Alpha's

Bittersweet

Young girls were being auctioned off. It was like the slave trade only now the flesh for sale was of any colour. Jacob's stomach turned.

Image after image of girls and young women being subjected to humiliation and torture. Then it clicked, some of these girls were unmated femmes. The recent spate of kidnappings in the State had included young unmated werewolves.

There was the remote danger of any one of these young werewolves suddenly going into True Nature and shifting. That thought made Jacob uncomfortable. While it was an accepted fact that werewolves existed there were individuals who were keen to prove the dangers of co-existence.

One of the things the children of his pack were taught early was how to control True Nature. He honestly hoped that if any of his girls were kidn*pped they would do anything including allow True Nature to take over in full. He was willing to take responsibility for the full extent of the damages, if any.

He'd rather have that than lose a pack member to s*****y. He sighed. These pictures proved that something was about to be done about the problem.

He flipped past the last picture and found a request from The Council of Councils requesting specific warriors and trackers. He rapidly went through the names knowing Jerome's name would be amongst them. He found his son's name second to last on the list of 15 from his pack.

Jacob looked up at Esme, his wife of nearly 30 years. She had been silently watching him and reading his thoughts. She smiled sadly.

Jacob sighed. Much as she denied it Jerome was Esme's favourite child. Jerome was also her last born.

Jacob held his arms open for her and enjoyed the added calm of having her in his arms and on his lap. It was a feeling that never grew old. Her silence meant she was deep in thought.

Jacob looked at the letter from The Council of Councils yet again. Their logo was simple; a circle with a balanced scale at it's center. Both the circle and scale were gilded as well as embossed.

The simplicity of the logo hid the power of the council. The Council of Councils comprised of the wise ones of all kinds. Every kind was represented in the council, even humankind.

It was a revered membership and it was rumoured that the Gods and Goddesses of each kind personally chose the representatives. Some members were very well known and others only suspected. Of course, the Council of Councils only acted when there was a matter that threatened all kind.

For other matters, each council was allowed to adjudicate the appropriate action or actions needed. That's what made this letter hard to refuse. What he didn't understand was why Jerome, as untrained as he was, would be on the list. Especially when he was set to go for training very shortly.

Certainly, Jerome was future Alpha. That had been evident from his birth. Even that had surprised Jacob.

He'd held the baby in his arms and felt a rise in his own power. Unlike many other Alphas there was no tug of war, just a gentle surge. The boy's eyes had held his and when Jacob had smiled and said, "Welcome Alpha," the boy had closed his eyes and placed his head over his father's heart.

Since that day Jacob had experienced more power and energy despite the challenges that had been thrown his way. And there had been many. Jacob had been careful to keep his increase in power to himself.

Jacob's thoughts went back to his son. Jerome, though very well trained for his age despite his academic accomplishments, had more training to do. Every year, for two months of his summer vacation Jerome attended a warrior camp.

Jacob recalled the first time he had sent a 7 year old Jerome to camp. Esme had been in tears. Jerome was nervous. Until that moment Jerome had only trained under his father's supervision and the boy had told his father he did not want to be an embarrassment.

When his boy came back he was quieter and put more time to train every week no matter his academic schedule. Esme had mourned the loss of her baby. Jacob had spent more time with him, even if all they did was sit in silence as each did his own work.

Eventually the boy talked. Jacob cradled his wife a little closer. She'd fallen asleep in his arms. His mind went back to the memory.

Jerome had been mocked and ridiculed at the camp. He hadn't done well at all in his first fight. He'd gotten stellar marks for his tactical planning which had won his team's victory but that had been it. When Jacob asked why Jerome lost Jerome's answer had brought a smile to his father's face,  "I fight to gain skill. I won't improve if I'm beating everyone. If I lose, I can learn more."

Jacob signed off on the request from the Council of Councils. He wondered how this would all work out. He knew Jerome wanted to protect Gaby more than anything.

Smiling he recalled how his boy had marked Gaby as if it were not a big deal. To his credit the marking was virtually painless and lustless. This had two major benefits: they did not have to complete the mating bond until she came of age and both of them had no lust to battle.

To say that he was proud of his son was an understatement. Jacob had watched with interest as Jerome had trained with Gaby over the past few weeks. When Gaby had brought one of the runts to train with them Jerome had been proud of her. Jacob had felt the boy's power increase.

Initially, Jerome had scowled and then Gaby had spoken to the runt telling him what a privilege it was to be trained by the future Alpha. She'd also told the runt that it was up to them to prove his investment of time was indeed worth it. At that very moment, power radiated from Jerome like never before. Jacob had watched fascinated and had felt unthreatened.

It was fabled in the books of old that true mates gave one an increase of power and that unlocked greater ability. Jacob had felt it after mating with his wife and whenever she had stood by him before and after then. The fact that both Jerome and Gaby were pure at heart and in body probably contributed to the fact that they could flow power to one another so easily.

Bringing his attention back to the present Jacob put the request from the Council of Councils into a new envelope that had his seal and called for a trusted runner to deliver the communication. The importance of the matter required a prompt and direct response. He called in his Beta.

His Beta strode into the office with the unassuming power of Second-in-Command. He smiled seeing his Luna fast asleep in his Alpha's arms before nodding to his Alpha. He cleared his throat.

"You called, Sir?"

Jacob nodded, "I want this list of young men called before me before tomorrow's training session." He handed  the list of names over.

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Jerome watched the runt fight with Gaby. He tried not to be partial as his girl bested the young man, again. He was so proud of her.

The runt pulled a dirty move grabbing for her breast. Jerome stepped forward. Gaby's eyes narrowed and she side-stepped her opponent and punched him in the face.

Jerome's stance relaxed and he smiled. Pride resonated from him. He stopped the training.

