The Midnight Pard

Chapter 2

Anton

Anton had followed his panthers (Lev's) instructions, being led by the smell of his fated mate, the future Kekal of his pard. As the future Alpha, it was required that his mate would be the Kekal. He was just as happy as Lev, to finally learn who it would be. He didn't care if his mate would be a male or female, an Alpha and Kekal could always adopt orphans if needed. He was, however, not prepared as he turned the last corner. Hearing the hurried steps back, he winced as the acrid smell of fear tinged his mate's scent, and stared at the shy man in front of him, his eyes wide, it was impossible. The night goddess couldn't possibly be so cruel. Bellamy Green stood his back against the wall, the beginnings of tears in his eyes.

Lev growled in his mind at the idea that something was making his mate afraid, "I, it can't be, Bells?" Anton was astonished. He hadn't seen Jingle Bells Bellamy since they had graduated, but this had to be wrong. Their panthers should have sensed it once they were both 18, and they had both graduated the same year. They should both have been over the age of 18, so why was the bond only noticeable now?

"Just reject me and get it over with." The words were barely whispered from Bellamy's shaky lips, he flinched as Anton stepped closer.

"Bells?" Anton softened his voice. Bellamy hadn't deserved the endless taunting he and his friends had put the young man through, and he knew it. He had already planned to formally apologize to those he had been a bully to when he should have been a leader. He took a deep breath trying to keep his panther back, "Bellamy, I know I was a bully, I was an absolute a**, and there isn't anything I can do to change or fix that. But please, give me a chance to show you that I am not who I was anymore. Please give me a chance to prove myself worthy of being not only this Pards Alpha, but also your mate." He spoke softly, hoping to be soothing. Inside his mind Lev was afraid, and so was he. Bellamy could reject them, and he would only have himself to blame.

A voice rang from behind them and Anton turned. Almost immediately he heard the sound of Bellamy's retreating footsteps. It took everything in him not to give chase, and were the speaker anyone other than his father he wouldnt have bothered fighting that instinct. "I'm glad you made it back in one piece, we really must talk, catch up, explain this idea you seem to have of taking over the Pard with no mate, you know the Pard needs a Kekal." The last was said with a bit of a bite, and Anton looked away on instinct, "we should talk, but I have found my mate." He paused, "I need help, I've really screwed all of this up."

Anton

Anton followed his father to his father's study, hanging his head in shame. "Need to go after mate, mate scared, we need to protect, to comfort." Lev was whimpering in his mind. He felt his own guilt well up at the pain he had inflicted on Bellamy, at the hurt his panther was now experiencing. "We can't do that, we have to do this strategically." he tried reasoning with Lev. A snarl was Lev's response, "If you do not fix what you have done, I will not help you when you need me." Anton felt floored. Lev had always let him know the displeasure he felt at Anton's actions, but he had never dared to threaten his human counterpart before.

Richard stared at his son, waiting for Anton and Lev to finish speaking, only speaking when Anton looked over to him. "Who is your mate son?" He spoke softly. Clearly there was something about the situation that had put his son at odds with his own panther. Such a thing was almost unheard of.

Feeling hopeless, he took a steadying breath, "It's Bellamy Greene, I don't know how. We should have sensed each other back in school, but we never did, and now, but that's not the important thing. I made his life a nightmare, me and my beta's, we were stupid, cruel kids, and now he's going to reject me." He felt Lev's anger, "reject us."

Thinking over the new information, Richard sat at his desk, "Did he reject you?" At his son's slight head shake he continued, "Then there is hope, his panther will want their mate. He will probably ask Bellamy to take his time before deciding that will work in your favor. You will have the opportunity to show him that you've changed, and you have. Every panther here talks about it, he will hear their words and see the difference for himself, a true mate bond is a difficult thing for anyone to reject."

Anton nodded softly, keeping his eyes down, "yeah, you might be right, alright I'll try to just let things be and try talking to him normally once he's had time to really think about everything."

Lev didn't make a single sound the rest of the event. Anton felt truly alone for the first time since he was 8 years old, surrounded by his Pard, occasionally coming across the hint of his mate's scent. He had the thought it was the sweetest form of torture, all he wanted was to go to him, but he had to be content with just the faint scent. He began to worry as he realized no matter where he went the scent was always soft and faint. Had Bellamy left?

