Page 5 of Knot Quite Ready

Unfortunately for Michael, he’s currently working as a personal security guard for a witch enrolled in University a couple of towns over and wishing he was dead. Some Alphas make an example out of their pack members when they fuck up, but I preferred for punishments to match the crime. In Michael’s case, the Witch, Samantha, was a rage witch, specializing in bringing out and controlling the worst emotion in all beings; anger. I smiled as I thought of the young witch, smart as a whip but impulsive and hot-headed. Just the type of ‘punishment’ Michael, with his usual easy-going nature, needed.

As an Alpha, there have been instances where I could have strung someone up by their balls, but I always found that packs work better when they respect their Alpha instead of living in fear, like now. One of my trusted advisors—well, the son of one of my trusted advisors, who was trying his hand at his father’s position—Greg, is currently droning on and on about budgets and where they should go now that we’ve found a new place to live. It’s a risky area, about an hour from the national park, but we’re hoping the risk pays off. It’s not going to be forever, maybe a few years. Although, in all honesty, that is not entirely truthful. Something drew us here, and even though it wasn’t intentional, not too far from our settlement was Cabria Falls, a rare mixed shifter community that was downright incredible. However, I do expect a visit from whatever councilman headed this area. It is inevitable because, although we hoped with our progressive way of living, we could skate under the radar, a wolf pack so close to a shifter settlement would have to be a formally recognized pack, and we aren’t…yet. And that was another headache in the making.

I lean forward, resting my arms on the table before me, and rub the sides of my head in small circles. Under the radar. Under the radar. The stuff I have to listen to and repeat as Alpha sometimes is a freaking joke, I think to myself. I understand his excitement; this land feels more like home than any place we've been. While packs are supposed to be a source of stability, security, and protection, both physically and emotionally, having established pack lands is just as important and necessary to nurture that. So while I understand it, expansions, including building homes, medical facilities, a schoolhouse, and renovations, have to be a priority. Especially when we still have to contend with the visit from a councilman. We have to show that we're a good, strong pack, and as it is, we'll all be working around the clock to help facilitate the basics, not a Taj Mahal of pack facilities.

As it is, the way Greg is droning on about having a spa and even a fucking cinema area, not only is he trotting way beyond the ‘under radar’ sign, but he is rapidly approaching the ‘hey look at us’ billboard.

My yawn is so wide that my jaw cracks, and when I dart my eyes to the side, they latch onto my closest friend, second-in-command, and fellow Alpha, Tristan, who’s barely suppressing his smirk.

As my enforcer, he was probably one of the most vicious fuckers I’ve met, his temper, control over his wolf, and skill were nearly unmatched.

Nearly. Because when compared to me, Tristan is an explosive kind of guy, that kind that will react first and then think about the consequences, whereas I’m a simmer. Slowly bubbling, taking it on, until my rage is a striking cobra. Swift, calculated, precise, and fucking lethal. So while Tristan commanded respect, I wielded it, owned it.

I bite back a sigh as Greg’s mouth moves animatedly; I don’t know what part of staying under the radar he doesn’t understand, at least until we are ready to rejoin werewolf shifter politics. Which if I were lucky, I would never have to because even though every wolf pack ran things a little differently, a whole lot of wolf politics were outdated. The idea of a pack reaching out to us for the chance of mating our Omegas for alliances doesn’t sit well with me. Omegas should be able to choose when, where, and how they mated. More importantly, their wolves should be able to find their true mate.

Tristan leans back in his seat, arms crossed, and I bite back a sigh, knowing he’s close to baiting Greg. And sure enough, he doesn’t disappoint.

“So, pup,” he starts, and I bite back a smile at the low blow. Greg may be young, but in his twenties, being called a pup was an insult.

Tristan stands up from his seat, opting to lean against the desk, looking down at Greg reproachfully, “What I understand is that you want to cut down how much our pack pays towards charities, keeping us in the good graces of various human political groups to, instead, keep yourself in a nice, heated pool? Did I get that right?” He lets his wolf peek out of his eyes, the usual green now glowing amber, as he bares his teeth in a feral grin, which stretches even further at the slight perspiration dotting Greg’s brow.

“Well, I, uh…uh…” he shifts in his seat, making himself slightly smaller. The slight smell of fear and trepidation permeates the room. Having Tristan sit in on all meetings could be both a blessing and a curse and, in this case, a slight curse. Still, Tristan was right. Greg might be learning, but he needs to align his priorities with the pack's vision. I understand the thrill he feels—discovering a place where our wolves can finally find peace instead of being constantly on the run. But the fact that we've made it this far against all odds didn’t excuse incompetence. Money and abilities alone don't guarantee success, but shared purpose? Unity? That is whatiscrucial to a pack’s growth and progression.

I take a deep breath and school my face. Clearing my throat, I bring Greg’s attention to me rather than Tristan, who, I now notice, is sheathing and unsheathing his claws.

