The Alpha's Teacher Mate (Book 1 of the Origins Series)

August 2nd, Winter Ray Pack, 40 miles from Anchorage Alaska Lana's Pov ................... Beneath the comforting sanctuary of my fluffy pink duvet, frustration tightens its grip, etching the weight of an impending revelation across my features. As the temporary Alpha and Principal of Winter Ray High School, wielding the authority to assign roles is a responsibility I bear. However, the true challenge lies in conveying critical news to our pack's Alpha, Logan. My fingers delve into the depths of my jean pocket, emerging with a purposefully clutched phone. With a mischievous glint in my eye, I scroll through my contacts, a playful smirk dancing on my lips as I mutter, "Well, at least Mom and Dad know where my will is if everything goes to hell." The anticipation builds, and with a bold press of the call button, the rhythmic ring echoes, heightening the gravity of the revelation I'm about to share. Uncertainty gnaws at me; days have passed since I last heard from Logan. The call is answered, catching me off guard. In that split second, I wonder if my parents took my will location seriously. Bringing the phone close to my ear, I draw a deep breath to steady myself. Nerves and determination blend in my voice, trembling under the weight of the impending revelation. "Hello, brother dearest! How are yo-" Logan's gruff voice slices through the air, interrupting with a no-nonsense question. "Lana, I know you always try to butter me up and talk all high-pitched when you've done something wrong. Cut the crap and tell me what you've done." Rolling my eyes at Logan's straightforward tone, I respond with a sarcastic grumble, "Well, it's nice to hear from you too, brother." Unfazed, I continue in a casual, unbothered fashion, dropping a metaphorical bomb, "I'll let you know that I didn't do anything wrong... In fact, I was ringing to tell you I had finally filled the history teacher position at the high school a week and a half ago. You have been very hard to get a hold of, Mister." Logan's stern demeanor melts away at the news, replaced by a mixture of relief and happiness. "Really? Thank the Goddess, the position has been open for months, I'm so-." Logan pauses as he contemplates my words. He sighs in frustration and sadness. He had promised he would keep in contact, but I understand the weight on his shoulders. While touring all 200 packs may seem like a dream to any young Alpha, it has been a burden for him. I know my brother; he longs to be back home, overseeing the affairs of his pack and guiding the young adolescents at the high school. He yearns to be with his family. "I'm sorry, Snow." The endearment, long unheard, resonates in his voice. He must be feeling bad, and I, too, harbor guilt for scolding him. He continues, "It's been rough these past couple of days. Me, Ron, and the others have been traveling non-stop and dealing with the crap that comes with this tour. It's so tiring. I just want to be done with it." I pout at my brother's response and tone, sensing his irritation and frustration. My thoughts shift to the myriad of Alphas attempting to forge ties with our pack, offering their daughters' hands in marriage, the unmated, and even mated she-wolves seeking entry into his life, reminiscent of the pack skank Naomi. I purse my lips, injecting a hopeful tone as I pose another question, "I see...any sign of her?" "None," Logan answers bluntly, his frustration palpable through the phone. "It's like she doesn't exist, Lana. It's impossible. I should have found her by now. I'm running out of time." I listen, torn between empathetic concern for my brother and the weight of my own responsibilities. "Logan, I'm sure she's out there; you have to be patient. The entire pack supports you, and I'm doing my best here too. But, I know you, big brother, and I recognize that impatient tone in your voice. Take a breath, relax, and when the time is right, your mate will find her way to you. Besides, you need a break from all this chaos. Winter Ray is running smoothly, and I've got everything under control." Logan's sigh carries both weariness and a small sense of calm brought by my words. "You're right, Lana. I just miss being home, miss everyone. But enough about me; tell me more about this history teacher you hired." As I gaze up at my bedroom ceiling, contemplating my response, a mischievous glint returns, adding a playful twist to my words. "Well, that's why I was ringing to tell you; I gave the position to one of my college friends, not just because I know them though. They're legit. They hold a master's degree and have been a qualified teacher for about 2 years in an all-boys school. They're the only people I know that will cope with all the boisterousness and teach the specialist history topics offered in our curriculum." I could picture Logan's raised eyebrow on the other end of the line , his face holding a mixture of emotions such as curiosity and amusement. Despite his initial reservations about my circle, he can't deny the importance of finally filling a position that he has been struggling to employ for months now.After a reflective pause, he admits, "I see; that's fine. I'm glad the history teaching position has finally been filled." A comfortable silence settles between us, briefly hanging in the air before Logan's curiosity breaks the quiet. "So which of your friends is it, and what pack are they from? Will I need to initiate them when I get back?" My demeanor shifts subtly, a fleeting shadow passing over my features. Taking a deep breath, I open a figurative Pandora's box, my revelation delivered in a hushed voice that, while barely audible to the average person, resonates clearly with an Alpha like my brother. "Well, um, Logan, that's the thing...they're not from a Pack...they're human." "WHAT?!"