

After the pups and cubs leave, I help clean up the house while Jelena and Garett look after the two pups, who are too young to go to school. I hear the doorbell ring when it’s almost lunchtime time, and Jelena answers it before I can get there. I follow the sound of voices and see a tall, handsome man standing next to a beautiful woman. They make a gorgeous couple. I stay back and listen to what they’re saying.

“Thank you for seeing us today. I’m Prince Joel, and this is my mate, Teegan. We’re looking for pups taken from Teegan’s pack, Silver Moon, over the past twenty-five years or more. We’re hoping you can help us. The last pack we visited said you take care of orphan shifters.” Wow, a prince, maybe I should have worn something better than jean shorts and a T-shirt. Although he and his mate are dressed like me, so I guess it’s okay. Teegan sees me and smiles. I smile back and slowly make my way over to them.

“Prince Joel, Princess Teegan, this is Petra. She’s been with us for a long time and is part of our family.” Jelena says, putting her arm around me. See, this is what I would miss if I left.

“We’re more than happy to see if any of them were here or are here now. Do you want to have the others come in?” Garrett asks them. Others? How many others? Oh, shit, is the king and queen with them? Do I need to curtsy and offer them tea, or is that only the king and queen of England?

While I’m trying to decide what I should do, a scent hits my nose that makes my heart race. My wolf, Lila, starts panting in my head. Where is that scent coming from? Before I can even move, a handsome man with wavy blonde hair and blue eyes rushes through the door past the prince and princess. I’m frozen as he looks at me with wide eyes.

“Mate.”

When he says the word I knew he was going to say, I can’t help bursting into tears and falling to my knees. No. Why now? Why is he here now? I can’t take it. I can’t take the rejection I know is coming. I don’t want to be hurt by him.