The Alpha's Mistake

Chapter 3

Alaric impatiently waited for Todd to get his crap together. "Dude, we spent one night in this room. How can you unpack this much stuff? Let's go. We still have a two hour drive to Phantom."

"I'm coming. Keep your pants on. Geesh."

Rolling his eyes, Alaric grabbed one of the cases to throw in the back. "I swear you're worse than a female."

"Thank you. Are you going to call your dad?" Todd asked as he sat in the car.

"Nope."

"Alrighty then. Can I stay here?"

"Ha ha. No."

"Worth a shot." Todd laughed as he shrugged.

Phantom Pack was located in the country with one road that ran through the territory. Humans could drive on it, but they were few. Two wolves patrolled each entrance and alerted the pack if any were coming. Alaric reached the border and was stopped by guards he didn't know.

"Hello, who are you, and what's your business here?"

"You don't recognize who this is?" Todd asked.

"Should I?" The guard looked between them then at the other patrol member.

"Considering I'm the next Alpha, I would say yes." Atlas flashed his eyes at the guard and used a bit of his aura.

"I'm s..s..sorry Alpha." The wolf kneeled and bowed his head.

Smirking, Alaric waved his hand. "It's alright. I haven't been home in a long time. What's your name?"

"Henry. Sir. This is Mike." He gestured to the other guard who looked like he wet his pants.

"How old are you?"

"I'm twenty. Sir. Mike is nineteen. Sir."

"Well, I'm headed to the packhouse. If you don't mind."

The two backed up. "Not at all. Sir. Have a nice time."

Out of earshot, Todd commented. "Is it just me, or are those two awfully young to be put on the main road?"

"You're correct. I have no idea who put them out here, but I'm going to find out. There's no way they could've fought off a couple of rogues or anyone who shouldn't be entering. One look at another Alpha, and they would run away. Too green for an important post."

"Do you think they told someone about us?"

"They better, or I will dole out punishment myself. I was hoping Steve or Chuck would've been on duty. They could keep our presence a secret longer." Parking in the large garage that used to be a barn, Alaric got out and stretched.

"I'm surprised your dad hasn't sent his lackeys out here yet." Todd went to get his bags out of the trunk.

"Leave that for now. We may get bombarded any minute. What's that smell?" His head swiveled, trying to see anything that would produce the intoxicating scent.

"Outdoors?" Todd looked at him funny. "Dirt?"

"No. It's..." He trailed off as he turned the corner.

Mate!!! We found our mate!! Atlas screamed.

"Mate." He locked eyes with his fated mate for the first time. Recognition snapped him out of the temporary trance. Elation quickly turned to anger. "You're supposed to be dead, Heidi."

Expecting a smart comeback, he was shocked to get nothing. Her blonde hair was a wet, tangled mess. She was wearing nothing but an oversized t-shirt, but it was her blue eyes that held his attention. They were filled with confusion and fear. She shook her head, saying not a word.