The Silver Creek Wolves: The Gamma's Heartache

2. Mandy

Turning 18 last of all your friends as a werewolf can be a problem. When we turn 18, we can find our true mates, our other halves of our souls. Not only was I the last to turn 18, I was the youngest of our friend group, so I had to watch as many of our friends found their mates and became too busy to include those of us that were mateless in their lives. I can't wait to find my true mate.

I am the youngest of the Gamma's children from Mill Creek Pack. We are an average size pack known for our strong warriors. Much to my mother's dismay, I have followed in my father and brothers footsteps and become a warrior to be wrekoned with. She tried to raise me as a girly girl, but I was always quick to play football or wrestle with my brothers and their friends.

Also, because my father is the Gamma, I would be allowed to follow him and watch the warriors train. I even participated when we knew my mother or the other Elite females weren't looking. The Elite warriors took a special interest in my training and saw my potential, so the Alpha kept an eye on me from an early age.

Don't get me wrong, I love a good romance novel as much as the next girl, and my best friend is the Alpha's daughter, Erin. We loved shopping and dancing, but my dream was to become the best warrior in the pack and become the head of the Elite Warriors Training Group based out of the Academy.

They were responsible for traveling and assisting packs that were not as strong or that had been crippled by an attack. They are under direct order from the Alpha King. If I succeed, I would be the first female head warrior.

Erin and I had just graduated high school. Since she turned 18 back in February, she had been invited to the Executive Elite Academy for a few balls. She was beautiful with raven black curly hair that fell to her waist, blue eyes, and a curvy body all the guys drooled over. I was surprised that she had never come back mated. I knew her mother worried, but this world is a big place, and she was just 18.

"Mandy, please come down to my office before you head out for training this morning," my dad bellowed from down the hall. Having three older brothers, my father was used to having to raise his voice for anyone to move on our floor.

"On my way, dad!" I was always up before my alarm, ready to go.

I walked into my father's office and shut the door, "What's going on? Did I do something wrong?"

"You are my best warrior at the ripe old age of 18. Why would you think you did anything wrong?" my father asked with a smirk on his face. "I called you in here to talk to you before your mother woke up."

This should be good. "OK...?"

"The nominations for the Elite Warrior Summer Training Program have been announced." No way. There is no way I was selected, I am too young. But my father is right, I am the best here, they have to make an exception.

"Before you get too excited, you know you do not qualify because you are too young to make the cut off," thanks for crushing my dreams dad, "however, the Alpha has asked that you join the volunteer delegation that heads out a week early to help organize and run the program."

I know he could tell by the look on my face I was crushed. I didn't want to have to go and watch other people live my dream. I wanted to participate. Besides, I would already be late getting there as a delegate. They would have all arrived yesterday.

"I will already be behind. Why don't I just wait and go as a participant next year?" I was begging my father with puppy dog eyes.

"I know you want to be a leader, and this is a good way for you to show your interest and learn the behind the scenes of the organization and how the summer program is run. Besides, it is being held at the Silver Creek Pack this year, which is just a few hours away. If you leave soon, you can be there by lunch. It is my understanding that the new Alpha has been established there and that the new Gamma is running the program."

"Why are we talking about this before mom wakes up?"

"Because mom does not want you to go." I heard from behind me. Oops.

"Robert, you promised me when she turned 18, no more warrior business." Mom was furious.

"Mom, I am already signed up. It is a volunteer program and will look great on my college applications!" I turn and wink at my father so mom can't see.

"Fine, but when summer is over, it is college for you, young lady."

"Promise," I say with my fingers crossed behind my back.

I head to my room and pack my bags for the summer. I pack plenty of workout clothes, some dresses, jeans, tops, plenty of shoe options, makeup, and other essentials. I jump in the shower and when I get out I throw on a pair of black ripped skinny jeans, a black short sleeve crop top, pull my long blonde hair back in a messy bun, apply some light makeup to make by ice blue eyes pop and slide on my sandals.

I grab my bags, drag them downstairs, and run to the dining hall to tell my family goodbye. My oldest brother Jamie makes me promise to return for his Gamma ceremony, and I do. My mother starts to cry. Erin promises to call when she can, and I do the same. Alpha and Luna wish me luck.

Lastly, my father walks me out to my car. "You will do amazing things. From what I hear, the new Gamma has a lot to teach you, so pay attention. Have some fun too. I love you and I will miss you, princess." With that, I get in my car and head three hours northeast to the Silver Creek Pack to soak in all that I can.

When traveling as a werewolf, it is important to always know whose territory you are in or close to. As young pups, we are trained early on that not everyone is your ally, and you never want to be caught on enemy territory. My father mapped out my route so that no matter where I had to stop, I would be on ally grounds.

About halfway to my destination, my wolf was getting antsy, and I figured it would be a good time to stop and stretch my legs.

'How much further until we get there?' My wolf Opal was dying to know.

'Soon, would you like to do a quick run now or wait until we get there and run a little longer?'

'Let's just get there. I am feeling antsy, and I don't want to be cooped up in the car more than we have to be' Opal never enjoyed being in enclosed spaces for very long.

I got gas, grabbed a snack, and headed back on the road. Opal was pacing in my head and it was starting to give me a headache. 'Opal, can you please be still? I need to concentrate on driving. I promise we are almost there.'

In response she disappeared to the back of my mind mad at me, because I snapped at her. I have no idea what was wrong with her. I know I was nervous about this opportunity, but it shouldn't make her this crazy. 'I heard that'

I finally arrived at the Silver Creek gate. "Can I help you?" a man's voice met me beside my car.

