CLAIR

"Thank you, Alpha." I turned around and grabbed the door handle again.

I stopped for a moment when I felt my neck burn. I know he’s watching me. I contemplated if I should look back, but decided against it and turned the knob to open the door. I hurriedly exited his office, and as soon as I closed the door, a loud smashed sound of glass against the wall was heard.

I stood frozen in shock for a couple of seconds before I was able to compose myself and walk away completely from his office, shaking my head in disbelief.

'What a prick!' I told myself.

'I heard you, princess. You forgot to turn off the mind link.' I stopped on my track and felt the hair at the back of my neck stand up when I heard his voice in my mind. And did he just chuckle?

'Shit! How can I turn this off?'I asked myself but I was well aware that he heard that too.

'Find it out yourself.'

'F**k!'

'Your mouth, princess.'

'F**k! F**k! F**k! Can you still hear me?' I closed my eyes and my hands rolled into fists.

'Yes.'

'Aarrgh!!! Help me! Or cut it off!' I snapped at him through mindlink.

'It’s actually fascinating to hear your thoughts, so why should I?' He replied, and I could imagine him smirking, which irritated me more.

'It’s not funny, Jake! I swear you’ll be annoyed the whole night if you don’t cut it off!'

'Really? What thoughts will you share with me tonight then?' He seemed to enjoy this.

'Have you got nothing else to do Alpha? You should keep yourself busy with work rather than annoy your pack members!' I spat out angrily as I stomped my way outside the pack house towards Aaron’s car.

"Hey, you’re back, finally!" Aaron greeted me. "Everything turned out well?"

"Yeah. All is good. Can we go home now?" I asked him, as I tried to hide the anger building up inside me.

'Liar. I thought you were a little pissed. Maybe share it with your brother as to why instead of lying.'

'F**k off.' I closed my eyes as soon as I sat down in the passenger seat beside Aaron.

'Yeah, I might as well do that, maybe in my room.' I blushed at his words and the picture my crazy mind put into my head.

"Clair?" I flipped my eyes open to see my brother looking at me with a worried look on his face. "Did you hear me? Are you okay?"

"What?" I looked at him, trying not to think of Jake.

"I said put your belt on so we can drive home now."

"Ah okay," I replied as I stumbled to put on my seatbelt. "Aaron, how does mindlink work? How can you turn it off?"

"Just turn it off. Can you mindlink now?"

"No, not yet. Just curious." I answered too quickly as he started the car’s engine. I wondered why I didn’t just tell him that I could mindlink now.

'Lies. Lies again, princess.'

I was so annoyed that I snapped back at Aaron. I asked a little louder this time. "But how do you turn it off? Should I just say turn?"

"Calm down, Clairy. We can practice at home. No need to be so riled up! Okay?" He chuckled as he started to maneuver the wheel.

I closed my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest, and pressed my mind hard to cut off the mindlink.

'Still there?' I asked, hoping he would not reply.

'Always here.'

That was it! I was so pissed off that I unbuckled my belt and ordered Aaron to stop the car and jumped out of it before he could ask me anything. With large steps and my nose flaring, I walked towards the Alpha’s office and barged in without knocking.

"Cut it off, Jake! It’s not funny anymore!" My voice was full of desperation and anger.

"What? Maybe try to ask a little nicer and you won’t have to deal with this." He chuckled. If I was not pissed off, I would have appreciated it if he finally showed me a different emotion rather than the stoic face he had earlier.

"I’m running out of patience!" I huffed while folding my arms across my chest, still standing in front of his desk.

He glanced at me for a while before returning his attention to the papers in front of him. "And so I am little one. Leave Clair. I´m busy!"

I walked closer and rested my palms on his desk, glaring at him. "Don’t you get it? I don’t want you in my head!"

He continued to work on his papers and kept his answers short, which irritated me more. "It will get easier."

"What? Don’t you know how to keep a conversation going? How come you’re an Alpha? It feels like I’m talking to a robot! Oh, Goddess, you are one hell of a frustrating man!"

