The Wolf's Prey

by Edugardo Gilbert X

  I'd really like to start my own custom furniture business and take orders via the internet. It's only a dream right now, but Lennox is building me a wood shop in our back yard. One step at a time and we'll make it happen.

  Alpha Lennox Hall

  I knock on the door of my challenger, but not entirely sure why I'm here. It never occurred to me to tell Jocelyn, "No." You can say I'm whipped, but in reality she rarely asks for anything, if I can do something for her I feel determined to do it.

  The door opens and Tom stands before me. "You have thirty minutes to withdrawal your challenge." I say to him.

  He visually gulps. "I won't withdraw."

  I nod. "That's fine. Do you have a pack to go to after you lose?" I question, seriously. I can tell he hasn't thought much about it. He's ambitious and trained to fight; he'd be an asset anywhere he goes. "I've got three alphas in town for my mating celebration, I'm sure one of them will offer you a position. I'll speak to them." I state and turn to walk away.

  "Why are you here? If it’s not to request from me to bow out?"

  "My mate wanted me to come."

  He looks away almost ashamed. "If I back out now, I'll look weak."

  "That's a hell of a lot smarter than looking beat and pathetic when you lose. Not to mention being completely brainless to challenge your alpha." Liam scoffs.

  "It's expected. I have alpha blood in me." He explains.

  "Are you sure? Because right now you're sounding pretty weak. If it's your family expecting you to do this, then maybe you should take a stand with them." I reply.

  Walking back to the car I hear him race after us. "Wait!"

  I look at him, knowing what he's going to say, "I withdraw my challenge."

  I nod once, not waiting to make it a big deal. I understand his reluctance to appear weak. It's something any male can relate to. I get behind the wheel and drive back home. It almost makes me smile thinking about making Jocelyn happy.

  I walk back to the office thinking that's where Jocelyn would wait. "How'd it go?" Travis asks.

  "He withdrew." I reply, simply. Out of all the alphas in this room I was the only one challenged. I thought Wesley would be challenged, but he's really done a lot for the pack in his short time as alpha. He's not only impressed his pack but other alphas as well. Andrew would've been challenged if I hadn't killed Dante. Travis's son is taking over the pack tomorrow and will more than likely be challenged next year.

  I hear footsteps behind us and before I know it Liam drops to the floor next to me. Behind him, Jessica smirks triumphantly as Liam groans clutching his manhood. "I guess you should have listened to Jocelyn."

  **********

  Five years later

  I watch Bill Hilt use the oscillating spindle sander finish up the rough edges on our next order. Business has been good and working with Bill we've grown Hall & Hilt Custom Furnishings from the ground up. I see the baby monitor light up and I know Tiara Marta Hall has woken up from her nap and is ready to eat. Right on time. "I'll be back later Bill." I yell, over the sound of the sander and point to the monitor.

  He grins seeing the lights moving and waves as I leave. Back in the house I walk upstairs to the nursery hearing Lennox cooing to our 3 month old daughter. I peek into the room seeing the picture perfect moment. Lennox holding such a small child like she's made of the most breakable thin crystal.

  Tiara came screaming into this world four days after our fifth anniversary. Her attitude hasn't changed much, when she's unhappy her fist fly and her scream can make anyone cower. Noticing she's gearing up to let out another bellow, I walk into the room. "Patience is a virtue little one." Lennox tells her, making me laugh.

  "Just not one of hers, or yours for that matter." I point out, sitting down in the glider chair. Lennox hands me her carefully and I pull up my shirt to start feeding her.

  "You think she'll be like me?" He questions, smiling at the thought.

  I huff. "I don't think there's any doubt. Especially, given the name you gave her. She thinks she's royalty."

  "She's my princess, it is fitting." He says, defensively. The truth is, it’s the only name that we could agree on.

  "Either way, we're going to have our hands full." I reply, smoothing out the dark hair on Tiara's head.

  "Your sister called."

  "Which one?"

  "Marta, she was crying about something."

  I groan, Marta is 8 months pregnant with her mate alpha Thompson. They were mated shortly after Lennox and I. They're on their second child and Marta's hormones are going crazy, she calls me constantly asking me if I’ve seen those dog shelter commercial's that play Sarah McLachlan songs. I listen as patently as I can to her sobbing tales about these abused animals and her plans to adopt all of them.

  "I'll call her later."

  There's a soft knock on the door and Jessica peeks her head in. "Finally, that baby is constantly sleeping." She complains.

  "She's a baby I remind her."

  "Yeah, but I'm bored."

  I laugh, only Jessica can complain about a baby being a baby and make it sound like its Tiara's fault that she’s bored. "Why don't you find that mate of yours?" I suggest.

  "No, I'm mad at him."

  "Oh, God. What did Liam do now?" I ask.

  "He's bugging me for a pup." She replies, distastefully.

  "Liam wants to start a family and you’re mad about it? Just tell him you’re not ready."

  "I did. He wants to know when I'll be ready and I told him when Ryan Gosling impregnates me. Now, he's off pouting."

  "Why do you consistently have to goad him?" Lennox asks, exasperated. Lennox has to deal with his pissed off beta more frequently than not. I don't understand Liam and Jessica's relationship but it’s all about fighting and making up. We're all used to them now, but in the beginning it was strange seeing mates argue so heatedly.

  "It’s my job." She shrugs. "But you know what isn't my job? Dealing with a pregnant Marta. I'm not answering another phone call from her until she has the baby."

  I shake my head. "It’s definitely worse this pregnancy then the first." I agree.

  Tiara finished eating and starts to squirm. I hand her off to Lennox who only has her for a second before Jessica takes over. "I bought you a new outfit." she tells Tiara and then turns to me. "It’s a Halloween costume, she's either going as a mermaid or Cinderella."

  I smile. "Great."

  "I'll take pictures." She sings leaving the room.

  "Should we really trust her with our child?" Lennox questions.

  "Are you going to tell her no?"

  "I would, but it would take days to define the word to her and I don't have the time or the patience." He states, leaning down and capturing my mouth with his. "I think we have a half hour to ourselves."

  "Then I suggest we make the most of it." I reply, throwing my arms around his neck.

  THE END