Second chances and new starts

Surprise

Raya

We have been on the road for a long time now. Visited countless places, although after a while, they all seem to mesh together. I am unable to distinguish between the 5th and the 15th place we have been.

Right now we have arrived in our 22nd town. We are on the other side of the country and this new place is checking a lot of our boxes. Far away, large population but lots of nature. The only problem is we can tell a pack is nearby. It’s been almost 2 years. I have just turned 18 and Rose will in a few months. I am considering if we should talk to the alpha and ask if we can stay nearby. Not sanctuary, we don’t want to join a pack. After settling into the motel, we walk over to the local cafe to see if they have any openings. While talking to the manager Carla, I pick up the scent of a wolf. I just up from my seat, startling her.

“Is there something wrong?”

“I..I.. Ummm, we need to go. I am so sorry.” As I reach for Rose's hand “Is it because you noticed our chef is a wolf?” I look at her in surprise and shock. “You know about....”

“Yes. My brother is mated to one. Her cousin is the chef here. The pack tends to drop by for means pretty often. Have you girls introduced yourselves to the Alpha yet?”

“No, we only just arrived today.”

“Ok. Well, I can make a call if you like? “

Raya bites her lips and thinks long and hard before finally nodding. “yes please.”

Carla goes off to make the call and comes back a short time later. “Kyle the pack's beta is around the corner. So he will be right over and can take you to see the Alpha today.” She has a bright smile on her face. I make my own awkward smile as my mind races. I wasn’t expecting it to happen so quick.

I hear the ding of the bell from the door and turn to see a bulky man walking in. He has the body of a wrestler. Solid muscle, thick thighs. Someone I couldn’t win a fight with even if his hands and legs were tied. I know it is now too late to run. So all I can do is stand strong and protect Rose.

I hold her hand and stand in front of her as he stops in front of me. “Hi. I’m Kyle. I hear you guys are new in town and want to stay for a while. We have a couple of things to take care of back at the pack, but as long as you aren’t planning any trouble, it shouldn’t be problem.” We follow him to his car and sit in the back seat together. The drive is quiet. I can tell Kyle is talking to the Alpha because between the awkward silences, his lips will slightly move and his eyes squint. My stomach knots as I worry about what he is reporting.

When we arrive, I can tell this is a big pack. Atleast 2 ½ times the size of our old one. I feel Rose squeeze my hand as we follow Kyle inside the main building and up to the Alpha's office. He opens the door and we go in. The Alpha is sitting at his desk with a woman standing by his side. I assume that she is his Luna.

Rose stays just behind me. He head peeping out occasionally to catch a glimpse of them. I can feel her flinch as the alpha stares at her.

The woman gives a bright smile and clasps her hands in front of her chest. “Well aren’t you girls lovely! Its like snow white and rose red. “

I give a small smile. “ Well you are half right. I am Raya and this is Rose.” Kyle walks around us and stands by the Alpha’s side. Rose moves closer to me as he goes past and I see the 3 adults look at each other. I give her hand a comforting squeeze and start to discuss our plans with them.

As we are talking, I see the Luna come closer to us. She is only a step away when Rose let’s out a soft squeal. My defence raises and I give a small growl. The Luna steps back and the Alpha jumps up. I keep Rose behind my and slightly bend my knees. I am prepared to run or fight. Whatever it takes. As I stare at the alpha, I want he, his mate and Kyle’s eyes all flicker as the communicate with one another.

“It’s ok. You won’t have any problems here. How about we talk some more Raya while you friend Rose goes with my wife somewhere quiet and has a drink and a snack?” I can see that they are all trying to soften their faces and get slightly annoyed at his cajoling tone. He is treating us like children. Which I guess to him we are. I turn to Rose and talk to her through our own bond, when she finally gives her affirmation to the suggestion, I turn back to the Luna “Fine. But nobody can touch her. “ She nods and slowly moves to the door. Rose follows her out, my eyes not leaving her until she is out of sight.

Alpha Sam

It took everything I had not to jump over the table and rip her throat out when she growled at my mate. However, my rage cooled rapidly when I noticed how defensive she was of the other she wolf. That level of protect is rare in pups. Kyle and my beloved mate Sophie both start talking to me. Kyle noticed in the car how on edge she was and they have both picked up how fearful and fragile that Rose girl is. We decide to see if we can separate them and get some more information. I watch her as she stares at the girl when she leaves. When Raya turns back to me though, all emotion is gone from her face and voice. It sends a shiver down my spine. For the level of protectiveness and coldness she has, they have obviously both encountered something serious. I consider if I should change my plan and have them leave town.... But they are so young. I frown in concentration before deciding to continue with the original arrangement.

Raya.

“The only thing we want from you is permission to stay in town and for our wolves to be allowed in the woods. Nothing else will be necessary.”

I turn as I hear the door open

“hey dad...”

My eyes are focused on the guy that just walked in. Tall, wide shoulders. Long legs. His eyes were a brilliant emerald green and his hair was dark brown with streaks of caramel shooting through. I never knew a white shirt and jeans could look so tantalising. The smell of apple and cinnamon surrounds me. Dread fills my heart as my wolf perks up Mate. And he’s a future Alpha.

Henry

I stare in shock. At 26, I have been waiting a while to find my mate. Gone to countless events with other packs and never had success. But now.... My eyes drink her in as I breath in her scent. A sweet pineapple fragrance that I find intoxicating. She is incredibly beautiful. Long brown hair. So dark it is almost black, with streaks of blue peaking out from underneath. She has piercing blue eyes that have a swirl of grey in them. She is 5ft9 give or take and curvy as hell. She looks strong, a perfect Luna. As I walk up to her, I see her flinch as if she is afraid. It makes me frown. Mates should never be afraid of each other. My concern increases when I watch her eyes go flat and her face turn cold. She looks like she is wearing a mask. I stop in front of her and give what I hope is a comforting and welcoming smile.

“Hello mate.”