My Little Mate: The White Wolf

CHAPTER THREE

TODD'S POV

The morning sun cast a warm golden glow into the window's blinds, signaling the beginning of a new dawn. The three days of preparation went so quickly. My once quiet pack turned so busy that it was the center of the market. I stood up and prepared quickly for the perilous journey ahead.

"Gather the pack members to the heart of the pack to be addressed." I mind-linked Joel as I headed there myself.

By the time I got there, the pack members were already assembled. I felt the urge to speak to them and expatiate the pressing need for this trip. My gaze of comfort swept through the members of my loyal pack. Their eyes were filled with anticipation but also uncertainty. I stood on the podium at the heart of the pack, radiating authority and determination.

This calmed my pack members and with conviction in my voice, I said "My people, I want you all to understand the importance of this mission. Yes, entering into the territory of our greatest rivalry carries a lot of risks. However, the future of our great pack depends on the outcome of this visit. As I said some days ago, we are embarking on this journey to seek assistance from Rseundo Cove Pack to hone their best trackers' skills to combat the existing rogue threat."

I stopped talking, satisfied as I felt the uncertainty reduce through the mind link.

"Joel will handle all pack affairs till I'm back. Please observe the curfew and don't go for runs outside the pack's territory."

On saying this, I dismissed everyone. I mind-linked Joel to make sure all last-minute preparations had been set in motion. Our supplies had been gathered, weapons sharpened, clothing and other essentials packed too. The group of fierce warriors and other volunteers gathered near the outskirts of our territory.

The convoy of cars to take us was ready. I took one last at my cherished pack house and I sighed. The realization that I wouldn't see this place for some time made me sick in my belly. I set the thoughts aside, for what had to be done, had to be done.

"Get in the cars in this order. The first should be filled with warriors, and the second; volunteers. The third and middle ones will be occupied by Eric and me. The two last cars should be mixed up with warriors and the remaining volunteers. Don't let your guard down." I ordered. Eric was the Gamma of my pack; the third in command in the hierarchy of my pack.

We then set off for the journey. The journey was to test us on our physical endurance and the strength of our bond as a pack. As werewolves, it was hard to stay in an enclosed space for a very long time. I felt so uneasy and I was sure that my pack members felt the same way. The journey was a long one. Our paths crossed the dense forests, valleys, and crooked mountains.

Finally, the scent of unknown wolves hit my nose. This was an indication that we were very close to the Rseundo Cove Pack. My wolf, James purred inside me, he had been so restless since the drive. I needed to leave the car and unwind.

"I want to go for a run, I'll be following the cars behind," I told Eric. I mind-linked the rest of my pack members.

With this, I got out of the car and stretched out my body. This was one hell of a journey. I shifted to my wolf, allowing James to take control. He stretched too and started following the cars. With each stride, my muscles rippled, releasing the tension that had been building inside me. The breeze whipped through my furs making my nerves relax.

We finally reached the territory. We were welcomed by Charles, the Gamma of the Rseundo Cove Pack, and some of their pack warriors. They led us to a hall where something like a banquet was being held. For the moon's sake, this was not a ceremony but an urgent matter. Why was I surprised though? It was a typical thing, the egoistic Alpha of this pack was capable of doing.

Our arrival into the hall didn't go unnoticed. The apprehension in the air was so obvious. To ease it off, I approached Alpha Xavier with humility and respect. His gaze softened and I saw a glint of understanding pass through his eyes. He probably saw the sincerity in my eyes and the urgency needed for the visit. He extended his hand, signifying an alliance.

Just as I was speaking, I sniffed the air. What was that alluring scent? The captivating scent floated in the air, its fragrance like floral notes of wildflowers screaming femininity. My nose followed the scent and it found a lovestruck teenager coming out of one door. Her freckles had to be a striking feature. I fell in love with her innocence immediately. Alpha Xavier opened his mouth to say something but James gained control of my mind and interrupted him subconsciously as I growled "Mate!".

JANICE POV

My father was the first to break the silence. He turned to Alpha Xavier and Alpha Todd who claimed I was his mate. "There has to be a mistake here." My father growled in anger.

This caused Alpha Todd to leer angrily at my father." I don't make mistakes. She is my mate." Was he joking? Who doesn't make mistakes? I do, for sure.

" She is still a minor, just fifteen years of age. She hasn't even shifted yet." My father argued further. I saw the effect this statement had on him. He glanced over at me, analyzing me carefully as if he were trying to grasp what my father was saying.

He finally addressed me, his baritone voice causing tingly little feelings inside me.

" f**k, how old are you?". Now the whole attention was on me.

I couldn't get myself to talk. My mom, who had been silent, cleared her throat and decided to answer the question meant for me.

"She is fifteen. She doesn't have a wolf yet. She is not your mate." She snapped.

"She isn't even fit to be a Luna." My father added bitterly.

This made Alpha Todd, my supposed mate, approach my dad closer. "Repeat that statement ." He growled.

The Alpha of my pack Xavier, understanding the tension that was building up in this hall, dismissed the other pack members. It was just my parents, siblings, and the Alphas and their cabinet.

"To be honest, Todd. You're old enough to be this young girl's father. You're thirty-five, right ?" Alpha Xavier said finally.

This statement caused my father to smirk. I felt like slapping the smirk off his face. What kind of father doesn't want his daughter's happiness?

I turned to look at my mate. Suddenly he looked old, running his hands through his hair, looking so stressed. He looked like a hundred thoughts were going through his head.

"I see your point now." He said, breaking the silence

If I said I was beyond shocked, then it was still an understatement. His Gamma looked at me with pity. I'm tired of people looking at me with that emotion dancing in their eyes. I blanked myself out of their discussion. I didn't even know how to take this whole situation. I hadn't shifted yet so I couldn't feel the mate bond yet. What I was so sure of, was the strong attachment I already had got this fella. I couldn't even pinpoint the whole situation.

I thought Mates were meant to be the missing pieces to fix the puzzle and complete their partner in every way. The supposed other half of my soul. I was taught that the pull between mates was discernible and magnetic. So why does my age have to be a problem now? Were they all saying that the Moon goddess was wrong?

You can say I'm delusional. I don't like the mating process but I still wanted my mate. I felt my mate would be my last shot for my rebirth. My heart shattered at the thought of losing my last opportunity for a better life. A life outside this pack where I could unleash my hidden potential.

" You might be right, this could be a mistake. " My mate's voice brought me back to reality. Looking at me again, he added, " She is quite young to be my mate."

"You don't make mistakes with bonds, bro. She is your mate." His Gamma tried convincing him. A ray of light.

" Then I'll have to reject her but she doesn't even have her wolf yet." He argued back.

At this, the ray of light was put off and my hope was smashed. I couldn't bear being in the same room with him. As I turned towards the door to leave, he held me back.

"Please stay." The butterflies I felt made me forget the present situation and I wanted to just lay in his arms forever.

One look at his eyes which were mixed with confusion, pity, regret, and indecisiveness pulled me from my illusion. I stormed out of the hall, making sure to bang the door.