57

It's been three days since I last saw Ava. To me it felt like an eternity. She wasn't at home or anywhere else in town. The problem was that I couldn't feel them from afar. Not until I tagged them. The longing grew with every second that passed. It took a great deal of effort for me not to drop everything and look for her. After all, I had suggested to Noah himself that he should stop coming to work. He should spend the time with Rose.

I've tried everything to remember her since the last time I saw Ava. I had slept with many women before my 18th birthday. I didn't know then that my longing for a single woman grew the second I came of age. I always thought I was one of the few who wasn't interested in looking for his mate. Well, wrong thought. What if she fled the city? What if I never saw her again? I hardly believed that I would endure this. Not after seeing her. The only person who could tell me what happened was herself. I decided to ask her at the next opportunity. I knew this wasn't one of my best ideas. After all, it would certainly hurt her that I really didn't remember her.

(...)

Arrived at home, Rose already served us our food. She treated me and my little sister Aurora like children. Even though my sister was only 14, she looked a lot more grown up. It was probably because of all the color in her face. Nowadays, even ten-year-olds look a lot more grown up because of it. Where had childhood gone? When I was her age, I had other things on my mind.

"How are you, pup?" Rose snapped me out of my thoughts. She was the only one who got to call me that. I think I'd rip his head off any other person. With one exception, of course. Ava. She could call me any nickname she wanted, even throwing insults at me, as long as she forgave me and we could finally have a life together.

"Kian? Can you hear me?" Rose asked in a loud voice.

"What did you say?" I inquired.

"Your thoughts revolve around her. Haven't you found her yet?"

I shook my head in frustration and poked at the food with my fork. I had lost my appetite for days. I was craving something else...someone else. Hach, why did my life have to be so complicated?

"Oh Kian, I wish I could help you somehow."

"By a distraction maybe? Will you help me with my homework?" Aurora asked me.

I gave her a hostile look. So I really had no desire for something like that. I turned to my brother, who seemed thoughtful.

"What's going on?" I asked him.

"I have a meeting today. With another alpha."

"From what pack?"

„Die Ryans."

"What do you want?" I asked monotonously.

"I do not know exactly. We did not enter their pack. There must be another reason. You as my beta come with me. Well if you can do it? After all, you've been a wreck the last few days."

"That doesn't mean I can't concentrate anymore. When are we leaving?" I asked directly.

"In an hour."

(...)

Noah and I sat in a study waiting for the alpha of the alien pack. I had heard of the Ryans before but never met them. We had no reason to meet unless someone was in unfamiliar territory. In itself that wasn't a big problem if you weren't in there as a wolf.

The door opened and an elderly man appeared through the door. Despite his slight smile, I could detect concern. He had gray hair and was probably twice my age. There weren't many young alphas like my brother, so the alpha of the Ryan's pack gave Noah a horrified look.

"The Blacks. It is an honor for me to meet you in person. I wasn't expecting a young alpha, to be honest."

"Mr. Ryan. I've been the alpha of my pack for several years. This is my brother Kian. He's the beta of my pack. My father is no longer alive, so I have the responsibility."

Noah lied. If anyone found out my father just fled, they'd think we were a weak pack. One would think that we would be easily attacked.

"I'm sorry for that. Despite your young age, I am sure you are an excellent alpha. But I didn't call you here without a reason. I need your help."

"With what?" I asked skeptically.

"We have problems. Our pack was attacked. They were vampires."

"Vampires?" my brother asked loudly. That too. Just as there were wolves, there were also vampires. Only they didn't live in this country. The weather was far too hot for them. Perfect for us werewolves, but one for vampires pure torture. Younger vampires could be turned to ashes by the sun. The older ones were stronger, they suffered severe "sunburn" which healed on its own after a short time.

"There are many. They attack at night. I'm sure they are planning something. Your pack is not far from here. They will attack you too. I am sure of that. Let's fight them together. Two packs are much stronger and the vampires don't stand a chance."

"Mr. Ryan, I'll be in touch with you in the next few days. Even though I'm the alpha, I still value the opinion of my pack. I want to talk to you first."

"Naturally. I understand that very well. I'd like to show you my beta before you go. Riley come in."

A guy my age entered the room and gave us an emotionless look. He greeted us briefly and stood next to his Alpha. I looked at the dirty blonde boy and clenched my hands into fists. Damn it, why was the irresistible smell of my mate sticking to him?

who was this boy Why did he smell like Ava? I glared at him angrily. He seemed to notice and looked at me questioningly.

