Blood Rite: MATE

Chapter Two ~ Sidetracked

While Baddy was busy . . . well, getting busy.

Luke found himself in the middle of what looked like an inventors work shop.

From the outside, it had looked like just a plain rundown old barn but he couldn't of imagined what was behind that unlocked door.

While stepping inside the barn, he found his breath was taken away as he took in the atmosphere.

Completely captivated by what he was seeing around him.

It was like a whole other workd to him. Completely different than what the outside had made it out to be. It had been completely remodeled and updated with the lastest tech.

With what looks like an office in the back, work bench's off to the left and even a lab that appeared to be behind reinforced glass to the right.

Through the metal railings of the indoor teerice upstairs, he could see that there were two rooms and a living room space.

Gadgets and gizmos everywhere.

Some were even flying and moving around him as he walked.

Luke was in awe of the amazing equipment and technology he was seeing all around him. So much so that he was too busy looking at everything that he didn't notice when Rick came up right behind him.

"Can I help you with something young man?" Rick asked him sternly but kindly, causing Luke to jump a little.

"Oh, I'm sorry sir." Luke apologized as he turned around to face Alarick.

He was a tall man with short gray hair and kind green eyes.

"I'm Lycurgus Rezso, my Father Zeev, asked my men and I to come here and make sure everything was alright." He stated while showing the pack tattoo on his chest.

"Give back up in case any rogues return." Luke watched as the old mans face changed from concerned to overjoyed.

"Luke! It's so good to see you again young Alpha! You have defpinitely gotten bigger since the last time I seen you." Rick laughs as he holds both of Luke's shoulders to take a good look at him.

Letting him go he asks "How is your mother and father? I haven't seen them in years."

Rick began to move towards a wall beside them. The wall was filled with what looked like hundreds of pictures.

He took a moment to look through them before finally stopping at one and grabbing it.

When he brings it back to show Luke, Luke notices it's a picture of him as a young boy, no older than six or seven. He was standing in front of his mother and father posing with Rick and what he assumes to be Ricks family.

"This was actually the last time I saw you and your mother. It was Reika's first birthday." Alarick explained trying to remember the specifics.

"Oh wow, I knew you knew my father, but I didn't realize we had met before. I don't remember this." Luke tried so hard to find familiarity in the faces of the strangers in the picture.

"Oh yes, your father and I were very good friends back in the day. I even remember the day you were born. It was the first time I had ever seen your father cry. Your mother and father were filled with so much love for you that day, the entire pack could feel it. Many things made me feel honored to be your fathers Zeta but that day was by far, one of my favorites."

"My father had another Zeta?"

"Actually, he had three at one time." Rick answered.

"Really? He never talks about it. I just found out about you a couple days ago. May I ask, who was the third?" Luke's face had become more childlike in his wonder and Rick couldn't help but reminisce of long ago.

"Follow me." Rick said as he made a gesture with his hand for Luke to follow him.

They made their way back to the wall of pictures. After putting the picture back up in its place, Rick pointed out another picture to Luke.

This one was of Rick, Rad, Zeev and another man with blonde hair and blue eyes. They were standing next to each other smiling and laughing. He was just about the same size as Rad.

"That's Shaw. He was a great warrior and friend." Rick paused for a moment and let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"He lost his life protecting his mate but alas it was futile because she passed due to complications with childbirth. Their unborn children passing along with her. . . His mate Tamika, was your mothers best friend, they were like sisters."

"Mother use to talk of a Mika and their grand adventures."

"That's the same one." Rick chuckles thinking about the daring, adventurous Mika.

"It's been so long since I've heard that name. She was one of our most talented upsilons. She was a huge part of how we were able to win the rogue war. She was able to get into the very dangerous places to free captive packs. Usually undercover, she would spy and infiltrate. Her only weakness was Shaw and you."

"Me?" Luke asked in surprise with his brows furrowed together.

"Oh yeah, our little Mika was a wild one. She never planned to settle down. Until you were born. The moment she held you in her arms she fell head over heels. She was like your second mom in the years before her passing. She had even become a phi. Only being called on dire missions. When she became pregnant with twins, she and your mom prayed for one to be a little girl. So that one day you two would wed." Rick laughed and shook his head before continuing.

"I miss the joy those two would bring out in everyone. Always giggling and making plans. I think you were four when she passed. Your father and mother lost both of their best friends that day and I can understand that it's probably still hard for them to talk about it. It's why I have this wall, when I miss anyone or feel lost, I come here and reminisce on such a wonderful life I've been able to live with such wonderful people."

"I couldn't imagine, I'm so sorry." Luke told him as he thought about his own Zetas and how they were like brothers to him. His family. He couldn't imagine losing them.

