My Beta's Mate

This is general information for anyone new to Werewolf culture. Please feel free to skip if you have read a werewolf book before. Werewolves work in packs. They usually have four leaders. An Alpha, A Luna, a Beta, and an Omega. They have fated mates that are picked for them by the Moon Goddess. Who are their god and creator. They can speak with each other, known as "Mind linking" this is a form of communication in mind only. Sam, We fought the great war, and we won, but not without casualties. One of them being my Beta Jake. He was my best friend and my right-hand man. Now I'm repaying him by secretly loving his widow. I haven't told her. I'll never tell her. I can't, can I? It just happened. He died, and she picked up all of the Beta duties. We've spent a lot of time together. We are both grieving his loss, just in different ways. We've been around each other and there for each other. I didn't mean for it to happen. It just did. At least for me. Jewel has shown no signs of returning my love. My fated mate also died, but years ago, in a pack attack. We found out when we both turned eighteen, and the next day, she was a warrior that got sent to defend the pack and died. Most wolves go crazy after their mate dies. I have known her for less than twenty-four hours. It hurt my wolf more than it did me. But I could pull through with my parent's and sister's help. I'm surprised that Jewel hasn't left yet. She has her old pack in California. Her family is there. She hasn't asked to leave, and I don't want to ask her. My pack seems to love her just as much as I do. She does her work and Jake's work without fail. She's a hard worker and a talented warrior. She's opposite to me in looks and demeanor. I'm blonde and hazel-eyed while being quiet and a bit brooding. She is happy, warm, and loving to everyone that she meets. She's also stunning with long dark hair, partially lightened by the California sun, piercing blue eyes, and the body of a Goddess. So once I started falling, I was a f**king goner. "She would make a brilliant Luna." says my wolf Luke. It's 4:30 am, and I'm in my room, but not sleeping. "Yes, but we both know that's impossible," I reply. Deciding to get up early, I roll out of bed... Training starts at five anyway. So I head downstairs to make some solid pretraining coffee. I find Jewel on the sofa journaling. She smiles as she says, "Good morning, Alpha." and returns to writing. Damn. I would give my right arm to have her say that in my bed and in a different tone. "That could be arranged. But, unfortunately, it's been a year since the war. She has to move on sometime." argues my wolf Luke. "Not possible," I say as I start to make pour-over coffee. "Her wolf calls out to me, though. She is just as lonely as we are," replies Luke. "Maybe, but her human has shown no signs of it," I respond. "Can I get a cup of that as well?" asks Jewel while walking over. She's in an all-black training outfit. I force myself not to check her out. I'm losing my damn mind, I swear. "Yeah, sure, I made extra," I say, handing her a cup. We start drinking our coffee in silence. "I'm going for a run before training. Want to come with me?" I ask hopefully. "Sure, I still get turned around on the trails here," she says. We both go outside, and she goes behind a tree to shift. I also do the same. Her wolf Shay is gray with white paws and a bit of white on her nose. Don't let her cute appearance fool you know. She is murderous in battle and very skilled. My wolf is your typical Alpha. Large and Black. I choose a path that is less traveled. It is challenging, but in the end, you can see a beautiful sunrise over the mountainside. Choosing to step up the pace, and she keeps up with me with no problem. We get there right as the colors start to change. I lay down, and her wolf lays her head on top of me. I try not to get too excited. I know that is her wolf, not her. "I'm sorry... my wolf is lonely. Is this okay?" asks Jewel through the mind link. "It's fine; it doesn't bother me," I say as my wolf sighs in contentment. She giggles. "Our wolves seem to like each other," she says. "Yeah, I guess so. How did you sleep?" I say in reply. "I didn't, really. I still dream of him. I dream of him living and of watching him die. Then I'm up for a while, and I journal." replies Jewel in a sad tone. "Jewel, it's not your fault. We were at war. In war there are casualties. Please don't hold yourself accountable. I don't." I say, hoping that she really listens. It is not her fault at all. Death is part of the war. That's not a good sign. It's been nine months since the battle ended. Granted, she's doing better than most wolves. She hasn't gone crazy and still seems to be mostly herself. "Can I ask you a question?" asks Jewel. "Sure, anything," I say. "Do you mind if I stay part of your pack? In the Beta position? I just can't go home. That's where most of Jake's and my memories are. We spent most of our time together there, planning the war and training. I can visit, sure, but living there would be just too hard, but I don't want to hold your beta position if you had someone else in mind." says Jewel. "Please stay. I don't have a replacement, and you're doing the work without fail. If anything, you've made this pack stronger, and I appreciate that. We all love you and accept you." I reply. At least I got to tell her I wanted her, but subtly...while including the rest of the pack's feelings. "Thank you, Alpha. I appreciate it more than you know," says Jewel as she gets up. We start heading back to start training. Our wolves start racing and nipping at each other playfully as we go. I could get used to this, I shouldn't,.... but I could.