Surviving My Fate

Chapter Twenty-one Ian’s Beta

The next morning rolls by Carter still having not made an appearance. It’s already going on noon according to the clock on the microwave. Alex had insisted snacks were essential so here I am scrounging in the kitchen for the ultimate snack. We had woken up early quickly deciding against ditching our pajamas for the day instead we’d been having a pajama party in the living room. We started with building forts and having a massive pillow fight that had us laughing until our sides hurt. All of which has now turned into movie time. Opening another cabinet I find a bag of cheese puffs. I rip them open dumping the entire contents into a large bowl. I make my way back to the living room plopping down next to Alex on the blanket pallet inside our fort. He instantly grabs a cheese puff in both hands chomping away “yummy.” Reaching over I press play on the remote and the paw patrol theme song erupts from the speakers. “Paw patrol we’ll be there on the double” Alex sings along freely, happily, and infectiously, bringing a smile to my face. He’s watching the movie but I’m watching him, my heart is full of love and adoration for the tiny human I created.

***

Ian’s POV

I’m lost deep in my thoughts while scrounging through the unclaimed land that lies between the pack territories. Ivan runs free in our wolf form as we search for more rogues.

It’s been surprisingly easier to find rogues than I had originally thought it would be. Most of them are like Isaiah and I, living amongst the humans and staying away from the packs. Their scent always gives them away though.

In the last week and a half, I’d already had the pleasure of challenging and beating all of the rogues who had chosen to settle close by. Not all had wished to join my rogue pack but many did not wanting their lives to end so abruptly. Ivan relished in the few who declined our offer ripping their throats out without a second thought.

Now that I had recruited many the area I am traveling to find them is widening daily. It’s moving me further from Wyoming and my pup.

Despite that, the pack is coming along nicely. All together I have had seventeen rogues join in my ranks. They are not all strong but that’s okay they are merely pawns in this game. Simply there as a distraction, so I can get what I am after.

With the current progress in another two weeks, I hope to double the forces in my army. Then I can finally begin preparing for my attack on Silver Crest.

Don’t worry Alex Daddy’s coming for you.

I’m brought back to the present when Ivan picks up the trail of a rogue darting in a different direction. He enjoys the hunt quickly tracking down the rogue who is hunting a deer. We watch as it takes down its prey unaware that it is ours. The brown wolf is ripping into the stomach of the animal with its sharp teeth. The rogue is mangy, the matted fur slicked over its wiry frame. His muscles bulge even in his weakened state. He’s already proving to have more fight in him than the others. We edge closer allowing him to catch our scent and he spins around snarling. The brown wolf is immediately on the offensive preparing to attack. “I like this one” Ivan comments pushing his alpha aura out. The rogue wolf pauses before shaking his head.

He lunges.

Ivan dodges impressed by his ability to brush our power off, none of the others had. Most of those we have encountered surrendered too scared to fight. The brown wolf doesn’t stop there as he leaps into the air teeth barred. Ivan meets his attack knocking him to the ground forcefully. Our large paw slams into the wolf's chest pushing down with all our weight until his bones creak. His claws go to work scratching at our legs and underbelly as he struggles to free himself and get up. Twisting harshly he slips from our grasp sinking his teeth into our side. “Enough with the games” Ivan roars through our mind snapping his head back and driving his canines into the rogue's throat.

We could kill him in a heartbeat.

When we don’t end his life the wolf shifts into a tanned man with dark hair and eyes much like our twins. Ivan gives up control and I return to my human form releasing my teeth from his neck.

“What do you want?” He questions.

“You.”

His brow raises so I continue. “I’m creating a rogue army, I need allies. If you join me you will live. If you don’t I will kill you now. The choice is yours.”

“Not much of a choice.” He spits.

“I never said it was but it’s the only choice you have.” A smirk crosses my features, we did enjoy this bargaining.

“Fine. I’ll join you on one condition.” His own lips curl, I’m not going to like his condition.

“What is it?”

“I want to be your beta.”

I laugh, he what?

He may have been the strongest maybe the most skilled that I have fought but he is far from being strong.

“I was the beta of my old pack. Exiled when I failed to protect the Luna during an attack. She lost her unborn child. I may not be what I used to be” his eyes flash at the memory of his lost self. “I am a beta,” he says with more determination.

Fuck it.

He can lead the rogues all I need is someone willing to fight this battle.

I stand up releasing the hold I’d had on him. Once I’m off of him I extend my blood-covered hand.

My wounds had mostly healed the bleeding having stopped completely the only evidence of the attack is the blood smearing around small scratch marks marring my otherwise smooth skin. His bite still bled slowly healing faster than an average omega even in his weakened state.

“Deal,” I say as he takes my hand and I pull him to his feet.

The trek back to Wyoming will take half the day giving me plenty of time to learn more about my new beta.

“What’s your name?”

“Kyle.”

“I’m Ian.”

***

Kyle has been roaming for six months without siting another rogue so much for searching that direction.

We make it back to town late in the evening. Walking into the bar I see Ashley slung over a few of the men. She’s been using her skills of seduction to convince them to do her bidding.

The little minx is going to be the death of me.