The Big Bad Wolf Mate

Spending time getting to know my future members over breakfast was one of the most enjoyable things I had experienced since I had been here. Sure, it was only a small percentage of people who were eating but it still meant a lot to me that the most elite crew were able to join us and give us an account of what had happened through the night.

“The perimeters have remained intact and untouched since we heard about the attacks, Alpha. We have secured even the most difficult terrain and were able to set up traps for any future attempts for whoever is foolish enough to even try to breach them.”

“Thank you, Ramsey. Have you notified the elders as well?”

“Yes, Alpha. They are in agreement that no one is to leave or enter without verbal and written permission from you.”

Bishop shook his head in acknowledgement and said, “Tonight I will be hosting a town meeting to inform the pack of these temporary restrictions. I want everyone to be vigilant in their daily practices and if we keep them well informed, we reduce the risk of anyone getting harmed.”

Bishop excused himself to speak with a few of the guards in private and dismissed the others to go home and get some sleep. They were still changing out positions every 8hrs and even though they hadn’t started to show it yet, they were just as exhausted as everyone else.

When the plates and dinning area were cleaned, I went back to our room for some alone time. With everything going on, I hardly had time for myself and it was starting to make me irritable. I ran myself a hot bubble bath and added a few different soothing epsom salts then lowered myself into the water. Laying back, I rested my head on the edge of the porcelain tub and sank into the water, submerging my entire body into the heavenly bath.

I had just started relaxing when I heard Bishop’s gruff voice through our mind-link.

Red, I will be going on patrol tonight, after the meeting, with Ramsey and his crew and I will also be leaving some men here to stand guard over the house but I will be back before you wake up tomorrow morning.

Bishop, that isn’t necessary. I will be fine while you’re out and I’m sure you can use all the men you can get, out on the borders.

I wasn’t asking your permission, Red. They were told to watch the house, including everything and everyone in it and that is where they will be the entire time I’m gone. If they so much as think of leaving their post, they will answer to me.

Rolling my eyes at his response, I muttered an alright and closed the mind-link. If he insisted on them staying here then they would be staying inside instead of out in the freezing cold, dark night, with or without his consent.

After my bath, I tried to lay down for a nap but my wolf wasn’t having it. Ever since the attacks around us, she had gotten antsy just sitting around doing nothing. She wanted to be out there, searching for the wolves responsible for this debacle but I couldn’t let her. We needed to be here while Bishop and his men protected us and she just couldn’t understand that. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

When I finally managed to make her relax, another familiar voice entered my ears. Giving up on the idea of ever getting any sleep, I threw on some clothes and headed downstairs to welcome our company.

As I walked down the stairs, I could hear Naomi in the kitchen, no doubt fixing something for lunch, as Rose shuffled around the living room looking at the pictures on the walls. She turned around when she heard me stepping onto the wooden floor.

"Ember, did I wake you? Naomi told me you were laying down. Is everything alright? You really should get some rest, you look exhausted."

She hurried over to me and grabbed my hands with concern written all over her face. Her reaction caught me off guard. Geez, did I look that bad? And what is with everyone telling me I need to get rest, do they think I haven't tried?

"My father trained me to run on very little sleep, or at least that's what he said I should be doing if I ran his pack one day." I gave her a small smile then squeezed her hand and guided her to the couch.

Once we sat, Naomi came in with a tray of tea and cups along with some biscotti and jam.

"Thank you, Naomi. I just can't believe how grown you are. I remember when you used to run around this pack chasing butterflies with the other littles." Rose said as she sighed thinking about the old times.

"Yes, Luna Rose, it feels like only yesterday to me too. I'll let you two catch up while I bring your things upstairs. I've cleaned three rooms for you and your members and once everyone has returned to the house, I will make your favorite dinner." She winked as she grabbed Winston and Rose's luggage and carried it upstairs.

"Where is Winston?" I asked.

"He met Bishop out on the borders so he could show him where the attack happened."

"Thank you both for coming, maybe now Bishop can calm down."

"Has it been that bad?"

"Yes. All he does is patrols the perimeter and when he's not doing that, he's at the neighboring packs helping them with their training. He is an amazing Alpha and an even better mate but he is running himself ragged trying to do everything on his own. He won't let me help him despite what I can offer."

"Bishop has always been a strong, independent leader. After his first mate turned out to be a mistake, he got angry because he thought he deserved someone better but the moon goddess had other plans, she always does." She placed her cup down and turned to face me. "When I heard that he left, it hurt my heart to know that he suffered the same loss that I did. Grant you his mate wasn't killed but a loss is a loss either way and when you make the decision to reject your mate it takes a toll on you. He did what he thought was best for his pack and he left to save them from the wrath he was sure he would endure, for denying what was destined to be. However, I never doubted for a second she would punish him because it lead you here and you were his redemption."

Tears started to prick my eyes as she sat with me. All this time, he was keeping me from getting hurt while trying to make up for the time he abandoned his pack. This was his way of begging for forgiveness without actually asking anyone. He was doing it for the moon goddess to show her that he would protect his mate no matter what and how grateful he was that she had given him another chance.

Now that Winston is there, let's hope they can find something that will lead them to those dirty hounds.

Poor Ember, I know she feels helpless but her mate is only doing what he is supposed to do, protect her. I just hope she understands his overprotectiveness and doesn't do something to disobey him.

I'm glad Ember has someone so understanding to talk to, Rose has been such a great person since she met her. I just hope one day, her mother and her can get along this well.