Saving His Nymph Mate

Chapter 2 - Her

“Get off me!” Wyatt groaned. His younger brother jumped off the bed after trying to get his brother's large six - five frame up.

“Come on! Dad's waiting!”

Wyatt Blackard grumbled and turned towards his fourteen-year-old brother Ryder. His eyes danced with anticipation. The teenager struggled to hold back his smile, and he remembered when he was Ryder’s age, and learned how to transform into his wolf. Watching his younger brother, Wyatt felt his muscles ache as his own wolf was getting fidgety inside of him.

“Fine. Give me a minute.” He shoved his pillow into the boy’s chest.

Ryder laughed and dashed out the door. Wyatt stretched and got out of bed, rubbing his hands through his dark hair. After putting on a gray t-shirt with shorts, he ran down the stairs without bothering to put on shoes. He entered the packhouse kitchen where he saw his mother and a she-wolf talking. It did not surprise him to see an older woman talking to his mom. Living in the pack house, all the wolves who were homeless, single, or pack learners would live in the mansion tucked in the woods. At some point, most clan members would have lived in the pack house. Those that left typically built or purchased houses nearby. Many people were seen in the house. All the wolves of his pack were welcomed to meals, the gym, hot tub and other amenities. Wyatt ran by and swiped some toast on the counter while quickly pecking a kiss on his mother’s cheek.

Outside, his father and brother stood waiting. Jace, Wyatt’s father, didn’t look pleased. “We agreed last night to leave at seven. It is half past that.” He narrowed his eyes and said, “As Alpha of the Aleph Pack, that is unacceptable. We will not wait for you next time.”

Thoroughly chastised and embarrassed, Wyatt nodded his head. His wolf was restless. Wyatt felt his muscles tense, ready to be put to use. He formed into his black wolf. A once painful process now felt natural. It took time for his brother to form. He gasped with pain. But soon his black wolf with white paws and ears stood before him. Ryder was smaller than Wyatt, but he was sure his brother would grow. In his impatience, Ryder nudged Wyatt at the tuff of white fur that looked like a diamond on his chest.

The Alpha howled and a group of six exited the house. They were on the morning border patrol. Both the boys and girls that joined them turned into their wolves and they headed East. His father rarely came, but he understood his brother needed to be watched and protected.

They ran, following the scent they laid around their border, searching for signs out of place. Adillissa growled, and the pack stopped. The gray and white wolf walked over and sniffed the trees. After a moment, Adillissa stepped off the boundary, and the alpha followed. The she-wolf found a dead rabbit. The alpha caught the scent then, too. The other wolf pack was close by. Wyatt exchanged a look with his father. They moved forward at a slower pace; all senses heightened.

Wyatt’s mind reeled as several thoughts entered his head. Why is the other pack so close? Have they broken the truce made during the last Wolf War? Anger prickled through Wyatt. No trespassing is allowed on his borders. If the other pack entered his boundary, he would make them pay. He would not be a yielding alpha.

Beside him, Ryder whimpered. No doubt from the anger the young wolf sensed in him. Not wanting to alarm him, he nudged the smaller wolf and continued their patrol.

After the patrol, Wyatt walked back to the house as thoughts swirled about. He wondered what he should do with what they found.

“Wyatt!”

Wyatt turned to look at his father. Impatience filled his words. “What?! I am busy.”

“Not today, you aren’t. This isn’t a request. You’ll come with me.” His father’s clipped tones furthered Wyatt’s annoyance.

He wanted to say you don’t command me. Jace Blackard was no longer Alpha of the Aleph Pack, Wyatt was. After a few breaths, Wyatt channeled his annoyance. “What do you need, dad?”

A smirk showed on his father’s face, obvious he knew he had won their battle. “You have risen to your duties as alpha. Now that you have graduated from college, it’s time you rose to your duties as a man. You will take over the business.”

Wyatt’s face slackened. It wasn’t a good time to take over his father’s business. He just recently graduated a few weeks ago and was looking to enjoy a summer working with his pack. No distractions, no upcoming business management classes, and no finance homework.

Wyatt clenched his fists. “Dad, now is not a good time for that. I need to focus on the pack. You saw what happened in our forest. The Black Jade Clan is getting close to our borders.”

His father’s face darkened, “have you learned nothing, boy? You are once again jumping to conclusions and being irresponsible. That kill was not on our turf. So, they didn’t break any truce.” He took a few steps forward towards his son and glared. “I may no longer be alpha, but you will not raise an alarm in this pack when there is none.”

Wyatt unclenched and clenched his fists. His wolf readied for a fight, wanting the chance to show his dominance. He struggled against his wolf, struggled to control his anger at being called out as alpha and to be called a boy, no less.

Jace continued, “you want to help your pack? Get them in order. Show them you are strong, dominant, and unafraid. Don’t make them doubt your competence. You can begin by showing up on time.” Wyatt’s father walked away while he called over his shoulder, “you will meet in my office at noon for lunch and to begin your training. I expect you to be…” he turned his head to the side, “on time.”

Wyatt let out a low grow. His father never praised, never yielded, and never let an opportunity go to waste to criticize him.

