Rogue Wolf

Ch 13 mission

Just when I thought things were getting back to normal, Alpha did something new.

Failure was gone again. Alpha locked the females up in their room, and shoved all of the remaining omegas in a closet with a steel door and a deadbolt. He took the rest of us to that first room I had been chained in.

The guards seemed to know what to do. Each of them took down their box and changed into street clothes. I stayed back, kneeling, waiting. I was unsure if I was finally going to be used as a scout or if I was going to be chained. I wasn't going to risk Alpha's wrath by assuming anything.

Alpha himself was in a pair of black jeans, with a black tee under a long sleeve buttoned and collared black shirt. Had this been my first day here I would have scoffed at his choice of all black. It was freaky to see him in street clothes looking like a normal guy. He so wasn't normal in any sense of the word.

When everyone else had changed, there was another face off between Alpha and Beta. Finally Alpha spoke.

"You claim he is ready," he said to Beta, "yours is the punishment if he fails."

"He will not fail, will you Scout?"

"No Beta," I said, keeping my head down.

I had no idea what was going to happen, but quickly decided this was not going to be the time to make my escape. Not with the whole compliment of guards, and Alpha himself accompanying us. I didn't want to think about what kind of punishment Alpha would unleash on Beta if I didn't perform satisfactorily.

"Get dressed," Beta commanded.

I had to stand on my toes to reach my box. It was strange to be in my usual non-descript clothes. Alpha stopped me when I slid my backpack on.

"What's in there?" he demanded.

"Extra clothes, Alpha."

"Why do you need extra clothes?"

"I don't Alpha, I'm sorry. It's just habit to slide my backpack on when I get dressed, Alpha."

I slid the pack off and put it back in the box. Alpha took in the wore condition of my clothes.

"I'm so used to you being part of our pack now, I had forgotten you had been homeless before us. We might have to get you a new outfit and new sneakers before we go out next time."

I didn't say anything, but tried to think pleasure at his attention. I pictured my favorite dessert. I didn't want new shoes from Alpha. He would never understand.

We headed out, going down the corridor we always used to go to the roof. Beta led, jumping suddenly, knocking a piece of the ceiling loose. He slid it up and off to the side. He had partially shifted, claws grabbing onto something and climbing up. He stood above, watching as Alpha made a step with his hands, giving each guard a boost.

I stood back, measuring. I could make that jump by pushing against the wall behind Alpha. I didn't have to act nervous when it was finally my turn to go up.

"It's ok," said Alpha reassuringly, "just put one foot in my hand and I'll toss you up. Beta will help catch you."

I faked a bit more awkward than I needed to. Alpha might have bought it but Beta didn't. He hadn't forgotten my parkour moves when I first invaded their territory. His grip on my arm was tight and full of warning. I lowered my eyes in submission to him.

"Tread carefully Scout," he whispered, "Alpha isn't the only one who can punish."

I knew he could smell my fear as he shoved me along the catwalk, clearing the way for Alpha to leap up. The guards had already moved on.

The path we followed down a hidden metal-pipe staircase seemed to be between two buildings. The brick walls were different on each side. We came out in the apartment's manager office, dropping down from his ceiling tile. I could smell the wolf on the unknown old man who sat in the dingy office.

The old man had closed the door when the first guard dropped down. He quickly stripped so he could lay naked and prone by the time Alpha dropped down at the end of the line.

Alpha took a few minutes to manhandle him.

"You may get dressed Omega Steven."

Another omega, and with a name! My heart raced a little as I wondered how many omegas of this pack were on the street. I knew less than I thought. Apparently the only omegas kept in the apartment were from the enemy pack. The possibility of escape became more questionable. Beta gave me a measured stare and tight little smile as if he knew what I was thinking.

Beta went over to the omega named Steven and petted him while helping him get dressed. Alpha looked on with a tightening of his eyes, pretending he approved.

Alpha put his arm over Beta's shoulder as they moved to leave. Beta stiffened slightly, but then relaxed into Alpha. It seemed the two of them were going to work out whatever it was between them, at least for now. I followed behind, giving one last look at the old omega in the office.

The old man looked at me with a combination of fear and pity. It unnerved me.

"Scout," called Beta, holding the outer door open for me. I hurried outside.

I breathed in deep, appreciating the crisp winter evening air as I took my first step out on the street in I don't know how many months.