Chapter Two

CHARITY POV

Despite being dead tired, my endurance doesn’t falter while through the forest. Not even when the leaves and branches whip along my face, or stick to my blonde hair.

My attempts to call Summer forward are useless. The night’s events have left her unresponsive, which is just my luck. I am officially late and screwed. Great first impression to make as a new Gamma.

Turning to the left, I find the trail that leads home, my house near the forest’s edge. Pushing myself harder, I finally break through the line and into my backyard. Taking the stairs two at a time, I climb the deck, barely breathing as I push open the door.

“Mom!” I call, praying to the Goddess she isn’t home to give me a lecture. “Dad!” Relief flooding through me when no one utters a peep. I can deal with their commentary later. I have more important places to be.

Running up the stairs, I hurry with the cleaning process, trying to get myself in a presentable state, while I scramble frantically through the house, ending in my bedroom.

My eyes immediately dart to the window, the one that peeks into Matt’s room next door, grateful to find it empty. If I don’t have time to deal with my parents, or my unexpected shift, I definitely don’t have it to deal with last night.

Rushing over, I close the blinds before entering the closet and grabbing anything. My movements are so scattered, I barely notice the note taped to my vanity. Picking it up, I find my mother’s neat scrawl.

“We will talk when your father and I get home, - Mom.” She sounds pissed, which is no surprise, she is the worst kind of helicopter parent. Rolling my eyes, I return it, finishing to dress, before leaving again.

Skipping down the stairs, I open the front door, locking it behind me. A husky, male voice startling me, my heart beat skipping and a shiver going through me. “What the hell, Shortcake?”

Hand against my chest, I relax into the doorframe, realizing who it is. “Don’t call me that!” I retort, weirdly defensive about the sudden nickname. And, yet, I can’t stop the odd thrill it gives me.

“Why not?” he says, pushing away from the wall he is leaning against. “It suits you.” His eyes consuming me as heat dances along my skin.

“Matt, I have places I need to be.” I cough, slightly disappointed that I am the first to look away.

“Fine,” he says calmly, lowering his voice to a subtle whisper, “but we are discussing this further.” His scent wafting upward, serene and exciting. Lips brush my cheek for the briefest moment, before he backs away his arms crossed over his chest.

Shaking my head, I hurry away on wobbly legs, trying to put as much distance between us. His pompous, male expression permanently burned into my brain. But Goddess, does he have to be so gorgeous?

Cutting between neighborhood yards, I get to Theo’s house, the Beta, rather quickly. His father, a council Beta, moved into the pack as a liaison for New Moon. It didn’t take long for Theo and Elle to become close. It happened rather quickly, and it makes sense why he was chosen to be her Beta.

Actually, the same logic could apply to me. I am not blood bonded to New Moon like the other wolves. My family moved into the territory when I was ten, and we have lived here ever since. It’s not shocking that Elle’s wolf chose the two wolves that are not blood bonded to be her ranked members.

Without knocking, I rip open the front door, trying my best to ignore Theo’s teasing snickers as I make my way inside. “Looks like Sleeping Beauty finally arrived,” he teases, standing to come closer. “Is that a leaf in your hair?”

“Shut up,” I snap, as I enter the living room, sitting in the armchair across from Elle. “And do I have to ask who you were with all night?” I raise my eyebrow at him, crossing my arms in victory.

Theo’s eyes narrow, knowing I have got him cornered. “Fine, you win,” he sighs with palms raised in defeat.

“Are you two done?” Elle asks dryly, her gaze going between us. “Because we have things to do and we are officially behind schedule.”

“To do what?” I ask, as Elle gets up from the couch, Theo following closely behind her. The pair already having something in mind.

“We are figuring out how to get home,” She responds. It still feels odd to have another pack, one I have never been to, or heard of as home. Instead of investigating those emotions further, I shove them away, knowing I wouldn’t have the time to deal with them.

“How you are expecting to do that when we don’t even know where you’re from?” I question, too tired, and partially distracted by thoughts of a blonde boy to put the pieces together myself.

“Theo is a council member’s son,” Elle responds, as we walk toward the front door. Trailing behind, we exit and head for her Jeep sitting in the driveway.

