My Soulmate's Fear

Chapter One

"Jack! It's time to leave!", calls my father. I sigh, looking down at my hands at rest on the counter then look back up at my appearance. I had to dress nicely to finally meet the clan I would be Alpha of once I'm of age. My father had me dress in the stiffest suit he could find. It's black with a white under shirt and a mud red tie to match my hair. My usual curly hair has been fixed to me laying down against my head in a disgusting way. I scrunch up my nose, which casts a shadow over my silver eyes. I raise my hands and ruffle my hair, messing it up a bit and gain some of it's curl back. "Jack!", I groan and roll my eyes, stepping away from the bathroom counter. "I'm coming!"

The suit pinches the back of my knees slightly as I quickly prance down the stairs. My father stands in front of the opened door, tapping his foot impatiently. "Come on, we'll be late.", I nod. "I know, I know.", he pats my back as I exit the house, him following close behind. Maple, the maid with light brown hair, waits patiently, her fingers intertwined in front of her. "Mr. Stain, shall I call for the stable boy to bring the horses?", she asks politely. My father shakes his head. "No, Jack and I will be running.", she nods and steps aside to let my uncle, Lynn, to step up and clap me on the shoulder then look at my father. "Well, Chrisy, he looks ready.", my father nods curtly. "Of course he is. Now, let's be off.", yeah, my father really has a stick up his ass and doesn't like to waste time.

I shudder as I accidentally watch my father and uncle shift into their wolf forms. My father, a large, black wolf with green eyes, and my uncle a redish/brown wolf with gold eyes. I get my appearance more from my mother. Her hair was also a mud red and her eyes silver. But her wolf was light brown and silver eyes. I get over my slight shock and shift as well. It has always been an odd feeling but I enjoy it. My wolf is mud red and silver eyes and is much larger than the others expected. Not as large as my father's though.

My father nods towards the road and starts off in a trot then a run, to a sprint, my uncle and I close behind him. I always run like a dog, my steps sloppy and tongue hanging out. No one really approves of it, but it makes me feel more free so I don't really care. The pavement on my paws hurt though but I try my best to ignore it.

After perhaps twenty minutes of sprinting, we slow to a stop and shift back. I can see why we didn't take the horses now. I breath heavily, trying to collect my breath. Father slicks back his hair and Lynn adjusts his suit. Lynn looks at me and grins with a wink. "Ya ready?", I shrug and take one last deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be.", I see father nod slightly. "Then, let's go.", Lynn takes the lead and we follow. I try to settle my startled heart as we enter a large, white building. "Now, Jack, this is the Hall. We gather here, the pack, and talk about any problems and such.", I nod, taking in the information Lynn gives me.

Lynn pushes open two large doors and we enter. Inside is a long table with platters of food on it. Some people sit at the table and others talk in groups, standing up. My father takes off towards a group of three people and I follow Lynn, who approaches a teenage girl, sipping at a cup of water. "Ah, Mady. How nice to see you again. Will your friend finally be joining us?", the female with, long, curly, brown hair and brown eyes grin. Her skin is darker, and a birth mark rests below her left elbow. "Would know if you had gone to the last meeting.", Lynn let's out a single, whispy chuckle and looks down shamefully. "Yes, my apologies, dear. You see, I had some dirty work to take care of.", the two share a mischievous gaze. "I understand."

I clear my throat, catching the two attentions. "Right! Mady, meet my nephew, Jack Stain.", I shake hands with the female. "Nice to meet you.", I say. She nods. "Likewise." "I'm back.", says a shorter female, maybe 5"2, walking up to us. "Oh, speak of the devil.", Mady pulls the female next to her, slinging and arm over the short haired, brunette's shoulders. Her skin is light and her eyes are brown but look just about black. She smiles shyly, her teeth revealing braces. "Howdy." "This here is my friend, Candace.", Lynn grins and takes the girl by the hand, kissing her knuckles softly. "A pleasure." "Oh stop, I'm swooning.", Lynn laughs and Candace grins. "Candy, this is Lynn and Jack Stain.", Candace perks. "Oh! You two are related to the Alpha?", Lynn nods. "Jack here is Chrisy's son.", Candace holds out her hand I take it. "Nice to meet you.", she says. I nod and smile slightly.

