The Contract (My Perfect Mate Continued)

The Day After

Now that the ceremony had wrapped, it was party time. As happy as I was for my family, I found myself alone most of the evening. Bryce had disappeared again, shortly after Nora found her mate. Mom and dad were mingling with the other high-born couples. I had gotten myself another drink and continued to people watch. After a while, it became too stifling again. I was in desperate need of a change of scenery. I gulped down the rest of my drink and headed for the back door.

I didn't quite know where I was heading. I just kept wondering until I felt like stopping. I found myself just past the tree line and sat down on a nearby log. It was much quieter out here, I had more room to breathe and to think. I buried my face in my hands and hunched over slightly. I took a couple of deep breaths of cold air and tried to gather my thoughts. I hadn't realized it at the time, but I had tipped back at least 10 drinks, and was beginning to feel a bit fuzzy.

It was too late for a run and I debated on calling it a night. Although, it was bad form for the Alpha to retire first. Maybe another couple of minutes would do me some good. I heard the music getting turned up louder in the distance, it seemed like the party was just beginning. I smiled to myself at all the joy that I was currently missing out on. I wasn't much for dancing anyway. I pushed myself up off of the log that I had been perched on for so long and strolled back to the house, not particularly in a hurry.

When I was about 20 or 30 yards out, I felt my body begin to buzz, but it quickly faded. Again, I brushed it off and continued on. I was met with a delightful surprise to find my mother drunk and hanging onto my father for dear life. They were cracking up about something, but that was their entire relationship. My parents were so well suited to each other and their goofiness was contagious. At that moment, I longed for a bond like that, but a rock quickly formed in my stomach when I realized that I may never get that chance.

Suddenly, I didn't feel like partying anymore. My feet were carrying me towards the patio doors to head inside. Maybe I will get a chance to look at those contracts after all.

******

It was no surprise when I was the first one in the training ring the next morning. I had a slight feeling that I would be the only one to show up to training today. I tried to link up with several of the men on the guard but none of them answered. I shook my head and smiled as I stretched out my muscles. I felt my back crack in several different places, I tossed and turned the whole night and didn't get much sleep at all. I decided that I was going to do a warm-up and let Apollo out for a while. I ran the course a few times before heading into the trees.

Apollo stretched out his front paws playfully before taking us out on the open road. I quite enjoyed taking a back seat and letting Apollo be in control. I spaced out and felt the air rushing through his fur. I almost didn't hear the sound of thundering footsteps coming towards me. I thought it was too late to stop, but I dug in my heals anyway. Dirt and leaves stirred up under my feet as I skidded to a stop. The smaller wolf coming towards me was struggling to stop as well. I stood taller and made my muscles go rigid to brace for impact.

We hit hard enough to send us both flying backwards. The other wolf was small, but I could tell that she was all muscle. You can always tell the difference between male and female wolves. Females tend to be smaller and quicker on their feet. They are fast and agile with their defenses and strikes.

I watched her shake off the impact and regain her wits. I saw her eyes get wide, and she instantly lowered herself down to the ground. I took a step forward and placed my forehead against hers.

I apologize. Apparently, I just can't stop bumping into you.

She slowly rose up from the ground but bowed her head.

It is me that needs to apologize. I didn't think that anyone else would be this far out. I guess I was just lost in the beauty of the region.

It's really okay, I think that we can both admit fault and move on with our day.

I heard her internally laugh and I smiled at her. At least she thinks I'm funny. I wanted to continue on with our conversation, but my father popped into my head next.

Hey Andy, can you head up to my office?

Why does this always happen? I feel like I constantly get interrupted. Another plague of being Alpha. I feel like I'm always being pulled in every direction. I turned my attention back towards the she-wolf.

I cannot believe this, but I have to go.

Let it be known that this is the second time you've done this to me.

She flicked her tail in my face before sprinting away in the opposite direction. I shook my head and answered my dad.

On my way.

I was a little less frayed this time around. Now that the bombshell had already been dropped, I was less anxious about walking into father's office.

"You wanted to see me?" I walked directly over to the chair across from his desk. Dad definitely seemed to be in a chipper mood than yesterday.

"Yes, I just wanted to touch base for the rest of the week." He took a brief pause while he examined the schedule in front of him. "Today will be light, I think everyone is still recovering from last night. We do have that meeting this afternoon with... Alpha Robert and Thea." His voice dropped a bit at the last part. He cleared his throat, "Tomorrow will be the farewell breakfast, and I'm hoping that the dust will settle by then, it just depends on how today's meeting goes." We both took a moment to feel the weight of the situation. "Then we have a final meeting with the entire region on Monday morning."

I nodded as dad continued down the list, "Tuesday we will be visiting the group home. Hopefully, everything will be in order, so we can bring those kids home."

I know that the last bit was a reminder for me to ensure all the proper paperwork was taken care of. "Understood. I'm almost done. I planned to do the rest yesterday, but mom advised against it."

Dad smiled and shook his head, "Yeah, I can imagine her wanting you to finally take a break."

I c****d my eyebrow at dad, that was a loaded statement. "What do you mean by that?"

Dad slowly stood from where he sat and walked around to the front of his desk. He sighed before speaking his peace. "Andy, you are an outstanding Alpha, but you sometimes take your work too seriously. I admire your work ethic, just don't get lost in your office. A huge part of running a pack is getting out there and seeing how it runs first hand. Don't be consumed by the mountain of paperwork that can pile up. You have to learn to lean on Bryce a bit more. It's part of his job."

I nodded my head and pursed my lips, he was right. It has only been six months and I miss the world outside of my office. "Noted." I said with a smile.

"Now, I'm starving. What do you say we head downstairs and spend some time with the family?"

Dad led the way after slapping my shoulder as he passed.