Captured

{3} Outsiders

Zach's POV:

I continue to watch her and her dad as they head back to the old Wilson's house. I am surprised she showed no fear or anxiousness at seeing my wolf, Hunter. As an Alpha, my wolf is triple the size of a normal wolf and puts off an aura of power which can be disconcerting for humans and supernatural alike. She didn't budge. In fact, she took the time to slow her breathing and take photographs. Normally, I would not allow this, but frankly, I was amazed at how poised she was, never flinching or showing fear. Her confidence is to be commended even though she is human.

It's no secret I hold a special hatred for humans due to werewolf hunters. It's not so much of a problem now as it was a few years ago. We had to isolate ourselves from the human cities and towns, which is why Mountain Springs became our home. It was a deserted sawmill town and far off the beaten path. Unless you knew someone from here, it would be difficult to find, which is why I was struck with a pang of anger at seeing a human girl walking around town and in our grocery store without a care in the world about where she was.

After watching Leah fawn all over her, my curiosity got the best of me and I approached her with indifference, annoyance, and a lot of attitude. I had to keep my composure when she so freely gave back what I was dishing out. In another situation, I would have applauded her strength and fearlessness. She has no idea about the world she has just entered and seemingly doesn't care. Or maybe she does. Who knows?

I continued to follow her, wanting to keep tabs on her and find out who she is and how in the hell she ended up living here without my knowledge. I am furious, but I am damn sure gonna find out the truth.

As she entered her house, I stay a few minutes more before racing off to the pack house. I need to talk to my dad and Leah. As I approach the back door, I shift and throw on some clothes before entering. There are several pack members hanging out in the game room and living room, but I storm passed them to head down the hall and into my father's office.

"Can someone please explain to me why not one, but two humans are now living in Mountain Springs without my knowledge?!" I grit my teeth to keep my anger in check, as my father is still the current Alpha and demands respect, even from his son. His eyes snap toward mine and I quickly bow my head, not wanting to start a fight with my old man.

"Ah, Zachary, I assume you are referring to Trevor and Sara Beth Collins, so for the moment, I will disregard your entrance and questioning. But to answer your question, Trevor is our new IT administrator. He's the man your Uncle Daniel was discussing with us. Remember?"

"So, our new IT guy and assistant security director is a human? Dad, excuse my French, but what the f**k?! How can this even work?" My father's face reddens a little with anger at being questioned and I know I am drawing close to the line of disrespect, but I can't reign in my disgust.

"First, I will remind you to check your tone when discussing pack issues and decisions made by its leaders. Second, he knows about our world since working with your Uncle's pack. He is the best at what he does and he will help ensure we are protected from attacks. He revolutionized your Uncle's security measures and he will do the same for ours. What seems to be your issue?" my father's words held contempt for my actions, but he also softens to show he knows how I feel about humans. I stand stoic for a few moments trying to calm down before speaking again.

"It's hard not to judge all humans as the same and you know how I feel about them. Does the daughter know?"

"No, and we would like to keep it that way, for now. Trevor wants to allow her time to adjust to this new environment and maybe, eventually tell her. After the loss of his wife, he wants to protect her from the world, both human and werewolf alike. She didn't take the loss well and they both need time to grieve and heal. It's not my place to say this, but since you hold such animosity toward them, I would officially remind you that as the future Alpha and leader of this pack, they are a part of your territory now and, as such, your responsibility." I see a slight smug look spread across his face. He knows what he is doing. This is a test for me as with anything else my father challenges me with. I do feel a slight wave of sadness for their loss, but it is quickly squashed again by my father's words of responsibility.

"As you wish, father, but that doesn't mean I have to like it." His smile reaches his eyes as his underlying humor boils beneath his skin.

"Don't be so judgmental. Who knows what kind of bonds could form with having humans as a part of our pack? Might even start new alliances and bring peace to all creatures." I rolled my eyes at his implications. New bonds? He means mate bonds. It would be my horrible luck to have a human mate. Not that she wasn't easy on the eyes, but I could never accept a human mate. Hunter growls lowly in my head. He's excited about finding his mate, but I'm enjoying the lack of responsibilities since I don't turn 21 for another few months and won't take over until after my training is finished. A mate would just complicate things, human or not.

I finish speaking with my father about a few more pack issues before leaving his office. I need to find Leah. I have some questions about the human girl. As I turn the corner and enter the kitchen, Scott and Leah are helping make dinner.

"Leah, when you get a second, I'd like to talk to you." Her eyes connect with mine curiously since I don't normally have conversations with her alone. Scott eyes me and I hear a low growl escape his mouth. "You can come, too, Beta. It's nothing like that and you know it." He nods and whispers an apology. Leah rolls her eyes at the exchange.

Once dinner is finished, Scott, Leah, and myself head to the back porch. The sky is crystal clear and the stars are sparkling. It's not quite fall, but the air has turned cooler, which doesn't bother us as we are naturally more hot-natured creatures.

"So, Alpha, what did you want to discuss?" Leah asks, her curiosity peaked.

