.8. This is a fucking emergency, father!

Zane didn't waste any time- he headed straight to the family house and ran into his father's cabinet. He found the "special occasions" phone- one which was meant for emergencies only.
The phone had only one contact in it- his father.

"Alpha Snow," his father's deep voice sounded on the other line shortly after the first ring signal.

"Dad, it's Zane," the young man didn't want to beat around the bush or lie to his father, but he didn't see any other choice.
For some odd reasons, he didn't want to see Camilla leaving. Probably his ego was to blame, but there must be something more. Her fighting spirit? The way she looks straight into his eyes without any fear, whenever they are alone? Or maybe it's because she never gave in to his charms or demands as any other woman did? Whatever it was- Zane was eager to find more about that woman, to get to know her closer.

"Zane, God damn it, this is a phone for emergencies only, boy! My Beta would announce one if there were any problems. The fuck do you think you are doing?" Of course, his father was pissed off. Who would blame the Alpha, though? His son has been acting like a rebel- careless about everything surrounding him. The boy held an interest in parties, alcohol, and sleeping around with any other she-wolf, which would spread her legs in front of him.

"This is a fucking emergency, father!" Zane growled. Even though his father still held power and he was just the next in line- Zane had the same Alpha temper as his father. Apple doesn't fall far away from the tree, after all.

"Speak, boy, I don't have time for your damn games," Alpha let out a deep, frustrated breath.
These days dealing with his son had been quite tricky. When the boy was younger- everything seemed more manageable. Zane used to be such a bright, positive, and kind boy. Something in him changed, and nobody would understand what and how happened.

"If you don't have time, just let me talk to mom. I'm sure she will be happy to hear me, unlike certain someone," the young man knew how to annoy or scare his father. The careless, sarcastic behavior was the way to annoy the Alpha. Bringing up his mother was a way to scare the big bad wolf- Luna adored her son and would never let Alpha to harm him in any way. There had been so many times when poor Alpha was left sleeping on the sofa. All because of being a little mean towards their son.

"Damn it, Zane! Alright, I'm leaving the fucking meeting now, wait," Alpha snarled.
"Excuse me; gentlemen seem that my son needs some assistance. I shall join the meeting in a couple of minutes; please carry on," Zane's father excused himself and left the office, gripping the phone in his hand. The boy was testing his patience- more than ever.
When Alpha was in a safe distance from unneeded curiosity, he spoke again, giving all attention to his son.
"Alright, what is it? This better is good, or even your mother won't be able to protect your ass this time. I swear, I will spank you like a little kid if you don't start to behave like a damn adult!"

"Oh, trust me, this is good. Do you remember the Omega who quit the job at our house a couple of days ago? I think Camilla was her name," by the sharp intake of breath his father took- Zane knew that he managed to catch Alpha's attention.

"Is she hurt?" Usually, Alpha didn't ask such questions, but Omega was close to his family. Closer than the other pack members, so she deserved a little special care.

"No, if she would be- I would send her to the hospital on the spot. She is trying to leave the pack, I've gathered some information and seems like she had friends in other packs. Someone is trying to get their Alphas approval for Camilla to move. I have no idea why she's doing this, but I did tell her that nobody leaves the territory until you guys come back home," Zane had a way with words, he could convince anyone with whatever lies left his lips. The boy knew weak spots for both of his parents- not even once afraid to use them against Alpha and Luna.

"Alright, if that's what she truly wants. I approve, you can sign the paperwork in my name," Alpha didn't sound happy. It wasn't just about some other pack member, who decided to move away. No, it was about a particular female which his mate loved from the bottom of her heart. The girl was extremely close to Luna, even though she didn't hold a high rank. His mate dreamed about a little girl, but after Zane was born- both parents found out that they can't have more children. Luna's health was too bad even to try; she would die alongside their child. That shook the woman to the core.

"Father, haven't you forgotten something?" Zane popped out the question, faking a sigh of frustration. He didn't care, not anymore- Alpha forgot that day each year. Sometimes Zane felt like he was more of a curse than a blessing to the Alpha family. Maybe if his mother wouldn't need to carry an Alpha pup, she might have more children afterward. The young man found himself overthinking the topic more than just a few times a week. Zane blamed himself for what happened to his mother. It wasn't only the blame that ate him up; it was also a pure hatred- towards himself. He took the most important thing from his mother- the ability to have more pups.

"What exactly?" Alpha spoke up after a while, bringing Zane out of his haunting thoughts- back to reality.

