Page 1 of Obsessed Wolf Daddy

Chapter 1 - Cole

Approaching the inter-pack sports tournament, I feel conflicted. I’m happy that my daughter Annie is so clearly excited to be a part of this community, as I can already see how much being back in my family pack will benefit her. But I also feel tense. However good the close-knit pack community is for Annie, it's always been a struggle for me.

A true lone wolf is rare, but growing up, I always knew that was my path. Although I had many friends, played sports, and excelled at almost anything I turned my hand to, the pack structure always rubbed me the wrong way.

I was friends with the alpha's son, played all the team sports, and was polite and courteous when it was the right thing to do. But I could never toe the line or stomach the total allegiance to my alpha required to become an adult in the pack.

Perhaps that's why I built my own empire. A business one, at least. You see, it wasn't that I wanted to be the alpha of my own pack; I genuinely don't fit within that power structure. But I do want power and respect, and that's what I get as the CEO of Matherson Industries, running a swath of tech start-ups to rival any of the biggest names across the globe.

I guess I am the alpha of my own world. Just minus all the pack bullshit. No one questions me or my leadership—there are no contests—and I don't owe anyone a thing because they're paid well to defer to me in all areas.

I am well-aware of what kind of leader I am, which extends to most of my relationships. Except with Annie. I strongly suspect my beautiful, sweet, and willful child will be the only female ever to dictate my behavior.

And so, I find myself back in the mountains. Living not quite in Silverstar, but instead on the edge of Brite Mountain, where I've relocated my latest start-up. There's a compellingbusiness argument for the move, but essentially, I'm here for Annie. Once it became clear that her mother was never going to give her the childhood she deserved, and I knew I didn't want a host of random nannies caring for her, I knew it was time to return home. My doting grandparents and sister Emma, with her close-knit family, can provide Annie with the security she needs to flourish.

"Daddy!" Annie calls out to me. She'd been skipping ahead but is running back to me excitedly. "Can we get some cake?"

My sister Emma laughs as she takes my daughter's hand. "I say yes. It's the fair, after all."

I roll my eyes at my sister. "It's also only 10 am. But yes, of course," I say to my daughter and watch her face beam with happiness. Turning to my sister, I add, "Remember to make that introduction. I might even buy you a cake, too."

"You know, I'm really not Tanya's favorite person. But okay."

"I'm sure she's over it," I reply, dismissing her concerns. Apparently, my sister didn't give Tanya the warmest welcome when she returned to the pack, but ever since Tanya’s family was cleared of stealing from the pack years ago, Emma has still felt bad.

I keep telling her she's too soft and should get over it, and I do so again now.

"It's still a bit embarrassing, that's all," she says.

"Well, this is your chance to strike up a conversation," I reply, scooping Annie up into my arms as we mingle among the stalls.

I almost couldn't believe my ears when I heard that Tanya was living with Zack. I could hardly believe it. To be honest, I was surprised to even hear her name at all. Not many people knew the name of the infamous black-hat hacker who was ableto make the move from the dark web to the heart of the FBI. Though, not many people have my government contacts. I had even reached out to Tanya a few years ago to run some covert corporate spying for me, but she'd declined.

If I'm honest, the main reason I want to meet Tanya is that I'm a fan of her work. Not many people impress me, and she does. It doesn't hurt that she's now running a cybersecurity program at the local college. From what I've heard, it's possibly the best in the country. Considering my latest start-up has a division linked to cybersecurity, I'm hoping that college will provide a steady stream of new minds. I've had to relocate an entire team from California. Not the most cost-effective way to launch a business, but these mountain areas aren’t exactly known for their tech innovation.

Until I arrived, of course.

Annie wriggles out of my arms and reverts to skipping, weaving in and out of Emma and me. Looking around, I can see why Annie is so happy. There's a wholesome small-town vibe here that you only get in the smallest pockets of LA, and even then, it feels manufactured. I've noticed a positive change in my daughter since the moment we arrived. My little wolf feels freer here, even if she doesn't have the words to express it.

I spot Tanya before Emma nudges me in her direction. She's standing behind a cake stall, arranging some of the baked goods. I can't help but shake my head slightly. What is it about this town that can reduce even the most successful minds to running a cake stall? It's that pack community gene that has entirely passed me by.

I pull Annie along. "Time to get you that cake,” I tell her.

I try to keep a straight face as Emma awkwardly approaches Tanya. I can't quite decide if there's genuine animosity lingering between them or if it's just plain awkward. From what Emma told me, Tanya had quite a rough ride whenshe came back to town, and then it turned out her family was innocent all along. I think some members of the pack, my sister included, have a bit of a shame hangover.

Emma is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. She just suffers from the pack mentality. She’s wary of outsiders, and loyalty is everything to the pack.

I listen to the two women exchanging pleasantries. I'm sure they'll sort it out eventually. Finally, Emma introduces me, and I see recognition flare in Tanya's eyes as I confirm I'm behind the new start-up on Brite Mountain.

"You're a long way from LA, Mr. Matherson," she laughs.

"I could say the same about you," I reply, "though I hear you're doing excellent things in cybersecurity at the college. A little ironic, no?"

Amusement flashes in Tanya’s eyes as she shows Annie some of the cakes she's putting out. My daughter's eyes flit over them in delight. "I see your point,” Tanya says. “Those students are going to do great things."

"With you teaching them, I have no doubt," I say sincerely.

"Here comes one of them now—my star student. I am a little biased because I know her, but she really is one to watch." Tanya gestures to my left.

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