The Wolf Within

2 - Liam

"Sir, the report has been sent out informing all packs about the rogue situations," one of my men told me.

I sighed and ran a hand over my face. "Thank you, Joel, that will be all."

Joel bowed before leaving the room. This rogue situation was getting out of hand. After two months of constant attack reports, I sent out a message informing all of the packs about what was happening. I was tired and stressed. As the Alpha King, I was supposed to know what to do. But I had no fucking clue where to even start. At least Daniel, my best friend, was coming to visit.

As if on cue, my cell phone rang, the screen lighting up with Danny's number.

"Hey, Danny, what's up?" I asked.

"Hey, Will, how's it going?"

I prefer Liam over William, but Danny teases me occasionally by calling me Will, even though he knows I hate being called that. I missed having him here. His father was my father's Beta, and one of the most respected wolves in the country. Shortly after he died, Marie met Luke and married him so Daniel could grow up with a father. But Luke was already the Beta of the Lumen Pack, so Marie and Danny moved there.

"It's alright," I responded, "I'm looking forward to taking a week off of my duties to hang out with you. I'm also interested in meeting this famous little sister I hear so much about."

Danny snorted. "Whatever, I don't talk about her that much."

"You do," I argued. I've been hearing about Everleigh since Marie and Luke's marriage, which has been almost twenty years now.

"Well don't get your hopes up, Liam. As much as I would love for you two to be together, you know she doesn't have a mate." Danny said as if he can read my thoughts.

At 24 years old, I still haven't found my mate. Normally, that wouldn't be an issue, but since I'm the Alpha King, everyone expected me to find my mate within weeks of my eighteenth birthday. Six years later, and we're all starting to wonder if she's still alive.

"I know, Danny," I replied. "I'm just sick of waiting for her. How am I supposed to be a good Alpha, let alone the Alpha King, without my Luna?"

"I don't know, Liam, but I know you've done a damn good job so far."

I cracked a smile. Danny always knows how to make me feel better. "Thanks, Danny. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Sure thing, Liam. One question before you go though."

"Oh, right. I forgot there was a reason you called," I laughed.

"No worries, man. I just wanted to see if you have any insulin. Dad said we had enough of Ever's insulin to last several months, but I only found two weeks' worth, and I'm not sure where they get it from."

"Oh, well I don't think we have any but I'll order some for you. I'll get three weeks' worth just in case."

"Thanks, man, I appreciate it. You know I couldn't bear it if something happened to her."

"I know Danny, I know. Just think though, imagine how whipped you'll be once you find your mate!" I teased.

"Ugh, shut up Will," Danny laughed. "See you tomorrow."

Thankfully the rest of the day passed quickly, and before I knew it I was standing on the landing of the palace, watching Danny's car pull into the drive.

The car stopped and Danny jumped out, grinning as he jogged over to give me a hug. I was so caught up in catching up with him that I didn't see the small woman standing behind him until Danny turned to her.

"Oh, sorry Liam! This is my baby sister, Everleigh. Evie, this is Liam." Danny introduced.

"It's nice to meet you Everleigh," I said, holding out my hand.

"It's nice to meet you as well, Liam," she said. "Please, call me Ever."

Ever stood at least two feet shorter than me, which made sense since I was the biggest wolf there is, but she also seemed to be small for a wolf. I wondered what her wolf looks like before I remembered that she's an aníkanos and doesn't have one. I sniffed, taking in her scent. She smelled different than others--there's no rotting undertone that rogues have, yet she didn't smell like either a wolf or a human. I had never met an aníkanos before, so her very presence intrigued me. Her auburn hair was pulled back in a sloppy braid, and her green eyes darted around, taking in the scenery. A light wash of freckles covered the bridge of her nose.

"Well, shall we head inside?" I asked, forcing myself to look away. "I'll show you to your rooms."