The Wolf's Guardian

Chapter 2 WAKING UP THE BEAST

ANDREW'S POV

"Andrew, you are going to have to go to the Luncheon at Forest Hills. Alexia is having contactions. Make sure they sign that contract. The profit will help us start breaking ground on the new land." Alpha's Colt voice resonates in my head through the mindlink, waking me up completely.

"I'll take care of it, Alpha. Go take care of the Luna." I respond immediately, getting ready to start my journey to Forest Hills. I can't believe that we are finally going to welcome our future Alpha. It sure has been a crazy few months for Colt and Alexia. Their mating was less than optimal, with her wanting to reject him and run away with her chosen mate and then getting kidnapped by Alpha Landon who we all thought was long dead after a fight with Colt some years ago. I was not at all surprised when Colt announced his mate's pregnancy, but his announcement made me yearn for my own family. I have been dating a shewolf for a few months, and I decided to make her my mate. It is not uncommon for wolves my age to take a chosen one instead of waiting for the one the moon Goddess has destined for him. I am 26 years old. If I had a mate, I would have found her by now.

"Alpha found his only some months ago. We are the same age." My wolf reminds me. Is true, Colt waited for his mate, he never thought of a chosen one, he somehow knew he would find her one day. He fought for her, even when she wanted to reject him to choose another, and he made her fall in love with him, and he is finally going to welcome his first born, our future Alpha, who is already keeping us on our toes since our Luna has been on edge through her whole pregnancy. She kept saying someone was watching her which forced us to increase our patrols and work overtime, but every time she thought she saw something, we never caught anything, not even a scent, which drove Colt crazy. Everyone thought she was having a mental breakdown from everything she went through while she was kidnapped and in heat, but Colt didn't want to ignore her claims. He still feels guilty for kissing Pam the night Alex ran away and got kidnapped by her ex, so he did everything he could to ensure she felt safe. Last night, patrol reported having heard something unusual, and we were all on alert trying to find the intruder, but we didn't see or smell anything, I was planning to talk to Cindy about us, but with everything that went on, I didn't see her, but I am determined to tell her tonight and I hope she says yes, we are the same age and like me, she hasn't found her mate, so I am pretty sure she will agree.

I finally feel ready enough to go to Forest Hills, it is the annual Alpha Luncheon, I was surprised to hear it was going to be held at Forest Hills, they are a small pack that mostly keeps to itself, they are still recovering from all the attacks from four years ago that almost destroyed them. Somehow, Luna Alexia thought it was a good idea to invite them to Apple Harvest this year, which led to us negotiating a deal that will make us allies and business partners. They are not very strong, but their land is very fertile. They have a great production of fruits that will increase our wine line, which later will be distributed to different packs and even human towns.

The road to Forest Hills is long and uneven. They are secluded in the woods away from everything. They mainly survive on their own products because they don't trust too many packs after the failure with their alliance with Blue Moon, which is why it was surprising that they are hosting today or that they agreed to make a deal with us.

I am finally at the border of Forest Hills. They really lack security, I was able to cross with no problem, I don't see patrols or filters anywhere.

"Be on alert, I sense something." My wolf warns me. As a Beta, my senses are heightened, almost like the ones of our Alpha, I somehow am stronger and more sensitive than the average Beta. We attribute it to my mother's Alpha lineage, which we don't really talk about because my mom doesn't want anything to do with her family. I always trust my wolf's instinct, and I will pay extra attention in case we are heading to a trap.

I made it to the pack house without anyone stopping me. If we are going to become Allies, they are going to have to start working on their security, we cannot afford them being attacked and lose product. The house and the town in general look like they have seen better days, I don't think they are recovered from the last attack, which will explain why they are so eager to start making allies and start trading product. The pack house is a lot bigger than ours at White Creek Pack, it most host at least 300 wolves while ours only hosts about 180. I just can't imagine this pack having a large population and given the condition of the town with abandoned houses, large lawns, houses that are in severe need of attention, I don't think too many people live in town.

"I can't quite tell, but something feels off." My wolf alerts me. He has been uneasy since we entered the territory.

"I don't see or smell anything wrong. " I respond. "Do you feel it could be a trap?" I can only see other SUVS and warriors from other packs escorting their Alphas. I didn't bring anyone with me. With our next Alpha being born, we are more susceptible of an attack, so I came by myself, but seeing how my wolf feels, I should've brought at least one warrior with me.

I say hello to the different Alphas who are making their entrance into the house, I am weary of entering, but here I go. There are still no guards outside. How is it possible?

My wolf is pacing in my head. He is trying to look everywhere and sense whatever can alert us of danger, but still nothing looks odd.

"Beta Andrew! Welcome. I trust Alpha Colt is doing alright?" Alpha Scott greets me, looking confused. He was obviously not expecting the last-minute change, but his demeanor is not concerning.

"Alpha Scott, it is good to see you. My Luna is in labor, and my Alpha had to stay with her. Nevertheless, we are still ready to continue with our conversations to close our deal." He looks relieved when I tell him this, and he gives me a smile.

"Congratulations! My mate is also due in the next few days. This is our second and last." He tells me excited, which for some reason makes me feel sad for me. There is no doubt I want my mate, but I can't wait for her anymore, I want to start immediately. If Cindy accepts me tonight, I will mark her right then.

"Congratulations." I respond. While he guides me through the huge house and takes me to a large meeting room where most Alphas are already talking and discussing various subjects.

Everything goes by uneventful, and my wolf and I relax as the meeting comes to an end. After two hours of discussion about trading our different products, upgrading security in some packs and sporadic rogue attacks in packs nearby, and strategy to stop them, I am ready to discuss business with Alpha Scott.

"We don't have enough warriors to guard our borders, I have to spread them as much as I can to protect our land. Luckily, we haven't been attacked since the last time four years ago." Alpha Scott is responding to my concern about security in his land. We have been in his office discussing our next deal, but the security is concerning.

"We are allies now. We can certainly arrange for some of our warriors to come for seasons at the time while you strengthen your line of defense. We can work the details once Alpha Colt is able to discuss them.

"That would be wonderful, Beta, we are forever in your debt. Making business with a pack such as yours will certainly give my people the confidence they need after everything we went through." He responds smiling. We stay in his office talking about our upcoming venture, and we finally sign the contract. By now, everyone is gone, and I must take my leave as well, I have to talk to Cindy. I say my goodbyes to the Alpha who stays in his office, and I head to the front door. There is a group of women playing games and having fun in the living room. My wolf is uneasy again and we suddenly know why. Our mate is here. The scent of sweet fresh flowers hits me and almost knocks me out. I look around, and I see her looking straight at me. She also can't believe it. I stare at her, examining her from her perfect wavy blonde hair, to her beautiful big blue eyes and perfect curvy body, her hips are perfect to carry strong pups, all my fantasies break and I want to kill someone when I see she is already marked. I feel as if I am about to shift, that woman is mine, and someone else put his mark on her!