“And that explains everything…” I retort drowsily, climbing inside, the scent of evergreens still resting on my skin.

“Since my dad is a Beta Councilor,” Theo chimes in sleepily. “I am forbidden from becoming Beta to anyone but my original Alpha bloodline of Silver Run.”

“So, why are we meeting at the ass crack of dawn again?” I question, climbing into the back seat, while Theo takes the passenger. Elle may be a woman, but in typical Alpha fashion she drives.

“We have work to do if we are going to reclaim my territory from the fraud posing as Alpha,” Elle responds, turning the engine and backing out of the driveway.

What the hell did Summer get us into? A goddamn war, that’s what.

************

I have trained in gymnastics and combat since a young age, yet I have never had my ass kicked so badly as I did training with Elle. It’s like I have cinder blocks tied to my legs. Trying to lift them up my front steps is a feat of amazing proportions. How the hell am I supposed to make it to bed?

Trudging up the rest, I finally make it through the front door, the lock barely clicking in place, before a shrill yell fills the house. “Where the HELL have you been, young lady?”

Great, it’s just what I need. Mom. The tap of her heels stomping down the hallway, pushing the last of my buttons. It’s been a long day, and I don’t have the patience to deal with whatever has her panties in a twist. “You were supposed to be home hours ago!”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed mother,” I retort, turning to face the blonde head on. “But I kind of survived a traumatic shift, and am now I am the Gamma of some pack I have never been to. So, excuse me if I don’t feel the need to rush home when you say so.”

“Oh well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed,” she responds rapidly, never missing a beat. “But you’re not even seventeen! You're underage and I am still THE parent. I don’t want you being Gamma, and in fact, I forbid it.”

Laughter bubbles past my lips as my stare flicks between my father and her. “You can’t forbid me from taking a title that is rightfully mine. I could have died for this honor. I am not giving it up.” My demeanor is cold as stone as I remind her of the ordeal I went through in the past twenty-four hours.

“Yes, I can and I will!” she nods, while my father shuffles uncomfortably behind her. My pupils narrow at his refusal to look at me. Gritting my teeth, I meet her glare with one of my own, my irises turning onyx with my anger.

“It doesn’t work like that, mother,” I puff out my chest, anger filling me to my fingertips. The aura in the room shifting, slightly. There is no way I went through that hell just for her to take it away. “I am a Gamma now, and that means I outrank you.”

Summer joins me, rage swirling around like a twister, filling the room until the pressure makes her crack. My father remains silent, stoic, but I notice the hint of pride. “You will NOT stop me from taking this position. It’s an honor.”

“I am not backing down on this Charity!” She counters, refusing to give up. “You will turn Alpha Elle down!”

“Over my dead body!” Our argument slowly turning into a screaming match. My mother and I share more than looks, unfortunately. We also share an uncanny stubbornness, which has led to more than one argument about my decisions.

“Chelsea,” my father intervenes, finally, trying to calm his mate, but she waves him off, stepping toward me instead.

“What are you so afraid of, huh?” I ask, arms crossing over my chest, matching her stance of defiance.

“Everything!” She sighs, throwing her hands in exasperation. “We moved here to protect you, not for you to run around acting as a Gamma.”

Her words have me deflating, like a balloon that’s been popped. “Unfortunately, Mom, fate doesn’t work that way.” I push past her, annoyed by this conversation. Sweat and grime from the day sits on my skin. All I want to do is shower, then collapse into bed.

Beginning my ascent, stopping to turn, “I thought you’d be proud of me,” I say, my voice calm. “But I see that’s never going to happen.”

I propel my aura at them once more. “I will be Elle’s Gamma, and that’s an order. So either get on board or I can find somewhere else to live.” My command settles over them, my mom’s mouth snapping shut in astonishment. Huffing, she pivots, going in the opposite direction.

My father stands at the bottom of the stairs, staring up at me. The twinkle of pride growing into a beaming gleam as he stares up at me. “I am sorry,” he scratches the back of his head. His signature move when he is acting as devil’s advocate. “Your mother and I are proud of you. I hope you know that.”