He looked up at me again, and I thought I saw a flash of hurt across his eyes before they turned passive again. "Go home. I already turned it off. Next time you show me disrespect in any form, I will not hesitate to punish you." He stated firmly before returning his attention to his work again.

I stood there in silence. I was pissed off earlier, but the hurt I saw in his eyes earlier pained me as well. Me and my big mouth!

"Uhm, Jake..." I stuttered, my voice caught in my throat.

"Hmmm.." He didn’t even bother to look at me.

"I’m sorry... It’s just that... I don’t know. You were..." I actually have no idea what I wanted to tell him when a knock came out of the door.

"Come in," He answered, and Aaron stepped in, confusion written on his face.

"Alpha, Clair. I was just wondering if everything is okay?" His gaze shifted from me to Jake.

"Nothing big, man. I’m just confirming her training schedule starting tomorrow. You can take her home. I’ll see you both tomorrow." He answered him and dismissed us without even looking at us and just continued looking over the document in his hand.

"Yes, Alpha." Aaron motioned with his hand for me to follow him. "Clair, come now."

I took one last glance at Jake before turning around to follow Aaron. I would have wanted to apologize to him for raising my voice, but I didn’t know how to open my mindlink again, and even if I could, I didn’t want the risk of opening my mind to him and not being able to shut it down myself. So I just shrugged my shoulders and left with Aaron. If anything, he was the one who started teasing me, so I shouldn’t feel too guilty about it.

CLAIR

The last three days went by fast. After the awkward first meeting with Dad after many years, we all tried to move on and be a family.

It wasn’t easy, and I wanted to be a rebel and let him know how badly he treated me for sending me away. But I couldn’t. As much as I hated him for sending me away, I loved my father. And I longed for him just as much as I longed for Mom. I knew it would take time before all the wounds of being abandoned would heal. But I wanted to make us a family again, even just for a short time before I moved on and became an adult on my own.

So I was trying just as he was.

Dad was the manager of the town’s public library in nearby town. He’d been bringing home additional books for me to read since I arrived. He was aware of my love of books, but Aaron had taunted him that it appeared he just wanted me to be cooped up in the house with books and with no social life.

But, to be honest, I haven’t had time for myself or for all the books Dad has given me since I arrived.

I thought nobody remembered me or cared. However, everyone appeared really pleased to see me back, from the elderly to the parents whom mom and dad were close to, as well as those within my and Aaron’s age range. And I’ve been to everyone’s house for the past three days - I’ve been invited from breakfast to dinner, or simply a coffee break or something similar, which I’ve had to decline on some occasions because I wanted to spend time with my dad and Aaron.

Nonetheless, the attention made my heart soar, and I would have been completely satisfied if the Alpha himself had acknowledged my presence. However, I haven’t seen him since the day I returned home.

I knew he was busy because I didn’t get to see Aaron for the entire day most of the time, but he kept his promise to stay home with us, so I got to spend some time with him before going to bed.

And then the full moon is approaching. Tomorrow will be a full moon. And from the looks of it, I was the only one expected to shift. And this just added to my anxiety.

Jenny was in charge of the afternoon training, which was the one I attended today. I had less than 48 hours before the full moon and I was determined not to die. She laughed it off when I told her I was terrified of dying and that was why I was so motivated to train.

"Get a grip, Clair! You’re not going to die. It’s painful, but you’re not sick or too old to die from shifting." She chuckled as she slapped my ass while I warmed up and told me what to do next. "Go and run! Give me ten laps before we can start!"

I lifted my right hand to my temple in a salute before acknowledging her. "Yes, ma’am!"

I let out a hearty chuckle before spinning on my heel and dashing towards the tracking oval. I was glad that I met Jenny. She’s one of the few female warriors under the guidance of my brother.

She and her mother transferred to our pack three years after I left. She was 17 years old then. She’s now 19 years old and has proven to be one of the best warriors in the world.

Her motivation? My brother. She had been crushing on Aaron since she was 17 and did her best to join his squad. And my oblivious brother had no idea, or at least he pretended he didn't know.

