His Native Beauty, Her Ruthless Beast

The Beast

The Alpha Summit began this weekend and was to be hosted by the Rosebud pack. Alpha Travis Thyges of the Black Hills pack was ready to get the entire charade over. Tall, dark, and dangerously handsome with chilling blue eyes, “Alpha Tig,” as he was called, reigned over one of the largest Wolfpacks in the Midwest, and was considered by far the strongest. As it’s namesake implies, the Black Hills pack resides within the Black Hills of South Dakota, tucked neatly within the pass of the mountain range on privately owned land where humans dare not to travel.

Alpha summits were held annually with the area Alphas convening to determine and draw up ally versus rival lines. Every pack wanted the Black Hills on their side, however favor with Alpha Tig was not freely handed out, instead requiring a certain level of morality to earn. Most packs ended up in an agreement of neutrality versus ally or rival with the Black Hills pack. Feared by outsiders and rivals, Alpha Tig was highly respected by his pack and what few packs he accepted as allies. He was just, but firm with his pack members, however was known to become ruthless and barbaric when someone intended his pack any harm.

Travis POV

“Alpha, the Land Rover is packed and ready.” Stated Beta Chad, my 2nd in command. His voice disrupts my thoughts as I stare out the window behind my desk. Turning my chair to face Chad and my Gamma Thomas, I scowl as I see the smirks upon their faces. Chad’s always up for travel between territories as he enjoys flirting with new shewolves, whereas Tommy is just excited to get to play the boss in my absence.

“Alright Tom, no nonsense, protect the pack, keep s**t together and don’t sink my ship in my absence.” I give him a firm, Alpha look before turning to Chad. “Chad, stop looking so giddy and keep your d**k in your pants for one weekend.” Chad’s spirits quickly deflate.

“Aw come on man, that’s not even fair!” Chad whines while Tom snorts in laughter.

“And no whining. You’re a f*****g Beta, act like it.” I demand.

Chad shoots me a charming smile, “I like it when you get all dominant on me, Alpha.”

I roll my eyes and laugh, “Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky you’re my best friend, and somewhat cute.”

Chad grins from ear-to-ear, “You hear that Tom, Alpha Tig thinks I’m cute.”

Tom shakes his head, “And we’ll never hear the end of it. Why’d ya have to go and feed his ego, Tig?”

“Because I couldn’t stand him whining like a little b***h all the way to Rosebud.” I replied with a shrug. I quickly moved in to embrace my gamma in a brotherly hug.

“You can count on me Alpha.” He reassured me and hugs me back.

“I know, that’s why I always leave you in charge. I can’t let Chad out of my sight for a minute.” I chuckle, as I walk out of my office and down a flight of stairs.

“It’s because I’m so pretty, he can’t keep his eyes off of me.” Chad yells out, before quickly embracing Tom as well and hurrying behind me.

Chad and I throw our last few personal belongings in, then hop into the Land Rover ourselves before heading out on our four-hour drive to the summit. Chad makes quick work on setting up tunes for the trip and pulling out snacks.

“So, Tig, do you think this is the year we’ll find out mates?” Chad asked enthusiastically.

“I’m beginning to question if my mate even exists. Perhaps the ruthless Alpha of Black Hills doesn’t deserve a mate.” I respond coldly.

Chad opens a bag of beef jerky while rolling his eyes. “Come on, man. You know you’re not undeserving or ruthless, not to those who didn’t ask for it first. Deep down under all of this,” he gestured to my 6’6 size, “you’re just a big ole teddy bear. Besides, I’m a year younger than you and still haven’t met my own mate, and we both know I’m very deserving.”

Snatching the bag of jerky out of his hands, I chuckle, “Yeah, well I suggest you keep that teddy bear nonsense in your own head before I wrench it off your shoulders.”

Throwing his hands up in surrender, “Alright man, I give. Still, we both know your Luna is out there waiting for you to bring her home to us. Maybe my own mate is wherever she is?” Chad cranks up the music while singing along, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

My Luna... I have waited far longer than anyone ever expected to have to wait to find their mate. I am 26 years old, whereas most wolves meet their mates shortly after turning 18, I haven’t been blessed yet to find mine. I’m beginning to think that maybe she doesn’t exist at all, maybe my acts of violence in war have tainted my soul so much that the Moon Goddess is choosing not to pair me with one of her daughters. Or maybe she’s so extraordinary that all the waiting in the world is worth it. Glancing over at Chad, I wonder if he too is waiting for someone extraordinary, or if I’ve doomed us to live our lives alone.

After a long drive with my thoughts consumed, I recognize the plains turning into gentle rolling hills as we are nearing the crossing of the Rosebud pack. Suddenly my wolf, Ember, perks up in the back of my mind, right before I’m hit with the most intoxicating smell of honeysuckle. I pull to the side of the road, slowing to a stop.

Chad looks around, suddenly on guard, “What’s up, Alpha.”

“Do you smell that?” I ask, breathing in deep while Ember whimpers in need. Chad sniffs the air before shaking his head. I step out of the Land Rover, following my nose. As I walk through the long grass, I find myself standing at the top of the hill looking down onto two small cottages nestled in where the boundaries of Rosebud and Spirit Lake territories merge together. As the wind blows around me the smell of honeysuckle intensifies.

Chad catches up to me, giving me a questioning look.

Taking another deep breath, my blue eyes turn black as I whisper “Mate.”