“She has a funny way of showing it.”

“I know,” he admits, “but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t.” He reaches over, grabbing my hand resting on the railing, to give it an encouraging squeeze. “You’re going to make an amazing Gamma.”

“Thanks, dad,” I smile down at him, before making my way upstairs to wash the day off of me.

************************

My boots crunch along the forest floor, the early morning sun not high enough to warm the chill. Elle and Theo walk alongside me, in silence while I try to wrap my head around what they have planned.

“Rogues?” I ask, wanting confirmation that we are using their aid in the upcoming takeover. “Couldn’t we have picked another pack or something?”

Theo snorts in derision, “we won’t find anyone better at this kind of recon, trust me.”

“And you trust them?” I wonder what the hell the Beta is thinking. Of all the people to help Elle find her pack, and he picks random rogues?

“They’re a rogue Alpha and his Beta,” Theo defends, while Elle remains silent, listening to us while remaining alert to our surroundings. “I’ve lived in more packs than you, and know them. Not all Rogues are bad, they’re just people trying to escape a shitty situation.”

“Alpha?” I ask, looking for her to chime in, but her gaze flicks between us. Silent and contemplative, as she weighs our arguments.

“I am sorry, Charity,” she sighs, “but I trust Theo’s judgement. We need someone on the outside to do what we need.”

“Fine,” I agree, knowing I am defeated. I am about to say more when a branch breaking has the words pausing on my lips.

“Is the pack princess afraid of the big bad rogues?” A voice calls out, the body appearing from the shadow seconds later. The owner’s gaze stopping on me and I find myself breathless. Why am I blushing when he is an obvious asshole?

A breeze catches his scent, bringing it to me, and it’s making me dizzy. He smells like a bonfire, toasted marshmallows, with hints of melted chocolate. The smell is enticing enough to bring Summer forward with curiosity.

“That boy is a whole damn snack,” she comments, wanting “You know he is fine underneath those layers.”

“I thought you felt that way about Matt?” I return, inner turmoil running rampant.

“So?” she says, shrugging. “I’m hungry.”

Shame surfaces, knowing I am selfish enough to let my baser instincts rule my responses. I should have better control of my reactions to men, but I cannot help the attraction I have for the six-foot something brunette with blue-green eyes that remind me of sea foam.

“Damn,” the man says, stepping closer to us, “Theo, why didn’t you tell me you have such hot friends?” His gaze flickers to me like he’s expecting a response.

When I don’t, he steps in front of Elle, giving her a bright smile. Why the hell is he looking at her like that? I cannot stop the biting sting of jealousy running rampant and licking at my insides. It’s an emotion I shouldn’t be feeling so harshly and suddenly for a man I don’t know.

The unnamed male gaze flickers to me once more, his eyes narrowing slightly before returning his attention back to Elle. I swear he trying to goad me into acting like a jealous girlfriend. Of course he is. He’s a pompous ass who's probably used to women flocking around him. Well, I won’t be one.

“They’re not for you, Fletcher,” Theo growls protectively, stepping in between the pair. Getting the stranger’s attention, I smirk victoriously. My eyes sliding away, only to notice someone else had been standing there all along.

A tall brunette, with brown eyes, stoic expression, and enough power to run a house stands beside the one called Fletcher. He has to be the Alpha, with his height and aura.

I try to pay attention to what the others are saying, but Fletcher’s heated stare is making it impossible to think of anything else. My breathing becoming shallow as I attempt to focus on the conversation, but failing miserably. Can he stop looking at me already? I won’t be able to focus until he does.

I am so absorbed trying to not think about the guy staring a few feet away that I luckily catch the next words out of Elle’s mouth. And I nearly have a heart attack as they sink in.

“If we succeed,” she says, her words firm and hand outstretched in agreement. “I will allow your collective refuge on our land indefinitely.”

What the hell did she just say? My eyes sliding back to Fletcher, his blue-green irises shining victoriously, while a daunting smile graces his lips. The wink he sends my direction has butterflies swarming, turning my stomach upside down.

The longer I hold his gaze, the more awareness dawns. If this man is going to be in my life, I am royally fucking screwed.