Unfortunately, they weren’t fated mates either.

But it was nothing unusual. With the werewolf packs growing everywhere, you would be lucky to find your fated mate sooner. Most gave up hope of finding their fated mates and just moved on with their lives with their chosen mates. My parents were among those who were lucky enough to be fated.

Mom and Dad didn’t belong in the same pack. And none of them were ever a part of this pack in the first place. They have to move away from their respective packs because both of them were in relationships before meeting each other, and the other parties were not willing to give up the relationship. Talk about Mate dramas!

So they both ended up here because my mother was good friends with Jake’s mother and convinced them that this was a good place to raise a family. And the rest is history.

I was lost in my own thoughts as I made my seventh lap when I felt a presence beside me. I tilted my head to my right and saw Jake, running at the same speed as mine.

"Hey!" I felt the smile on my face reach up to my ears. I was surprised to see him and, at the same time, excited that he was here.

"Hey! How’s it going?" He responded without looking at me, maintaining the same poker face he had used at his office a few days before.

I came to a halt and put my hands on my hips, panting as I did. He stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at me. "Tired already?"

I shook my head and looked at him. "No! I was just wondering if you would stop and look at me or if you plan on talking to me without looking at all."

He shook his head and walked toward me, stopping just a few steps away from me. "I don’t get you at all. Last time, you said you didn’t want me to look at you. Now you want me to look at you. Make up your mind, princess. " He chuckled, showing me those deep dimples on his cheeks.

I had to stop myself from melting from his boyish smile. Was he really smiling?

"Are you for real? I said, don’t stare at me, and not - don’t look at me!" I rolled my eyes at him and crossed my arms over my chest, still panting from all the running. I was trying to mask my real emotions. His smile alone made me giddy, and it was getting harder to control my own smile from tugging at my lips.

He squinted his eyes as his smile grew fuller, reaching his eyes. He looked so sexy that I had to look away because looking at him was hurting my eyes. He was too perfect!

"Yeah, my bad! I just don’t know how to talk to you. I know I must’ve pissed you off big-time with that mindlink prank." He scratched his head, looking like a lost boy. A good-looking lost boy.

I tried to stop myself from smiling again as his words sent tingles to my core.

I swallowed and tried hard to put on a poker face. "Well, you did. It’s an asshole move, Jake." But I couldn’t hold my smile anymore, so I let it curve from my lips. "But it’s okay, you can always get away with things around here, you know, being the Alpha."

I placed my hands on my hips again and I let out a playful smile before I continued. "But you can say 'Welcome Home' and then maybe come and hug me?"

I didn’t know where I got the courage to say the last part. It just came out. It took an eternity for me while I waited for his response. A part of me wanted to regret what I had just said. Was I too aggressive?

"Yeah, that would be nice. Come here, princess. Give this old man a hug!" He chuckled as he motioned with his hand for me to come over, a wide grin across his face.

And like a little girl who wanted to have ice cream, I found myself flinging my arms around him. He lifted me in an instant before letting me back on my feet but not releasing me from his arms. He rested his chin at the top of my head for a moment before placing his lips on the crown of my head. "I’m glad you’re back, princess. I miss you!" He said softly.

I closed my eyes and scooted my head closer to his chest. I did not mind the sweat around his shirt. I was enjoying the moment while I drowned in his warmth and his masculine scent. "Me too, Jake!"

We stayed in that position for a while, squeezing each other’s bodies until the moment was broken by someone clearing his throat. Jake let go of the hug but did not take one arm away from my shoulders. Instead, he pulled me close to his side as we turned to face Aaron.

"This is a training ground if you’re not aware. And I would be pleased if my Alpha and my sister could respect that." He stated, his face emotionless, but I could see him attempting to mask his scowl.

"Chill, man! I’m just welcoming Clair back." He said in a happy tone as he squeezed my shoulder. "Go ahead and continue your run, princess. Or your brother may beat our asses up."

