Thrown to the Wolves

Chapter 3

Quentin's POV

Waking up the next morning, I was surprised to see that Markus had stayed on his side of the bed during the night. Stretching, I got out of bed, making my way downstairs. 

When I got there, I was greeted by the pack's Beta, Sean. He smiled at me, nodding his head. "Morning, Luna."

"Quentin, please."

He shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee. "If you say so, but Markus will have my head if I do."

"And I'll have his." I said with a curt nod.

Sean laughed, gesturing to the seat next to him. "Speaking of, does he know you're down here? He doesn't usually let you up until he's awake."

I shook my head. "No, he stayed on his side of the bed today."

Sean nodded, and I sat down. Sighing, I glanced outside at some of the pack members rolling around as wolves. Even the adults were yipping and laughing as they tackled one another to the ground. "Cute, aren't they?"

I raised a brow. "As overgrown dogs, sure. As Werewolves..."

Again, Sean laughed. I placed a hand on my hip. "I don't think I'm as funny as you seem to think I am."

Taking a sip of his coffee, Sean looked away awkwardly. "Um... I like your hair."

Before I could reply, there was a loud thud above us. We froze, glancing up and listening to the frantic stomps of as someone came barreling down the stairs. Markus rushed into the kitchen, a frantic look in his eyes. He glanced at Sean and opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when he saw me sitting at the table. Rushing forward, he pulled me into a strong hug. "Thank God you're here! I woke up and you weren't there, and I just..." He trailed off, not releasing me from his grip. I looked to Sean for help, but he casually sipped his coffee, looking the other way.

"Markus," I scowled. 

His head shot up, an eager look in his eyes. "Yes?"

"... Let go of me."

Markus whined, but reluctantly let go of me, going into the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee. "What's on the schedule today?" He looked at Sean.

Sean set down his mug. "We have training in about an hour, then we have a meeting with another pack to discuss the rogues that have been seen wandering around the forest."

"Has it become a problem yet?"

Sean shook his head. "No, they've merely been spotted on the outskirts of various packs; doesn't look like they've caused any trouble as of late."

I stared at Markus as he nodded. When he was in Alpha mode, he had a serious expression that was much different from his usual one, and it was as if he was a whole different person. He stood straighter, and his green eyes had a hardened expression - the expression of someone who had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Or, in Markus's case, the weight of an entire pack.

Sighing, I leaned my head on my hand. Most of my days past had been spent serving the council, or doing what I pleased, so it wasn't like I knew how to lead. Mostly, Kyran had been the leader when we were kids. He would always be the one to forge his own path; quitting the council, straying from the Vampire-Werewolf war, making his own rules and laws... He was the more outgoing of the two of us, despite what many people believe based on our personalities.

Markus turned to me. "Mate? Will you be okay by yourself while I work today?"

"What am I, two? I don't need you to watch over me."

Markus looked hurt, but I tried to brush it off. Sean sighed. "Come on, Alpha, let's go."

Nodding, Markus slumped away. My chest twinged guiltily. I'll... I'll apologize tonight. I mean, he should be back by then, right?