At the beginning

Chapter 4

Will

Danger stood at the edge of the packlands, puffing. The wind from the cliff's edge flicked through his long coal-black fur and stinged his eyes with its icy breath. We stood there for what felt like minutes but was probably much longer, staring at the rough sea below. The way the powerful waves thrashed onto the sharp, jagged rocks below. And then the calm seas further away from the cliff's edge. I have always liked this spot. It was calming in a way as well as energizing. Showed me my own power and inferiority. I always left feeling inspired with some clarity and perspective. Today, though, I just needed the space.

Pressure was building with the packs surrounding us wanting to band together to take control of more land. I hadn’t decided whether this was something I should put my pack through. We were a strong pack and had a long history, but did we need to grow to continue to thrive? I don’t know if I want things to change and if I want to risk our members for that future growth.

Danger let out a loud huff. He could tell I was stressing myself out again.

Let’s head home I sighed.

Without needing to reply, Danger turned away from the edge and began running in the direction of home. I let the familiar sound of his thudding paws on the dirt floor fill my racing mind and try to still it. I could sense Danger’s joy through our wolf bond. Being the Alpha, Danger needed more time in wolf form than others in our pack. To remain strong and sharp, he needs to go for lengthy runs regularly. Beneficial for him and he loved them.

Once I was home, I had a quick shower and ran down to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. Mum was in the kitchen with Sheree, our house cook. She and Sheree had become friends since she began working for us. She was more of an aunt to us than an employee now.

“Morning Will! How was your run this morning?” Mum asked, smiling, and I entered the kitchen.

I sat down on the bench and picked up a Danish from the basket.

“Good. Danger needed it.” I nodded, taking a bite of my Danish.

“You know what Danger really needs?” Mum said through narrowed eyes, “to find his mate.” She added. I knew she was going to go there.

“Oh yes!” Sheree clapped in agreement. I rolled my eyes.

“I’m headed to Beta John’s.” I sighed, picking up another Danish for the walk across the street.

“I’m just saying!” Mum called after me as I practically ran from the room. I could hear them giggling like school girls as I walked down the hallway.

I knocked on the door of Beta John's house. I could hear giggling from inside and the curtain in the front room was moving.

Finally, the door opened, and Beta John showed me in.

"Thanks so much for helping us out this morning, Alpha." John said as I followed him into the house.

"No worries. Happy to help." I nodded as a little head peeks out from the door way ahead and quickly disappears. I smirked.

"The new nanny will be here in about an hour, so we just need you to entertain her until then." John explained, holding his arm out to direct me into the lounge room.

"Well, I can seem to see her anywhere. I guess you don't need me here anymore." I shrugged and quietly tip-toed around the couch to where I could see two tiny feet poking out from behind the curtain. John smirked

"Sorry, Alpha. I thought she was here. I will see you next time." John replied. Walking back towards the hallway. Instantly, Evie jumped out from behind the curtain, her curly, red hair wild and flying in the air.

"Wait!!" She yelled, her little hands flying about.

"Boo!" I whispered from behind the couch as she popped out. Evie fell into a fit of giggles on the floor. Still in her bright pink, polka-dot pyjamas and fluffy bed socks. She sure was a cute kid. I always enjoyed looking after her. Whenever I could fit it in. The schedule of an Alpha can be tight.

"Well, I am going to head off to the Elder Council meeting. I will see you this afternoon for the de-brief Alpha Will." John said as he walked out of the room.

"Thanks again!" He called out before closing the front door.

"So, what are we going to do this morning, Evie?" I asked, turning my attention back to the little girl staring up at me.

"Umm... princess dresses!" Evie squealed as she jumped up and down on the spot.

A good look for you! Danger chuckled.

Oh, shut up. I snapped while chuckling.

"Right, let's go pick your favourites!" I agreed as she placed her tiny, chubby hand into mine and led the way to her bedroom.

Evie's bedroom was pink. There was no other way to describe it. Everything was pink. The walls, the bedspread, the teddies, the curtains... everything. She wanted to be a fairy princess. All day, every day.

I sat down on the floor and crossed my legs, watching as Evie rummaged through her box of princess dresses.

Pretty soon, I was wearing a pink and purple, sparkly tutu, a silver crown and Evie had covered my hair with multicolored butterfly clips. She was having the best time. Her hair was still wild and messy, but she now had a princess crown on top. On top of her pajamas, she had a full-length purple ballgown that I think she said was from a Disney princess movie. She had found her clip-clop high heels, so she spent more time tripping over and fixing all of her accessories than anything else.

"Well, Princess Evie, I think we look ready for the ball." I nodded to her, doing a little curtsy. Evie's face suddenly split into a wide grin.

"You're back!!!" She squealed and ran to her bedroom door.

I turned and saw her. It has been a while since I last saw Ivy, but she has changed a lot from what I remember. Her dark brown hair hung loosely down her back, her green eyes stood out against her soft pale complexion. She was beautiful. I was speechless. Danger was panting, but I couldn't figure out why. I was too distracted by the fact that Ivy looked so breathtaking, and I was standing there in a princess outfit and covered in butterfly clips.

Manly look. Danger teased.

Thanks a lot. I groaned. Danger was aching to get closer to Ivy.

"That's a nice look." Ivy chuckled, nodding to me. Evie had her arms wrapped around Ivy's legs.

"He is being a princess." Evie answered for me.

"Well, you have done a great job with the canvas you have." Ivy complimented.

"Thank you." Evie said in a sing-song voice while bowing.

"I didn't know you were the new nanny." I commented, pulling a few of the butterfly clips - and my hair - out.

"Only found out yesterday." Ivy shrugged, picking up one of the pillows from on the floor and chucking it onto the bed.

That was when I smelt it. The same scent I noticed yesterday at dinner. It was captivating, entrancing, addictive.

Mate. Danger stated clearly.