Wyatt turned on his heel and saw his younger brother waiting by the door. Wyatt walked past him, ignoring his questioning eyes. As he sat in the head chair, he smelled the fresh aromas of the table. His brother sat to his left and his beta, Jesse, sat to his right. Other pack members occupied the rest of the chairs. Everyone hungrily piled food on their plates.

Ryder spoke while stabbing eggs with his fork. “Don’t be mad at dad, Wyatt.”

“And what do you know?”

“I am the son of an alpha. I heard everything that was said.” Again, stabbing more eggs and taking a big bite before speaking. “I'm just saying you shouldn’t be mad at dad. If he didn’t trust you, he wouldn’t be adding more responsibilities to you.”

Wyatt set down his fork and looked at Ryder. His unkempt black hair tousled in every direction. He had mud on his clothes and his green eyes danced in amusement. Yet, his words were not the words of a fourteen-year-old, and it astonished him at how grown up he had become. Wyatt smiled at his brother and tousled his hair, which annoyed Ryder, who then glared at his older brother.

Turning to his right towards his beta, he said, “Jesse, I wish to have a meeting with you tomorrow morning after patrols. I want an update on the clan’s affairs that have happened since Spring Break.”

Jesse looked up from his food. “Yes Alpha.”

Awhile later, Wyatt laid some dishes in the sink, him being part of the cleanup crew, thanks to his mother who always told him, no job is too small for the Alpha to complete. He turned around to watch that same woman giving out orders regarding chores and who was scheduled for patrols.

Once everyone scattered, his mother, Jocelyn, turned around and smiled at Wyatt. “It’s so good to turn around and see you home again. Nothing feels better to a mother than to have her children near her.”

Wyatt smiled. His mother had a gift for making everyone feel appreciated and wanted.

His mother’s smile faded as she said, “your father has already complained to me about your behavior today.”

Wyatt rolled his eyes and huffed, “that man is difficult. It’s never enough for him. I take over the pack and then he wants me to finish college. I barely come home with no welcome; instead, he tells me he is having me take over his business.”

“Your father just wants you to live up to your responsibilities. His goal is to make you respected amongst your pack and the world.” She spoke, smiling softly as her son frowned further.

Wyatt asked dramatically, “And since I am here to do nothing but fulfill everyone else’s desires for me, what would you like of me, mother?”

Her smile widened at her son’s dramatic nature before turning serious. “I wish for my son to be happy.” Then, with a mischievous grin, she continued, “but if you are looking for respect from your pack, finding a strong mate to stand beside you would aid your cause.”

Wyatt's eyes immediately went to the mark on his mother's neck that showed her love and commitment to her mate. He shook his head. “Yeah, that’s exactly what I need to add to my to-do list. I bet father would be thrilled if she was from another pack.” He anticipated watching his mother’s eyes dance with amusement, but they darkened, and her face grew grim.

“Yes, that would definitely help things. Help lay much of this to rest.” Jocelyn’s expression grew lost in thought.

Wyatt grabbed his mother’s hands. “What things? What are you talking about?”

She waved her hand in disregard. “There have been rumors. The other clan we border with is getting more hostile.”

Wyatt nodded. “They’ve always been hostile.”

“Yes, they have, which is why I am sure it's nothing. Just rumors.”

Wyatt’s mother’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she turned around to put away the leftover food. “You are supposed to be training your younger pack members. I know for a fact that your brother is all too excited about it. I expect him to come home exhausted.”

Wyatt nodded and then left the house. As he stepped out into the sun, he paused, thinking about his mother’s words. As alpha, who his mate is, was important for the future of the pack. Not to mention his pack’s confidence in him. Anxiety rose at the prospect of finding his mate. He wondered who she could be and if she would rise to be his luna, like how his mother rose for his father and succeeded. His pack was not a gentle pack. There were stories of the Aleph Pack rejecting their luna and either running her off or killing her. He shook off those thoughts. No time to think of that. He turned towards the training fields.

*************

Wyatt stared at his beta, Jesse, wondering why he had not heard of this.

“... and two more attacks, four weeks ago” Jesse, his beta, finished speaking and sat on the chair in Wyatt’s office. The alpha’s office was connected to his bedroom. Every time he entered the room, he felt the weight of his responsibility. He liked how the deep reds in the room made him feel. He remembered as a boy he used to hide behind the sofa and watched his father conduct business and enact consequences.

Wyatt stopped his reminiscing and continued his pacing behind his mahogany desk. “No one knows who launched the attacks?”

“That’s the thing. Each attacker had an unfamiliar smell. It’s almost like they were from a variety of packs, or maybe rogues.” Jesse continued to watch him pace back and forth.

Wyatt again stopped and said, “do you think the different packs of the forest are uniting against us?” Wyatt’s mind reeled. That can’t be true. They have alliances with some of them. “We are the largest and oldest clan in the forest. What would they gain from this?”

Jesse sat in silence for a moment, rubbing his neck. “It’s not like it used to be. We used to fight for pack dominance. Now we fight for property and wealth. Your father owns most of the city. Perhaps they are trying to take it away from him. Starting with the pack. Then again, it’s a guess.”

