Scent of a Mate

Chapter 2

This is Nate in my imagination... Cause red head guys can be hot ;)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I always wanted to be a Beta.

To me pack life was perfection. From the structured hierarchy to the sense of unity flowing through the pack, I couldn't dream of anywhere else to be.

My father always told me that I would be Beta to my best friend Craig.

"But you must be focused. Being a Beta is not an easy job. Don't let the idea of running a pack with your best friend make you take the job any less seriously."

The sad thing is that I didn't really listen to him. As a seventeen year old I scoffed at my dad, believing that my natural strength as the son of a Beta would get me by. That is until the Rouges attacked.

Craig and I were trying to take a little "break" in the woods along with two of our lady "friends". Suddenly Craig's dad called him through mind link and He left promising to come back in five minutes so that he could finish his... Umm... "conversation" with his lady friend. While my lady friend and I were actually conversing (due to my lack of romancing skills) I heard a rustle in the bushes and assumed that it was Craig returning.

What happened next was the single most traumatizing moment in my life. Rouges jumped out of the bushes and shred the girls to pieces.

I just ran.

I had no idea how to save them or myself so all I could do was runaway. I had nor have ever felt more helpless, afraid or traumatized in my life. People assume that werewolves battle and see blood and death in a daily basis. Our pack hadn't encountered a war in over eighty years and we saw no reason to battle.

The shame I felt when the girls' families looked me in the eyes and asked, "Why didn't you save them?"

My mom and dad asking me over and over, "Why didn't you save them?"

My pack all wondering, "Why didn't you save them?"

My mind chanting, "You killed them."

I would not and could not let myself slack off after that day. I trained harder than anybody. I memorized the history of the pack and learned everything that needs to be done for the pack to run. I excelled above the others. Eventually when Craig's parents and my parents stepped down as Alpha and Beta we took their place.

I try to be the most loyal and committed Beta I can. I barely sleep at night in worry that I'm forgetting to do something necessary for the pack.
Well, that and because of the nightmares.

So here I am at 25 years old in my best friend's office at three in the morning rereading a letter for a third time while sipping a giant cup of coffee.

To: Alpha Craig from Midnight
We would like to urgently meet with you and your Beta tomorrow to discuss extremely treacherous activities. This may have tremendous impact in the safety of our packs. Telephone use might not be safe. Discretion is crucial. Please rendezvous at the Lake Side Pack at 8:00 AM.
Alpha Alfred

My stomach churned every time I read the letter. Alpha Alfred and his pack were very peaceful and their alliance with us was very strong, but it has been years since he has reached out to us for help. The most dangerous activity that occurs around these parts are the occasional rouge trespassing, but they are easily captured and released with a warning to never trespass again.

Why would he need us now?

"Nate?"

I looked up startled to hear someone awake, only to find that it was Craig sleepily standing by the doorway. I picked up my mug and took a sip.