Hidden Away

Chapter 6

Axel POV

Beep beep beep beep

My eyes shot open to the sound of my annoying alarm clock. It read 5:00 AM, time for training. The pack warriors and I trained 6 days a week at 5:30 AM. Sunday was optional, but most still went.

I sat up on the edge of my bed, rolling my neck and arms to wake up my muscles. I slept like a rock. It’s been a while since I slept that well. I must’ve had a lot of built up tension from my beta’s mate situation. That’s taken care of now, though, so today is going to be a really good day.

I got up and quickly threw on some black basketball shorts and white tank then went and brushed my teeth.

I suddenly remembered about Cody not feeling well last night. I wonder what was wrong with him? I’ll pop my head into his room on my way down to make sure he’s feeling better. I slip on my running shoes and grab my wireless headphones and then head out.

Before I press the button for the elevator, I slowly twist open the knob to the door right before it. I poke my head in to see Cody sound asleep. He’s sprawled out on his stomach, the corner of his blanket covering his torso only. I look up to his face and see some drool falling from his mouth, I cover my mouth to stifle a laugh so I don’t wake him. He appears to feel fine, but we’ll have to see when he wakes up.

I’m approaching the training grounds when all the warriors notice me, go quiet, and get in formation.

“Good morning, Alpha,” they all say in unison.

“Good morning, warriors. I hope you are all doing well today, I sure am. Let’s get started. If you will, Jaxon & Lila,” I greeted them. Jaxon is my strongest warrior along with his mate,Lila. Lila was also the strongest she-wolf in her old pack. So when they found each other at the mating ball last year, we knew they were the perfect match. At first Joseph was super protective of her training, but once he saw her stand her ground, he eased up.

“Of course, Alpha. We’re doing the circuit this morning. 1 mile, 50 crunches, 50 squats, 75 push ups, and then 100 on the pull up bars. And repeat x3.” He shouted and everyone moved out. I headed up the front with Joseph while Mary and Anthony came up behind. We all took turns observing from behind, to see if any warriors were struggling with certain aspects or what we could improve on as a whole. Every few months, I send a few warriors to packs we have alliances with to learn new techniques and see in turn how we can help them, as well.

Packs have sought out alliances with us for this reason, besides the fact that we’re also the second biggest and strongest. And now, I’ve been presented with the opportunity to forge an alliance with the first biggest and strongest pack in Arizona, the Silver Moon pack. Alpha Robert St. Claire called me this past week to set up a visit to discuss the terms. I am honored he reached out to me and can’t wait to see what our alliance brings.

After we all complete the circuit, we have a five minute water break and then start our sparring circles. I'm walking through and observing each of the different fighting circles when Anthony approaches,” Hey, man. Ryan and I are talking about going out for some drinks tonight, since it’s my last night as a “single” male,” he chuckles and uses air quotes when he says ‘single’. Once you complete the mate bond with your fated mate, you’re considered married. I was happy to see my friend happy again.

“I’m guessing talking to Selena has raised your spirits, I’m glad to see that.” I said as I patted him on the shoulder,” as for tonight, I’m on board. After spending the whole week on the phone with Alpha Raymond, I sure need a drink or two.”

“Ha ha, she definitely has. It was actually her suggestion, she said she wanted me to go out and have a guys night before she gets here. She’s so amazing,” he said like a love sick puppy dog.

“Damn, you’ve got bad already, Anthony.” I laughed,” So what time are we heading out?”

“8 o’clock”

“I’ll be there.”

I addressed everyone,” Alright warriors, it’s been a good training day. Let's get freshened up and go eat breakfast in the dining hall.”

I stepped out of my room, freshly showered and changed, when I saw Cody and my parents waiting for the elevator.

“Good morning, Mom and Dad. Hey Cody, are you feeling okay today?” I said as they turned to see me approaching.

“Good morning, Son,” my dad patted my shoulder once I stood next to him. ``Good morning, sweetheart” my mom replied with a cheerful smile.

“Hey Axel, yeah, I’m feeling a lot better. I don’t know why my stomach was feeling so bad.” He said with a pout.

“Well I’m glad you’re feeling better. Just take it easy and don’t eat too much okay?”

We rode the elevator in a comfortable silence. When we arrived in the dining hall, everyone was already seated and chatting away. As soon as I sat down, the omegas brought out breakfast. Pancakes, bacon & sausage, eggs, hash browns, and cut up fruit. Everyone began to serve themselves as light conversation continued throughout the dining hall.

I finished up and excused myself when Anthony approached me.

“Hey Alpha, just wanted to check in if you needed me for anything today? I was hoping to make my place ready for Selena’s arrival tomorrow.”

“No man, I don’t need anything from you. I am on my way to the conference room to finish up some paperwork and put some stuff away. It shouldn’t take me more than a few hours. Thanks though.” I told him.

“Alright then, boss, see ya later” he gave me a fake salute as he headed towards the elevator. My beta and delta shared the third floor for them and their future families. My delta, also , has yet to find his mate and start a family. The first and second floors house a few warriors and young couples waiting for cottages. We also keep our guest rooms for visitors on those floors.

I headed in the opposite direction, passing the common rooms full of pack members bustling around. I reach the conference room and get to work. This is how my Saturdays tend to look, organizing and getting everything ready for the following week.

I was so submerged into my work that I didn’t even realize lunch had passed until my stomach started rumbling. I glanced at my watch as I used my other hand to clutch my stomach. I mindlinked an omega from the kitchen staff that I was friends with, Dyson.

Hey Dyson, I worked through lunch. Do you think you could have someone whip up something for me and bring it to my office while I finish up please?

No problem, Alpha! Be there in 30 minutes or less!

And what if it’s more than 30 minutes?

Then it’s free!

I chuckled through the mindlink, this guy always has the cheesiest jokes.

I was putting the last of my paperwork in my filing cabinet when there was a knock at the door.

“Come in” I said and Dyson walked in with a BLT sub, a bag of Doritos, a giant cookie, and a Powerade and water bottle.

“Thanks, Dyson, I really appreciate it!”

“Anytime, Alpha” he cheerfully replied. He was turning to leave when I called out to him,” Hey, Dyson!” He stopped and turned around,” Anthony, Ryan, and I are going into town for some drinks tonight, want to join?” I continued.

“Really?” He asked, surprised.

“Yeah, of course. You’re a cool guy, so why not?”

“Well, in that case, yeah! What time do we leave?”

“8 o’clock, see you then.” I replied with a smile. He turned and left excitedly, leaving me with my thoughts.

Suddenly, I was very excited. Anxious? I just couldn’t wait to get out tonight. Maybe we need to go for a run.

‘I agree’ replied Aztec, my wolf. I haven’t let him out this week as much as I usually do. I mindlinked Anthony.

Hey, man, you busy? I just finished up and decided to go for a run if you want to join me?

Perfect timing, Ax, I just finished up on my end too. Meet ya out there.

I didn’t waste any time and scarfed down my lunch. I stood up to throw my trash away and inspected the conference room to make sure I hadn’t left anything scattered. I left the conference room and walked down the hall to the side door of the packhouse. As soon as I reach outside, I quickly undress and let Aztec take control.

Whatever was stirring up earlier seemed to have settled after my run. Anthony and I ran up until it was almost dinner time. We headed back to the pack house to get ready and then would head out after dinner.