Rune Wolf

Chapter 2 (Sigurd’s POV)

Flashes of death and destruction streamed across Sigurds closed eyes like a movie. But this movie came with smell-o-Vision. He started to choke on the smell of rotting flesh and smoke. He had this nightmare every night. Humans called it post traumatic stress disorder. He called it hell.

He woke with a start, his fingers had shifted into long black claws and he looked down to notice he’d trashed another mattress. He swung his legs off of the bed and the cool wooden floor beneath his feet grounded him for a moment. He wiped sweat from his forehead and closed his eyes but all that treated him in the darkness was more terror. He pushed himself up off the bed and stumbled as his feet got caught in the blankets he’d kicked to the floor.

His father had been right in telling him he’d regret medaling in human affairs.

When he had been 18 and restless he’d gotten the bright idea to enlist in the human military. His wolf had needed to feel battle being the direct descendants of an Ulfhednar (wolf berserker). It meant he was bread for battle and would be restless until he tasted the blood of his enemies. And all he got for it in return were nightmares and a testy attitude.

Sigurd turned on the lights in his bathroom and started a shower. He removed his sweat soaked shirt and bottoms and caught his image in the mirror.

No longer did he have the boyish charm he’d gone to war with. Instead a hardened warrior looked back at him. His dark brown hair stuck to his forehead and neck from sweat and his blue eyes were dark. A jagged scar ran from bellow his right eye down to his lip making a handsome face look harsh a cruel. He sighed heavily and got under the scalding water.

A loud knock came at the bathroom door and startled him briefly.

“What?” He barked out in a gruff voice that didn’t sound like his.

“Sorry to disturb you Alpha but your guests are arriving and your mother wanted to make sure you were up” The soft mousey voice of one of the Omegas that worked in the pack house came through the big door.

“It’s alright. Tell my mother I’ll be down shortly.” He softened his tone so as not to frighten her.

“Thank you sir” He heard the door to his room close and he shut the water off and wrapped a towel around his waist.

After putting on a tight black tshirt and matching jeans he decided against going back into the bathroom to dry his hair. Air drying would be best.

As he left his bedroom suite on the top floor of the four story mansion he could sense the staff busy at work on the floors below preparing the guest rooms for the visiting Packs and Elders. He went to the elevator that would take him down to the main floor where his mother would no doubt be bossing the Omegas around.

Since his father had passed three years ago she found little joy in anything except bossing the staff about. It made his life easier as it was one less thing he had to worry about but it became annoying very quickly when she bored of them and turned her sights on him.

Sure enough as the elevator dinged and the doors opened his mother stood before him in all her chaotic glory. Her long blond hair was pinned up in a tight bun pulling her skin taught at the temples. It gave her an almost sinister look. Her blue eyes were like his but bright and shiny as she ordered a small female Omega carrying a gold tray about.

“Good Morning, Mother.” He kissed the top of her head as he passed by on the way to the kitchen.

“Sigurd where are you going you need to start preparing for our guests.” She followed and the click clacking of her steletto heals started a pounding in his temples.

“To eat, Mother. And then to get as far away from this as possible.” He snagged a freshly baked croissant from the counter and headed for the back door. His mother started yelling something about how his Father had done things but he ignored her griping as he opened the back door.

The smell of damp earth and pine trees hit him hard as he stepped out into the well manicured back yard. The pack territory was nestled into the side of a mountain with a glacial lake not far from the pack house.

His father had built it far enough from humans that it wouldn’t be an issue but large enough that it could be its own city. Each pack member had their own cottage, some larger than others to accommodate large families, and just bellow that was a bustling city center with a grocery store, clothing shops, and a few small restaurants. And at the top overlooking it all sat the Pack house which resembled a castle.

“Taking in the view?” Sigurd turned to find his Beta, Jason, leaning against the trunk of a large pine.

“More like escaping the mayhem.” Sigurd snorted as he stuffed the last bite of crossiant into his mouth.

“Are you sure your ready for this meeting?” Jason pushed a hand through his thick black hair. His grey eyes scanned the grounds.

“I don’t have much choice. My Mother and the Elders have been nagging me to have the meeting here. If I didn’t say yes they would have revolted.” Sigurd crossed his arms over his chest.

“You do realize this is only so they can push all the eligible high ranking she-wolves at you.” Jason poked him and his eyes were playful.

“I am very much aware. I don’t plan on choosing anyone though. I’m perfectly content with never finding a mate.” Sigurd sighed heavily. He didn’t want to saddle some unsuspecting she-wolf with all his baggage.

“Really? I can’t imagine life without Mona.” Jason’s eyes lit up as he spoke about his Mate.

“I’m happy you have your Mate. Mona is amazing. But not everyone can find their perfect Mate.” Sigurd nudged him with his elbow. Jason playfully swatted him away and Sigurd put him in a head lock.

As they made there way to the front of the mansion a loud horn blared and they both shot to attention. The gates to the territory were opening. The other packs had arrived.

“Show time” Sigurd grumbled under his breath and he watched the first car drive up the sloping driveway.