6.
669 Words
Magnus
The ringing alarm woke me from my slumber with a start. Reaching over, I bash the button to silence the tiny sleep depriver. 5.30am, time for pack training again. I roll over, expecting to find Mara stirring to instead be met with an empty bed. The mattress is cold, she must have been up a while. She hasn't been sleeping well since Meela ran away. I slip into my dressing gown and wander out of the bedroom in search of her. I follow the aroma of coffee into the living room, where Mara is sat gazing out of the window watching the sun come up. The sound of my heavy footsteps breaks her concentration as she turns her head towards me.
'Couldn't sleep again, darling?'
Her face drops, laced with remorse
'it's been 10 days Magnus, I just want her home'
She stands, placing her mug on the coffee table. I open my arms, inviting her in for a cuddle which she gladly accepts.
Resting my chin on her head, I inhale her sweet caramel scent which is still so intoxicating, even after 20 years together.
'Meela is a strong and sensible girl don't forget, I'm sure she's absolutely fine. I'll search the perimeter again after training. We'll find her darling, I promise.'
She lifts her head and plants a kiss softly on my cheek
'You're right, thank you'.
'Now I better get a move on before Tobias makes me run extra laps'
Tobias and Nial were already sparring in the training centre when I arrive.
Nial, out of breath, looked at me expectantly
'Is Meela home?'
His face drops with disappointment as I slowly shake my head.
Tobias slaps a hand on Nial's shoulder.
'She can't stay away forever son, I have faith that she will make the right decision. Now get some water, we'll be going again in 5 minutes'
Tobias walks over to me as Nial guzzles down the contents of his sports bottles.
'The full moon is in 3 days Magnus, we need her home for the Alpha ceremony. You know the rules, the whole pack has to be present when the new Alpha is sworn in, whether she decides to be Luna or not.'
I pat his back reassuringly.
'Tomorrow is Meela's 18th birthday. She comes from a long line of strong wolves Tobias, her wolf will lead her home.'
Tobias and I go way back, my father was the Beta to his father, Alpha Elijah. We both found our mates when Tobias took over as Alpha, assigned me as his Beta and swore a treaty with The Silver Mountain pack. The moon god's paired us with the strong willed daughter and niece of Alpha Graham, the Alpha of the Silver Mountain pack.
We exchange smiles as the training centre doors fly open and the rest of the pack come bursting in.
Checking my watch I realise they should have been here 5 minutes ago.
'You're late'
A chorus of voices chime in unison like reprimanded school children.
'Sorry Beta Magnus'
'You can start by running laps of the perimeter, 3 should be enough to make you remember to turn up on time tomorrow'
Tobias chuckles as he sets up to give Nial another round of sparring.
'Catch you later guys'
'Yes Alpha'
And with that they started out on their long slog around the perimeter.
'I'm going to look for Meela again after training'
'Want me to come?'
Nial asks as he swings his leg to roundhouse kick Tobias who ducks just in time.
'I'm concerned that your presence might intimidate her back into hiding, I think I should go alone this time'
Tobias jabs a fist into Nial's abdomen, winding him.
'Okay, but please let her know that there's no pressure.' he musters, through staggered breaths. 'I'd just like to talk when she's ready'
I nod in agreeance and take my leave to catch up to the pack.
- Writer
