From the Ashes

From the Ashes: Chapter Seven

Peter is not happy that his son and his son's mate haven't returned but he's angry that his mate is nowhere to be found. That is until he feels reassurance being sent through their mate bond. It's the only reason he doesn't go searching...yet.

A dark gray wolf darts towards the pack house but slows when it sees him. This must be the mate. Peter's eyes flash crimson and the wolf's eyes flash beta blue in response followed by a baring of the wolf's neck. This is surprising to Peter, but he places his palm gently on the wolf's throat. "You must be Isaac. Cora told me about you. You don't have to be afraid."

In the next moment a curly haired, blue eyed boy has replaced the wolf and is looking at the alpha with a serious expression. "Are you really his dad?"

Taken aback with the tone the boy is using Peter almost growls but at the last minute refrains. "Why would I lie about that?"

"I don't know but he's the strongest, bravest, smartest, kindest and most amazing man I've ever met. He's my mate and if you're trying to use him-"

"Why little beta, are you threatening your alpha?" Peter asks incredulously, appalled at the disrespect.

Isaac huffs and rolls his eyes. "You're not yet my alpha. You won't be until I know Stiles is safe here and yeah if you want to see it as a threat you can, but I mean it as a threat and a promise. He's mine and I'm the one who has been there. Not you!" he snarls defensively.

Well Peter is speechless. Isaac is a loyal pup, and he can't fault him for his protectiveness. Peter is the same way with his mate. "Understood. I don't want a submissive beta who doesn't know how to stand up for themselves anyway."

"Just so long as we understand each other."

"We do." Peter's eyes stray towards the trees. "So how is he?"

"Tired, confused and scared but he was curled up in her arms when I left. He also wasn't happy I came when you howled but she coaxed him into letting me go."

Peter nods. "She has a way of soothing the wildest of us at any time."

Isaac opens his mouth to speak but halts when he sees Peter's eyes flash crimson and hears a painful whine caught in the alpha's throat. He follows the man's gaze to where his mate and the alpha's mate are emerging from the forest.

The wolves hesitate, waiting for cues from their mates. The elder spark smiles at the younger spark and with a deep breath Stiles slowly walks closer but in an arc shape so he's closer to Isaac than the alpha.

Claudia follows a ways behind him and sends reassurance down her mate bond, calming the alpha.

Crimson eyes meet amber eyes as the young spark speaks. "Alpha Hale," he says, ducking his head only slightly. "I am grateful to you for allowing us access to your home and apologize for the destruction caused to your vehicle upon crossing the wards. I was not fully present and was running on pure instinct. I will fix the damages as best I can and if it's not too much to ask, I would request a room, food, water and privacy while I settle my instincts before rejoining you."

Peter's eyes fade to their normal blue feeling so off kilter at how formal the boy is being, but he supposes he can't blame him. They're nothing more than strangers. He clears his throat and nods. "We will have lunch shortly and you are welcome to it. I-" he glances at Claudia and then back at the boy. "I have kiwi and there's cheese and meat cubes as well. You can take them to your room. Claudia can show you where it is since you are not yet used to me."

Stiles eyes him speculatively and nods his agreement. "Thank you, Alpha Hale."

The honorific hurts to hear but Peter doesn't say anything against it. "You're welcome spark. My home is yours." He steps aside as Claudia leads the way inside.