The Alpha's Diversion

An Invitation

Addis.

Addis sighed, causing Charlie to look up from where she sat putting on her shoes.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Addis looked up at her, arching his eyebrows. “You already know. Why do you ask?”

“Because I’m nice, jerk,” Charlie teased. “Have you heard from Reed and Jeb?”

The sons of Penumbra’s previous Beta, Clay Bardell, had been gone a week scouting for rogues. Reed was the oldest and would be Addis’ Beta when they reclaimed the pack. His quiet, thoughtful personality was an asset. He never fought when it wasn’t necessary. But he was a fierce opponent when he did, and Addis was grateful they were on the same team. Fighting ability was about all he shared in common with his younger brother. Jeb was his father’s son in every aspect. He was rowdy and fun-loving. He teased everyone, including Addis- who he’d remind to “respect your elders”, even though Jeb was only three months older.

“Yeah, Reed called yesterday. They’re hopeful about a rogue they’ve been watching for a few days. He said they’d call as soon as they knew for certain.”

“Any plans tonight?”

“Flint’s coming over. We may have a few beers and watch a movie. Wanna join us?”

“No. There’s only a week until my meeting with the council. I’m having dinner with father so we can discuss our approach.”

Addis studied Charlie as she spoke, but her expression was inscrutable. She had all the makings of a good Alpha. She was smart, intuitive, loved her people, and would sacrifice anything for her pack. She was also a total badass. When Addis sparred with her, it was a toss-up on who would win.

After Charlie’s mother died during childbirth, Alpha Josah hadn’t taken another mate or even accepted female help taking care of Charlie. And it showed. She’d be every bit the alpha he was. She’d been his shadow since she could walk.

“What will you do if they won’t allow you to take over?”

“Challenge them to a fight?” Charlie snickered.

Addis laughed as he grabbed his bag. “I’m being serious, Charlie.”

“So am I,” she said, punching his arm.

A text message made Addis’ phone vibrate in his pocket as he and Charlie stepped out from the training facility.

“Flint wants to try a new bar in town later tonight. Let me know if you finish early enough. It’d be good for you to let loose a little.”

“You’re one to talk,” Charlie rolled her eyes as she opened the door to her jeep. “I’ll come if I can but don’t wait on me.”

“Sounds good. See ya later!”

Addis would rather have stayed home, but they did that most of the time. Flint didn’t usually make suggestions, so, if he wanted to go out, Addis knew he should agree. Flint was the only son of Penumbra’s previous Gamma, Alek Dimas. His laid-back and loving personality sometimes caused people to underestimate him. He wasn’t as good of a fighter as Addis or the Bardell boys, much to his father’s dismay, but he held his own. His other strengths were still an undeniable asset. He was as loyal as they came, a good planner, and the best judge of character Addis knew.

He texted his agreement and tossed the phone on the bench beside him. Things had changed in packs across the world as technology advanced, even during Addis’ lifetime, and packs that wanted to stick around were changing with the times. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to hide their existence, especially with the popularity of drones. In the past, it was common for packs to only have a handful of cars in the event that someone needed to leave the territory. But now, they could only shift in areas that had coverage from aerial views. Pretty much every wolf owned a car now.

Susi territory was about 30 minutes from the town of Moontrot, and it was common for the younger wolves to go there on the weekends for a good time. Some of the more progressive wolves even opted to go to school there instead of the pack school.

Addis was more traditional in his thinking. He believed the pack should eat, train, and learn together. It made for stronger bonds. He also didn’t have an interest in mingling with the outside world if it could be avoided. The only thing outside of the Susi borders that held any attraction for him was Penumbra.