Bellamy

He stood in the courtyard, hidden among a few bushes he had collapsed to his knees, allowing his body to fall backwards so he was sitting, tears spilling freely down his face. "How could the night goddess be so cruel, to give me a fated mate who would just immediately reject me." His heart stung at the thought of the rejection, not as bad as a true rejection would feel, but it was enough to remind him of exactly why he didn't want that. Jax whined in his mind. "Mate didn't reject us, we would have felt it, doesn't that show hope? You left and when we came back he was different, but we left again. Maybe he is different again. Being an Alpha could have taught him better." Bellamy curled in on himself, unable to stop the thoughts of maybe he just didn't want anyone to know who his mate was. He hadn't intended to stay. Maybe he could use the future rejection as leverage to be permanently sent to the packs. Jax enjoyed running with the wolves, and they all treated him like pack. Jax whined, "Give him a chance?" He sighed, but reluctantly agreed, "If he tries, I'll let him prove there is a difference, but if he tries to reject us, I will accept it." Jax whined but agreed, "We do what keeps us safe, Wolves like us."

Exhausted, he stood, making his way back through the pard-house. He slipped past the party, headed straight for the stairs that would lead to the sleeping quarters. According to the official return order he had received, his room was still set up for him, so he went there. He stared around the room. Had it always been smaller than his room at the pack? He walked around it, stopping at the bed, and flopped backwards, "Do you want to go for a run tomorrow night?" Jax instantly perked up, "Stretch?" Bellamy paused a moment before smiling, "Yeah, show all these big scary panthers that they'll never amount to you." Jax purred in his mind, "Sleep, we will both need the rest." Bellamy smiled letting his eyes close, he may be small for a panther but lithe equaled speed and nobody would catch Jax.

Anton

Going to bed was a long process for Anton. He hadn't heard from Lev the entire night and the thought that his mate was so close and he couldn't go to him had him tossing and turning. Eventually, he woke up to the Pard kids running through the halls. That was weird. He almost never slept in. He walked through the halls towards the kitchen, greeting his beta's as they came running up to him. "Is it true?" Devin sounded ecstatic, Jonah was practically bouncing, "You found your Kekal?"

He couldn't help but smile at the words, his face falling as the reality of the situation came crashing down around him. "Yeah, but it's complicated, if you've already eaten go wait in my office, otherwise grab food and then go, I'm on my way to the kitchens right now and then I'll be there." Without another word they both turned in stride headed straight towards his office.

Lev stirred for the first time since his earlier threat, "Good, they also must know about mate." Anton smiled a bit and mentally nodded, "Everything?" His thoughts went to Bellamy running away and his chest felt tight. "They need to know, they are also at fault for his treatment." Lev reasoned.

Anton walked the rest of the way to the kitchen, stopping just outside. His mate's scent was strong in the hallway. He looked around somewhat hopefully before stopping one of the other panthers, "Hey, have you seen Bellamy? I was told he was down here?" he held his breath as he awaited the young girl's answer.

Allisa scrunched her face as she thought, "Oh the nothern wolves diplomate? He was here earlier, said something about training and going for a run before he talked with Alpha Richard and you about the happenings with the packs." She smiled brightly before her eyes went wide, "Oh did you need him sooner? I could go look for him for you, Alpha." She quickly bowed her head, the realization hitting him that he was, in fact, the Alpha of the Pard. "No, that's alright, thank you." He watched as she turned and ran off, waving behind her.

Grabbing a quick plate of food, Anton didn't wait to eat. Instead taking the plate with him back to his office, he had even snagged a few extra bits of bacon for his betas so they would leave the majority of his breakfast alone while they talked. He walked back into his office, unsurprised to see both of them sitting in front of his desk, any goofing around had stopped the moment he opened the door. That was good, they were at least treating the seriousness he was approaching the situation with in an equal light.