"Ow, that really hurt!"

"Man up Ryan, you were about to grab my boob. My mate will not tolerate anyone touching what's his."

Ryan frowned, "Aren't you a bit young for all that?"

"Exactly, if my mate isn't trying to jump my bones then who the hell are you to touch what he's respectfully leaving for the right time?" Gaby snapped.

"He's probably scared of you. I'd hit that anyway since the Goddess provided." Ryan mumbled under his breath.

"Ryan, knock it off. Women,  young women and girls are to be respected and not treated as s****l objects. Try and touch her again and I'll fight you for her honour. She's under my care." Jerome growled.

Gaby stuck her tongue out at Ryan. Ryan scowled. "Why do you care? Doesn't her mate get mad at you for touching her?"

Jerome smiled, "I think her mate is smart enough to know that anything I do with Gabriella is for her well-being."

"Is that why you get a b***r for her every time you watch her when you think she isn't looking at you?"

Jerome frowned. "You can't tell the difference between respect and care for a femme and lust. How would you feel if the Alpha was all over your mate?"

Ryan rolled his eyes, "Obviously I'd be mad."

"Right, do you think as a future Alpha I really want to endanger my mate?" Jerome asked patiently. Part of him was irritated that anyone dared to question his intentions towards his own mate.

Ryan frowned, he knew that Jerome had more than just friendly feelings towards Gaby. Gaby had a huge crush on Jerome. She'd read all his articles, essays and research papers.

Ryan knew she thought he was a genius even though she disagreed with some of his research findings. Gaby never once spoke to Jerome about it during training she pretended as if she was his little sister. Ryan huffed, he couldn't believe they were both in denial.

"No, you would not endanger your mate."

"Exactly. Do not question me where my mate is concerned." Jerome gave him a stern look.

Ryan felt the authority and bowed his head. He felt proud of his future Alpha. Now to get him to loosen up and get him some loving.

Jerome  saw Ryan grin mischievously and wondered what the boy was plotting now. For a runt he was reckless and had very little fear. At times Jerome did not know whether that was a good or a bad thing.

Jerome had suspected he was in the middle of a love triangle where he loved Gaby and Gaby liked Ryan and Ryan adored Gaby. He had decided to let her have relationships. That was so that when he was able to claim her fully she would have no regrets.

It had been one of the toughest decisions he'd made. He'd been upset because Gaby kept talking about Ryan and how cute he was and how she wanted to protect him. It had driven him nearly berserk.

In the end he'd told her to ask Ryan out and she'd looked at him as if he'd grown another head. She'd given him such a disapproving look Jerome had felt his heart skip. She couldn't possibly know, could she?

The possibility of her knowing alarmed him. He was unsure of his control if she decided to act on the bond. His dreams were a clear indication of what could happen. He knew he'd never forgive himself if he took advantage of her.

He'd been relieved and amused when she spoke to him slowly and quite condescending about how she merely was concerned about Ryan's survival. She then stated very plainly the entire pack was her concern. And Jerome felt uneasy all over again.

He was damn proud of her but he doubted she knew the significance of her words to him. It was an odd predicament, she did and said things that elicited primal feelings in him. Had she been of age he would have kissed her.

Instead, he looked at her in awe and told her she was amazing. He had decided that the best he could do was show her that he valued her. He forced his actions to be platonic no matter how tempting it was to show her affection.

She was truly an extraordinary femme and he felt honoured to have her as his. Most of the time he could reel in his errant thoughts but sometimes especially when he was half awake and she came in to clean his room as was her duty it was really hard. His father had thought that it was fair exchange for the training lessons. 

Jerome had thought so too until he realized that having her so close was like starving and not being able to touch the food in front of you. It wasn't all the time, just some days when he woke up from a mouth watering dream and then the object of his sinful dream walked in. Those mornings he greeted her then went out for a run. 

Normally, by the time he got back she was almost done and he could just jump in the shower and get ready for the day. Other days his body confused him because her scent was everywhere and he would find himself inhaling her scent on his pillows. Some days it calmed his nature. Other days...

On those days somehow she'd always come back and ask him if he was okay. He'd given up lying to her because on those days she'd hug him for a really long time. While he tried not to make it obvious he inhaled her scent and  gently held her until his True Nature calmed down. 

Then she would let go and tell him everything would be okay. Her smile was genuine and he would smile back and feel a lot better. He'd thank her for being his best friend and she would give him a sad smile and then disappear as quickly as she came.

His favourite moment was one day when he came back from a run and found her in one of his shirts. True Nature had begged to claim her fully and do the things in his dreams. She'd looked like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. 

"What are you doing?" He asked amused though in True Nature.

"I-, I-, I'm sorry Alpha Jerome, I was curious to see just how much bigger than me you are and..." Her voice trailed off in utter embarrassment.

"Okay, now you know." He responded slowly, still very much in True Nature. He stayed still knowing he wasn't thinking straight. She shook in fear. That angered him and he could tell that she felt the anger.

"I promise not-"

"It's fine. Just finish up and go." He walked into his bathroom shutting the door and locking it to keep himself from going back out. 

He had heard her groan and fall back on his bed. He could practically see her. Well, his imagination supplied the image. He kept telling himself she was a child and so was he, in terms of Alpha-dom.

He'd showered and left the bathroom wrapped in a towel only to find her asleep on his bed. He'd walked into his closet, locked the door and gotten dressed. When he came out she had his pillow hugged to her. His imagination had imagined her much older and he'd felt a rush of possessiveness. When she grew up...things would change. The plus of going to camp was that she'd be in his room so when he came back it would smell of her.

He imagined her falling asleep in his room a lot and the thought warmed his heart. She felt safe in his room. He loved that. He could wait.