Chapter Four

Duncan's POV

During training, his mother mind-linked him from the house. Unfortunately, Tatiana's human father was dead. According to his mother, she fell apart after the news. Her vulnerability only made his draw to her stronger. He could not put his finger on why. Her scent was comforting, and he felt very protective of her. Duncan wondered if she was his mate. Having never sensed the mate bond before, he had nothing to compare it to. He was frustrated that everything surrounding her was shrouded in mystery. How did she come to be raised by humans? Why had she never encountered another wolf? She was huge for a female wolf, and her violet eye color was unusual. It was clear she was not your average she-wolf, but what exactly that meant was unclear. Dante, his wolf, was also drawn to her. Back at the field, he would not let anyone near her, not even the Alpha. Dante could be a pain, but he never snarled at the Alpha before. Duncan shook his head. Lucky for him, his Alpha father was very understanding. Now that this girl was alone, it was his job to keep her safe. He knew it. His wolf knew it, but would the pack understand?

Duncan was snapped back to reality when the whistle sounded, signaling training had ended. As he gathered up his school bag, he noticed Luca heading towards him from the parking lot.

"So you met Tia? I wish you had better news for her."

Luca sighed, "I wish I did too."

"You positive it was the right guy?"

Luca snorted, "Do you honestly think I would deliver that kind of news if I wasn't?"

"Fair point"

Luca noticed many of the young she-wolfs heading in their direction, so before Duncan could get distracted, he added, "Luna sent me to pick you up. She wants you back at the packhouse, and Alpha Bran has been delayed."

Luca POV

They both got into the car and headed back to the packhouse in silence.

Duncan eventually turned to him and asked, "Did you feel her pain?"

"Yes," He replied. As he touched Tia, the grief and loneliness insider her nearly brought him to his knees. As a Zeta, he could sense other wolves' emotions and detect malicious intent. However, the most unique gift bestowed upon him by the Moon Goddess was his ability to remove physical and emotional pain from other wolves. The physical pain was one thing, but taking in the emotional pain was far more demanding. It took a lot out of him. He was as powerful as most Alphas because Zetas require enormous amounts of strength to withstand taking on another's pain. His capabilities were rare and made Zeta wolves very sought-after pack members.

Luca knew the depths of the young wolf's pain, but he also sensed her great power. She was stronger than other wolves her age. He also felt the purity of her heart. Her suffering was just beginning, but Luca knew that she was one of the few wolves alive that could handle what lay ahead for her.

Duncan roused him from his thoughts, "Is she going to be okay?"

Luca nodded, "She will. She is strong."

Satisfied, Duncan looked back out the window.

Bran's POV

After Tatiana and Duncan left the office, Bran looked at Carina. Her soft, flaming red hair cascading down her shoulders, she looked as gorgeous as the first day he laid eyes on her.

"What the hell was that?"

She stared after them, "I honestly don't know. Do you think our son can already sense she is his mate?"

"Not likely. Duncan hasn't even come of age yet!"

Looking at him with her eyebrow raised, "Yes, but he is close. He just turned 17."

Bran scowled, "I am getting pretty damn tired of the insubordination. If he does it in front of a pack member, I will force him to stand down."

Letting out a laugh, she sat on his knee.

He shot her a dirty look, "I am glad you find it so amusing."

"I am not laughing at you, my dear. However, I recall a cocky young wolf who also gave his Alpha a headache before he came of age."

Bran looked up at her, a smile spreading across his face as he realized she was referring to him.

"Do you see any resemblance?" She quipped.

"Well, let's hope the damn fool has enough sense to keep it in the packhouse. Hormones make young wolves do idiotic things."

Bran thought back to his mating hunt. He was wild once he caught her scent. He crashed through the forest, and his focus was on finding her. She caught sight of him first and circled back to pounce on him from above. Her smell saturated the air and tantalizing his senses as they tumbled and crashed through the undergrowth. If Duncan was feeling half the lust he felt back then; Moon Goddess, help us!

Tatiana's POV

Tatiana woke to find herself alone in her room. She still felt groggy, but it was already light outside. Tia stumbled out of bed into the adjoining bathroom. The girl in the mirror looking back at her matched how she felt. Her eyes were puffy. Her hair was in a wild mess. Sighing, she thought to herself. It just keeps getting better. She splashed cold water on her face, slowly coming to life. Smelling breakfast wafting up the stairs, she quickly ran a brush through her hair and headed down to the kitchen.

Everyone else had already arrived. Duncan was pouring himself a cup of coffee with his back to the door. Luca was leaning against the kitchen counter, watching her intently as she entered the room. Alpha Bran was at the table eating, and Luna Carina was fixing her plate. She was the first to speak, "Good Morning, Tatiana. How are you feeling?"

Duncan turned and handed her his cup before pouring himself another.

"I am feeling better. I need to go home and get some things."

Luna Carina smiled at her, "I am glad to hear that. Do you feel up to going into town?"

"Yes, It is time. I have to make arrangements for my Dad's funeral."

"Luca and I will join you. We already contacted the funeral home this morning."

Duncan quickly took a swig of coffee, "I will join you!"

Both Luna and Luca turned to look at him in surprise.

His eyes darted from one to the other, "What? The more, the merrier, right!" and he gave Tia a quick wink.

Luca said dryly, "No, we won't attract any attention."

Tatiana couldn't help but laugh, "It is okay. I can use all the support I can get."

Carina continued, "Please, have something to eat. You need to keep your strength

up."

Luca POV

Despite the physical distance between neighboring packs, news travels fast. Luca knew that better than anybody. Much to his dismay, word had already spread about a newcomer at the Kalaloch pack. The development was troubling because the Alpha and Luna had gone to great lengths to keep it a secret.

Whispers had already started within their rival, Hoh River Pack. It was clear that whoever was feeding them information was inside Kalaloch Pack. Alpha Bran would not be happy to learn they had a mole.

Alpha Naren and his son Vex were undoubtedly aware of Tatiana's existence. Luca had to keep her out of sight until Alpha Bran could initiate her into the pack. Although Kalaloch Pack was larger and powerful than Hoh River Pack, it would be impossible to keep her safe if they found Tatiana before she initiated.

As Luca set off in search of Alpha Bran, Luna mind linked him to meet out front. Everyone was ready to go into town. His meeting with the Alpha would have to wait. Luca grabbed his keys and headed out front.