Saving His Nymph Mate

Chapter 6- Strategy

It had been four days since he encountered his mate. Wyatt neglected his papers on his desk and walked to the window. He once again smiled at the memory of her. She was witty, and he admitted he enjoyed making her irritated. His smile broadened when he thought about how beautiful she was. Her bright blue eyes looked like a forest water spring with a variety of blues swirling inside. Her blue eyes darkened as she berated him over catching her.

His smile slackened when he remembered how she slipped away. It was a shock, but why run? He suspected she didn’t know the answer, either. She seemed young, nineteen, twenty maybe. Regardless, he was happy. Tonight was the full moon, where all the packs came together under a truce. He was excited to see her again, especially to see what her wolf looked like. He bet it was brown fur with blue eyes, or gray fur with blue eyes. Eyes rarely changed when an individual morphed into a wolf. He was curious that he didn’t smell a wolf pack on her; however, he admitted that he didn’t know all the pack’s scents. Regardless, he was sure that she was part of another pack. His wolf could sense a commanding presence in her. So Wyatt was ever more certain that she was an alpha’s daughter. No other person would be brave enough to be that deep in the forest. Plus, he saw how she knew, when she saw him, that they were fated to be together. Only wolves did that.

Which meant he was going to see her tonight under the full moon in her wolf form. His wolf became impatient. Patience, we will see her tonight. Then she will be ours. His wolf seemed to comply with that thought and relax inside.

“Are you ready, Alpha, for our meeting?”

Wyatt turned around to look at his beta, who entered his office. “Yes, Jesse, please sit down.”

Wyatt abandoned the window and walked around his desk and began his usual pacing of the floor.

“I am sorry again for interrupting you and your mate. You left your phone, and your dad was trying to reach you. I didn’t know what to do.” Jesse sat on the leather chair placed by his desk.

Wyatt thought about that morning four days ago. His beautiful mate was irritated at him. Jesse pulled up to tell him about his dad. He noticed she seemed confused. When he replied and turned to continue his conversation, she was gone. He wanted to know if his wolf could find her. But she disappeared, and he stood alone. Rejected, he left for the pickup.

“Don’t worry about it, Jesse. I am sure I’ll see her tonight. We don't need to discuss that. We need a strategy.” Wyatt spoke the words coldly.

“Yes Alpha.”

“We have to be careful tonight. We need to know if any of our allies are against us.”

“What do you think we can do?”

“Well, first is observance. We have to observe how the other alphas interact with each other. Next, is watching how much they observe you, me, and my parents. This is the opportune time to make plans across clans because of its convenience. Also, I think when we talk to the alphas to observe how they communicate with us. If they are against us, they will be as vague as possible about their pack’s affairs.”

Wyatt stopped his pacing and looked at his beta, who was sitting forward with his hands interlocked, resting on his legs. Jesse looked down at his hands a moment and then looked up at him.

“It is a good idea, but how are you supposed to monitor seven other alphas, plus their betas? Not to mention, sometimes the lunas will be part of the scheming.”

Wyatt began his pacing, trying to figure out this development. Jesse continued.

“I think all the alphas can sense something is brewing. They may try to act like they aren’t directly a part of any planning. Meaning it’s more of the alpha’s betas we have to watch.”

The pacing stopped, and Wyatt looked at the ground.

“You are probably right. We need loyal wolves to help us in this observance tonight.”

Jesse sat up. “Almost every wolf has some type of family connection across packs. Who could we trust?”

“Our pups in training.”

Jesse’s eyes scrunched in confusion as he watched Wyatt start his pacing across the floor. Wyatt continued, “these trainees are perfect. They want to feel part of the pack. They want the pack to be proud of them. And even if they tell, many won’t believe them. Who would take the word of a young pup about war preparations?”

“That is a risk. They may not even know how to be discreet.”

“But trainees are the most overlooked in any pack. They are perfect.”

Jesse looked concerned. “Still, you don’t want to put their lives in danger.”

“That’s where my mother and you come in. She loves those little ones. She has eyes and ears like no other for their coming and goings. You too, will watch out for their safety.”

Jesse’s eyes faded, and it looked like he was deep in thought. Wyatt kept his pacing, allowing his beta to think through it. The alpha relied on Jesse to use his strategic mind to find the flaws and full proof the plan. While Jesse thought, Wyatt struggled to control his wolf. His wolf wanted to be the first one to attack. Wanted to destroy any pack if they showed an ounce of betrayal. He was restless.

He wanted to run into the woods again. But he knew that if he did, he would run right back to the same spot he had for the last week. He would run to the stream where he saw her for the first time. Wyatt shook his head. Why had this girl whom he didn’t know destroyed every peace of mind? Yet, his wolf whimpered inside of him. He inwardly groaned; he didn’t know her name but knew he was acting like a lovesick pup.

“Wyatt, I think if we want to accomplish what we wish discreetly, I agree with your plan to use the trainees. And you Alpha need to find out who your mate is. She could be very advantageous to us at this time of need.” Jesse stood up.

“Yes, I plan to. Would you talk to the trainees and assign them their tasks? I trust that you have a better mind of which wolf would do well to observe which alpha and beta.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

Jesse left the room and closed the door behind him. Wyatt walked around and slumped in his chair at his desk. Tonight was critical. Whatever happened tonight could change the course for all the packs, of the truce so many wolves have fought to protect.

**********

There was not a single cloud in the night sky. The moon highlighted the entire forest, bringing a natural light that gleamed with everything it touched, but also created dark shadows that could spook a grown man. Wyatt loved the contrast the moon created. It reflected each of the wolves. One moment reflected their good nature, and then the next moment was in the blood of their enemies.

