TANGLED IN HIM

Chapter One

In a dense forest, the Iron Claw pack reigns supreme, their power a legend whispered among rival clans. Their strength commands both respect and fear, flourishing in a realm where nature thrives, embodying dominance and prosperity.

Keaton's POV

"His wolf is really suffering from longing, which is why it keeps acting rashly and out of control," I overheard the elder man say to my mom as I lay on the bed, staring into space.

Lately, my wolf's temper has flared easily. Even the smallest argument can provoke it. Just yesterday, I was in the office, reviewing the pack's reports when a maid entered. She clumsily knocked over a cup, spilling coffee all over my files. In an instant, Kia, my wolf, surged to take over. I fought to keep it at bay.

"It's been ages, Elder. Are you sure Keaton is truly blessed with a mate?" my mom asked, her voice trembling with concern.

"Yes, Luna, but we don't know who she is or where she is," he replied, his tone heavy with foreboding. My mom sighed deeply, a sound laden with worry.

"Soon, Luna, I know he will find her," he reassured her. “Here, give this to him in case he has another episode. It will help calm his wolf."

"I must leave now, Luna," he said, standing up.

"Let me escort you," my mom offered, her voice laced with apprehension.

As they both exited the room, I mind-linked with my beta, Davis. "Where is he?"

"Out in the woods," he responded urgency crackling in his tone.

Curious, I probed further. "What's happening?"

"The guards alerted us that they had sensed a strange scent at the pack border," he answered, his voice tense.

I jumped to my feet, adrenaline surging through me, when my mom walked back in, surprise on her face. "Where are you going, Kea?" she asked.

"Mom, I'll be back soon," I replied, urgency in my voice.

"But Kae, you aren't well," she protested, worry etched on her features.

"And you expect me to lie here, wallowing over an unknown mate?" I snapped. My wolf stirred again, pushing to take control. I saw fear flash in her eyes. I quickly reined it in.

"I'm sorry," I said, attempting to soften my tone.

"It's okay, son," she said, offering a small smile. "Take this with you." She handed me the medication the Elder had given her.

I took it and hurried out of the room, my mind focused on what lay ahead.

Hours passed, as I trekked through the dense forest. The towering trees surrounded me, their trunks thick and gnarled. I searched for Davis but didn't find him. However, a familiar scent wafted through the air - coconut oil mingling with the smell of wood. That is him.

I followed the scent, weaving through the underbrush until I finally spotted them. There was Davis, my beta, and Selena, his mate, was beside him, along with Drey and James. They were the fierce warriors of the Iron Claw. Their faces were a mix of concern and relief when they noticed my presence and nodded in acknowledgment as I approached.

"Thought you were just getting better, Alpha," Selena remarked, a hint of worry in her voice. I didn't respond. I was focused on Davis.

"How far have you gone? Have you caught anyone?" I asked, urgency flooding my tone.

"No, not yet. This afternoon, the guards mind-linked us and informed us that they detected a strange smell in the pack. We've been wandering the pack border since, but nothing yet," he replied.

We continued to search, but nothing turned up. I turned to the guards. "Stay alert. If you catch wind of anything unusual, mind-link either Drey or Davis."

"Yes, Alpha," they all muttered in unison. We walked back to the pack.

As we approached the pack house, it buzzed with activity. It looked like preparations for a celebration were underway. Selena pulled Davis away to gods knows where, and my other warriors drifted off as well. I was left to head into the house alone.

"Kae! You're back!" My mom called out, as she approached.

"Yeah, Mom. What's going on?" I asked, confusion creasing my brow.

"Oh, there's going to be a feast tonight, and other packs are invited as well," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"For what?" I said, taken aback.

"For you, of course! Now hurry and go get dressed," she urged, pulling me toward my room.

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I stepped out of the room, dressed in my ceremonial attire. My mom was right beside me, along with Beta Davis and my warriors. We made our way to the hall where the feast was happening. As soon as we entered, all eyes turned our way, the atmosphere cackling with anticipation.

Whispers filled the air. "Wow, he's so handsome," I heard gasps and whispers echo through the crowd.

My face remained sharp, cold, and unreadable. My wolf was on high alert, searching for his mate among the sea of faces. The crowd kept staring, eyes following us, some even drooling as we walked deeper into the hall.

We finally reached our seats, and the chatter quieted. "Greetings, Alpha Keaton of the great pack," came the voice of the crowd, followed by "Greetings, Luna Catherine."

"Greetings my fellow wolves," my mom said eagerly. “Thank you all for accepting my last-minute invitations and showing up. It means so much," my mom said eagerly. The crowd responded cheerfully. "Make sure to enjoy yourselves before heading back to the packs," she added, and the room buzzed with excitement.

My mom stepped down to greet everyone. Meanwhile, my wolf continued to sniff through the throngs, desperately trying to find her. I could feel his frustration building.

I sensed my wolf growing restless. Each breath grew heavier. I could feel my wolf's anger bubbling up, threatening to take over, but I fought to keep control. With effort, I kept it at bay and stood up, deciding to leave the hall.

As I exited, I caught a voice in the crowd, "He is just as people describe him. I am angry at the goddess for not making his mate. I would have been walking beside him carrying his mark."

"I pray he never finds his mate. Maybe he will finally pick from one of us. I don't mind, I swear,” another girl said cheerfully. I felt anger surging within me. My wolf clawed at the surface, eager to pounce, but I held it back and pushed through the hall.

I hurried toward the pack house, my steps quickening. Once inside, I dashed up the stairs to my room. The moment I shut the door, a growl erupted from my throat. My eyes shifted from a forest green to a dangerous gold. Kai, my wolf, pressed to take over.

Before he could, I yanked open my drawer and grabbed the medication my mom had given me earlier. I took it quickly, and slowly, my body began to calm. Exhausted, I collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion washing over me.