Mate Camp

Chapter Fourteen

Tony's POV 

What a day it has been. I am walking down a different path today in the Bluehill Pack Territory. I feel completely useless being here because everyone is all secretive and nobody tells me anything. It has been a week and I don't understand why my Alpha even brought me here. All he tells me is to go 'explore' the pack lands while he attends the important meetings. The land is beautiful no doubt. A bunch of mountains and flower fields as far as the eye can see. They have an amazing and fully equipped training area. Not to mention the perfect location, bordering our territory on one end and the city on the other, where most humans live. l just can't help thinking that all this time I could have spent laying next to Jessie, every night exhausting ourselves doing what Mates are supposed to do. Her heat wave hit me hard this morning. I am just imagining what I would have done to her, if I had been there. Alpha's orders or not, If my mate would have gone into heat, that has priority for me. 

I came to another clearing in the middle of the woods. I noticed a house up on a shallow hill surrounded by blue wild flowers. It must be one of the original buildings when this pack was founded by the look of it. Despite the age of the building, it had lots of character and ornate details. It was still in good shape. Someone must really take care of this place. I walked closer and just before I reached the building, I saw a man come through the front door. He looked to be about 100 years old and had a long white and grey beard. I knew for sure I had not met him yet. I stopped walking, not knowing whether he will see me as a threat or not. Since I am the one trespassing technically, I am raising my hands in the air. In a calm voice I said. "I'm just exploring the area. I'm the Beta of the Blackpaw pack!" 

"Ahh I see." He said softly. "Have they forsaken you too?" he chuckled at himself. 

I chuckled as well. He might be old but he's still sharp up there. " No Sir. I have been tasked to traverse this beautiful land of yours."

"Ahh." He said again. "Well come on up, I haven't had any visitors in a while. I might be able to shine some light on your journey." Waving at me to follow him.

Confused by what he meant by that, I walked up the front steps and into the house. It is even more beautiful on the inside. The original wood floors are in perfect condition. The living room was to the left, furnished with a comfy sofa and an oversized chair. To the right was a lit fireplace with two rocking chairs in front. We passed a large dining room with gorgeous stained glass windows overlooking the valley. We ended up in the kitchen. It has definitely been updated, yet keeping the style of the house intact with a large farmhouse sink by the window and rustic cabinets throughout. 

"Would you like something to drink? coffee, tea, water?" He asked.

"Uhm, sure I'll have a coffee please." I accepted his offer. "You have a beautiful house." 

"Thank you. My great-grandfather built it when he founded the Bluehill pack. Hence the pack name."

"Wow! So you must be Henry Bluehill then?" I said astonished. 

"The one and only!" He said smiling, handing me a cup of coffee and pouring one for himself. 

"I apologize for being so blunt but I had no idea you were still alive!" 

"Son, not even members of this pack know I am still alive." He laughed out loud. 

"Is that why you decided to stay away from them?" I asked curiously. 

"Well, after my only child took over the Alpha position, and lost her life in battle, I did not think I belonged there anymore. Still, I can not abandon this place for my great-grandfather's hard work and memories that linger." He said deep in thought. 

"I understand. And I am sorry for your loss. Your daughter Camille was a great Alpha." 

"Thank you. And yes, she was stubborn like her mother until the bitter end." He said smiling but there was sadness deep in his eyes. "So, Beta Anthony." He continued changing the subject. "You have no clue why you are here, do you?" 

"As a matter of fact I do not. My Alpha did say he needed me here, yet I have been of no help whatsoever. Do you know what is going on with all that secrecy?" 

He thought for a moment and said "I do not wish to cross an Alpha. Especially not a long time ally. However, I say this since my daughters passing and my deteriorating state, there have been some complications when it comes to leadership. I believe this is why Alpha Damon is here. 

"You think he is taking over the Alpha position here, for your pack?" I said surprised. 

"I can not say. But this is no longer my pack. Others have the authority now. I'm merely allowed to breathe the air around here." He chuckled. "Perhaps you should ask your Alpha. I am sure he will tell you soon enough...Say have you found your mate yet?" 

I didn't know how to respond. Jessie and I said we would announce it together when I return. Henry must have noticed my hesitation and smiled at me. Like he already knew my answer. "Between you and I, yes I did find her. Just a week ago. The day we arrived here to be exact." I decided to tell him the truth. 

"That's good. Cherish her and treat her like a queen, always. You'll see in time, your mate is a reflection of how you treat her and she'll bring out something in you, you never knew existed." 

"Thank you for the advice. I have yet to mark her and show her just how much I love and adore her." I said as images of Jessie's beautiful face crossed my mind. "I must go now. Thank you for the coffee." 

"Anytime. I quite enjoyed speaking to a real person for a change." He grinned and patted me on the shoulder walking towards the door.