"Jack!", I twist my head, looking over my shoulder to see father beckon me. I sigh, shoulders slumping. Candace let's out an oof. "Looks like you're being summoned.", I chuckle. "Something like that.", I give a small, pathetic wave and walk away. Father watches me approach. I observe the three he's with as I approach. A woman with blonde, wavy hair watches me with her grey eyes. Her skin is fair, making her blue dress really out there. Next to her is a shorter male with little to no hair, blue eyes, and a completely black suit. Next to him is another male, much taller. His eyes are a deep orange, his hair black and slicked back, and a silver tie to go with his black suit. I instantly don't trust him.

"Jack, I would like you to meet Charlene Kieth, Micheal Burgundy, and Gene McCathy.", I shake hands with the three, giving them all nods and soft hellos. Gene, the tall male wears leather gloves. "An honor, truly.", Micheal says, grinning. He seems friendly enough. "I would have expected you to be taller.", Charlene comments. "Now now, he's only a boy.", Gene defends, never taking his gaze off of me. "Jack, these are three of the higher members of the pack.", I nod. "It's nice to meet all of you.", Micheal opens his mouth but a ringing bell cuts him short. "Oh, it's time."

Father leads me to a chair and I sit. He takes a seat next to me. Charlene sits to my left. I sit stiffly as everyone takes their seats. After everyone is seated, my father rises. "Welcome everyone, I thank you for making it.", he looks over at Candace. "Miss Pennington, I welcome you to your first official meeting.", she nods, glancing down. She lets out a soft thank you. "Now, I would like you all to meet my son, Jack Stain.", everyone claps as I stand and nod with an awkward wave. I sit back down and everyone quiets again. "Now, I have manners concerning the vampiric clans, but that is for the higher members to speak of. But I do want to talk about matters involving the Moon Quarter."

I recognize the name. The Moon Quarter is a large pack that my father has been trying to ally. I'm not sure why but they could help us.

"Have they agreed?", Micheal asks. Father glances down, hesitating before looking up with stern eyes. "They have but on one condition.", everyone is silent, waiting to hear. Father looks at me before continuing. "They will only seal the deal if Jack agrees to marry the female Alpha in line.", I press my lips in a thin line, my heart dropping. Lynn scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Them and their traditional ways.", father shoots Lynn a glare. "I will talk to Jack privately about this. I want you all to discuss it yourself."

With that said, the meeting is dismissed. Shortest meeting I'll probably ever be in. I slip away before father can pull me aside. I start heading for the water only to be stopped by Candace and Mady. Candace hands me a cup of water and I gladly take it. "Shit, man. I wouldn't do it.", Mady shoots Candace a glare. "It's for the better.", Candace shrugs. "Still. Marrying someone you don't even know? Pass.", I nod and point to Candace, swallowing my mouthful of water. "And what if she turns out to be a complete bitch? Big pass.", Mady rolls her eyes. "I'm just saying.", Candace shrugs. "Maybe you could divorce her in a year or so. Maybe everything will be chill then.", I shrug and let my head drop. "I don't know. I never expected this.", Candace friend and rubs my arm.

"Jack, we need to talk.", father says, coming up behind me and places a hand on my shoulder. I take another drink of water before Candace takes the cup. I nod to her and walk away with my father.

We leave the room, shutting the door behind us. "Dad-" "I won't make you marry someone you don't want. I just want you to at least meet the girl and think about it.", I stand there, mouth agape. My father doesn't look at me and instead takes interest in a painting of a lion. This man, so determined to do anything for his pack is telling me it's my choice? That's a first. I finally nod. "Okay. I'll meet her.", I sighs in relief and even puts on a small, by genuine, smile. He places a hand on my shoulder softly. "Thank you, son."