Hidden Lake’s secret

Chapter Two.

Chapter Two.

Garret

I cant believe my father has finally given me my rightful Alpha title. When I was 18, my mother passed away, and he’s held onto Alpha since then. I knew it wasn't because he didn't trust me, he just needed a distraction and remaining Alpha allowed him to stay busy. Really though, I don't think I would've been ready back then. I just wasn't stable. So instead, I started assisting him over the past couple years. My father is still a strong Alpha wolf, but I know he was getting tired, especially without mom here. When I first suggested he travel, and see the county, maybe flirt with other she-wolves along the way, he rejected the idea immediately. However, over time, I think the idea I planted started to gain traction in his mind.

As a result, 3 months ago, at 23, I finally took over my pack. Things have been going smoothly overall, due to how much I’ve already been involved. My pack respects my father, and myself. They loved their Luna and were willing to support any decisions my father made regarding his retirement and succession.

Things have settled down since my Alpha ceremony, and the pack is gaining back a sense of normalcy. I feel like i’m finally ready to find my Luna. It’s been 5 years since I gained my wolf, Hunter, and patience isn't his strongest quality.

-“We’ll only be a better leader with our Luna. Why aren't you looking for her?” Hunter tugs at the back of my mind.

-“There’s been a lot going on. Things are finally calming down. We’re leaving for the Hidden Lake pack tonight. Maybe we’ll find our mate there…” I think back to him.

Hunter sighs and I can feel he’s hopeful. I haven't had a lot of time in the past few years to really think about my mate or romance in general. Sure, I’m not a virgin, but I haven't really been serious with anyone. Hunter is always upset when I’m with a girl who is obviously not our mate. I swear wolves don't understand human urges, at all.

I’ve never been to the Hidden Lake pack before. My father never really gave me a reason as to why we don't go there. They're one of the biggest packs in our area, so he always just told me that we only contact them when there are major disturbances and we cant handle it ourselves. We don't have a bad ties with them, but they're very neutral and almost non-existant. As the new Alpha, I’d like to ensure that all of our alliances are on friendly terms. There’s also a small part of me that hopes I’ll find my mate there. I’ve visited every other pack around, over the past few years, and have yet to find her. I wasn't really looking, but I it’s not like I would've rejected her if she found me. Hunter growls in my head at the thought of rejecting our mate. -“I would never have allowed it, anyway.” He snaps.

I sigh and mind link my Beta, Ethan. -“Is everything prepared for our departure in a couple hours?”

-“Yes, of course, Alpha.” Ethan replies.

Ethan has been my best friend since I can remember. His father was my father’s beta, and so on, for the past 4 generations. Although he could speak to me casually, he’s normally more formal. Ethan is also the most loyal person I know. We would've been friends regardless of his status and I would've made him my Beta nevertheless. So it’s very convenient for me that he inherited the position I wanted him in. He’s 2 years younger than me, and also hasn't found his mate, but he's been looking. I’m pretty sure he’s hoping the same thing I am. Finding our mates at Hidden Lake.

I finish up my packing, and run down to my office to finalize the last few details with my head warrior, Marcus. He’s staying behind to ensure the safety of the pack because he has a mate anyway, with a newborn at home. I know he really didn't want to leave them for the weekend. I agreed since we’ll only be a couple hours away, and there are no current conflicts. I’m not very concerned about any immediate threats, but we came up with an emergency plan, just in case.

-“Jax, are you and Sarah ready to go?” I mind link to my Gamma, after I excuse Marcus. Jax is younger than both Ethan and I. He turned 18 just earlier this year, and his longtime girlfriend surprisingly turned out to be his mate. The likelihood of something like that happening is almost zero. Everyone was surprised when it was announced. They’re so in love it’s almost too much and so she’ll be coming along with us to visit our larger northern ally.

-“Ahem, yes, uh.. Alpha. We’re just uh, finishing up…”He pauses. “Give us like 15 minutes?” He questions me.

-“Gross.” I reply back. “Meet us at the northern garage in a half hour.” I cut the mind link to avoid accidentally hear anything they're doing.

