The Alpha and His Hunter Mate

2• Marked

Aiden's POV

The door to my study creaks open and I know by the scent who it is.

“What happened to knocking before you enter?” I ask, not lifting my head from the blueprint I'm studying.

Footsteps stroll into the office, then he knocks on the top of my desk.

“Alpha, may I come in?” He asks.

I lift my head from the blueprints, turning my attention to my beta. “No, you may not.”

He smirks and slumps into one of the guest seats opposite me. “I suppose I should also seek permission to sit here.”

“Yes. You should.”

He grins mischievously. “My bad. I didn't realize.”

His set of perfect white teeth are on display.

It's the same smile he's had since we were boys.

Same smile he gives when we were caught stealing from the pack's kitchen to escape punishment.

That spellbinding smile able to melt the hardest of hearts.

I roll my eyes at him, shaking my head.

“Why are you here, Raymond?”

“To distract you. You work too much.”

“I'm Alpha. That's what alpha's do.”

“And they forget to live?” He raises a brow.

“You are a young boy. I don't expect you to understand the duties of an alpha.”

Raymond barks out a laugh, taking no offense to my snide remark.

“Since when did you get yourself such a good sense of humor?” His tone is light and mocking.

I shake my head resignedly. “It's no use trying to help you grow.”

Raymond grins. “And be like you? I'll pass.”

“Are you done with the task I gave you?” I ask, stirring the conversation to more pressing matters.

Raymond leans out of the chair, his expression turns serious. “Yes. All the guards have been stationed and assigned their duties. No hunter can get in.”

I nod in approval.

My gaze flits to the long scar running the length of his left cheek. The mark of loyalty he wears with pride.

“When do you leave?” I ask.

“First thing at dawn. We plan to reach before mid-day, so we can be back by sunset. I don't want you to miss me too much.” He teases.

I shake my head and turn my attention back to the prints.

“Come back in one piece.” I say without looking up.

Raymond stands, pushing the chair back. “When have I ever not?”

I don't answer. He knows I won't.

He stops at the door and pauses.

“Aiden.”

I look up. He holds my gaze for a moment. It's the look he gives when he wants to say something and decides against it.

Then he nods once and he leaves.

I stare at the empty doorway longer than I should before I turn my attention back to the blueprints.

I'm at the building site on pack lands when I feel a sudden jab of pain.

A snap.

“We've just lost a pack member.” Ryes, my wolf tells me, agony lacing his voice.

I hardly have time to absorb the pain when I feel another snap.

Another pack member.

Something is wrong.

I mind link the border patrols.

Everything is fine from their end.

Then it hits me like a storm.

Raymond!

The hair on my neck stands. I try to open a mind link to him. It doesn't pull through.

Not a good sign.

I leave the site and head back to the pack house. My long strides break into a sprint as I open a mind link to my gamma.

“Ivan, prepare a troop. I think Raymond is in trouble. I'm heading back to the pack house now.”

“Yes, Alpha.” Comes Ivan's response.

He's ready with the troop by the time I reach and we head out to find Raymond.

We reach the borders of the Coaster pack and the smell of death greets us.

“Hunters!” I sneer.

We step inside the pack house of the Coaster pack. Dead bodies lie scattered about. Hunters, werewolves–some of my warriors.

I try again to open a link to Raymond.

Still nothing.

Worry grows inside me.

I head upstairs and check every room.

The first room I enter has a window overlooking the backyard.

I shift the blinds and I freeze.

Ryes sneers in my head.

Raymond is on the floor. A female hunter towers over him with a spear in her hand.

Before I can blink in the sight, she drives the spear into the heart of my beta.

Snap!

I feel his bond sever.

I shudder.

Liquid pain spreads through me burning everything in its path.

A heavy lump lodges at the back of my throat and something caves inside me.

Raymond!

Ryes howls in my head.

His pain–raw and intense.

I grind my teeth as I double over, claws scratching the walls as I reach for support.

My eyes tinge red with unshed tears.

I didn't just lose a beta.

I lost a brother.

My grief is consuming.

I'll kill her!

With my bare hands!

I'll tear her to pieces and with that very spear and gore out her eyes!

She'll die by my hands!

I still myself, clench my teeth and head downstairs.

Ivan and his men have the hunter already surrounded by the time I reach.

Just when I stand in front of her, the wind carries the scent to my nose.

Lavender. Wild roses. Jasmine.

“Mate!” Ryes declares in my head.

My blood turns cold.

My fist grows into a ball at my side.

This can't be!

Traitor!

Bile rises to my throat.

Curse my luck with the moon goddess.

The hunter is one of us–and my…

No.

She suddenly grows feral. Fighting off the men holding her down.

Her strength is abrupt.

Before I can form thoughts, process what's happening, she jumps on me and sinks her canines deep into my neck.

Then her body falls limp in my arms as she loses consciousness.

Sparks explode inside me.

A sweet warmth spreads through me as her wolf connects with mine.

Ryes purrs in my head, wagging his tail.

A sigh of content ripples through him, soothing our earlier grief.

I growl in anger.

The b***h just marked me.