Loving "Thousand" (Werewolf story, MXM) Complete

Chapter 2. Freedom

Cain's P.O.V

One sunny morning at the Barrett mansion.

After begging my parents for months, I convinced them to send me to a mainstream high school. My parents were afraid that someone would hurt me because I didn't have a wolf. I didn't mind the flaw. I got a chance to live like a normal kid because of it. The only problem was that I didn't heal like other werewolves did. My brother Maverick was now in charge of the pack. My parents wanted me to manage our businesses after graduation. I wanted to attend college first.

The whole family was already at the table when I came downstairs. Maverick found his mate at his eighteenth birthday party. Amal was my father's best friend's son. We had grown up with Amal. It was easy for him to adjust to the family. I have a two-year-old nephew now. Ruel was very fond of me. I spent time with him whenever I could. My father sighed when he saw me. I chuckled and stated, "Sorry for being late, Dad. I went jogging this morning and met Elijah along the way. He had some fascinating things to share with me."

Maverick took a bite out of his bagel and asked, "Really? What did my beta say to you?" I shook my head and replied, "He told me that father and you selected warriors my age to protect me. I wonder how that will work. Won't they have to attend classes too?" My mother kissed my head, then uttered, "That's none of your concern, Cain. Your father took care of everything. Just be happy that we are giving you the freedom to roam free. Your brother never had that chance." My nephew climbed onto my lap and asked, "Sad?" I hugged the little boy and answered, "No, your uncle is happy today."

I decided to feed Ruel. He didn't want to leave my side anyway. My aunt visited us with her family in the afternoon. My aunt's son was my age. We were glued to the hip when we were kids. Clifford greeted me, then said, "Congratulations, my brother. I can't wait to play football with you. You are joining the team, right?" I motioned Cliff to follow me to my room. Cliff took a look around and stated, "As clean as ever. You should see my room." I sat at my desk and declared, "I won't be joining the football team. I want to experience life. I won't be able to do that if I have to practice all day." Cliff grabbed my shoulders and uttered, "Please, think about it, brother. With you on the team, we will be invincible. It's our last year, so I want to win the trophy."

I smirked, then stated, "I'll think about it if you beat me at chess." Cliff shook his head and yelled, "God, you are so boring! No wonder you are single." I laughed and declared, "There is someone for everyone out there, Cliff. Even for the loudmouth you." We decided to play games instead. Cliff couldn't stop gushing about how great his school was. Amal brought snacks for us after a while. He placed the plate on my desk and said, "It's time for the pack meeting, Cain. Can you watch Ruel while we are gone? The nannies need to attend this meeting as well." I didn't meddle with pack affairs. I was considered a human in our pack. No one had ever discriminated against me. The pack members loved me for who I was, and I appreciated it.

Cliff and I kept Ruel busy. The little boy fell asleep after a few hours. Amal fetched him after the meeting was over. Cliff received an invitation when he was about to leave. He grinned at me and asked, "Would you like to attend a party with me this Saturday, Cain?" I huffed and replied, "No, thank you. I have other things to do that day." Cliff stomped his feet and whined, "Oh, come on. The most popular guy in school is holding a party. You have to attend. Everyone will be there. Aren't you lucky? You will meet the most influential kids before you start school." I contemplated, then replied, "Okay, I'll go with you. I'll leave before it gets rowdy." Cliff chuckled and stated, "Oh, that never happens at Arthur Bufford's parties."

I wondered who Arthur Bufford was. I had never heard that name before. I decided to ask my brother about the guy. I needed to tell him about the party too. I visited my brother's study after showering. Maverick was five years older than me. He was always busy but still made time for his family. The study's door was open. I knocked on the door, then walked right in. My brother smiled and asked, "Do you need something, Cain?" I couldn't take my eyes off the stack of files on Maverick's desk. My brother chuckled when I asked, "Are those the threats we received this month?" Maverick grabbed a file and replied, "Yes. Don't worry about it. They are harmless. Now, tell me what you need?"

I didn't feel like attending the party anymore. I didn't want to burden my brother. I sighed and uttered, "It's nothing. Sorry to disturb you." Maverick stopped me before I could leave. He grabbed my shoulder and said, "I wasn't lying when I told you they were harmless, Cain. New packs have appeared. They want to appoint a new alpha king. Alpha King Archer is still active. Our family swore to protect him. We are treating all the packs as potential threats. No one will manage to dethrone Archer as long as we are around." I nodded and stated, "I understand. Please, come to me if you need help. I may not possess a wolf, but I'm still good at fighting."

Maverick stroked my head and said, "I know. Now, tell me why you came to see me." I gazed at my watch. It was already Friday. I put my hands in my pockets and replied, "Clifford has invited me to a party on Saturday. It's at Arthur Bufford's house. Have you heard about the family?" Maverick smiled broadly and answered, "Yes. They own several businesses downtown. Why? Do you think he's your mate?" I shook my head and said, "I have never seen the guy before. How would I sense if he is my mate without a wolf, brother?" Maverick patted my back and stated, "Don't worry. You will sense the pull." I sighed and stated, "I'm going to bed now. Don't keep your mate waiting." 

I closed the windows when I reached my room, then went straight to bed. I spent Friday training with my father. He never went easy on me. It was soon time for the party. Clifford asked me to pick him up. He stepped out of his house wearing a dress shirt and dress pants. I chuckled and asked, "Who are you trying to impress, Cliff?" Clifford smirked and answered, "You will see when you get there. You don't look so bad yourself." Cliff gave me Arthur's address. The party was in full swing when we reached the house. I realized what Cliff meant when I saw everyone in fancy outfits. I was already regretting my decision to attend the party when someone started vomiting next to my car.