1: Mate?
1238 Words
Ridgewood Pack: Post War
“You'll lose your throne.”
Alpha Luca Ridgewood muffled on his deathbed.
“Father,” Cooper sighed. “There has to be a way out…”
His father shook his head. His face was sweaty, dried parched quivered.
“Without your mate-” he refrained from coughing heavily. “You'll be boycotted.” He paused to catch his breath. “Seven days, that's all you've got, son.”
Cooper faked a smile, one that mirrored his pain and anger. Before he would be crowned alpha, he needed to present his Luna to the pack's council. It was a damn tradition put in place for small packs like his when big ones barely followed the rule. He had no idea his father would relinquish the throne so soon.
There was a soft knock on the door. It opened to reveal the guard on duty, with a trolley of food and drugs.
Cooper was about to leave when his father gripped his hand. His father's condition worsened after their pack got attacked by Alpha Maximus, one of the most powerful Alphas, and leader of Khaos pack. Their packs had a bad history and Maximus wasn't one to easily forgive.
“And son…” His breathing was labored. “Grandkids. Can I feel your pups before I die?”
Cooper shut his eyes, shaking off the bitter feeling. “You won't die father,” he squeezed the old man's hand. “At least, not now… Not before I bring Maximus on his knees.”
He remained still for a minute before walking out.
Ryder, the acting Beta, followed behind. He was in his late forties. His father had also served the pack house before his demise. “You have a meeting…”
“Cancel.” Cooper interrupted with a cold voice. "What's the need when my pack is a mess?"
"To help strategize," Ryder responded calmly. "You know we're not a good match for Alpha Maximus..."
"You know nothing." Cooper bit angrily.
Maximus has made it to the top list of Cooper's arch-enemies, and his pride wouldn't allow him to admit how dangerous Maximus was. First, his pack was too small for the bloody revenge and then his soldiers were no match.
“How is the pack in general?” He changed the topic His jaws still clenched in fury.
Ryder cleared his throat. “Chaotic. Many dead, more injured… The campground where the survivors are housed is in a terrible state.”
He frowned. “I won't be surprised if they hate me.”
"It's not your fault. It was an unexpected attack and we never stood a chance." He stopped abruptly when he noticed Cooper was pissed.
"Change of plan. I need to focus on my people. I need to regain their trust.”
Ryder nodded.
They drove to the campground in silence. Cooper looked outside the window. The sight of his ruined pack brought fresh rage to his soul.
'Maximus,' he groaned in his head and sneered. 'I'll kill you and dangle your head before the entire pack.'
The car pulled into a curb, and they climbed down. Cooper led the way into the campground.
“HELP!”
The shrill cry of a boy alarmed everyone.
He was beside a granny, who grasped her throat with pale knuckles.
Cooper rushed in the direction. He knew a bit about administering first aid. Suddenly, a petite lady zoomed past him, almost knocking him out.
“Excuse me… Make a way!”
The young lady in a simple black dress. Her small hands motioned for the crowd to part, and oddly, they obeyed.
“Please, stay calm. The doctor is coming, but I might be of help.” She squatted in front of the granny. “I'll try to dislodge it. Ready?”
The granny managed a nod.
Settling her petite body behind the granny, she wrapped her small hands around her waist and gave a quick upward thrust. Then slammed her back in a fierce blow.
Relieved, the granny coughed and took deep breaths.
The crowd cheered.
“The young lady… Who is she?”
Cooper leaned closer to Ryder. “Sage Draco.” He suppressed a smile. “She's an orphan and has a fine pumpkin farm that was destroyed in the attack. Also, she spends most of her time doing charity.”
Cooper's lips twitched, and his warm gaze followed Sage as she bounced out of the camp, barely paying him attention.
“Follow her; I need every detail… to- to help.” He shrugged.
“Yes, sir.” He hid a smile.
*** ***
Cooper stood on his terrace, glass in hand as he swirled the brown liquor and absent-mindedly watched the pitiful state of his pack; the thick scent of blood and death… echoes of grief. A heap of bricks and glasses were the remnants of their once fine buildings.
“Is now a good time?”
He heard Ryder's voice from behind but didn't turn.
“A surrogate Luna,” he said instead. “What do you think about it?”
Realizing the topic was delicate, Ryder stepped down and shut the door with a soft click.
“I only have three days left till my coronation.” He sipped. “While I await my fated mate, I need to secure my throne.”
There was a short pause between them.
"Fair," Ryder finally responded. "Although I doubt every member of the council will oblige."
"They'll have no choice when I present a lady," he scoffed. "Besides, who's going to tell?"
He slightly turned to face Ryder, who ducked his head. Satisfied that his secret was safe with him, he looked ahead. "But there's just one problem, I need a perfect surrogate."
“I found her.” Ryder broke the icy silence. “Sage.”
Cooper's broad muscles flexed in his night robe. He slowly faced Ryder, while he kept a straight face. The attack had forced people to relocate, so it was hard to find her new home.
"Then we have a solution." He chuckled and sipped. "Don't you think?" He noticed Ryder's hesitation. "Speak."
“She is an omega.”
For a pack like his, he needed an equally strong Luna, not a potential liability.
“Hmm," he sucked in cool air. "It wouldn't matter if our deal is contractual.” He set down his glass. "She's the pack's angel and the right Luna to help me during this crisis."
“You're right." Ryder concurred. "Today, she received many gifts at the campground for her birthday. I think she'd equally help you win the people's hearts."
Amusement flashed through his pretty blue eyes.
“Well then, let's go.”
Ryder stuttered and looked around. “It's late…”
“And you're driving.” He dumped the key in Ryder's bosom and led the way.
Silently grumbling, he had no option but to follow. After a long day on his feet, he could use some rest.
They got to Sage's house shorter than expected as there was no traffic. Ryder angrily knocked on the door. About to repeat, it opened. Sage was standing before him in a skimpy night dress.
Cooper gently nudged Ryder aside. His eyes popped out as he admired the pack's angel.
“Miss Sage…”
Oddly, he stopped. There was a strong battle for dominance in his head. His wolf growled, feral, possessive.
‘MATE!!!’
- Writer
