Chapter 11: Another Option and Jack Black
The Elders left the Great Assembly room. Finally, I could get out and enjoy the time with Victoria again. But when I stood, my father shook his head.
“Father?”
“Sit down. I want to talk with you.”
I sat again, waiting for what he would say. From his rigid posture, I bet it wouldn’t be an easy conversation.
“Why haven’t you told me anything about Anna?” He wrinkled his forehead. It was clear he was upset with me.
“I don’t want to give any problems to her.”
His frown was deeper. “Do you think I would hurt her?”
I said nothing, as I couldn’t predict what my father would do. If I said yes, it might offend him. If I said no, I needed to give him any good reasons I didn’t tell her about Victoria.
“Cameron, though I often train you hard, I’m still your father. If you told me about her, I would disagree about the union using your mate with Lisa, especially if your woman carries your pup.”
“Father, between being our pack’s Alpha and my father, which one is your priority?”
My father let out a sigh. “It’s not a question.”
“See? That’s why I can’t tell you anything. Anna is an important person in my life. I will protect her with my life!”
“Even if it will risk our pack’s safety and well-being?” my father raised his eyebrows.
I shook my head. “You always teach me that the pack is more important than our personal needs. I have proven it by agreeing to mate with Lisa. What else do you want from me?”
“I want to meet Anna.”
“Why?” I frowned. “What for?”
“You said she has your pup. I want to get to know her.”
“Promise me first. You won’t hurt or stress Anna.”
“I promise.”
I nodded. “I told Anna I’ll visit her in her place tonight. So we can come together.”
“Okay, pick me up when you want to go there.”
“Yes, Father. Anything else?”
“I don’t think the Hurricane Dawn Pack will accept Anna. So, think from now on how to manage this problem.”
“But why didn’t you say anything to the Elders?”
“It’ll be hard to convince them.” My father laid his head on the couch. He looked older than his age. “But, Cameron, the Shadows are proud. Lisa is Fred’s only daughter. They will see your having a mistress as a humiliation for them if we continue the peace treaty.”
“How about we offer some compensation for them? I will apologize personally to Lisa and Alpha Fred.”
My father shook his head. “It will offend them more. As if they could be bought with wealth. Think another way.”
“What if we find someone else to mate with Lisa? Jack, for example?”
My father let out a long sigh. “Though Jack is your little brother, as a Zeta, he isn’t as good as you in rank. Also, don’t forget you will be the next Alpha, while Jack, I doubt he will be your Beta. He may be the future Delta, but it won’t be enough for the Shadows.”
I couldn’t debate my father. Jack was five years younger than me and a troublemaker in our pack. Being the Alpha’s son might be the reason my brother was so reckless. I didn’t know what I should do to change him. But then, an idea flashed through my mind.
“I have an idea,” I said.
“Okay, tell me.”
“We can invade another pack, then give the pack to Jack. So, he will be an Alpha, and Lisa may accept him.”
My father was silent for a while. “It may work. But ask Jack first.”
“Okay. I’m leaving, Father.”
“Don’t forget to fetch me tonight. I want to meet Anna.”
I bowed my head. “Yes, Father.”
Then I walked to Jack’s house. As adults, we had our own places. I knocked on the door, and a guy—I didn’t remember his name—opened it.
“Beta Cameron!” He looked panicked.
“What? Is something wrong?” I frowned. Considering this guy was Jack’s friend, maybe Jack and his friends were here.
“No, nothing’s wrong. Why are you here?”
“The last thing I know, it’s still my brother’s home. So, move from my way.”
Jack’s friend scratched his head. “Beta Cameron, uh, will you still mate Lisa Shadow?”
“What?” I raised an eyebrow. “Do you want her?”
The werewolf touched his nape and grimaced. “I don’t mind, as Delta Lisa is pretty. But I doubt she wants me.”
I ignored him and rushed inside. “Jack!”
That was when I saw Jack corner a girl. His arms blocked her body and then kissed her passionately. His friends watched what had happened. They were shocked to see Jack’s intimacy with the she-wolf.
“What are you all doing here? Get lost!” I yelled.
I didn’t need to say twice. Those useless werewolves left Jack’s house in a hurry. When Jack removed his lips from the girl’s, her facial expression was stunned.
“Well, brother, your timing is bad!” Jack said, still unmoving his body away from the girl.
“What? Terror an innocent she-wolf?”
“Please let me go,” the she-wolf pleaded.
“Not so fast, my pretty one. I have kissed you. Now you’re mine!” Jack kissed the girl’s forehead.
“No! You only want to bully me! I won’t be tricked by you again.”
The girl pushed Jack’s chest away. When she saw me, the girl bowed her head. “Beta Cameron,” she mumbled.
“What’s your name?”
“Melanie Wood.”
I nodded. “Rank?”
“Omega.”
I patted my chin. “Do you know Anna? She is an Omega too.”
“She is my best friend, Beta. Why do you ask about her?”
I smiled a little. “Don’t be afraid. Anna is mine, so I’m glad to meet her friend.”
Her posture was relaxed. “Anna is an amazing person. She is warm, courageous, and loyal. I’m lucky to be her friend.”
My heart swelled with pride at hearing a heartfelt praise for Victoria. “Yes, you described her accurately.” I gazed at her. “What about you?”
“What do you mean, Beta?” She frowned to hear my question.
“Are you as loyal as her too?”
Melanie bent her head. “I think I am, Beta, though I’m not as courageous as Anna.”
I wanted to ask Melanie more, but Jack pushed my shoulder playfully. “Brother, what are you doing with my woman?”
Before I could say anything, Melanie shouted, “Who’s your woman? If what you can do is only bully and force women, I don’t want to have anything to do with you.” Then she ran away, leaving Jack gaping, and I laughed so hard to see how an Omega could make my brother speechless.
