Chapter 2- Caden

I groan as I stared out the window in my father’s office. I watched pack members run back and forth as they ready themselves for The Run. I hate the idea of The Run. It’s barbaric ways of claiming a mate one I regret my ancestors to agreeing to. I want to find love like many my age, but as the next Alpha to my pack I have to take a mate this time or face losing my title and watch my power hungry cousin take it.

“Remember Caden, you are the Heir to this Pack. Every wolf counts on you to claim a mate and produce the next round of heirs and pups. Do you understand?” My father’s voice commands my attention and respect. The man screams Alpha with the way he walks as if everything and everyone are beneath him, including his own son. His question is rhetorical since answering him will lead to a challenge like the last wolf that was forced to listen to his speech about claiming a mate and increasing the pack numbers. His eyes look in my direction while I give a slight nod as a response, eyes down casted. It is pathetic to think I have to be this submissive to my father. But anything I say will be viewed as challenging his authority and I know I need to play possum in order to take the pack from him forcefully when he least expects it.

“Good. You may leave.” With a final nod of respect to my father, I leave the room and make my way down the corridors to the garage where my truck waits praying I could leave before I run into anyone.

“Hey Caden, going to get a mate this time around or am I finally going take the spot of Alpha from you.” I bristle at the voice of a weasel as I look to my cousin Felix. The lanky man with greasy black hair had a thin arm wrapped around a terrified girl. Linda’s face is hidden behind her long blond hair but the shadows created by her locks could not hide the fact her face was thin and bruised from years of abuse and how she covers it with a layer of makeup to try and hide the black and blue spots left from fists. Her efforts in trying to hide the dark circles under her eyes, bruises on her cheeks and the split lip that looked painful even from where I stood is in vain as I can see them clear as day.

"Unfortunately I have to take a mate the old fashion way, but I will treat her with respect, unlike how you treat her." I growl out, glaring at Felix as I throw my last bag into my truck. Linda flinches at the loud sound, shrinking farther into herself. I can’t help the guilt at scaring the poor girl accidentally as I give her an apologetic look before turning a glare at the man who shares the same blood as myself.

"What do you mean, I treat Linda fine, don't I baby?" I watch as Linda's eyes gloss over with more fear then I have ever seen on a she-wolf while she nods her head slightly, pressing herself to her forced mate to appease him.

She is malnourished with bones poking through the thin transparent material that should have been her skin. Skin that barely had any clothing covering her with bruises, scars and healing cuts on once what was full supple tanned skin. I remember meeting her years ago in her original pack. How full of life and dreams that a young girl at six-teen usually has. Now she is just a shell of fear and anxiety.

When I become Alpha, the first thing I would do is send Felix on a mission to supply the food storages for winter. I can already see the trap laid out as he aims for the biggest buck he finds, his eyes glazing over with the bragging he would do when he returns to the pack, the antler rack he would mount on his walls with pride and then the shock when his eyes sees the red blossom from his chest and the realization he would bleed out and die in seconds. I will enjoy knowing this scum died in an “accident”. Enjoy knowing his mate will be free and happy to do as she pleases. I would even send her back to her original pack and back to her family with enough money to live comfortably alone if she chooses.

"See, I treat her right." Felix gloats, digging his nails into her shoulder and snapping me from my day dream that I pray will be the future. I watch as Linda forces her spine to straighten, disgust flashing briefly on her face before her eyes meet mine with a question.

[Will you really force a Mate?] She asks through a link as Felix is distracted by an omega with a thin waist and ample chest.

[No I would rather not and the truth is I have a plan. Can you hold out for another week?] My response brings a sparkle to her eyes and she nods quickly. With a small smile I turn to my cousin and growl at his obvious disrespect to me. I hate that this weasel ignores my presence most of the time and acts as if he is the next in line for the Alpha position.

"Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone Felix, I don't want to deal with the after math in the end." I warn, giving Linda a hug that I hope shows her everything will turn out for the better, frowning at the whimper of pain the light pressure brings, before I turn and walk to the driver side of my truck and climb into the cabin . I catch Linda’s hopeful gaze in the mirror before giving her a small nod and driving away. I have to help her.

I remember the year Felix claimed her. We are the same age and it was our first time entering The Run. At the time I was naïve. Felix and I were like brothers since childhood, always playing and training together. He was my best friend and we swore that we would not force a mate together just before leaving for the event. Then we entered the forest and everything went to shit. Felix caught the scent of Linda. The youngest daughter of the beta and his instincts to mate someone stronger or of similar strength took over. By the time I managed to get to him it was too late. Linda had a bloody mate mark on the crook of her neck and Felix was grinning.

It wasn’t until we were at the lodge that I learned that my so called father put the idea of Felix being Alpha into his head if Felix took a mate. That was the day I lost a brother, a cousin and a best friend. That was the day Linda started being abused and my hate for The Run began.

With a sigh I put my truck into drive and begin the journey to the Goddess’ Forest where the event will be held. I just hope that maybe this year I could find someone who would date me before we mate.

It was wistful thinking but it is the only hope I have right now.