A Worthy Wolf?

Chapter 6 - Niko

I had just begun planning the afternoon’s training session when my phone buzzed from my pocket, distracting me. It was rare to get phone calls when most people used the pack mindlink. We only tended to have phones for out of pack business or for when we were away and the pack mindlink was ineffective. That, and of course, the need for social media. But, hearing my phone buzzing had my attention, so I glanced down to see who could be calling. As my eyes lingered upon the screen, I was a little surprised to see the name of a Gamma from another pack. I don't think he had ever called me before...

Brayden Sterling of Fallen Forest Pack. As a senior warrior of my own pack, I was one to attend many a training event, and also one to compete in many a competition. We worked hard to be the best at what we do. And, it was a great honor to represent your pack. It was at one of these events that I met Brayden. I believe his pack and mine worked alongside one another in an inter-pack training session. But, more than a few brief conversations, I did not recall much interaction. So why would he call me?

'Well, there is such a thing as an answer button, you know?' Vorn, my wolf joked. 'Say hello, and you might find out.'

As irritating as my wolf may be when he was trying to gain a reaction from me, he did have a point. Without answering, I truly had no clue why the guy was calling me. I picked up the phone and pressed answer.

“Gamma Brayden?” I began. Totally unsure what else to say to the guy. “How are you? Is there something I can help you with?” I knew my greeting sounded totally ridiculous, but the truth was, I had no clue as to why the man was calling me, and it made me uneasy. I needed to know...

“Hey there Niko.” He greeted me rather warmly. The man remembered my name. So his call was intentional...

‘Did he not just call you? I would like to think he would know your name. How else would he find you?’ My wolf chuckled, loving to tease me.

I opted to ignore my wolf, instead focusing upon the man at the other end of the phone. The one that had called me out of the blue. And, he had seemed to take an unnaturally deep breath before he started talking. “Well, it may seem a little strange, but there is something you can be of help with...”

Maybe I would be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. He needed my help. He was a Gamma and had far more at his disposal than I ever would. I had to ask more. “I had assumed as much with you calling.” I said with a chuckle, trying to sound lighthearted.

Another heavy breath, making me more than a little uncomfortable. Maybe I should not have made the attempt at a joke I pondered...

‘Well, at least he is talking, and not just heavily breathing, or else that really would be something to be uncomfortable about.’ Vorn chuckled once more. I swear I wanted to strangle my wolf sometimes... Warrior wolf or not, he also seemed to think he was some sort of comedian. Right now, I was not finding him amusing in the slightest.

“Well, perhaps I should explain myself.” The Gamma seemed to stumble a little over his words, making me question if he may be unsure of what he was about to ask me. Unease washed over me. I was a senior warrior. The man knew that. I was well respected and did not want to do anything that brought my position within my pack into disrepute...

“Look, Niko, I appreciate you answering my call. Especially with it being so out of the blue. It turned out quite handy that we had worked together actually, as I am looking to marry someone from your very pack.”

My eyes widened at his words. The Gamma was going to marry from our pack? “Congratulations.” I offered, a little confused with how this would be any of my business. It had not even been announced to pack of any new marriages...

“Yes, to the Beta’s daughter, Raven Thorncroft.” His words sent a ripple of shock through me. Yet, at the same time, it did not surprise me. Raven was a female of rank, her father being a Beta. She was the only female child born from our ranked wolves, so she was of great importance. I had expected them to marry her off to an Alpha in all honesty...

“Well, once again, congratulations.” I said, still unsure what to say. I had gone to school with Raven, so this situation made it all the more awkward. She was a sweet girl, and she deserved more than an arranged marriage. Especially one that was involving some dodgy phone call. A phone call that I was yet to decipher...

“Uh-huh.” Brayden muttered. “The thing is, I need to make sure the girl is trustworthy, and that could be where you come in.” Was he implying he did not trust Raven? Why would that be the case? And why did I suddenly feel like I did not like where this was going?