I rolled down the window, "Yes, Mandy Talbot. I am a volunteer with the summer program. Sorry, I am a little late."

"No problem. I have you on the list. They are all at lunch in the pack house. If you hurry, you can still grab some food. You'll want to ask for Gamma Blake or Head Warrior Jake. Either of them can get you settled."

"Thank you." and I drove up to the pack house. As I pulled up, I couldn't help but notice a group of girls a couple years older than me standing outside.

"Excuse me, can any of you point me in the direction of Gamma Blake or Head Warrior Jake?"

The one who seemed to be the leader of the group stepped forward, "I am Luna Jackie and I can show you to the dining hall. Welcome to Silver Creek."

"Thank you, Luna. I am excited to be here. I look forward to working with all the warriors here. My name is Mandy Talbot, daughter of Gamma Talbot of Mill Creek Pack."

"It is very nice to meet you, Mandy. You seem to be the only female volunteer, so if any of these male warriors give you any trouble, please do not hesitate to let me know. I will also make sure you have special accommodations."

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I grew up with three older brothers and can handle myself quite well. I don't even require a private room if it is not available."

"I like you, Mandy. I think we are going to get along quite well, you and I! Let's go find some food, you must be starving."

As the Luna and I walked into the dining hall all eyes seemed to be on me. I was so used to being welcomed on the training grounds that I forgot that not all packs allowed women to train. 'Great, one more battle to fight.' I held my head high and walked with the Luna to get food. As werewolves, our bodies naturally burn through calories faster to keep up with our shifting and healing. But being a warrior and the extra training made the amount of food required for my body quite a bit more compared to my size.

"Mandy, this is Head Warrior Jake," the Luna introduced me as I had just shoved a fork full of pasta on my mouth.

I swallow without chewing, "Hi Jake, Mandy, daughter of Gamma Talbot of the Mill Creek Pack. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity."

"Well, from what Gamma Blake and I have read, you deserve to be here participating as a warrior in training, not just a volunteer, so the honor is ours. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you with your stay." and he winks at me. While Jake seemed nice enough, I know a player when I see one.

"Not to be rude, but where is Gamma Blake? I was told I would be meeting him."

"You are breaking my heart, Mandy." Jake says with a smile on his face and clutching his chest. "He had some business to attend to at Western Star, but should be back before the end of the day to get you your assignments and get you set up for the rest of the week."

At that I returned to my eating. When I was done, Luna Jackie took me up to the special guest floor and provided me a room there. I protested, but she insisted. I could tell I was really going to like it here.

After Luna Jackie showed me to my room, she took me on a tour of the pack house. We started in the basement and worked our way up to the offices. As we got to the first floor, Opal started to prance around in my head.

'What is wrong with you?'

'I think I smell something wonderful!'

'I think you are crazy and need to calm down.'

"Luna, do you mind if I go lay down for a bit? It was a long drive, and my wolf is acting funny. I think she just misses home and needs a nap."

"Absolutely, Mandy. I will come wake you up for dinner and you can meet the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma then. Beta Female Beth will love you too."

"Is there no Gamma female?" I asked and realized it really wasn't any of my business.

"No, sadly. Blake is such a kind soul. I hope he finds his mate soon. He has waited so long for her. He is scheduled for a tour of some of the surrounding packs when the summer training program is over, I bet he will find her then."

"Maybe. Thank you for everything, Luna Jackie, I really appreciate your kindness."

"Please, when we are alone, you can just call me Jackie. And it is my pleasure to welcome you here. With all this testosterone around here right now, it is refreshing to see a strong female in the mix. Get some rest."

After Jackie left, I unpacked my bags and took in the view from my balcony. With all these warriors here, I wouldn't be surprised if my mate was here. However, I had always dreamed of being mated to a Gamma. Someone who would understand my desire to keep fighting and want his mate by his side as a warrior.

I walked into the en suite bathroom to take a quick shower, but when I saw the large bathtub, I quickly changed my mind. I ran the water and took a nice long soak to relax my mind and muscles. When the water turned cold, I got out and wrapped myself in the fluffy robe hanging behind the door.

I went back out on the balcony to relax on the couch and drifted off to sleep. As I slept, the most amazing smell filled my dream. It was a mixture of freshly brewed coffee and chocolate. Then, a vision of golden brown eyes and golden brown fur filled my mind. The next thing I knew, I was feeling extremely flushed and electric currents flowed through my body.

I shot bolt upright awake. 'So much for that bath.' I was drenched in sweat. 'What was that?'

'Opal, did I just dream of our mate?'

'He must be close. I still smell him."

I got up slowly, still stunned by the feeling coursing through my body. I took a quick, cold shower. I got out and got dressed in a blue summer dress for dinner. Applied some light makeup and wedge sandals and left my hair down in beach waves. If I was going to meet mate tonight, I wanted to look my best.

About that time, my phone rang. 'Sh!t, I never called my father.', "Hi dad, how are you?"

"Better now that I hear your voice."

"Sorry, I ate lunch and fell asleep. Speaking of which, the Luna is here to bring me down to dinner, so I better go. I will call again as soon as I have a chance. Love you." And I hung up.

I heard the knock on the door, and when I opened it, both Luna Jackie and who I assumed was Alpha Kevin were standing there to take me down to dinner.

As we entered the dining hall, the aroma from earlier hit my nose, and I made eye contact with the most beautiful man I had ever seen. He stood from where he was sitting, and we both said the one word a wolf waits their whole life to hear.

"Mate!"