Alpha's Chosen

2

“Three men, from their ages and likeness, I would guess father and two sons” Petra informs, as she falls into step beside me.

Growing up, everyone had guessed we would be mates but come my eightieth birthday I had been relieved to feel nothing.

Petra is beautiful, capable and a strong fighter, but we grew up together.

She is more like a little sister than a companion.

“From their scents we can determine they are from a pack, the same pack, but they won’t say which. And their appearance also leads me to believe they have been traveling rough for a while”.

I nod as she finishes “thank you Petra. You can go now, I’m sure your mate is missing you”. Petra places a supportive hand on my shoulder but I can feel the pity behind it as she smiles weakly “Safe journeys Cole”.

“I’m here. Now talk” I command as the door slams behind me, causing the three men to jump, or maybe that’s because of the giant now standing in the small room beside them.

“Alpha”, the older man kneels and bows his head before the younger two follow.

“We are from the Northern river pack” he begins, but Peter interrupts in shock, “as in the Northern river pack in the northern Lycan's territory?”.

The man nods as I scowl at Peter for his interruption.

“We left after my youngest son found out he was mated to the pack's Luna, the Alpha's chosen mate” the man continues as my focus moves back to him “As you can imagine, the Alpha wasn’t exactly willing to yield to the bond and was petitioning to have my son executed for the ‘good of the pack’. We fled upon hearing this. I knew if Alpha Wallace didn’t get his way he would make his own. So, for eight months we have been making our way down through the packs seeking solace, seeking refuge. All three of us can swear to you we only seek to live in peace. My son has forsaken his mate and we have no interest in fighting Alpha Wallace”.

I again rub my brow, debating the idea of possibly going to war with one of the larger packs in the north over three strangers.

But could I really abandon them like so many have already?

I sigh, eventually deciding this is a decision I can make later. “You are free to leave whenever you wish. . . However, if you do decide to stay, I will settle your fates upon my return”.

I can see their faces change from trepidation to slight hope.

“But you will need to stay here” I motion to the room around us “I must put my pack's safety first, especially in my absence”.

The sons' faces fall but the father's remains hopeful.

This is obviously the furthest they have gotten so far.

“We appreciate your hospitality, Alpha” he bows, his sons following as I turn to leave.

“I meant what I said. They are free to leave if they wish, but you personally will escort them to the border and ensure they leave. Otherwise, they are to remain here, not prisoners, but certainly not guests either. Do you understand?” I speak quickly as I walk, Peter near running beside me to keep up.

I pause, looking to him, waiting for his reply.

“Yes Alpha” he nods submissively.

“And Peter, don’t ever interrupt one of my interviews again” I add, turning again to leave but hearing his repeated apologies as I turn the corner.

As I approach the main hall, I wonder to myself if I can fit in a quick nap in my office before we have to leave.

Although I had slept last night, a conference call with the southern warriors pack kept me up most of the night, resulting in my ‘good’ nights sleep being a mere three hours.

My hopes, that I had mistakenly started to build, are dashed when I see my mother-in-law waiting for me beside my mate.

F*ck.

I had hoped to have left before she arrived.

“Cole” she plasters on a more than fake smile as she embraces me.

“Mary” I reply, breaking her embrace as soon as politely possible, “to what do I owe the pleasure?”.

Mary shrugs, motioning to my office. “Thought we could have a little chat”.

It’s phrased like a question but it is anything but and while I know I could get out of it, then Andrew would be called.

And my father-in-law had to be one of my most hated visitors.

“Sure” I breathe, allowing my face to slip just a little before plastering it back on and opening the door for them both.

As soon as the door closes, her facade falls a little as it always does “I hear you are traveling again?”.

‘Traveling’ she makes sure to highlight as if I am going on holiday.

“I am ‘traveling’ to aid one of our ally packs after their recent flooding. Yes” I say, collapsing into my chair.

“And my daughter can’t accompany you?” She questions whilst sitting down in the chair adjacent.

“The territory is insecure at present and, as always, Lily’s safety must come first”. I cross my arms over my chest, growing tired of my mate and her need to call in back up whenever she doesn’t get her way.

"Are you sure that's the only reason your mate is unable to accompany you?" Mary asks, an incuneation that has my teeth grinding.

I steal a glance at Lily, letting her know just how these ‘talkdowns’ by her parents are appreciated, even after four years.

"Yes, I'm sure" I reply, my voice hoarse as Ares begins to argue for control.

Lily recoils from my glare as her mother continues “Are all these trips really necessary? I mean couldn't you send your Beta or Gamma in your place? That's what Andrew does".

Oh, how I hate the 'that's what Andrew does’ comments.

"Well, that's not how I do it. I'm not going to send my Gamma nor my Beta in my place when I'm available to go".

"Your mate needs you here...." Mary scowls, obviously not enjoying that I haven't yielded to her, even after her years of persistence.

" you will never produce an heir if..." she continues, my legs bolting upright as she does. I've had enough.

"Even if that was true" I intervene, outright refusing to glance at either of them now, "I'm an Alpha first. Always. Then a mate. I have more than just your daughter to worry about. Now if you'll excuse me, I really do have a schedule to keep" I breathe stubbornly before leaving as Mary begins.

"How dare he speak to me that way?!” Mary seethes whilst Lily meekly argues back as I slide past them “leave him mum, he’s probably just tired”.

‘Tired’ I scoff to myself. Tired doesn’t cover it.