Seeking Happiness

CHRIS

Chris reflected on the meeting with his trusted advisors and pack elders. It had gone well, he thought, as he made his way to his office to call his brother. They’d all agreed to assist their neighboring pack, and even brainstormed some strategies for dealing with the rogue pack. He was eager to share the good news with his brother.

The meeting had also served as a welcome distraction from the whole mate situation.

“Chris.” Leo’s voice echoed from behind him.

He pivoted to face his brother. “What’s up?”

“Where are you headed? Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all. I’m off to my office to call Nick,” Chris replied.

“Can I ask you something?” Leo inquired.

Chris chuckled. “You just did.”

“Quit messing around.” Leo grinned back. “What was that little outburst earlier about? Danny mentioned something about a mate?”

Chris held the door open for Leo to enter his office. He followed him in, sinking into his leather chair and stretching out like a contented cat.

“I caught a whiff of my mate. Haven’t seen her, but I smelled her. I tracked her scent but came up empty. It’s like she vanished into thin air.”

Chris sighed. He’d just started to come to terms with it, and now he was forced to revisit it. “It’s maddening, you know.”

“You could’ve talked to me,” Leo said, sounding slightly hurt that his brother hadn’t felt comfortable enough to confide in him.

“I know, but I didn’t want to dwell on it. I’m calm now, let’s keep it that way.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Leo turned to leave, disappointment etched on his face.

But Chris knew his little brother too well—he could tell something was bothering Leo. “What’s on your mind?” he asked.

“Nothing.” Leo opened the door and stepped out.

“I know there’s something. I’m your big brother for a reason,” Chris said. “Come back and spill it.”

Leo turned back, closed the door, and stood in front of Chris’s desk.

“You don’t trust me! I may be only eighteen, but I’ve seen more than most people! I’m not a child you need to shield! I can handle the truth!”

“You’re upset because I didn’t tell you? Leo, I would’ve talked to you, but you weren’t there. Danny just happened to be. If you were there instead of Danny, I would’ve told you. I’m sorry if you felt left out.”

“Still, it’s not the first time you’ve excluded me. I’m an adult now. You can’t keep me in the dark! You’re not the only alpha’s son!”

“Then I suggest you start acting like one. Take on some responsibility instead of chasing girls all day.”

“And what should I do, according to you? Do you have any suggestions? Because all the roles I’m qualified for are already filled. I can’t be an alpha, you’re already that.

“I can’t be second, or third, or even fourth, because those spots are taken. I can’t be head warrior, we already have one. What do you want me to do? I’m stuck!”

“Train, and train hard, shadow me to gain experience, get on the chores list—those are a few things you can do. Start from the bottom and work your way up. You’ll be at the top before you know it. You just need the will to work for it.

“You’re acting like a spoiled brat! You can’t expect to start at the top. You have to start at the bottom, just like everyone else!”

“But you didn’t start at the bottom! You started at number one! Why can’t I?”

“Sit down and let me tell you something.” Chris could feel his temper flaring at his brother’s audacity.

Leo sat down, realizing he may have pushed too far.

“Pay close attention to what I’m about to say. When I was eleven, I started doing small chores around the house. Not because I wanted to, but because Dad made me.

“He wanted me to experience every chore in this house so that when I took over his position, I’d know what I was talking about. So yes, I started at the very bottom, with the dirtiest jobs.

“Just like any other kid, I went to school. But then, my alpha training kicked in, and it was like having a second school after the first one.

“I hardly had any time to myself. When I turned fourteen, Dad eased up on the alpha training and let me spar with the pack’s strongest warriors. They weren’t allowed to go easy on me, and I still had to attend school every day.

“Every single day, I was aching. I was covered in bruises from the intense training. At first, I’d be down for the count after just fifteen minutes. If I dared to say no, if I told Dad I couldn’t do it, he’d whip my back.

“He had his reasons. He wanted me to become accustomed to pain, so if I was ever kidnapped or tortured, I could withstand it. So that I wouldn’t break under the pressure of my enemies. And when I was your age?

“I had to take over the pack. It was expected of me. I didn’t have any free time, and I still don’t. Maybe five minutes here and there. Dad put a lot of responsibility on me.

“But he did it to prepare me. He did all that so I’d know what I was getting into when the time came. And you know what—I was ready.”

Leo was silent, staring at the floor. He hadn’t realized what his brother had been through.

“Don’t pity me. I don’t want your sympathy. I didn’t get it back then, but now I’m grateful for what our father put me through. I learned so much.

“But don’t come in here complaining about a simple chore. Your life isn’t that hard—look around, others have it worse than you.

“Now, leave. Think about what I’ve said. I need to call your brother.”

“I will, Chris. See you later, Chris.” Leo stood up, walked quietly to the door, and glanced back. “Sorry for snapping at you.”

“It’s okay. Just don’t be a brat. Think before you speak. Now go—I need to call Nick.” Once Leo had closed the door, Chris leaned back in his chair and sighed.

He was fed up with his little brother’s mood swings. He needed to grow up, and fast! He picked up his phone and dialed Nick’s number to discuss the rogue issue.

He filled his brother in on the outcome of the meeting with his leaders, and they agreed that Nick would come to their pack as soon as possible to devise a plan.

“Boss, are there supposed to be people at the eastern border?” One of the warriors securing the borders mind-linked Chris.

“No, there aren’t. I haven’t heard of any activities in that area. Why?”

“I think I’ve found some intruders.”

“Hold on, it might be my brother Nick and his group. Stop them. You know Nick. If it’s him, let him pass and direct him to the pack house. If it’s not him, capture him and bring him in for questioning.”

“Got it, boss.”

Chris headed east to see who had crossed the border.

“It’s your brother, sir, with his mate. They’re on their way to the pack house.”

“Good job. Keep it up.” Chris jogged to his SUV to pick up his brother.

“Big brother! How’s it going? Still living the bachelor life?” Nick greeted Chris as he got out of his SUV. They hugged and slapped each other’s backs.

“It’s been a while.” Chris smiled and went to hug his sister-in-law. “How are you two? Alicia, you look as beautiful as ever.”

“Hey, don’t flirt with my mate. Get your own.” Nick grinned, always enjoying teasing his brother. They loaded their few bags into the trunk and climbed into the car. Nick sat next to Chris as he started the engine.

“We’re doing well. Actually, we have some exciting news. You’re going to be an uncle in a few months.”

“What? Alicia, you’re pregnant? That’s fantastic! I’m so happy for you two! Let’s get home and get you settled. Dinner should be ready in about an hour.

“After dinner, I’ll gather the guys to discuss some serious matters.”

“Sounds like a plan, bro.”