True Beta

Warmth and Protection

James’ POV

I had spent months at Alpha training, trying to pick up rogues as I went. A few had decided to stay with me. I had a few small cottages for my new pack members, but I had sent them all to Delilah’s and Deacon’s pack in the snow. Once my packhouse was finished, they would be able to come home and stay on their land.

I was taking in non-violent rogues. People who had run away were rejected or simply cast out for being wolf-less. As rare as a wolf-less was, they happened, and more and more Alpha’s were throwing them away. After everything I had been through, I was willing to take anyone who wanted a home. I wanted one too.

It had been over an hour since the little one had been in the bath. I went to stand in front of the door, knocking softly. I heard the water shifting around in the tub as she shuffled around.

“I’ll be out in a second.” She whispered. Whatever had her so scared, wasn’t going to get to her here. She could stay with me for as long as she wanted, and she would be safe.

The second she stepped onto my land, I could sense not only her wolf, but the Alpha growing inside her. She was unmated, so it was unusual that she had a pup. I had heard of Alpha’s using she-wolves as s*x toys, but I believed they were just rumors. I should know better than think other packs were as gracious as Blue Harvest or Golden Sun.

I went back to the kitchen and warmed her some food. Sadly, I wasn’t much of a cook, but I had felt the storm long before it came and had my favorite cook make me enough meals to last me through it. I could also always just go hunting. I laid the plate on the kitchen bar with another cup of warm cocoa. She hadn’t drunk at first, but I wanted her to be warm enough. She came out of the bathroom, her long brown hair soaking the shirt under her. I grabbed her a blanket and slung it over her shoulders. She nodded as I pointed to a plate.

“It’s not much, but it’s good. We’re going to be here for a while.” I said, leaning against the counter. “I’m James, by the way. What’s your name?”

She looked down at her hands, “Brea.”

I nodded at her. “Well, Brea, you are welcome here for as long as you would like.”

She didn’t say anything.

My wolf, Gray, was going insane in the back of my mind. I was doing everything I could to keep him down, but it was difficult.

Gray, calm down! I can’t focus on her if you keep scratching at me!

She smells of Alpha. I don’t like it. She’s unmated.

I noticed that dude.

She is with pup.

I know.

“Are you speaking with your wolf?” She whispered; her head tilted to the side.

I shrugged, “Yeah.”

“What’s his name?” She grabbed an eggroll.

“Gray. He’s pretty much what you would think any Alpha is. But annoying.” Gray scoffed in the back of my head as I chuckled.

She just smiled, finishing the eggroll. She looked down at the plate of fried rice and picked out the carrots, placed them on a napkin. Then the peas. She must not like vegetables. Brea noticed me staring at her and gave me a sheepish smile. I smiled back at her and took the napkin to the trash.

“Well, uh, if you’re tired there’s a bedroom in the back. I’m going out to patrol since my usual guards are out.” I grabbed my jacket. “If you would like to sleep, then it’s all yours. If not, then, please take a spare jacket and some food.”

She whimpered and wrapped her arms around her waist. “Do you want to come with me?” I asked, pulling another jacket off the coat rack. She just nodded. I pulled my sweater off and gave it to her. She put it on and I helped her put on my extra jacket. I found a hat and scarf and gave them to her.

“Are you warm?” I asked, double-checking that the storm wasn’t blowing any worse. It had calmed a lot and the fresh snow was glistening in the moonlight. The scents of the forest faded.

She nodded and waddled to her boots, my large jacket down to her knees. We walked in silence for a little bit before stopping and I shifted. Gray was on full alert. We had spent so many years being tortured by Dr. Norton, that I wasn’t sure Gray would ever really be able to trust anyone.

I trust my pack and my Alpha. You should have stayed with her.

We’re an Alpha. Delilah released us from our bond. If we need to, we will go back to her and bring our pack. She has welcomed us before.

Gray huffed, his ears shifting around for any sounds of rogues.

Brea and I walked for about 3 miles when I saw her shiver. I nudged her with my nose and leaned forward so she could climb on my back. When she was finally safe on my back, I trotted back making sure she wouldn’t fall. She had her face nuzzled into my neck, blocking her from the cold air. When we made it back to my house, I leaned down and she slid off. I grabbed a pair of sweats from under the porch swing and shifted back, quickly slipping them on. Brea had curled up on the couch fast asleep, her arms wrapped around her swollen belly. I noticed her bump moved slightly as the pup moved. I sat watching in front of the door, keeping my senses sharp.

She needs to stay with us.

We can’t make her stay, Gray. If she wants to go, then we have to let her. We are not going to be like all those other Alphas who force their pack to listen to them.

She is not safe out there. We will protect her.

You’ve never been so protective. Why her?

She is with pup and unmated. She is not safe. He cut the link and retreated.

I nodded. If Gray was this protective, then I would have no reason to deny him that.