He winked at me before letting me go, and if Aaron wasn’t there, I would probably be beaming at Jake right now. But instead, I let out a sigh before rolling my eyes at Aaron and sprinting away from them, disappointed that my brother had just cut off my happy moment.

JAKE

I watched as she sprinted away from us and let out the breath I’d been holding for a while. She's a real grown-up now. Far from the little Clair with messy hair and pigtails who followed me and my friends around all the time. And she’s so fucking sexy that my mind was still reeling from the image of her full ass as she sped away.

I shook my head, trying to let go of any thoughts about her, knowing that having my member on full erect while talking to my Gamma would be disastrous.

"What was that, Jake? Not Clair, please. No messing up with pack members, remember? Especially not my sister." Aaron broke the silence between us as we both looked in the direction where Clair was headed.

I could hear the disappointment in his tone, and I couldn’t blame him. He was simply protecting his sister from me.

"I don’t know what you’re thinking, man. I just hugged Clair. It s not like I’m fucking her."

A low growl reverberated from his chest, and I knew right then that I made a wrong move by using fuck in the same sentence as her name. I raised my hands in the air before turning to him.

"Don’t think anything, man. You know, I always think of her as my sister." I tapped his shoulder before turning away. "And I know the rules I made, not breaking them," I added as I walked towards the packhouse, not in the mood to continue with my training today.

I just lied to my Gamma.

I always thought of Clair as my sister, even if I knew that she was showing too much attention to me while we were growing up. But everything changed three days ago when she showed up in my territory. Every sisterly thought I had for her just went down the drain.

I had my fair share of females and never ran out of them, although I never touched anyone from my pack. It was a rule I set for myself, my Beta, and my Gamma — no messing around with females from the pack.

I always have one when I need one, but no female has ever taken my attention the way Clair did.

Girlfriends from the past had never had me take cold showers more than once to keep the heat at bay. Especially not those I’d just taken for pleasure. I stopped thinking about them the moment we were done with the deed. I’m a certified fuckboy. I wanted to fuck but I never lusted after just one female. Or paid full attention to any.

However, Clair, she has been stealing my attention since she returned.

Maybe because she’s Aaron’s sister. Maybe because she’s my little Clair, my princess Clair.

Maybe because she’s off-limits.

But I'm a man and very much aware that Clair is attractive. I don’t think I’ve seen a female more attractive than her. And just the thought of her sapphire eyes, her luscious lips, and the way her hips move could make my shaft twitch in an instant.

And fuck it! Her voice — her sweet angelic voice — could make any man fall to his knees. And when she’s angry, that’s where the biggest turn-on comes. I wanted to slam her on the wall and fuck her hard.

Damn! Everything about her sets my dick on fire!

I didn’t notice that I let out a low vibrating growl as I entered the hallway of the pack house, eliciting a confused stare from the warriors I met along the hallway.

"Alpha." They gave me a nod as I passed by. I didn’t even bother to respond and went directly to the flight of stairs to my room. I needed a shower. A fucking cold shower!

I had no idea how I would fight this ordeal. I wanted a taste of her. Maybe after that, my cravings for her would be gone. But I knew better. My princess didn’t deserve to be treated the way I treated other females.

She was the type of female that you bring home as your mate. And be loyal with. Something I won’t be able to do. Because I had no idea if I knew how to be loyal to someone.

After I took the much-needed shower, I went down just in time for my meeting, which was requested by some of the Elders, including the former Beta and Gamma of the Pack. I had no idea what the sudden request was for but accepted it out of respect for our pack elders.

My own Beta and Gamma were already by the door of the meeting room waiting for me.

"Alpha." Beta Gavin gave me a nod in acknowledgment, as did Gamma Aaron. "Everyone who needs to be in this meeting is already inside." He added.

I nodded back and opened the door to the room. I was quite surprised to see not just the Elders and the former Beta and Gamma inside, but the former Beta and Gamma mates were also in the meeting room.

They all rose from their respective seats out of respect. I nodded in acceptance and ordered them to take their seats before I took mine.

"Shall we start?" I asked in a monotone voice. I leaned my back on my chair and crossed my legs, my hands entwined while I waited in silence.

