Silver Claws

2. Stay Focused

Logan

My day had been going great. My dad had left ahead of the rest of the pack to prepare the western grounds, so he wasn't on my ass like usual. Reed and I were going for a run, and other than going on and on about Cara possibly being his mate, nothing was wrong

We ran in human form as much as we did in wolf, trying to stay in the best shape we could. Reed was the best warrior we had now, having taken his new place as Beta over his father only a month ago. The transition had been hard on them both, the two were still awkward around each other. Reed was shorter than me, but I was leaner. Reed was brute strength, while I was more well-rounded, as most alphas were. We had to be the best at everything.

"All I'm saying is, it makes sense. I mean we haven't ever tried the kiss test to find out before she's twenty, but there's chemistry." He said between breaths, his dark brown curls bouncing with each step.

"I've heard this same speech from you a thousand times." I jumped a gnarled root, "I don't know why you don't just ask her and her dad if you could just kiss her. Even if he hates you, at least you would know."

The only way to find out before a wolf is fully matured if you're their mate, is to kiss them. Cara was seventeen, her wolf wouldn't be fully mature for at least another year, maybe even later. It was different for everyone. Reed was nineteen, his wolf only being fully ready for a mate for about six months. He was obsessed with finding his mate. I'd given up a long time ago, four years past the age usually meant you didn't have one if you were an Alpha. A growing occurence.

"Oh yeah sure. And while I'm at it, I'll ask if he'll bake me some cupcakes."

I barked out a laugh. "I could always ask, I could make it sound like it's within my pack's interest. Hello Mr. Waldeck, my beta is so distracted trying to find his mate, could he pretty please make out with your daughter to check, it would mean a lot."

Reed pushed my shoulder. "Thanks but I'll have to pass, I like my head attached to my body."

We both ran up to the house, our loud voices booming through the house as we opened the door. Adrean, my step mom, was working on lunch with a few of her friends. I swiped a hamburger patty, only to be faced with her using a certified mom glare.

"You're lucky your father wasn't here to see that move." She put her hands on her hips. Her long reddish hair was streaked with grey, it was the only thing to tell her age. She was pretty, and had her son's eyes and nose.

I missed little Ryan, he was with my dad preparing the way for the pack. Ensuring security, he would inspect the guard, search for any rouge wolves, look for anything in the houses that needed repair, and check in on the few lone wolves in the area.

We were pretty lost without him. His constant chatter usually filled the air, he was always tottering after me. He always puffed himself up, time would tell if he would become an alpha or beta. I loved my little half brother, even if we just shared a father.

My phone rang from the living room and I suppressed a groan. I already knew it was my dad checking in on everything. We were both doing our best for a peaceful transition of power, unlike Reed and his father. It was hard for him to let go, and I tried to be understanding. It was just so annoying.

The second I answered I started "Second shift for patrol starts in an hour, Adrean is making lunch, I haven't had to yell at anyone for being stupid yet. All is well."

"Logan."

The smile melted from my face. "Dad what's wrong?"

"Son...get...get your mom. Get Reed and Trevor. You'll need them." he sounded anguished. His voice hadn't sounded like that since his mate, my real mom had died.