A half hour later myself, Ethan, Jax and Sarah got into one SUV, while about a dozen or so other warriors crammed themselves into two large vans. Alpha Mark suggested bringing some of my unmated warriors to join us for training and a welcome dinner. I hope he’s prepared for some of my best fighters to show his pack what being a warrior really means. I don't go easy on my fighters. I refuse to lose any more of my people, the way we lost my mother. Our training is rigorous, and long. They probably wont know what to do when they participate in whatever Hidden Lake calls their ‘training’.

I laugh to myself and Ethan looks at me quizzically. I just shake my head and he shrugs, as he continues navigating the road. He never pushes me to respond if it’s not an urgent matter. He balances me with his calm and calculating manner. I tend to be rash, and let my temper get the best of me. Ethan has had to bring me back to reality a time or two in the past when I’ve started to go off the edge. It happened frequently after losing my mother. More recently, I’ve gained better control over myself, but he’s still vigilant in ensuring i’m ok.

With Jax and Sarah in the background giggling and flirting with each other, Ethan drives silently, and I quietly hum along to whatever mindless song is playing on the radio. I don't mind easygoing silence like this. It’s an appreciation I’ve obtained since the rouge attacks have calmed down. The last large scale attack is the one which resulted in my mother’s and several other pack mate’s deaths. I don't think the pack every truly got over it. Of course, no-one would ever admit that. That’s another reason why I am meeting with Hidden Lake, there’s strength in numbers and they have an excess. Hidden Lake came to our aide five years ago, and really want to better the relationship we have with them.

I’m pulled out of my thoughts by the sound of gravel under our tires. I look out the window to see we’ve arrived. We climb out of the vehicles and start pulling out luggage. Hidden Lake’s pack house is beautiful, and massive. Right out of a story book. The stone walls have ivy creeping up the sides and there are flowers blooming everywhere. I can smell fresh pie, and I glance over at an open window. Some other smell is coming from that direction, but I cant place it. Whatever it is is tantalizing.

Ethan taps my shoulder and pulls me out of my trance. “Are you coming?” He asks as he motions over to the entrance where I see Alpha Mark standing in the doorway with a smile. He seems as friendly as I remember him from years ago. I’ve only met the man a couple times. The last time was at my mother’s funeral, and I didn't speak with anyone that day. I was young, mourning, and can admit that I wasn't very polite to the Alpha’s who were there to pay their respects.

I nod my head, “Sorry, yeah, I’m coming. Do you smell that pie? It’s mouth watering.”

Ethan laughs “They’ve already won over our Alpha with baked goods” He’s well aware of my sweet tooth. I swear I could live off of cookies, cake and candy. Luckily my metabolism runs as fast as my wolf. I still eat a balanced diet for the most part. My mother always used to complain about what I ate and would try sneak in the occasional vegetable or two. I smile at the memory.

“Welcome Alpha Garret, Beta Ethan, Gamma Jax, and party.”Alpha Mark opens his arms and waves us in kindly. A woman comes to his side, I recognize her as his mate, Luna Alaina. Ive only met her once, I believe.

“It’s lovely to see you again, Alpha Garret” she bows her head slightly. “I do hope your father is doing well. He wont be joining us this weekend? We heard he’s taken up traveling.” She says with what looks like kind of a forced smile.

“And you as well, Luna Alaina. Thank you both for inviting my pack members and I to your lovely home. This property is beautiful.” I nod with a compliment. “And what is that delicious smell?” I ask. I inhale deeply, to try to catch that scent from before. Cinnamon. It must be the pies, but there’s something is different about it.

“Ah!” Alpha mark replies. “You must be referring to my gorgeous wife’s apple pies.” He glances her way with pride in his eyes “She is the best baker I know!”

She glares at him playfully. “Oh stop!” she gushes. “Well, I cant say he’s wrong though. Please, come this way, and I’ll show you to your rooms, and then we’ll come back to the common area for pie and ice cream.” She instructs.

My group and I follow the Luna to the guest quarters. Ive noticed that they're very hands on. Most other packs I’ve visited have many more Omegas doing these kinds of tasks.

I’m impressed by their ability to remain humble while running the largest pack in our area.

“Here we are boys. You’re not children, so there are no room assignments. Please group together however you see fit. We’ll see you all back downstairs in two hours sharp.” She holds up her pointer and middle finger to represent exactly how much time we had before were expected for pie.