Wyatt wondered what side would be reflected tonight. He and his pack emerged from the trees to a small waterfall hidden deep in the middle of the forest and opened up to an extensive field. Wolves from all the packs join in on this occasion. Some hope to meet their mates, while others were there to see their family members that moved to other clans for a variety of reasons. It was optional to come, except for the alpha, his luna, and beta. Anything could happen if seven alphas were required to share the same space. Each wanting to be the dominant force in the area.

Wyatt stopped at the edge of the clearing. There were many wolves already there. His pack stopped behind him. He turned and nodded to the brown wolf with a white face and paws. His beta walked out, and the rest of the pack followed.

Alert, Wyatt walked with his pack, searching for the alphas of the other clans. Four of them were standing on the rocks near the waterfall. He made his way and climbed the rocks. Wyatt bowed his head in greeting to each of the other alphas, respecting their presence there. Each returned the gesture.

Half an hour later, all seven alphas stood on the rock, then in a glorious chorus, each wolf lifted its head and howled.

The howl was majestic in its own way. It filled every crevice of the forest and ranged out to the sleeping occupants of the town.

Once the howl stopped, the wolves intermingled. The field was enveloped in low growls, barks, and other noises. Wyatt turned to the other alphas as they relaxed into the atmosphere.

In their own wolf language of grunts, barks, growls, and flicks of their tails, the Spade Moon Pack spoke to Wyatt.

“Alpha Aleph, a pleasure.”

“Same to you, Alpha Spade. How is your land?” Wyatt bowed his head again in a sign of respect. The Spade Moon Pack was in alliance with him.

“Very well. We had some problems with poachers taking our food, but I don’t think that would be a problem anymore. Winter was hard on our side of the forest, not large growth yet.” The Alpha spoke in a low tone.

“Winter is always hard on the packs. Especially with this last winter being especially long.” Wyatt looked at the alpha. Even in his wolf form, one could see the hardship of age.

“Yes, indeed. Excuse me while I visit my grandchildren.”

The old wolf walked down the rock and got lost in the crowds.

Wyatt looked at his beta, who nodded his head towards the smaller group of alphas getting aggressive. Wyatt walked over on alert.

“They have permits! We tried to scare them, but now they have guns. We petitioned the government, but they said we have to wait.” It was the Shadow Knight Pack Alpha who was speaking.

“We can join the petition.” Wyatt couldn’t see who said that in the back.

“We can’t wait for a petition. It could take years for a court to view our case. Our food is fleeing, and our land is getting smaller. I need a better solution.” Alpha Knight growled low.

“What solution are you looking for?” Wyatt saw it was Moon Valley Pack Alpha speaking.

“I propose we rearrange the boundaries.” Growls and snarling happened amongst the group. Some even stepped across the circle to challenge other alphas.

An alpha stepped forth, “If the clans won’t help us, then we will fight and take it.” The alpha that spoke was the Black Jade Pack’s Alpha.

Wyatt tensed up and stepped into the circle. “You will do nothing.” His wolf felt the adrenaline enter, as well as possessiveness. “If you attack, we will destroy your pack, and that is a promise.”

“Don’t go making empty threats, Alpha Aleph. It didn’t look like you had a very large pack coming tonight.” The Alpha Jade said.

“My Pack has always outdone yours three to one Alpha Jade.” Wyatt’s growl became menacing, and he noticed two alphas of the smaller packs step back. It didn’t bother Wyatt. He was sure it was because of his alpha heritage.

“Don’t be so sure you can beat us simply by numbers. There are other forces that can wipe out packs.”

Both wolves were growling, baring their teeth. Wyatt’s wolf was ready to taste blood.

“Are you challenging me?” Wyatt felt his muscles prep for a fight. He would not back down from such a threat. He would protect his pack. However, the alpha with a torn ear surprised Wyatt. He stepped back and sat down on his haunches.

Alpha Jade said, “not tonight, Alpha Aleph. But unless our demands are meant to rearrange the boundaries, we will act out in force.”

All the wolves bared their teeth, not one was ready to yield. Wyatt brought his head low, shining his teeth. He caught a glance at his beta, who shook his head. He understood. This was not right, not under the moon of truce. If they broke this truce, there would be no standard amongst the packs. After a few breaths, he straightened up and walked confidently to the middle of the circle. Some of the other wolves looked surprised, while others growled lower.

“Enough alphas.” His growl was low and menacing. “We do not want to shed blood tonight. We are under the full moon of truce. Alpha Knight, Alpha Jade, write up your proposals and each pack will look it over.”

Wyatt tried to lace his words with power, enacting his family authority as the first pack leader. Many of the wolves backed down. Soon, there was silence among the alphas. The air was filled with aggression and tension. After a moment, each alpha turned away and disappeared into the vast pack of wolves.

Jesse joined Wyatt on the rock. Wyatt nodded to him. Then he looked down at the base of the rock to catch his mother’s eye. Once she locked eyes on him, Wyatt nodded. Both Jesse and his mother left to begin the plan. He only hoped that his trainees would be safe.

While still on the rock, Wyatt lifted his nose in search of a smell, her smell. If his mate was an Alpha’s daughter, he needed to know which pack she belonged to. He could sense a war was about to happen, which made him believe this was why fate had now brought them together. Her allegiance to him could strengthen his pack and give him more weight if a war commenced. The black alpha wolf walked down from the rock and grabbed his clothes hidden in a crevice. His wolf knew she was near. He could feel it. He grinned at this new game; however, she was unaware of how good he was at that game. Because he was a skilled hunter.