"The human girl," I state simply.

"Ah." She nods, but doesn't say anything. I wait for her to explain their exchange in the grocery store. She looks at Scott and begins explaining the details she learned. "Well, her name is Sara Beth and she's absolutely beautiful even without trying. She's a photographer and she hopes to get her business started here in Mountain Springs, which is amazing, since we don't have anything like that here. She moved here with her dad although she didn't explain how they moved here. I guess I'll have to ask her. She got a job with old man Miller at the hardware shop so she could earn some money. She's around our age and I invited her to the bonfire on Friday." Leah bounces with energy at the conclusion of her explanation.

"You WHAT?!" I roar, my anger quickly exploding. Scott steps in front of Leah as a sign of protection. I stare at her while my chest heaves in and out. My entire body is shaking.

"Zachary!" I hear my father's voice ringing out. I look toward the back door and away from Leah and Scott. "Get yourself under control before I do it for you!" He scowls. I clutch my eyes shut and focus on my breathing. Once I've calmed down, I divert my eyes back to my Beta and his mate.

"Why would you invite her to the pack house? She knows nothing about our kind and she could be a liability or threat to our security." I explain.

"Zach..." Leah slowly approaches me at the disapproval of her mate. "I know how much you hate humans. But, you have to realize sooner or later some interaction is necessary. Besides, we are the next leaders of this pack and we need to learn to take each person, whether they are a were or human, as individuals and not clump them together under one umbrella. Don't we want the same? We cannot assume she's anything like those hunters. Frankly, I can tell she's been through a hard time and she's alone with the exception of her father. I want to be her friend. And who knows...she might be your ma—"

"Finish that statement and you will regret it." I cut her off. I take another look at her and I can see the concern in her eyes. "I'm sorry Leah. I shouldn't have snapped on you guys. I just feel like something is going to happen and I don't want anyone hurt because we allowed humans into our territory." This is a unique situation, but my dad has already hired her father, so we will just have to see what happens. I don't like someone freely roaming around the area without any knowledge of the dangers lurking in the shadows.

"Alpha, I think if we keep her close, it will be easier to keep tabs on her as well as protect her from other packs. If your father can give them a chance, don't you think you should, too?" Scott suggests. I know he is right even though I am still annoyed at their presence. I have yet to meet her dad, but if Uncle Daniel vouched for him, then he can't be all bad, right? And, I have already seen her feisty side, which means she's more than willing to protect herself even though she's clueless about our town. I let out a deep sigh.

"I guess I have no choice, but that doesn't mean I have to be nice to her." I growl. "I'm going for a run." I step off the porch and shift into my black wolf. I let him take control as I sit back and ponder the events from today. It doesn't take long before I see the familiar yellow house on the hill. Hunter sits down and watches. Eventually, I see her walking toward the window to stare into the darkness.

Why did you come here? I ask Hunter, but he doesn't reply. He continues to watch her. His behavior is weird, but I look through her window and see she looks as though she's been crying. I wonder why she's upset. Not that I care, I'm just nosy. Her figure disappears from the window. Suddenly, the back door opens and she appears outside with sweats and a simple cami on. She's got a great body although on the skinny side. She raises her camera toward me, but clearly can't see me from that distance.

She takes several shots before sitting down on the back porch, staring at the stars and breathing deeply as if trying to calm herself. Hunter whimpers softly.

What is with you? You've never acted this way towards a human.

She's special. You're just too stupid to see it. Hunter finally responds.

I know what you're implying, but we won't know for sure until my birthday. And even then, I don't—I don't think this would work. I stammer out the last part because I immediately think of all the complications. We can't accept her. Hunter growls in my head. My anger grows at his insolence as I make him head home.

I walk into the pack house and toward the stairs.

"Zach?" My father calls from his office. I detour and walk down the hall and enter through the cracked door.

"You called?"

"Yes, I would like to set up a meeting with Trevor so you two can be formally introduced and get acquainted. I know you still have some trust issues toward humans, but as we begin the transition of power, I need to know you can put your personal feelings on a shelf and do what's best for the pack's safety." My father's words both shock and annoy me.

"Transition of power?" He nods. "And the safety of this pack has always come first. Why would you question that?" I grind out.

"I'm not questioning your loyalty and dedication to the pack, but you must see the bigger picture. Trevor is human, as is his daughter, but he has pledged his loyalty to us just as he did your Uncle's pack. I just want you to keep that in mind when holding events, meetings, and interacting with them both. Don't let your personal anger cloud any issues because we need him more than he needs us. Trust me!" My dad explains leaving me to only sigh in frustration.

"Fine. I will tolerate them. But again, I don't have to be nice to her. She brings nothing to the table. Her father is at least contributing." My father begins to chuckle and responds with a simple "mmhhmm, if you say so" before dismissing me and focusing back on his work.

I groan as I ascend the stairs and into my bedroom. Why do I have the feeling things just got complicated? I face plant into my bed and try to get some sleep.