Different Book 2

My cabin is a mess, littered with empty bottles. I don’t give a damn. I kick the trash aside, grab a shirt, and give it a sniff. Seems clean enough.

I pull it on and head out, making my way through the woods to the packhouse. I know Alpha Trent is waiting for me there.

Ever since Tessa left, he’s been keeping a close eye on me. I guess he’s worried I’ll do something stupid. What’s he think I’ll do? Off myself? Go rogue? Try to get Tessa back?

No way. I’m not that desperate. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. The idea of finding Tessa and running away with her is always there, lurking in the back of my mind. But I won’t do it.

In the short time we were together, she did nothing but tear me down. Made me feel as worthless as she said I was.

I won’t let anyone make me feel like that again. I know I’m not exactly a catch, but I’ve got some good points.

I’m loyal, I’ve become a damn good warrior since Tessa left, and... what else? I shower regularly. Does that count?

I stride up the packhouse stairs and walk in like I own the place. In a way, we all do. No need for knocking or any of that crap.

I spot Donny, a buddy of mine, standing in the foyer outside Alpha Trent’s office. “What’s up? Why’d we all have to come here?” I grumble.

I’ve noticed I’ve been talking less lately. Shit happens. Why do I need to chat with anyone anyway? As long as I follow orders and do my job, who gives a damn?

Donny nods at me, then goes back to staring at Alpha Trent’s door. “No idea, man. He should be out any second now.” I grunt back at him and wait for Alpha Trent to show up.

When he does, his authority is palpable. Everyone bows their heads in respect.

Alpha Trent starts talking. “Good morning, guys. I’m glad you all made it. I’ve called you here for a very important task.”

I look around and see that only the top warriors are here. I wonder what the mission is this time. I feel like rolling my eyes, but I hold back.

Last time the “important task” was helping Beta Johnson’s wife move nursery furniture.

“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve found my mate! I picked up her scent at the meeting with the Diaz Pack last week.

“We’re going to travel there to assist her pack, and while we’re there, I’ll be taking care of some other business. We’ll be gone for a little over a week, no more than two.

“So, pack your bags and meet back here in an hour. We’ve got a long journey ahead,” he says, before everyone disperses to do as we were told.

As I turn to leave, Alpha Trent calls out to me. “Jeremy. How are you holding up?” He gives me that damn pitying look that makes me want to punch him, but I hold back.

“Fine,” I reply curtly, bow my head, and hurry out the door. Everyone thinks they need to keep an eye on me, and it’s getting really fucking annoying.

It’s been over six months since I rejected Tessa, and they still treat me like a damn pup.

I quickly pack a few changes of clothes and some other essentials into a duffle bag, then head back to the packhouse.

The pack’s SUVs are parked out front, and the guys are loading their bags. I toss my bag in one of them, elbowing a new recruit out of the way so I can take the driver’s seat. I’m not letting this pup drive me anywhere.

He huffs in annoyance, so I shoot him a glare. He backs down and climbs into the back seat.

Donny gets in the passenger seat and chuckles. “Do you really have to scare the new guys? They’re not half-bad if you’d give them a chance.”

I grunt in response, start the engine, and follow the other vehicles out of the pack territory.

I just hope this mission is quick. We grab the luna and her stuff, and get back home without any issues.

But the goddess knows nothing ever goes as planned. So why would this be any different?