***Unknown***
~A night ago~
Scouting, that is what I am doing. Scouting because some of these stupid taken in rogues can't seem to do it the right way even though I saved them from insanity. Granted, they are recovering from almost going insane, but still my patience is wearing thin since I haven't met my mate. At this point, I think she's dead. I made this "pack" because my oh-so wonderful step- father is such a pleasure that he casts out anyone or everyone just because he can.
Ever since my real father passed away, and my mother re-mated with that despicable man, her wonderful second-chance mate, became paranoid about losing the crown. Casting out me, because he got it into his mind that I was going to overthrow him for more power. When I was never going to "overthrow" him. I was the rightful heir, and he wasn't even the 'real' king. He only got that title from my mother since I was too young to take over when my father died. Still, that i***t, and his demon spawn of a son and daughter came along. I was lost in my own thoughts until this scent hit me. It was the most mouth-watering scent, like vanilla, and champagne. I was wondering till I came to the edge of the forest to a clearing showing a pond. I saw the most beautiful wolf. I was shocked, to say the least, as she was a red wolf.
The last pack with a documented red wolf was annihilated in the war in the North. There were barely any survivors. It was documented that only the females of that pack carried the gene, and all the females were assassinated because of their "rumored" powers. I know this much because it happened just as my father took over his reign, and we were helping fix the casualties the best our kingdom could. I unconsciously took a step forward, which her wolf caught. Popping up, and going on alert.
"Sh*t"
I took off and once I knew I was far enough from my territory, and theirs, I used a scent blocker I always carry. I may not have lost my sanity, but my scent has been altered. It isn't as horrible as regular rogues, as I have essentially created my own pack. My scents come back, but it isn't entirely normal. My "beta" and other "pack members" inform me that my scent has an almost-burnt fire-like smell.
"Well, that was close. Almost had a disaster."
I say to no one in particular. Making my way back to my territory. It took about 20 minutes before I got there. It is on the outskirts of a human town which is 3 hours away, so when we were having houses built, and the "pack house", we had to pay a pretty penny to get the workers out here. We are essentially self-sufficient, otherwise. Growing our own produce, and having live stock on the premises, we have become popular in human towns for our wines that we make. Which is where we get our money from.
Making my way to my office, I run into my best friend, and beta Carson.
"Woah man, you look lost in your own world. You good. How did the scouting go?"
"Yeah I'm fine. How'd the form documents, and meeting with the council go?"
"It went well, but we have a problem."
Feeling the stress and exhaustion hitting me already, I went to the bar in my office, pouring some of our new bourbon. We are trying it out. This one is the best by far. It's smooth but has that bite you need after a long day.
"Hit me with what you got, so we can get to it, and be recognized as our own pack"
Carson shifted back and forth, clearing his throat before he started.
"They said the profit we make, and the cause we are working for is a go for the council, since it is helping the unfortunate wolves who had to deal with domestic violence or lost their mates who want to find a new life and place."
"Okay, I get that. I figured they wouldn't have a problem, especially since we could pay the taxes on the space of the property. I can hear the 'but' though. What is it, Carson? Spit it out, will you?"
"F*ck okay, They will sign the forms and documents for you, but you also have 12 months to find your mate, or take a chosen mate of their choosing."
"You have got to be joking."
I said, pinching the bridge of my nose. This just made sh*t even more complicated.
"Nope. Maybe you can talk to the council member who gave that order. He said he's willing to talk about it in private with you."
"What's his name? As weird as it may be. I may have found my mate tonight anyway."
"What?! You're joking! I'm happy for you, man, but you can't do anything till we are recognized by the council."
"Do I sound like I'm joking? Also, again, who is the name of this council member?"
I said, starting to get agitated.
"Alpha Max Carter, and just to let you know, since I am so awesome and did all of this for you. They know you by middle name, and we will be a recognized pack tomorrow night, which I was informed is the night of a ball at the palace here in the south. More bad news though. You have to go and introduce yourself."
I had him use my middle name as my first name will spark some questions within the council, and that's a road I don't need to cross at the moment. Not until we find out why this rogue issue becoming worse even with my interference.
"Great. Thanks Carson. Go to bed, and retire for the night."
"See you later. You got this man."
I sit there in my office thinking about everything. We will finally be an accepted pack, and I am helping others. I should be happier, but I feel like something is missing. Especially after that scent I caught earlier. I can't get it out of my head.
I eventually passed out, thinking about that she-wolf. I awoke the next morning sore from sleeping in my office chair to Carson knocking on the door.
"Damn man, I've never seen you as someone to sleep in, but for you to sleep in till 2 in the afternoon is kind of concerning. I thought you died."
He thought he was so funny, until I gave him the "I'm going to beat your hind into next week" look. He stopped laughing, and cleared his throat before continuing.
"Well, mister grumpy gussy. I came in to let you know your tuxedo will be here around 4, but to also let you know you need to lead afternoon training, and then shower because you reek even with the scent blocker."
"Thanks so much for that. I'll head down now."
Training went off without any problems. The females of the pack are getting better by the day. Everyone in my pack trains so they can defend themselves against a rogue attack, since we aren't technically going to be rogues anymore, and our scents will be going back to normal.
I hope mine does as well...