The Packless Wolf

Chapter 6

Reika’s face twisted in anger; ready to boil over. She didn’t notice a mate mark on either of them. Good or bad? Reika was undecided. But, if he hurt her, she would break more then just his hand. As the 2 got closer they stopped, fear enveloping Merrick and annoyance washed over Fiona. Fiona whispered something in his ear and started towards Reika. Neither wore their clothes from last night.  She had on black sweatpants, a white shirt, and flip flops. She had her strawberry blonde hair in a messy bun on the top of her head that bounced as she marched over to Reika. Fiona stopped in front of her best friend and crossed her arms. She wasn’t afraid of Reika, they had a bond, they were like sisters.            

“Now, I know you hate Merrick, but he is my mate.  You need to give him a chance and not kill him,” she declared, not giving any room for Reika to budge on the matter.

Reika closed her eyes, inhaled a couple of deep breaths through her nose and exhaled through her mouth and tried to concentrate on the sounds around her, trying to calm herself. She learned the technique from another coworker at the coffee shop she had worked at during college.  She used it a lot to calm herself when she felt like she was about to lose control. It worked well to keep her emotions from spiraling out of control, but since meeting Jasper, Conri hasn’t been receptive, or more likely, he hasn't let her practice this coping skill. But Conri didn’t hate Merrick like she did, something about alpha's honor. So, the emotion was hers to bear. She had a choice. She could respond in a positive way, and not a negative way. “Fine, I promise I will try to give him a chance and try not to kill him,” Reika finally said. “Does he know you’re an omega,” worry coated her words.

 “Yes, it was the first concern I had voiced to him,” Fiona waved to her newfound mate, who cautiously walked over. Reika eyeing him every step of the way. While Fiona looked like she was ready for a lazy day, Merrick did not. His dark red curly hair was cut short and styled, he wore navy blue dress pants and a light blue button up top. Those two were complete opposites. Fiona the goth witchy girl and Merrick the jock. Well, at least that’s the impression Reika got all the times they met in the past.  

“I-,“ Merrick started.

“If you harm Fiona at all, I will hunt you down,” Reika promised, cutting Merrick off. Her body language gave no doubt that she would follow through with it. 

Merrick gulped. “Reika, you need to let him finish," Fiona said. 

“Fine,” Reika rolled her eyes. “Speak.”

     He’s not dog, Fiona angrily mind linked Reika.

     “So,” Merrick started again. “I know, I was a little overbearing in the past, but I promise, as the Moon Goddess is my witness, I will not hurt Fiona,” Merrick stood a little taller, accepting Reika’s challenge. 

     “What about the rumor that your dad used his alpha command to force your beta’s son to reject his mate because she was an omega? Are they false? And most importantly, does this mean I will be losing my best friend,” Reika asked, eying Merrick suspiciously. 

     Merrick shifted on his feet. “Yes, that is true,” Merrick started. Reika’s eyes narrowed even more. “But, Robert is John’s best friend. He saw how broken Robert and Jessica were, and how panicked they both looked when my father commanded it. It was horrible. He did it right in front of the whole pack”, pity and disgust washed over Merrick’s face. “Now I know why some of our warriors chose to join their mate’s pack,” he paused. “Anyways, that winter we visited your pack and saw how happy it was and it was just different. The whole experience really opened Robert and my eyes opened. When Robert took over the pack last year, he is working on changing it. More to model you’re pack. To ease your worry. I am willing to join your pack. I will be fine with being a warrior. While I’d love to stay in my pack, most of the older pack members are more reluctant to show any respect to the omega’s and my dad. Well, I fear what he'd do," Merrick looked over to Fiona with adoration. He gently pushed a stray hair behind her ear.

Reika didn't respond right away. She eyed Merrick, sizing him up. The air thick and heavy. Merrick standing tall and holding his arms protectively around Fiona. “If my dad allows it, then I have no say,” Merrick and Fiona’s eyes filled with hope, “but, my original promise made to you Merrick still stands.” Fiona smiled, knowing this was going to be the best they got out of Reika and the closest thing to a blessing she would give. Merrick’s face was filled with uncertainty. 

Reika swiftly opened her door. Merrick sniffed, then stiffened. Reika tilted her head as he pushed Fiona behind him. “I smell a rogue,” he alerted.

Fiona started laughing, causing a confused Merrick to turn around. “You are so busted”, she said between laughs and pointing at Reika. She wiped the tears from her eyes as her laughter died down. She started to whisper to Merrick. Not to keep Reika from hearing, she heard every word, but to keep others from hearing. His eyes grew in shock as Fiona explained about Reika’s mate. 

“And I expect not a peep out of either of you. No laws were broken,” Reika said. Glancing at Fiona and glaring at Merrick.

    “Scouts’ honor”, Fiona laughed, putting up 3 fingers. When Merrick didn’t move, Fiona elbowed him. Causing him to stumble. He nodded while putting his fingers up.

Reika stepped inside her, not looking back. I mean it Fiona. They weren’t supposed to leave the house. I fell asleep by the waterfall and woke up smelling like him. I have a vague memory of him possibly coming to the waterfall, but the memory was Conri’s not mine. Do not let Merrick say anything to anyone. 

Reika, you know me better. I promise I won’t let him out of my sight, Fiona responded with a mischievous undertone. Besides, you were probably stressed. I’d expect nothing less than a mate to check up on his other half.   

Reika continued into her room.