"I don't know, maybe your son's birthday? No biggie, really. It's not like I could meet my mate in a week, and that girl might be the one. Sure, don't mind me- destroy it all before we get to know the truth. Not like I want to mate or mom dreams about grandchildren. If that's all- I'll go, got training to attend," Zane tried to sound emotionless, but deep down, his words hurt. Not the "finding mate," or "Omega might end up as the one" part. The only reason why he felt hurt was bringing up the topic about his birthday- the only day Alpha-to-be truly hated. Silently Zane was planning to make sure that after his father gives the Alpha title to him- he would make sure that nobody even mentions the day. His birthday reminders would die the day when he would take over the pack.

"Fuck, how could I forget that? I'm sorry, Zane, the damn meetings and stress got me pretty worked up. I'll send my Beta to Camilla's house to inform her that she has to stay here for one to two weeks. After that- if she isn't your mate, Camilla can leave whenever she wants. Does this sound good? Please, don't tell your mother that I forgot- she will kill me. Or worse- make me sleep on that damn sofa for the rest of my life," Alpha begged his son to keep quiet. Not like Zane would ever bring up the topic- especially to his mother. Reminding what his birth had done for her? No, thanks!

"I got you covered, thank you, dad." Zane smiled, feeling a little better. He would have the Omega around for a little more. Maybe she has no idea yet, but she started a game she can't win. A chase with an Alpha? Sure, why not? The time will tell who is the real winner and who would lose. Zane knew, all too well, who would end up in the winning position. At least, he will have some distraction for a week or two- that's better than nothing.

"No problem, kiddo. Now, get ready for your training, and I'll call my Beta before the thought slips my mind. Love you," Alpha reminded his son about the training. He knew that Zane might skip it during his absence, but he wouldn't sit across the TV either. His son wasn't much of a people man- he preferred doing things on his own; therefore, Alpha would find Zane training in the private gym most of the time. Whenever the young man was upset or just in a bad mood- he locked himself in the gym and kept training until he wouldn't have enough strength to stand up.
He did it since childhood years- Alpha and Luna would find him sleeping in the gym, after intense training, more than they'd like to see that view. Of course, Luna was worried about her son's behavior, especially if he tired himself like that during the summer holidays. Other kids went out with parents, traveled, or sought any summer camps, but not Zane. Their son was addicted to training until his body wouldn't be able to move, just to do the same the other day.

"Love you, dad," Zane whispered and ended the call.
He sat on the leather sofa and rubbed his temples. Did he make the right decision? How would Camilla react to another wall in her way?

*"Why the fuck do you even care what her reaction would be? It's not like you like that girl or anything. Wake up, Zane, she is a fucking Omega! If the day comes and she ends up being your mate- do what's right. Reject her."* Zane hissed, grabbing the sides of his head.

He sat in the office for hours- overthinking everything to the smallest details. Everyone around him thought that the Alpha's son must be the luckiest kid alive- having high-rank parents with enormous power over the pack. But his life wasn't close as amazing as others thought. While kids, his age could enjoy the freedom of choice- he had none. Others would leave for college, choose the path of their lives and careers, but Zane will keep stuck in the pack. His future was decided the day he was born.

The frustration in him grew, but Zane tried his best to hold back from the gym. He's alone in the parent's house; nobody would help him to get back to the room after collapsing. Zane reached for his mobile phone and called Kaiden.

"Up for a gaming evening?" Zane offered, letting his back sink deeper into the soft sofa.

"Wow, you had a shit day, didn't you? I'm surprised you aren't in that fucking gym again- killing yourself," Kaiden laughed, the noise in the background sounded like he was looking for something in his drawers.

"Not feeling like going to the gym today. Kind of wanted to have a cheat day- some junk food and video games. You in?"

"Hell yeah, I'm looking for my car keys, will be there in thirty or something. What should I grab on my way there?" of course, Kaiden was the messiest person Zane knew- the only way he could surprise someone would be by cleaning up his room.

"I don't care, whatever you want, dude. Feel free to take someone with you if you feel like we need more company. No chicks this time, though," the young male sighed, looking out of the window.
For some odd reason, Zane had an idea as to who might join them.
"You know what? Find that Omega dude, Blake, I think. Tell him that I invited him over," Zane added.

"Man, you're kinda obsessed with Omegas these days. It feels like someone possessed your body- one day, you despise them, plan to get rid of weak links, and now you're befriending one by one. Do you have a fucking cold or something?" Kaiden laughed, seeking like a girl after he managed to find the car keys.

"Don't start this bullshit; just do as I say. Be here in thirty, or you're not getting the pizza," Zane threatened his friend, a smile growing on his lips.

"No, no, no! You fucking evil man, don't you mess with the love of my life! I'll be there faster than you think! Don't touch the pizza before I get there!" Kaiden screamed and ended the call, making Zane burst out in laughter.

*"Guess I should order some pizza then,"* Zane thought to himself, stood up and left the cabinet. As he neared the living room- his mood became a little better.
As for the Omega guy- he had his plans.