Part 7. A decent omega

Zach's day began at dawn when it was still icy cold and dark, and most pack members were still asleep. He didn't want to wake his brothers sleeping in their rooms, knowing they had a business meeting the same morning. The Alpha had eggs and tea for breakfast, walked to the boundary wearing a black coat, a grey scarf and gloves to keep him as warm as possible.




"There's another patrol coming," His beta, Cedric, alerted him, speaking through their wolf link, moving closer, "and it's not one of ours."



Now that the Alpha knew what he was looking for, he could detect the scent himself. The wind was blowing in the wrong direction for them to have picked it up earlier. Instead of taking other guards along, Zach only relied on his beta. He could hear them approaching now as well, and straight at them too, reaffirming what he already knew.



The two wolves took up defensive positions, facing the direction the other patrol was coming from. The foreign wolves emerged from the undergrowth moments later. They were led by a large brown wolf, smaller but bulkier in size. Four smaller wolves followed their leader, all betas.




The wind eased off for a moment, allowing Zach to get a good whiff of their leader's scent, despite the stench from the border markers. The two larger wolves moved to the front, keeping the leader behind them where he was well guarded.




"Why are you both loitering here?" The leader of the patrol asked in mock civility as his lips drew back to show his teeth.




"I imagine we're doing the same thing you are," Zach growled, his snout raising in the air. "Now go on your way, and we will be fine."




The Alpha wasn't scared of indulging in a fight with them, ready to take on all of those having being trained for group battles. As if they sensed his thoughts, the wolves backed down and moved their way.




After what seemed like hours, they managed to finish their border markings, not finding that pack from earlier anywhere. It was weird, but he let it go. Shifting back, Zach decided to go on his way.
***
The path leading to the furthest cabin from the packhouse was muddy. He slipped into a pair of old slippers before entering inside, finding it empty. Dante and Ares might have left already. The cabin was fully furnished, two bedrooms, one kitchen attacked with a dining room, flag stones covering the entire floor, which was a luxury. The fireplace was formed of stone, build in the centre of the living room.




The fireplace's heat provided warmth but for only one of the rooms, which was why they all shared it. People of his pack say the fireplace is the heart and soul of the cabin, necessary for cooking, drying and heating and where social gatherings take place. He agreed, although social gatherings never took place in their cabin. The brothers preferred it that way.




The Alpha sat down in his armchair near the hearth when there was a desperate knock on his door. With a sigh, he got up, dragging his feet forward. He unlocked the door, blinking as a tall, lean, wet young man shivered in the ice-cold wind. Zach stepped aside and motioned for the beta to come inside.




"Come in, please."




"T-Thank you"




"Cedric?" Zach raised his brow at his beta. What was he doing here? Did he forget something? They were together for a patrolling not even an hour ago.



The beta bowed to him. "Your father wishes to see you as soon as possible."




He was on his feet the moment he heard his fathers name. The Senior Bruno Alpha had taken to bed for quite a while now, so they all panicked when his name was mentioned. Especially Zach. The Alpha may not show or express his feelings, but he loved his father dearly.




"I-Is he okay?" Zach swallowed the lump lodged in his throat. His hands by his side curled into fists, breathing hitched in between his lungs.




Cedric shook his head. "Do not worry; he's alright. The Alpha is sitting with your sisters. He wishes to see you."




His shoulders deflated at that, letting out a breath he had been holding. As always, the Alpha kept expecting the worst of the situation. Zach's eyebrows knitted together, confused as to why his father wanted to see him so urgently. Whatever he will find out once he meets him.




"Let's go then."
***
The four-storey packhouse stood tall, majestic in the middle of all the tiny cabins. Black barbed fencing was wrapped around, mixed with special curses from their pack witch. Two huge gates led were wide open, guards on either side greeting him as he walked through.




Zach exhaled loudly, standing outside, observing the familiar oak door before knocking twice. He could already hear the chatter and giggles from inside using his Alpha senses which further confirmed that nothing was serious. Cedric stood beside him, squirming on his feet, restless to get it over.




"Do you have to be somewhere?"




Cedric blushed at being caught. "I promised my mate to get some blueberries from the market by evening. And I don't know if I'll be able to get out of my duty by then."



"You can go."



"But Alpha—"



Zach shook his head. "You came along with me and worked all morning. It's okay. I'll see you tomorrow."




"Thank you so much, Alpha. You are very kind." His betas face broke out in a wide grin. Maybe at the thought of going home early and surprising his wife. He bobbed his head, bowing one last time before rushing out of the packhouse.




Rayly opened the door.




He stepped inside only to spot the Luna sitting on the couch, legs crossed and busy applying nail polish. Zach rushed toward his stepmother. Unlike his two brothers, he treated her with the utmost respect, especially for never leaving his father's side. Veronica may be too much at times, but he could easily ignore that since she's a Luna.




"Good afternoon, Luna."



She tilted her head, lips curving. "Oh, Zach! So glad you made it. Your father has been thinking about you all day. Where are your brothers?"



Dante and Ares had a meeting with Henry Calvary for their newest business venture as partners. Three were supposed to go, but Zach didn't want to leave, especially with Ava still in the clinic.




Zach shrugged. "They are out on business."




"Always working those two" Veronica shook her head in displeasure, blowing air on her newly painted nails. Only if she knew that the reason they avoided coming to the packhouse was her. The Alpha was not cruel enough to tell her that, afraid of hurting his stepmother.




"Hmm"




Zach averted his eyes, noticing his father sitting with Janet on the other side of the couch, his eyes focused on the flowers. His sister must be making another arrangement. It's her new obsession these days. The Alpha politely excused himself and joined the two of them.




"Dad"



"Ahh, Zachary! Sit here"




The Alpha rolled his eyes, pressing his lips together. He hated his full name. When he was younger, people made fun of his name so much that he shortened it. Walking around, he slumped on the space beside his father.




"It's Zach", He grumbled, folding his legs together. "I have told you million times now."



"And I told you I don't care."




Janet giggled at their banter, her eyes still focused on picking out the white roses laid in front her. Zach glared at the back of her head before turning his attention to his father.




"Anyways, I called you here for a reason. I wanted to talk to all three of you together, but it's alright. You can pass them the news," His father began, hands folded together. "I know that I have retired too soon and shouldered all my responsibilities to my sons at a very young age."





"Dad—"



The Alpha was aware that his father felt guilty every single day for his weakening health. How was that his fault? He had no control over it. Zach and his brothers tried to convince him against it, but he had his own.




"No, let me finish. You three were supposed to find a suitable omega and settle down but rather got stuck with all the pack duties. The pack members you age are mated and expecting a pup already." His father let out a sigh, lips twisting. "So to redeem my mistake, I did something."




He didn't like the way this conversation was heading. Still, Zach kept a relaxed face.



"My friend's daughter, Nora, has completed her studies recently. She is more than ready to be a part of our pack and will be staying with us for a while. The three of you can court her. What do you think?"