In my head I heard Noah's voice.

" What's up? Why are you looking at him like you're about to kill him?"

" He smells like her! Damn it, why does he smell like her?"

The alpha of the alien pack seemed to notice something and cleared his throat.

"Is everything alright with your brother?"

"Yes!" Noah replies bluntly. "I've just decided that he should stay with you. I want someone to report back to me while I've worked these matters out with my pack. If there's another attack, it is." Kian there. He's one of my strongest members. He'll help you. As my beta, I trust him the most. Of course, only if you agree."

The old man gave me a quick look and smiled. "Of course. He can spend the next few days in the pack house if he likes. Riley is more than welcome to accompany him there."

I thanked my brother internally. Now I would soon find out where Ava was and what the hell they had to do with, or smell like, that idiot. I gave my brother a quick nod and followed Riley. It took a lot of effort not to tear him to shreds. Not before I found her. God, this jealousy would kill me.

...

Everyone smiled at me as I entered the pack house. Most waved at me. I didn't understand this. I was a werewolf from another pack. I would stare at any stranger with hostility. But not this pack. They were kind of... different. friendlier. For what reason? You hardly knew me.

I couldn't find Ava's scent anywhere. A strange feeling came over me. What if Riley was her boyfriend? What if he just got back from meeting her? I couldn't smell her scent on anyone but him. He must have been with her until recently.

I just focused on my instincts. Of course, under no normal circumstances would I spend my time in the middle of a strange pack. One was completely exposed as a lone wolf. Noah would never agree to that either, but he sensed how desperate I was already. I didn't care if I risked my life here. As long as I had the opportunity to meet her, I would put up with anything.

"You can stay here and don't hook up with anyone, got it?" said Riley.

"Don't worry, I already have my mate. I don't care about anyone else!" I snapped.

Riley gave me one last look before disappearing. Just when I thought I was alone, three male wolves rushed in.

“Who dared to enter the wolf's den? One of them asked. He was blond and appeared to be my age.

I crossed my arms and cocked an eyebrow.

"Don't worry, we won't hurt you. I'm Seth, this is Brian and Alex."

"Kian."

"From the Blacks, right?"

"Yes!" I replied curtly.

“I think our packs would get along well. We're going to party today. The bar is ours. Come with me."

"Isn't it a little irresponsible to party? After all, the vampires might attack. The pack needs every support."

“Kian, today is full moon. No vampire dares come near us today."

Right, I completely forgot about that in all the excitement. When the moon was full, we were even stronger than any other day. Our senses were also much stronger than usual. On the other hand, we were at our weakest on a new moon. Still much stronger than ordinary humans, of course, but easily vulnerable to other supernatural beings.

"We don't accept no. We'll leave at ten."

With that they left the room and I had to smile. I kinda liked this pack. Well, Riley was the exception. His name alone brings out aggression in me.

(...)

The club was pretty crowded. We had already drunk a lot and by now I was pretty annoyed by the women. I didn't know how many I'd brushed off.

"You're pretty popular with the women!" Alex said. Despite the high volume, I could hear him perfectly well. He didn't have to yell over the music.

I just rolled my eyes and went back to my whiskey. Seth then laughed and said, "Since when did you find her?"

I looked at him questioningly.

"Your mate! There's only one reason women are ignored the way you are. You're not even giving them a chance."

"That doesn't mean I found her!" I lied. I didn't want anyone to know about my pitiful situation. Bad enough that my mate despised me. No one in another pack needed to know either.

"You'll find her, meanwhile you can have fun."

"I don't like any here yet. Let's see!" I just replied.

In the next second, I felt that familiar feeling. This wonderful scent filled my nostrils. She was here. I didn't even have to look for her. I felt her presence and my heart clenched.

Without hesitation, I looked around and spotted her a few seconds later. She took my breath away. The problem with that wasn't just me. Many men now also looked at the front door and pined at my wife. My jaw clenched automatically. Why did she have to wear such a tight, short dress anyway? The black dress accentuated her body and showed off her curves perfectly. The other wolves around me noticed my staring. Seth put an arm around my shoulder and said, "Not a chance dude! It's damn hot, but taboo for us. She belongs to Riley Evans."