Marked By Him

Chapter 1

*Karis*

"And our new Alpha is... Ian Masters!" the now former Alpha Ryan Garrett announced to the pack.

"Alpha Masters!" we cheered in unison. He raised his head and howled loud and long and we joined our voices with his. He spoke to us through the pack link.

'I am honored to be the new Alpha. I lead the pack to the best of my ability,' he said. We bow our heads in respect as he passed through the pack. I waited until the pack house's door shut to raise my head. By then, half of my pack mates had gone about their duties. I stuffed my hands into my jacket pockets and walked toward my home. On the way, I stopped to watch the warriors train. My brother, Jonathan, was just about to fight with Delta Bryan. They circled around the 'arena', waiting for the other to make a move. Bryan lunged first, aiming to tackle my brother. Jonathan stepped to the side, slamming his forearm into the Delta's face. Bryan froze, surprised, allowing Jonathan to put him in a choke hold. He patted the ground frantically and was released.

"That's why you're Theta," he gasped. My brother chuckled, offering him a hand.

"I just think more strategically, is all," he grinned, pulling the man to his feet. "Kar, Mom's asking for you. I'll be a bit late to dinner tonight so get home and tell Mom for me, alright, Love?"

"Okay, Jonny! I'll see you!" I responded as I took off for the house.

"Karis, I couldn't get through to your mind link. I was worried," Mom hugged me as soon as my foot was over the threshold.

"I'm sorry. I stopped to watch the training," I looked up into her blue-gray eyes. She smiled and gazed back into mine.

"You are just like your father, Kar," she sighed. I buried my face in her chest and took in a shaky breath. Tears filled my eyes as I remember the man who gave everything to provide for Mom, Jonny, and me. He worked non-stop for a month to afford the house that Mom dreamed about. He defied the Alpha to take me and Jonny to the fair when I was five. He dedicated all of his free time to his family. He was killed in a rogue attack while protecting me. I used to feel guilty, like if I had gone straight home, Dad would still be here. Mom interrupted my thoughts. "I know you're blaming yourself again, and you should know by now that rogues are uncontrollable. They wanted the Alpha. It's not your fault."

"I know, Mom," I pulled away from her embrace and walked past her.

"Do you really?" she asked.

"I do," I said as I marched up the stairs to my room. I quietly closed my door and ran to my window to watch the sunset.

"My sweet little blue star," my father would say. "I'm always watching you watch things. Always remember that your eyes are your soul. Keep watching, little blue eyes." Something wet touched my cheek and I realized that my face was soaked with tears. I furiously rubbed them away and washed my face in the bathroom I shared with Jonny.

"Mom's right, Hon." I whirled around to see Jonathan with a towel wrapped low on his waist. "It's not your fault. Just keep watching like Dad said. That's what he'd want."

"Thanks, Jonny," I hugged him.

"I love you, Honey. Keep smiling for me, please?" he kissed my forehead.

"Okay!" I grinned. He returned to his room. I skipped downstairs to the kitchen for a snack before bed. Jonny again startled me by grabbing the bag of chips I was reaching for. I growled at him, glaring.

"Chill, pup," he bared his teeth as his eyes glowed amber

"Sorry," I muttered, sitting down. He poured chips into a napkin for me and then himself.

"My wolf's on edge," he frowned. "He says something about a mate. I can't wait to meet her."

"Hopefully she'll like me," I smiled.

"I'll reject her if she doesn't," he smiled back.

"I wonder if I'll find my mate," I munched on a chip.

"You will. Just wait," he rolled his eyes.