"My parents are doing fine by the way, they're wishing you and your family well of course. We are all concerned about this attack." Luke tried to get his head on topic and why he was there in the first place.

"Who was the human that was injured?" Luke asked him.

"Oh, that was Tala, my daughter."

"Daughter?" Luke asked in confusion.

How could he have a human daughter or did Blaidd get the information wrong?

"She came to us with her mother a while back to seek protection. Not long after that she became like a third daughter. She is my daughter now, blood or not. . . I should warn you, she knows nothing about wolves or us. I would appreciate it if it were to stay that way. She doesn't understand what happened, just that bad men came. We try not to talk about the attack itself in front of her."

"I understand sir, I'll make sure my men steer clear to ensure of that. Is there anything you could tell me about the attack? Do you know why they came?" Rick opened his mouth but before he could answer they heard Diana's scream and a huge commotion coming from inside the house.

Rick was gone in a flash to check on his daughter, Luke following right on his tail.

*a minute prior*

"Ummm, hey guys, I don't mean to intrude." Blaidd interrupted awkwardly taking a step back, his hand covering his face.

He was obviously not getting the attention of the two people right in front of him who were currently ripping each other's clothes off. Oblivious of the other person who was also occupying the room.

"I know we wanted some down time and all, but we have a job to do so maybe this could ah, wait just a little while or at least until you two find a damn room."

Diana, finally noticing Blaidd, screams in surprise causing Blaidd to back into a shelf behind him and knocking it and all of its contents to come crashing to the floor.

Within seconds Rick and Luke were there. Blaidd was looking from Luke to the mess and then To Baddy.

"I'm so sorry I was trying to ummm." But before Blaidd could finish, Rick interrupted him.

His voice booming with anger.

"What in the hell is going on in here?!" he demanded asking his daughter and the man she was currently hiding half naked behind behind.

"I'd like to know the same thing, Baddy. What the hell?" Luke added in disbelief.

"We don't know . . . our wolves just took over." Diana told them in a small voice as she peaked over Baddulfs large shoulder. Her dad turned pale at her words.

"Are you f*****g kidding me?!" shouted Blaidd in annoyance.

"You mated before me? With a knockout like that? What kind of cruel joke is this?" He asked looking up at the ceiling. Blaidd threw his hands in the air and stormed outside.

"Is this true?" Luke asked, his features harden and tone sounding disappointed.

"Yes Alpha." Baddy replied not looking any where else but over his shoulder at his mate.

"Get up, get your shirt on and get out. I'll deal with your insubordination later. I'm sorry Rick, I will make sure my men stay far from the house for the duration of our visit." He gave Baddy a stern glace before walking outside.

Rick was on his heals following him out.

"You guys can stay in the barn." He told Luke after taking in a huge breath.

"I don't want this to happen again but as much as I don't like it, it is what it is. . . I take it that's Rad's son?"

"Yes, it is . . . how did you know that?" Luke asked, a little bit of confusion written on his brows.

"He looks just like his father. Maybe even a little bigger. Our family lines go way back. It's understandable and regrettable that this has happened, but it's happened." He paused and shook his head. "My other daughters will be home from the market shortly. Why don't you and your men get settled in and I'll let you know when supper is ready."

"Thank you, sir." Luke replied, surprised with how calm Rick was. He watched as Rick went back inside. Not too long after Baddy came out. His expression blank.

"We'll talk about this later, for now just get everything in the barn. You and Blaidd can take the upstairs rooms and I'll take the couch." Luke instructed him.

Before letting him walk away Luke grabbed him by the collar of his shirt so that they were now face to face.

"Mission first! Got that? Mission first!"

"Yes sir." Baddy responded before ripping away and walking to the car to unload it.

Luke took in a deep breath, held it in for a moment and sighed. The fresh air feeling crisp and clean in his lungs. He was surrounded by a peaceful melody of wind blowing and crickets chirping. He ran a hand through his thick dark hair as he mumbled to himself.

He has always tried to be fair with his men, but he's never had to deal with this before. Occasionally Blaidd would get into some sticky situations with unmated females but Baddulf? What was he supposed to do with this mess? What would father do?

I can't even imagine what he'd do now. There's so much I didn't know about him. So much I probably still don't know about him.

Luke let out another sigh shaking his head while he thought to himself.

He couldn't help that a part of him was actually happy for Baddy. He knows that he secretly did want a family life, he just never thought he could ever have it.

He was too set on pleasing his father.

The part that was pissed though, was the one that was currently prevailing and out weighing the other. How could one of his guys behave this way?

Especially right now. Get in, get out! Not fondle a man's daughter in their wash room.

How could they not control their wolfs?

The mate bond can't be that strong . . . can it?