Cut that the fuck out,I growl out mentally to him, and he sends me back a mental chuckle but sheaths his claws and crosses his arms.

“Thank you, Greg. Our purpose here is to establish ourselvesbeforewe start to allocate any funds toward extensive andexpensiverenovations. However, in the meantime, if you would like topersonallyfund building a cinema and spa in the future, then maybe I’ll reconsider it. Though, I think that helping sick children, staying in the good graces of various groups of humans, shifters, witches, and so on while still ensuring that our pack continues to thrive, with basic needs, is higher on my priority list.” My sarcasm, although tampered down, isn’t missed, and Greg goes an interesting shade of grey.

I pause, meeting his gaze wordlessly. Catching the hint, Greg hurriedly stands up from his seat and murmurs his goodbyes. The minute he scurries away, Tristan is up and pacing the room, an office space in the rustic cottage in the middle of nowhere that we had bought for peanuts as it was pretty much condemned, large enough to house my inner circle and have room for my office. We then purchased the several acres of land surrounding the cabin, labeling it a sanctuary to cut the red tape. Then with a bit of magic from the witches to seal the deal with the humans, we were all set.

I understand Tristan’s pacing, and to be honest, I would join him if I didn’t have to show a semblance of control. Moreover? I’m bored. Bored and fucking annoyed by the constant repetition some of the pack wolves needed recently. But I must keep reminding myself that their baser natures are practically skipping with joy.

My wolf prowls restlessly under my skin, and it becomes a burning itch. One that indicates that I need to get out and run sooner rather than later.

“Hey Cas, can we kill these entitled pricks and start fresh? Go on, please say yes.” He bats his eyelashes, poking out his bottom lip.Moon help me, this wolf thinks murder is akin to begging for candy.

I can’t help but laugh, “No, I can’t be fucked with rebuilding yet another pack.”

I lean back with a sigh, “They might need a lesson in humility and control, though, so I’ll leave that particular punishment to you.” In every pack, even if the dynamics were amazing, there are going to be a few members with less control over their wolves. Usually, as long as they respect the pack hierarchy, there isn’t a problem, but in this case, it’s more of them…needing a reminder to reign it in.

“Already on it,” He smiles ferally, unsheathing his claws. I roll my eyes, and he chuckles, his hands back to normal before he walks over to the opposite side of the room and leans against the window to watch the pack as they hustle around, completing their designated tasks. “So, boss man, I can’t help but notice you’re a little agitated, and I have the perfect solution for you.” Tristan’s eyes gleam as he rubs his hands together in a way that indicates that whatever is going to come out of his mouth next may be either the worst plan or the best. I’m thinking it’s more than likely the latter. “I’ve found a place about an hour away that hosts an underground fight club once a month. It’s called Shifter Wars, and anything goes. You have to get an invitation to it, and luckily I have. The next fight is tonight. Fancy going?”

Hmm. So maybe not the worst plan. I lean my head back on my chair. The thought is so tempting. More than tempting, actually, especially with my wolf battering against his restraints. I pause to consider my wolf, and while he’s more than eager to go and take a pound of flesh, he isn’t at the point where he would pose anyone imminent danger. Fuck it. What’s the worst that can happen?

“Yeah, fuck it, I’m in,” I nod.

Chapter5

Casimir

We stroll out to his car, one of those fancy SUV types that the companies boast can handle going off-road but, in reality, can’t handle more than a deep puddle. “I have no idea why the hell you still have this damn truck. Trade this petrol guzzler out for an electric SUV,” I grumble, jumping into the passenger seat. Tristan scoffs, “No way, and I told you, my Range Rover is aHybrid.”

Now it’s my turn to scoff. He insists his truck is better than my Electric Rivian R1T. He fucking wishes. At least my car won’t cause forest fires. I hold back my eye roll as Tristan jumps into the driver’s seat, taking us out of the rural forest and towards civilization.

My shoulders tense, and I force them to relax. It makes me somewhat uncomfortable getting closer to humanity. In our old pack, we weren’t allowed to fraternize with humans in almost any capacity, so despite how I strive for progression within the pack, I have to fight the learned behavior every day. I didn’t care much for frivolity. I care about the comforts of my packs and ensuring they had everything we needed to survive, be happy, and still be off the map.

Traditionally, many of our wolves attain their degrees online, and because of those degrees, we can have schools for the younger pups. For higher education that required more of a tactile approach like our doctors, Tristan being one of them, we send those wolves out with enforcers for the duration of their degree. It is a bit much, but the last thing anyone needs is discoveryandno way to fight themselves out. I preferred attaining my various law and economic degrees quietly, from the comfort of my pack grounds, less unnecessary interactions with humans, and less stressful when avoiding the condescending attitude of the more traditional wolves, my father included.

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