"As you both know, I'm assuming from my father?" They knew better than to interrupt him, nodding their confirmation as he continued, "I found my Kekal last night, the information of who and everything else that you will hear in this room does not leave this room until I decide." They both glanced at each other before back looking back to him, and replying in unison, "Yes Alpha." Anton's eyes widened momentarily, he hadn't known that would have a feeling. "Alright, my mate is Bellamy Greene." He watched the shock on their faces, and then the fearful horror. "I'm sure you've already seen the issue this possesses, however he did not outright reject me, there may be hope. Especially if we give him a chance to see how the Pard has changed, to experience it for himself." They nodded, "I'll apologize to him for my behavior before. It won't mean much until he sees the changes for himself, but maybe it will help." Jonah spoke up first. Anton nodded, glancing to Devin, "I'll work with putting together a list of potential Delta's, and once I've finished that I will work on an official apology on my behalf to our Kekal, and a more personal one. He didn't deserve my s*** back then."

Anton went and stretched out on the balcony of his office, he saw a figure dart through the trees and immediately heard Lev's voice in his mind, "Mate!" before he really processed the words he took off, racing down the stairs he shifted almost the moment he got through the front door, Lev raced after Jax, watching the sleek form in front of him, weave expertly through the trees, he saw Jax turn, spinning to charge at him instead, Lev faltered confused as he watch Jax leap over him, landing perfectly behind him and immediately taking off, he gave a soft playful growl and took off after him. He wanted a race. He could have one. Nobody in the Pard could outrun him. He had an Alpha's blood in his veins.

Bellamy

The ease of Pard life routine surprised Bellamy as he walked through the halls, training with the panthers proved surprising, mostly for them. Having trained daily with the wolves, Bellamy was quite a bit more fit than he had been prior. He didn't compare to the rippling muscles of the warriors on the training field, but he was quite proud of the toned muscles he had managed. Any human would find him drool worthy, not that he was interested in humans. The other panthers looked on, with curiosity, what he had learned the quickest from the wolves was that brains could triumph over brawn. So his smaller size wasn't an issue, and he felt a fierce pride from Jax as he managed to put a few warriors on their backs. Surprisingly they all seemed excited by the challenge, it took far longer than he had expected before he was able to let Jax go for the run he had promised.

Jax had gotten a few laps through the trees, feeling comfortable enough to increase his speed he heard the sounds of pursuit and grinned, continuing on his path for awhile before turning to face the challenger, "Mate!" Jax was ecstatic at being able to run with Lev, Bellamy quickly interrupted him, "He might be mad, want to reject." Jax gave the smallest growl inside their mind, "He has to catch us first."

Jax ran directly at Lev, leaping at the last second to avoid colliding with him. He took off running the moment his paws hit the ground. He lowered his body to the ground, running with everything he had. They both felt a shock of surprise as they heard Lev mostly keeping up behind them. Jax grinned as he saw the a river ahead of them, he didn't slow as they approached. Bounding over it he turned, challenging Lev with his eyes. He backed up as Lev went flying over the river, his paws barely not hitting the water. Jax paused watching Lev, he could feel the defensiveness from Bellamy and it sent him on edge, but this was their mate. He held still muscles tensed as Lev slowly approached.

Slowly approaching Jax, Lev moved with a carefulness. He stopped inches from the other panther, and lowered his body to lay in front of Jax. It was clear that he was communicating with his human counterpart, Jax tilted his head watching suspiciously. Lev could try to pounce on them, instead he half rolled over showing off his belly. Jax took a hurried step back, for an Alpha to submit was almost unheard of. "Bellamy?" He felt the shock and confusion of his human counterpart. "Just don't do anything until I talk with Anton." Jax purred softly, watching as Lev stood. Jax hesitantly walked closer, lowering his head he rubbed against Lev's side eliciting a loud purring from the other panther. Lev turned, licking a long stripe alongside Jax's head, Jax huffed taking off again.

The run didn't last as long as the last one, Jax stopped in a small clearing and shifted back, the lack of clothes wasn't really an issue for were-kind, nudity on some level was normal. Lev paused in the clearing, clearly taking in Bellamy's form cautiously. Bellamy bit his lip, kneeling and holding still as the panther slowly approached, "Hey there Lev." He smiled as Lev purred in response, Lev nudged his head against Bellamy's hand, causing the young man to lightly stroke the panthers fur. "You're gorgeous you know that." Lev's purring increased in volume and Bellamy chuckled, "I don't suppose you'd allow me to talk to Anton?" He bit his lip, "I don't suppose he actually wants to talk to me?" Lev backed away a step, his eyes staring directly into Bellamy's before he stepped close again, lightly licking the man's face so as not to tear skin before backing away again. This time to shift.

