The Alpha's Mutt
Zeeb

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door to Alpha Lowell’s office. He had left it open, so the wolf in question just poked his head in. Asking permission before entering. Alpha Lowell welcomed him in with a wave of his hand.

“Alpha, I was told that you are looking for me.” The wolf stated with a bow of his head towards his Alpha.

I had to admit that he certainly did not look like he was being treated the way that I had been. He was tall and lanky but still muscular. He looked healthy rather than gaunt. Either he was taking very good care of himself, or the pack was actually taking care of him. This made me feel a bit better, but I still would like the opportunity to replace out more about his situation. It was hard to compare his condition to that that of the other wolves in this pack considering that he was not ill, and all the others looked like death. There could still be some neglect present here.

“Yes, Zeeb, thank you for coming so quickly.” Alpha Lowell nodded, attempting a weak smile of appreciation. “I would like to introduce you to Alpha Farris of the Elwood Pack and Alpha Mystique of the Pariah Pack. They have some questions.” Alpha Lowell wheezed out the last words, obviously struggling to maintain his energy level.

“Hello, Alphas.” Zeeb offered with a bow of his head towards each of us out of respect. “How can I be of assistance?”

“Hello, Zeeb. It is nice to meet you. I was just wondering if I could ask you a few questions in regard to this virus. If that is alright?”

“Of course, Alpha. I would be happy to help in any way that I can. It has been difficult to see my fellow pack members suffering so terribly.” Zeeb responded.

“You have managed to avoid the illness while the rest of your pack members have succumbed.” I remarked, getting straight to the point. “Do you have any idea why this could be?”

“I’m afraid that I do not.” Zeeb answered, shaking his head. “I wish that I could explain it, but I am at a loss.”

“How much interaction have you been having with the infected wolves. Alpha Lowell had mentioned that you live separate from the rest of the pack.”

“I have had lots of interaction with the pack members. I spend all day everyday with them. I have even been doing my best to help care for as many of them as I can since they became sick.” Zeeb responded.

“That is very kind of you to do.” I praised, still wondering how the pack treated him overall.

“It is my duty as a pack member.” Zeeb affirmed with a serious look in his eyes.

There was no doubt that Zeeb felt a sense of loyalty towards the Bristlecone Pack. That was probably a good thing. If he was loyal to the pack, then perhaps the pack was loyal to him in return. I know that I had not felt sense of duty towards the Elwood Pack. The only wolf that I truly cared about in that pack was Alessa. At least, that was how I felt before everything had changed again.

“Do you think that the fact that you live separately from everyone else could have something to do with it?” I pressed.

“No. I do not think that would really be a factor. Many of the wolves in the pack choose to live on their own. But all of those wolves have fallen ill.” Zeeb explained. “Plus, like I said, I have been taking care of the sick pack members, so I do not believe that distance has anything to do with my immunity.”

“Hmmph…” I expressed with a sigh.

I was beginning to feel a little stumped. My assumption had been that he had been keeping himself from the others. It would have explained how he had avoided the virus. But apparently that was not the answer in this situation. I had to be more creative with my thinking. Perhaps it was something simpler.

“Are you may be eating something differently than the others?” I questioned, feeling like I was reaching at this point.

“No. I have all my meals with the rest of the pack members.”

“Do you take any medications or herbs that may be having an effect?”

“No, I’m afraid not.”

I sighed in defeat. I really was not sure what Zeeb could be doing differently from the others. I had hoped the answer would be obvious, but it did not seem like we would be that lucky.

After several minutes of silence and a failure by any of us to come up with more questions, Alpha Lowell dismissed Zeeb. I watched him walk out of the office and knew that this could be my only chance to talk with him privately. I waited for a moment, attempting to make it seem like I was still wracking my brain for more about this illness. I needed an excuse to leave the Alpha’s office without anyone being suspicious of my intentions. I did not want to upset Alpha Lowell if it ended up not being necessary to do so.

“Oh!” I exclaimed making it seem as though a new thought had just occurred to me.

Both Farris and Alpha Lowell turned their attentions towards me.

“I may have thought of another question or two.” I explained. “Alpha Lowell, would it be alright if I went after Zeeb to talk to him about my thoughts really quick?”

“By all means.” Alpha Lowell allowed with a dismissive wave just before he fell into another coughing fit.

“Thank you.” I offered with a slight bow of my head before heading to the door.

I only paused a moment when I heard a low growl behind me. Farris was, apparently, having a difficult time with the thought of me running after another male for a private moment. I merely rolled my eyes in response and gave him a pointed look, reminding him that he had no control over me.

Even if we were mated, I would not allow him to have dominance over me like that. Perhaps back in the day, before I had gained my strength and confidence, I may have allowed him to rule over me as my Alpha. But now, things were different, if he still wanted to mate with me, he would have to accept that he was mated to another Alpha. As an Alpha, I had just as much power as he did. If I needed to speak to a pack member, whether privately or not, then I was going to do so.

Given that things were currently still strained between us. He certainly had no right to question my choices. There were things between us that required fixing and trying to control my actions, was not going to be a great start on his part.

Without another glance in Farris’s direction, I rushed from the office to replace Zeeb before he got too far. I hurried down the hall and took a right, knowing that it led towards the center of the pack house. Figuring that, no matter his intention, whether it was leaving the pack house or going to the kitchen, then he would be headed this way. To my delight, he had not made it far before I caught up to him.

“Zeeb! Hold on a second, please.” I called after him.

He stopped and turned to face me. I could tell by the look on his face that he was surprised to see me coming after him.

“Alpha Mystique…” He exclaimed. “I’m sorry. Was there something else that you needed?”

“I was just hoping to speak with you for a moment. If that’s alright.” I explained as I caught up to him.

“Of course.” He agreed.

“How about we step outside.” I suggested.

“Sure. If that’s what you want.” Zeeb shrugged.

“Please lead the way.”