“But our allies profit more from us than they do from any other pack. There would be no gain for them. Have you told my father?”

Jesse ran his hand through his blonde hair and rubbed his neck again. “He seemed unconcerned, said there was no real threat. He claims that they have been doing it for years. But those attacks…” Jesse shook his head. “I don’t like it one bit. My wolf keeps telling me something’s not right.”

Wyatt picked up his pacing. He looked at Jesse and noted he would trust Jesse with his life, which is why he chose him as his beta. The man before him was not the strongest warrior of the pack. Jesse didn't have the same large build, and was on the shorter side as far as werewolves go, but he was an excellent strategist. Wyatt admired how his friend always thought things through, found outside ways to a solution. Grimly, he instantly realized that was his flaw. Wyatt knew he was impulsive, quick to action. He resumed his pacing. His own wolf also sensed something was happening. He just didn’t know what. Feeling restless only made Wyatt pace faster around the room.

“Alpha, I think we need to call in our allies for a meeting.” Jesse spoke while he watched Wyatt with unease.

Wyatt didn’t stop this time at this surprising course of action. He only met the allies once, right after he became alpha. His father claimed he was keeping in touch with them while Wyatt was away at college. But four alphas at one table, it may not go very well. However, if Jesse’s claim that packs were uniting against him, he needed to know where his allies stood. He needed to see for himself their loyalty. Yet, he didn’t want to seem like he didn’t trust his own allies.

Wyatt voiced his feelings aloud. “Yes, how do we do it without causing alarm? How do we meet without making my allies feel I am questioning their loyalty?”

Again, Jesse sat in silence until his head popped up with a solution. “The first day of summer is in a week and the full moon will be the same day.”

Wyatt spun around as clarification dawned on him, “meaning all the clans meet under the full moon with flags of truce.”

“Yes, which would be a good time to meet the other alphas, and skillfully learn their intentions towards us.”

Wyatt’s wolf howled with pride and dominance inside. Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It also meant chief, number one, or united. Aleph Pack was the beginning of the packs. They commanded the night. The alpha blood that ran through Wyatt was of ancient heritage. Which is why some alphas can’t withstand his authority, his dominance. Wolves are placed in ranks, and each wolf feels and understands their rank. But even alphas know their ranks based on how much alpha blood they have in them. Which was why Wyatt didn’t understand which clans would be bold enough to attack. Once again, he felt a growl accompanied by anger flow through him. Knowing his wolf was becoming territorial, he turned away from Jesse to speak to his wolf. Calm down, we will protect what’s ours. But his wolf was ready to destroy any clan who dared try. Adrenaline pumped through his veins, making him restless and on edge.

In the corner of his eye, he saw Jesse glance nervously at his leader. The Alpha continued his pacing and then turned to Jesse.

“We will come up with our strategy in a week, but for now, I need a run.” He turned without waiting for a response. Once outside, he instantly felt better. Needing a hard run to quiet his wolf, he turned toward the forest.

Running through the forest felt good. He pushed his muscles harder, feeling his anger slip away. With thoughts cleared, he focused on nothing but the feel of his paws against the dirt and the sun against his back.

Wyatt sat at the edge of the border, enjoying the feeling of being home. Knowing his father would look for him soon, he reluctantly turned away.

Take my hand and we will make it, I swear, woah livin' on a prayer…

Wyatt’s ears perked up. He instantly recognized the song by Bon Jovi. Wondering who could be out this far into the forest, he stepped into no-man’s-land. This portion of the forest belonged to no one. Technically, wolves were under truce there, but that didn’t mean some wolves lived by it.

So tough, it’s tough

He walked forward, keeping all his senses heightened. Trained in stealth, he crept forward through the trees, getting closer and closer to the music.

Woah, we’re halfway there. Woah livin’ on a prayer

Wyatt crouched low under a bush and pushed his way forward slowly. He felt himself tingle, and his pulse quickened.

At the edge of a stream was a female with waist-long brown hair that waved in the breeze. Unaware of him because of her headphones. She was crouched over the creek that ran through the forest, she looked to be stopping for a drink. She had on a light blue dress that seemed to move like water. And her skin… he inched closer, looked almost green. Wyatt shook his wolf’s head. No, the sun was playing tricks on his sight. He caught her scent in the breeze; it smelled of wet grass and sunshine. Watching the girl, his wolf’s senses went wild. A low rumble went through him like a purr. Then he felt it- mate. He had found his mate. His heartbeat went faster, wanting to be with his mate. His wolf’s side took control and acted out of its own violation. Wyatt wanted to be with her. The wolf stepped out of the bushes.

She straightened her back. Her music stopped. Wyatt stopped. The trees shook. Wyatt looked up at the trees violently shaking, then just as quickly, all was quiet. He glanced back to where she was, but she was gone. His four paws hastily brought him to the spot she knelt at. There was a clear indent in the soil where she was kneeling. His wolf whimpered aloud at the loss of his mate. He wondered where she went and why she left. Hopeful, the wolf lifted his nose up into the air, hoping to catch her scent in the breeze. Catching nothing, even more reluctantly, he sprinted back through the forest towards the pack house.