The Packless Wolf

Chapter 1

Reika McDaniels and her best friend Fiona Clark moved closer to the stage as the band played.  The mosh pit had died down, and while both women could handle themselves, Reika’s wolf was another story.  They had mostly stayed by the bar, but now Fiona wanted to get closer. So, with drinks in their hands, they moved towards the stage. 

              “They are so f.ucking sexy,” Fiona declared loudly over the music. They were close enough to see the beads of sweat glisten from the stage. “I’d ride them all at once”

“Fiona,” Reika scolded, playfully slapping Fiona's arm. “What about our future mates”?

“Reika, you know I will be rejected the moment my mate is found. No one wants an omega. You on the other hand. Guys will be lining up in hopes of being your mate,” Fiona shot back.

Reika rolled her eyes. It was true though. She was the only child of the alpha of the Blue Ridge pack. A lot of alphas kept bringing their second born sons to the pack in hopes her dad would allow them to be chosen mates. Reika wanted nothing to do with it and lucky for her, her dad took the fated mate bond very serious.  

She noticed her wolf was anxious, pacing back and forth in her subconscious. Will you calm down? It made no difference, her wolf ignored her. She grumbled to herself and started to jump along with the beat. Whatever was causing her wolf to ignore her, yet again, was going to have to wait.  Reika and Fiona came to this concert to relax before finals, and that is what Reika was going to do. 

     The song ended. “So, we have a couple more songs to play,” the lead singer announced. Reika had not paid attention earlier when he had gone through their names. She knew it was a local band though and they were starting to get big in the area. “As many times as we’ve played here, I'd say, this is the most energetic you all have been” Reika thought his voice was oddly soothing. “This next song is dedicated to the Moon Goddess. Let us start off with a howl,” he started to howl, the rest of the band joining in, causing Reika’s hairs to stand on end. It had sounded as if the men on stage were real wolves. The crowd joined into the howling, drowning out the sound of the band. 

Reika listened more closely to the song. She would move her focus between the band members. “You know, I still think you and Tyler are mates,” Reika told Fiona. “He’s always been drawn to you ever since we were kids.”                

“Like his dad would allow an omega to taint their beta blood.”

“It’s not his choice. Beside my dad would-” Reika’s eyes locked onto the lead singers. “Mate,” they growled simultaneously. Reika’s wolf was now jumping excitedly. 

“Did he just say mate,” Fiona asked, unaware that her best friend had also uttered the same word.

“Yeah, but I don’t think there’s a pack around here with a band,” Reika responded. “The Packless Wolves, they’re rogues.”

“Do you think there are any other rogues around,” Fiona asked.

“I don’t smell any, but then again, all I smell is alcohol and sweat. I have to go to the bathroom.” Reika started pushing her way to the back. Giving no time for Fiona to ask questions. 

We found our mate, Reika’s wolf, Conri, cooed.

He's rogue! Reika mind shouted to Conri.

So?

Dad nor the pack will ever allow a rogue to take any leadership position. Reika said matter-of-factly as she entered the bathroom.

Were you not a few minutes ago silently glad Dad took fated mate bonds very seriously? Conri asked

This is different, I'm going to have to reject him. Dad would kill him on site.   Reika declared as she left the stall.

No!! Conri spatted angrily. 

So... we’re supposed to become a rogue now, she asked as she washed her hands?

No. Conri replied. Reika could feel his eyes roll.

Besides, how will he feel when he finds out his mate has a male wolf. He’ll probably reject us on that alone.

No, he won’t. He will accept us for who we are. The Moon Goddess would not have paired us with him if that was not the case. Certainty filled Conri’s reply.

Reika started at herself in the mirror. Maybe the Moon Goddess made a mistake. The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes.

Conri, stay out of my head!!!

It’s kind of hard to when I’m a part of your conscience.

Why are you always so-

Hey Reika, you still in the bathroom? Fiona mind linked. They are done playing. The lead singer said something came up and cut it short.

Yeah, I am. I’ll meet you at the car. Reika responded, leaving the bathroom. Great, just great. This something was him trying to find her. Maybe she could sneak out? It’s not like he’d be able to follow her scent. There were to many other smells.