Anton

Anton stood watching the man in front of him, his mate, stand from the kneeling position he had been in. He felt a stab of pain as Bellamy turned cold eyes full of pain and hatred towards him, eyes that moments ago had held love and compassion for his panther. With the pain was another feeling, pride, his mate and the future Kekal of his Pard was strong. Strong enough to stare him down and strong enough to not back down or flinch away from him. It took a lot to stand up to your mate, it took a lot to stand up to an Alpha, and Bellamy was doing both.

"I am not the weak child you tormented endlessly, I am not the weak man who ran from you last night. If you have something to say, say it." His voice was strong and sure, but Anton knew, could see the fear just under the surface. He also knew that Bellamy meant every bit of the show he was putting on, Anton just didn't understand what the show was for, did Bellamy not believe the words Anton had said at the coronation event last night.

Taking a slow breath Anton looked directly into Bellamy's forest green eyes, 'I could get lost in those eyes.' He shook the thought away, much to Lev's amusement. "Bellamy, I meant what I said last night, I do want you as my mate. I am appalled and ashamed of what I did in my childhood, I don't expect you to agree to be my mate nor do I expect your forgiveness. I do ask that you give me a chance to prove myself to you. Both as an Alpha worthy of leading this Pard, and hopefully as your mate.

He waited with bated breath, watching Bellamy really think the words through. "I've already made a deal with Jax that I would try if you did not out right reject us. However, you should be aware, I have been offered a place in the northern packs, as a member of Alpha Nate's pack."

Anton felt like the air had been knocked out of him, Lev snarled in his mind, "Ours." Anton agreed immediately, "I see, and since I am the Pard's Alpha now I suppose this is an offer the three of us will be able to sit down and discuss appropriately?" He felt Lev growl softly, "No talk they are ours, our mate and still our Pard even if they reject." Anton silently agreed, "I did this though, I made the threat years ago, and if I respond with anger he will run." Lev was uneasy but conceded.

Bellamy had been watching him closely. "Yes, and regardless of our bond, I expect to continue to be allowed to fulfill my duties as a negotiator. When and if my status within the Pard changes, that can be revisited." He held his head high, maintaining the eye contact Anton had initiated, refusing to back down. If Anton was truly to be his mate, he needed to get used to the idea that Bellamy would not blindly submit to him.

Lev purred within Anton's mind. He was glad his panther saw Bellamy's strength as something to be proud of, he loved seeing this side of Bellamy. "I wouldn't dream of changing your status as a negotiator, I've seen the reports between you and my father. You are exceptional at your job, and should you agree to being the Pards Kekal, I would request that you personally train and work with your replacement until you were satisfied with their ability. Bellamy, I have no intent to force you into anything. I can only imagine how close you are to the Packs. You've spent most of your life among them. I'd also welcome any friends you've made to come visit you or set up proper escorts for you to visit them." He stared at Bellamy, it was getting increasingly difficult not to let his eyes wander, his mate was in front of him and he was doing his best to keep his eyes in appropriate places.

"I have made friends, many of the wolves have become as close as family. It is good to know that you would welcome them. I will need more time before I can agree. I've seen some of the changes you speak of, but not enough. I am sorry but I cannot give you an answer." Bellamy's words were like daggers stabbing into Anton. The wolves were family, he should be. His Pard should have been Bellamy's family, instead his mate had found safety among wolves, and that was his fault. He was so wrapped up in the feeling of failure he almost missed the eye flick. Bellamy was also trying not to check him out, that made him smile. His mate wanted him. It was a good sign. He relished the light tinge of pink on Bellamy's cheeks as he realized he'd been caught.

His smile didn't last long as Bellamy shifted, Jax, stalking confidently towards him growling. He froze watching the advancing panther. He knelt down to be on Jax's level, barely managing not to flinch as Jax set his claws against Anton's skin. A loud snarl escaping him, Anton looked into the panthers emerald eyes, "I promise I am not going to hurt him." The words seemed to sate Jax. He backed off, circling Anton before lightly bumping into his side.