Finding Love

Interesting - Kaden POV

The new girl hasn't taken her eyes of Ceren since she saw him. I'm curious, especially since he hasn't said a word, but Naizine is still talking to me so I can't give it my full focus.

"I'm surprised no one's thought of doing something like this sooner," Naizine says in reference to our conversation about the new build we're working towards.

"I hadn't thought of it either, but Alpha Mason brought it up to me a year or so ago saying that he wished we could do something about wolves that lost their packs," I reply.

The blondes head turns to me at that. So she is listening. Alliah, Jasmine said.

Naizine turns to her, "Al, do you think...?"

Alliah has a soft smile on her face as she says, "It wouldn't surprise me." She looks over at Alpha Mason.

Naizine just nods and turns back to me. I'm missing something but I'll figure it out later.

"Would you ladies excuse me for a moment. I'm thinking I need a bit of refreshment," I say. They all nod, and my shadow and I walk towards the water cooler.

I don't say anything, just grab a drink of water and sip it slowly. I refill it twice before returning to the girls, Ceren right behind me as always.

Jake has joined them and he's currently teasing his sister from what I can tell. As I come up to them, he draws to attention. I notice Alliah following his lead. Interesting. A soldier perhaps? She flows out of the stance seamlessly as Jasmine lays her hand on her shoulder, turning to her like she's learned to let go of her statues-quo for the sake of those around her.

They communicate with just a look. Alliah shakes her head, a no to whatever Jasmine was asking her. Jasmine nods back and continues her conversation with Jake.

Alliah glances around her. If I didn't know any better, and maybe I don't, I'd say she was taking in the room for threats. Subtly, but it was there.

Interesting girl.

As we come up, her eyes brush over me and lock on Ceren for a moment before shifting back to go over the room.

Maybe she thinks he's pretty.

Ceren and I stay for a little longer with the group then head off to mingle some more.

The evening goes long and eventually, Alpha Mason gets up and thanks everyone for coming, dismissing everyone to their own homes.

Ceren, Jake, and I are staying here for the next couple of nights before making the drive to Alpha Mason's pack house. We'll visit and catch up on everything with Alpha Mason before heading to Jake's home off the mountains. Then we'll officially be off the clock for two months unless emergencies arise. Which of course, there are bound to be things that come up, but no traveling for those two months.

I love what I do, but I'm glad we got everything squared away enough that Ceren, Jake, and the rest of my team can get a break. Not to say we'll be off the clock completely, but less on our plates makes for an almost vacation. My people deserve that. They've been working hard.

As everyone starts to break up, to get ready to to leave, Jake breaks from his sister and her friends and comes to stand by my side.

Jasmine inclines her head at us. I incline mine back, noting that she's much more calm and collected than when I last saw her.

She grew up with Jake as her partner in crime, so sometimes seemed to find it hard, especially in the beginning, to treat him as per his newer station required when around other people. While understandable, there were a few awkward and even volatile situations that came about because of it. Due to the Royal measures in place, none of the situations had gone sideways - past geniuses having taught protocols to their Royal enforcers and guards.

Of course, that was years ago at this point, when I had first invited Ceren and Jake on as my Beta and Gamma. Come to think of it, we were almost at the 10 year mark of working together. I've been Alpha King for 11 years and Ceren and Jake joined me not too long after, once I realized I needed to have men I could trust at my back.

During that first year, there was a prolonged process which eventually led to the choosing of my Gamma, Beta and team. It was probably one of the more exhausting years of my reign, but here we are 11 years later.

Not yet 34, I still feel old. Maybe I should do as Jake suggests and start taking short breaks here and there. When I was a kid, I always thought I'd end up traveling the world, exploring and meeting new people.

Then life changed and I changed. I saw that the world needed and I wanted to help.

As a strong werewolf with an alpha family pedigree, I was able to submit myself for becoming the Alpha King. Two years later, at 22, I had fought my way through the system and triumphed over the most dominant werewolves. 11 years later, no one has deposed me yet, and I have had the chance to build for the werewolves of the world and bring about the some of the changes I was hoping for the world as a whole. What we'd been able to accomplish was amazing and I was excited to work on the next couple projects we had in the works.

But first, a much needed break for my people. Which means I'm going to have to learn to enjoy the slower life for the time being.

I and my two shadows take our leave for the night, leaving everyone else to gather their things and head out after us.

Alpha Mason will make sure everyone gets out safely.

I had to learn that being Alpha King means it's my duty to watch over all the packs, but that it's their alphas who are their protectors. If that part is right, then my job is easy. If it's off, then my job is to make it right again. One of my jobs.

Taking on too much responsibility means that I can't do any of the jobs well, so I take it one mission at a time.

Ceren, Jake and I stop outside my door. Jake to take first shift outside my door, then switch out for another of our enforcers. Ceren has the rest of the night off. Most likely, he'll go for a run.

I nod to my men and head into my room.

I cross to the desk. I had an idea earlier that I want to write down. Then I'll get some rest.