My Beta's Mate

California

Sam

We landed in beautiful, sunny California. Going through an airport makes me feel more like cattle than a human. We grab our bags and head out of the airport. I sneak a glance at Jewel to find her smiling and humming. Her smile is bright, and her smile reaches her eyes. As if she is excited to be back. We eventually go outside to find Eric's Beta Drew waiting for us.

He gives us a wave, grabs Jewels bag and my own, and puts them into the SUV trunk.

"Eric and Amber are both tied up in an Alpha meeting," he says as a way of greeting.

"Aren't those events planned six months or so in advance?" asks Jewel, curious.

"Typically they take six months or more to plan. But the Alpha that was supposed to host his pack was killed. Unfortunately, his pack was also attacked… Brutally so. By the wizard that they've been trying to track down. It was a small pack, and the wizard and his army wiped out most of it. Including the leadership. Women and children and all."

Jewel gasped beside me.

My own heart stopped. For another creature to attack warriors is one thing. But to hunt down women and children, who are typically put in a bunker of some sort during an attack, is brutal and disgusting.

"This is the first time he has attacked a pack that isn't guardian lead," says Jewel.

"Yes, exactly," said Drew.

"So he has gone from declaring war on the guardians and their families to the entire werewolf kind," I say back. My wolf growled in my mind, ready to go to war if need be.

"Unfortunately so," said Drew as he got into the driver's side and started to drive.

"I'll expect to hear from the council soon, "I replied.

"I believe so. Things are about to get tense in our world. They want to recruit anyone who fought in the previous battle. Even taking those away from their own packs and temporarily rearranging leadership. So many packs have never fought anything but other werewolves. A Lot of smaller packs are sitting ducks. It's a mess." said Drew as he started to drive away from the airport. We pass out of the city and begin to head into the mountains. The area around us starts to look more rural.

I wonder why Amber didn't mention the specifics of the pack attack. Maybe she didn't want to say it over mind link. Either way, this war just got personal for almost every werewolf on the planet. We might be part animals, but we uphold a code of ethics. Killing women and children is not in it.

"Well, we both fought in the last battle, and several guardians and their mates have experience. So we should be able to figure this out between us." I say back, returning to the current moment.

"I hope so," said Drew as we pulled into the pack. Several warriors greeted us and let us through.

"Because the pack house and the lodge were so full, Amber has the both of you in an outer cabin. Of course, you're more than welcome to come inside for meals. Still, the kitchen within your cabin has been fully stocked." said Drew as he pulled up to a tiny cabin with nothing around it except an older, red jeep.

"..MY Jeep!" said Jewel as we got out. She hurried over to the car and looked it over.

"Eric figured that you would want to drive that death trap… I mean car," said Drew, and Jewel swatted his arm.

We unloaded our bags and waved to Drew as he drove away.

"...they gave us the honeymoon cabin.." said Jewel, giving me a sideways glance.

I raise my hands in surrender, "I had no part in that. Amber did warn me, though. They're full with hosting so many packs at once.".

Jewels sigh and shake her head as we open the door and walk into the cabin. It's small but feels warm and homey. There's a small seating area and a kitchen. The living room has a large sofa, fireplace, and huge window overlooking the redwood forest. In front of the window, there is a well-worn easel. Covered in bits of paint….

Turning to Jewel, I see her nervously wringing her hands. Why would she be nervous with me? I searched my brain to find something I had done to set her off. Then, trying to figure out how to pinpoint something, I start a conversation.

"I'm guessing the paints are yours?"

Her blue eyes turn from the easel to me.

"Uh, yes… it's been so long since I've painted. I forgot that the easel was even here."

"Why did you stop?" I asked

"Grief… it tends to suck the creativity out of you," said Jewel with a deep sigh.

"Ah, I understand. I only practiced piano or composing for a while. So it was nice to start back up. It was like finding a lost piece of myself."

Jewel nodded and looked from me to the easel before grabbing her bag and heading to the bedroom. Nervous energy is coming off of her. Something that I still need help figuring out where it is coming from.

I turned to my own bag, wheeled to the wall nearest the sofa, and left it there. As much as I tried to deny it, having my mate sleeping in a room without me still felt strange. As if on cue, my body started to fill with warmth..and desire... As much as I valued my self-control, this was pushing it. My mate is stunning, and I've been in love with her for how long now? Running my hands through my hair, I take a deep breath through my nose and out through my mouth. That side of our relationship I would leave in her hands. I was not trusting myself or my body to read her signals correctly.

My body is filled with jittery energy, and I walk to the kitchen. Opening the door, I find it well-stocked. The fridge has mainly filled with fruits, vegetables, eggs, yogurt, and some plant-based meats. Ah, yes, Jewel is a vegetarian. At least in her human form.

I decided to make a smoothie. It's a few hours past lunches at this point. I find a protein powder in the cabinet and throw the necessary ingredients into a blender. The bedroom door behind me opened, and I turned to ask Jewel if she wanted a smoothie. She's changed into something like a wetsuit. Except it's long-sleeved and doesn't cover her legs. Its form fits and leaves her toned legs on full display. My thoughts jumble, and I take a breath to reorder my thoughts.

Jewel comes and leans against the counter next to me. Thoughts flash through my brain quickly, one after the other. Mainly picking her up and putting her on the counter she was leaning against. I feel self-control slipping as I grasp the countertop hard and pray it doesn't break.

"Whatcha making?" asks Jewel, seemingly unaware of my inner turmoil.

"A smoothie...Do you want one?" I asked, my voice coming out as strained as I feel.

Jewels look a bit puzzled before saying, "Ah no… I'll just have a few sips of yours. I'll eat more once I get back from surfing. Do you want to come with me?"

"I…ah…sure," I said, stammering out and choosing that moment to start the blender and hopefully give myself time to compose myself. Pour the mixture into a large glass and hand it to Jewel to let her have her fill.

She licks her bottom lip, and her eyes follow the movement. Moon Goddess above. I'm acting like a seventeen-year-old kid—this f*cking cabin. I blame the cabin. We're alone and secluded.

Jewels give me a small smile before saying…." Sam, are you okay?"

"Fine.." I say, my voice still strained. I'm obviously not okay.

She shrugs and turns to leave. "I'll grab you a board too."

"I can't surf," I stammered out again.

Jewel gave me another quizzical look before saying, "I'll teach you.". The front door closes as she leaves.

I let out a long sigh.

The ocean is cold, and it might be just what I need.