Second Chance Mates
F O U R

I had settled into pack life here at Clyde. It had been three months and I was loving life. I had made some friends, my new bestie was Rory, the same age as me, who worked in the packhouse kitchen. Her mate was Guthie a couple of years older and was a pack warrior.

My cousin Heather was a few years older than me and had a kid with her mate Cameron, who was Hamish’s Beta. He was also Guthrie’s older brother.

Rory told me that there were three Currie brothers, the middle one had recently been made head warrior and was away training at a specialist combat school and would return in September, which was now only a couple of weeks away.

At a pack BBQ, I had met the Currie parents, Neil and Pat who were very nice and were excited to have their middle son home.

During my time, I had been making good headway with the pack accounts, arranging high interest accounts, investments and even found a lost account, that my uncle had forgotten about, which had a lot of money in it, which was being used to upgrade facilities in the pack.

I had suggested ways to improve procurement of items for the pack and had managed to broker a deal with a neighbouring farmer for fresh produce at a good price and in return we would take over game keeper duties, in managing pests on the land. Afterall, as wolves we were happy to hunt on his land for dear, rabbits and other pests. He didn’t know it, but we were definitely getting the better deal, more land to hunt and helping the farmer and low-cost fresh fruit and vegetables.

My cousin was very happy with everything I had achieved in a short period of time, already freeing up time for him to spend with his family. The digitising of the accounts would take time, but I had put together a good team to help, while I focused on the current financial year. My cousin had been fined a few times by the Government Revenues for not returning his accounts, so we wanted to stop this habit. Thankfully receipts and everything were here, but needed documented and sorted. I was confident I would be finished this by the end of the week, and my accounting system in place.

-

After a busy week, I decided tonight I would watch a movie and heat a fake-away pizza and chill. Everyone else had plans, so I was on my own and I was happy with that. Tomorrow I was going for a run, which I had always enjoyed. Later I was going to be hitting the bag, doing some boxing, using fists and feet. I had learned some fighting skills from Guthrie and wanted to improve my physical strength. It also helped on some of the days I felt sorry for myself, letting my sadness and anger out.

I woke up to a warm autumn day. I pulled on my running shorts and crop top, pulled my tight curls into a hairband, ear buds in, set my play list and popped my phone in its holder. I had my water and was ready to go.

I set off on my usual route, which was about eight-mile round trip, with beautiful views of the pack, which bordered onto the national park. As I was not shifted, my run took me into a mile or so of their territory, before heading back to the pack.

I stretched out on the lawn, before heading to the gym, were I pounded and kicked the bag for an hour. I feel great after such a workout.

As I headed back to my cabin to go shower, Rory came running over to me all excited.

Oh my goddess, Elsie. You’ll never guess. Callum arrived home a few days early to surprise his parents and brothers. You should have seen their faces.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her excitement.

“That’s good Rory,” I replied smiling.

Guthrie walked over smiling, putting his hand round Rory’s shoulder. “I suppose Rory has updated you?” he asked. I nodded my head.

“My parents are having a dinner to celebrate, you’re more than welcome to come Elsie,” he invited me.

“Oh, I’m sure your parents are just wanting family to be there to welcome him home, maybe another time,” I declined. “I’m gonna head home to shower after my run and walkout. See you later,” I mumbled as I head towards cabin.

It was nice of Guthrie to invite me, but I didn’t feel like getting in the way of their family reunion. Iris was a little unsettled, even after our work out. She couldn’t tell me why. Maybe because it brought home that I didn’t have my immediate family here.

I spoke to my parents regularly and my brother. Although the Clyde pack was my family, it just wasn’t the same. Talking on the phone or via video just wasn’t the same.

I felt the tears drip down my face. Why did this have to happen to me Goddess. Not surprising there was no answer.

-

I had kept myself busy over the weekend. However I could not miss the pack gathering happening on Wednesday, to welcome Callum and the other warrior’s home. There was to be a buffet and celebration, with the formal announcement of head warrior. Everyone was ordered to attend, out with those on guard duty.

Thankfully we didn’t have to get dressed up, it was smart casual which suited me fine. I liked to keep things simple. Especially as it was getting cooler in the evenings.

I pulled on a cropped leg jumpsuit in burgundy, which had long mesh sleeves and wrap tie waist. The v neck front was modest, not too low. It showed off my curves but wasn’t skin-tight. I wore flat pumps, so that I wouldn’t get sore feet.

I had washed my hair and sprayed some curl gloss on it, leaving it to air dry. Each curl looked sleek, coming to my shoulders. As my skin was so creamy pale, I used a peach cream blush to highlight my cheek bones, some light bronze eyeshadow, clear mascara to open my lashes as I get them dyed darker anyway and some matt lipstick and I’m ready to go.

I arrived on the lawn in front of the pack house. Already there were plenty pack members mingling about. I had gotten myself some food and a drink, before noticing Heather and her mate. I made my way over to her with a smile.

“You look beautiful Elsie,” she admired. I felt the blush on my cheeks. After chatting for a bit, Hamish came out to make a speech and introduce the Head Warrior and welcome everyone back. I felt Iris restless in my mind, pacing and whining.

The ten warriors walked out onto the stage area. Heather was telling me who they were. But I couldn’t focus fully on her, as Iris stopped pacing and made me sniff deep. Her tail began to whip back and forth. “MATE,” she yelled at me.

What! “What do you mean mate? Who is my mate?” I demand of her. I can feel a pull towards the stage.

“I do not know which one Elsie, but one of those men is our second change mate.”

Everyone is clapping around me. I feel dizzy. I need to get out of here. Heather was focusing on the stage, listening to her brother, as I slowly edge away, another’s happy to step forward to the vacant spot. As soon as I am free of the crowd, I quickly walk back to my cabin, all the while Iris is trying to persuade me to go back and meet out mate.

I don’t know what to do. I am so scared that he will not want me. Plain average Elsie, who already has been rejected.

My phone buzzed and I look down to see Heather texting me where I went. I texted back saying I didn’t feel well, so headed home.

I stripped off and went to bed, I didn’t have a good night’s sleep, tossing and turning. Plus the nightmares of unknown faces shaking their heads and tell me no.

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