Chapter 1

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"Bring me Gregory McMillan," Ashton Mason ordered Devon, who stood by the door quietly.

"Yes, Alpha!" he said.

Ashton spun around in his chair and gazed out the window. He watched those of his pack going about their daily lives; everything was his from the wolves themselves to their daily lives. His control was absolute. Disobedience was dealt with strictly and brutally.

There was a knock and Gregory strode stiffly into the room. Ashton hated this man with a passion and thoroughly enjoyed watching him and his family suffer.

"You called for me, Alpha."

Ashton stood, facing him. "In a month's time some of our females will go into heat." He watched as dread filled Gregory's eyes. "I have decided that your son will take part this time."

After a moment, "My son has just become of age, Alpha. Is it a good idea he participates so soon?"

Ashton smiled. Gregory was very careful with his words.

"What young male wouldn't want to lose their virginity? He's of age now where his instincts will be taking over and drive him to procreate." He strode up to Gregory and placed his hand firmly on his shoulder. "I have made my decision."

"As you wish, Alpha," Gregory said roughly. "I'll have him ready."

"You may go."

Once Gregory was gone Ashton let loose a laugh. He could only imagine the grief and anguish on Joseline's face once Gregory told her the news. Suffer, Ashton thought grimly. Suffer until your entire family falls apart.

Tyler sat beneath a tall oak tree and enjoyed the smell of fresh untainted earth. It had rained the night before, so the air held the scent of rain and wet earth. Noir, Tyler's closest companion was a black wolf; she had a pure black coat except on her belly which was a slightly lighter shade. Tyler had found her as a puppy when he was a child. He had secretly taken care of her and they had developed a bond so strong he was sure not even Ashton could break it.

Tyler came to this spot everyday not only to be with Noir, but to also get away from the pack. Ashton was terrible; no one could live their life freely. He had complete control over everything. You couldn't even mingle with females without his express permission. He controlled when you mated and who you mated with. He didn't allow anyone to have the chance to find their destined mate. When a female went into heat, he chose who would be allowed to sleep with her and if anyone was lucky, or unlucky enough to impregnate the female they were forced to mate. Tyler had just turned eighteen and was now considered to be an adult which also made him a mandatory participant in The Pairing or as it has become known The Great Submission.

He shuddered at the mere thought of having to sleep with a female he didn't know. He didn't have any desire to sleep with females. He knew his sexuality, but he also knew that if he disobeyed Ashton the punishment would be severe. What terrified him more was what would happen to him if Ashton found out he was gay. Being gay meant to be rejected by the pack. Even if his parents didn't mind and even whole-heartedly accepted him, they wouldn't be able to protect him from Ashton.

Ashton had implemented a law when he became Alpha twenty years ago, that if you were found to be or even suspected of being gay then you'd not only be exiled from the pack but depending on his whim you'd either be publicly beaten or gang raped by the males of the pack that weren't mated. You could even be killed if Ashton so wished it. Tyler put a lot of effort into concealing his sexuality; he didn't want to worry his parents, most of all his mother. He loved her and hated to see her upset in anyway.

Noir pushed her head into Tyler's chest demanding her ears scratched. Tyler chuckled thankful for the distraction. It always amazed him how well Noir understood him. Whenever he was in a bad mood, she would always demand her ears to be scratched or to be pet. Just the simple action would improve his mood tremendously.

"Thanks Noir," he said.

Noir barked cheerfully, plopping herself in his lap and pushing her back gently against his chest. It was her way of asking for hugs. Tyler smiled, wrapping his arms around her, he buried his face into her thick silky fur. She smelt of moss and oak.

"I couldn't ask for a better friend than you, Noir," he said into her fur.

He could hear her low growl of approval rumble deep in her chest. Noir got up and stood in front of him staring at him quietly. After a moment, she sat as close as she could and placed her paw on his left shoulder, pulling him close to her and nuzzled the side of his face and neck. Tyler sat there hugging his best friend in silence until she pulled back and licked the side of his face giving him even more affection.

Tyler stood up and turned towards the direction of his pack. He knew it was time to return, yet he didn't want to leave. Noir nudged his legs and gave him a wolfy smile. Tyler couldn't help but smile back.

"Yeah, it's time to return. I'll see you tomorrow, Noir."

Noir did another wolfy grin while wagging her tail happily. Tyler knew she followed him at a distance until he was about a mile from the pack enclave.

Once he reached the edge of the enclave, he quickly made his way home; it was a simple two-story cabin with an open floor plan. The living room was large with a leather sectional, a matching leather recliner and a wooden coffee table in the center. Ashton forbade anyone having a tv, he believed that any connection to the outside world besides work and the necessities would destroy the pack. The kitchen was on the other side of the cabin and it was large with stainless steel appliances and a double sink. There was also a large island in the center and the stove was in the center with a large amount of cooking space on either side of it. His parents sat at the large oak table located in the far right of the kitchen; his mother had her face in her hands and his father looked nearly defeated.

"Mom, dad what's wrong?" he asked as he strode to the table.

Gregory gazed up at his son. To him, Tyler appeared at peace. Whenever Tyler went into the woods, he always returned fresh and calm. He carried the scent of oak trees and moss, but it wasn't unusual; oak was his sons' favorite tree.

Gregory swallowed and pulled out a chair. "Have a seat, son."

Tyler slowly sat down and the moment he met his father's gaze a knot formed in the pit of his stomach.

"Son, a month from now you have been chosen to participate in The Pairing."

Tyler could only stare at his father. After a few moments he whispered, "What?"

Gregory placed his hand on his sons' shoulder and squeezed. He knew Tyler wouldn't like the news. There weren't many males who looked forward to a female's heat. Many males grew up dreaming of meeting their destined mate, but once they were old enough, twelve years old generally, Ashton would take them into his home for the day and once they returned home it was obvious that Ashton had crushed their dreams and most of time their spirit.

"Son, I tried to get you out of it, but Ashton refused to listen." He looked away from his sons devastated expression. "I have no choice, but to get you ready for The Pairing next month."

Tyler sat there for a few minutes in stunned silence. He knew this was coming, but he hadn't thought it would be so soon. He had just turned eighteen damn it! Why did Ashton have it out for his family? He had figured out early on that Ashton didn't like his father and enjoyed making them suffer. The only thing he didn't know, and his parents refused to tell him was why. He stood up and rushed out of the house and ran away from his mother's desperate cries.

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