"Alpha, with due respect, we know this is a topic you would rather avoid, but we are hoping that you would keep an open mind and listen to us first before you make any decision or cancel the meeting." Marina started, she was the former Beta Female.

"I’ll do my best." I nodded my head as I answered. She smiled as her mate reached for her hand and urged her to continue.

"As you are well aware, Alpha. The pack has been thriving all these years despite not having a Luna. All tasks that the Luna should be handling are all well covered."

I cleared my throat which had Marina stop from talking.

"And for that reason alone, that we are thriving, it means we don’t need to have one." A scowl formed on my face in annoyance as I said these words. I knew where this meeting was leading to. "We’ve been through this topic for a long time. I’m not changing my mind."

"Alpha, we respect your views on this. But can you hear us out more?" Former Gamma Cesar asked. "Continue Marina." He gave her a curt nod.

Marina let out a sigh before she continued. The elders were shifting in their seats. They must have felt the annoyance rolling off me. "As I mentioned, Alpha, the pack is thriving with all the Luna’s duties because I and Katya, together with some of the elders, have stepped up to perform those duties. We’ve been doing it even before you took the Alpha post, Alpha Jacob."

Katya, the Former Gamma’s Mate cleared her throat before adding her piece. "And it would always be an honor to do it for you and the pack, Alpha. However, we thought that after our own mates stepped down from being Gamma and Beta, we could also step down and just enjoy our lives as pack members."

"But the women in our pack, they needed guidance too - the daycare center, the warrior’s cafeteria, the women’s hours, the celebrations, and all the things a Luna can work her magic with, we all need it. So we continue to take lead in all of these even after our mates have retired from their posts. And it would break our heart to stop doing what we are doing for them just because we wanted to retire as well when we are well aware that nobody will step up to this." She added.

"We all agreed that instead of our mates, we should have a Luna that oversees this." Beta Anthony looked at me, firm but respectfully. He has always guided me in the past and I know the sincerity of his voice.

"We, of course, would offer our assistance to our Luna if she needs us. But we all believe that everything should be in the Luna’s hand now." Marina smiled warmly at me.

"And it’s high time to have an heir, Alpha Jacob." Elder Rose added. "You’re not getting younger. And soon it might be too late for an heir."

"I don’t have a Luna," I answered curtly, my face void of emotions.

"We are aware of that. And your Beta and Gamma are mateless as well. And without a female in authority, it can lead to a pack failure." Former Gamma Cesar raised his hand to his chin and started to brush his beard. "You need to lead, Jacob, but your Luna needs to ease the burden of little things around the pack. Unless you have other females around who will step up to this role, then I suggest you get yourself a Luna."

"And for all it’s worth, I believe it’s time that Cesar and I take our mates away from these responsibilities." Former Beta Anthony added, not lifting his gaze away from me even after his mate Marina rested her head on his chest. "And most importantly, we need an heir. The next Alpha of this pack."

I shifted from my seat and leaned my elbow on my desk, my hands palming my face. "I appreciate your honesty. Give me time to go over this. It’s not easy to find a Luna when you don’t want one." I told them my truth.

"I know you’ve been avoiding meeting your mate, Alpha. If that is still the case up to now, then maybe we can go to the other road, pick a Chosen Luna." Elder Rose suggested, and almost everyone nodded in agreement.

I sighed and looked at everyone around my room, including my Beta and Gamma. "I will. just give me time."

I swallowed before I continued, "Marina, Katya, I would like to personally extend my gratitude for all your help all these years. It will never go unnoticed, but I ask for a little more patience and hope you will continue with your duties until I find you your Luna." I had no idea how I pushed those words out of my mouth. I just made a decision without thinking about it. I made a promise to them that I would give them a Luna.

Satisfied with my request, both Marina and Katya gave me a wide, warm motherly smile. "With pleasure, Alpha. We will wait and make sure that we will also assist the Luna once she’s ready to transition to her tasks." Marina assured me, to which Katya nodded in agreement.