I can sense that something is occupying my mate's thoughts.
Having a human for a mate is a completely unexpected experience that I am not ready for.
Not to mention, I am completely unprepared for the situation. I have just reached the milestone of becoming a full-fledged adult, with newfound independence and challenges. At just 20, I know that there are experiences in life that I am not yet mature enough to handle.
I have recently, and somewhat forcibly, assumed the position of Alpha of the Westfall pack. To settle matters involving that, I have a lot of numerous tasks that need to be addressed first.
Still, I must admit that I welcome the surprise with open arms.
I know that mates are a rare blessing for werewolves, more than one could ever hope for.
One might mentally prepare to witness the most exquisite and enchanting aroma imaginable, but when the actual entity materializes, it often exceeds even the most extravagant fantasies.
That is how I see Haven.
Regardless of her being a human, my feelings towards her remain unchanged. It doesn't matter at all, it's completely insignificant. It's ironic how I used to despise their kind, finding it amusing, only to now have one myself.
It feels as if karma is exacting its revenge, punishing me for my deeds.
My train of thought is abruptly interrupted by the sensation of a small hand clawing at my ear. With a low growl, I firmly take hold of the little boy's hand, and within moments, he is perched on my shoulders. The little pup nips my ear, his persistence surprising me as he refuses to jump off.
Considering how I have to contort my body and look ridiculous, trying to reach for the abominable thing doesn't seem like the wisest decision.
"I don't feel like playing games, pup. Get your hands off me!"
"No!"
In response, the pup lets out a quick, sharp bark.
I attempt to take deep breaths, inhaling the soothing scent of lavender coming from my mate, in an effort to calm myself. Pups like him are known for their defiance, so it comes as no surprise when he ignores my commands. My Alpha voice would be ineffective, no matter how loud I speak.
Nature's politics are a foreign concept to the innocent minds of pups. I'm not in the mood to assert my dominance through my scent, and I want to keep a low profile. The scent of human floods the entire town, causing everyone to be on edge.
I don't want to cause a commotion and attract extra attention to my mate.
"What's the point of having a human here, anyway?"
Thankfully, the pup is a bit understanding and asks that question in a hushed whisper.
Sneaking glances to my mate, my lips twist into a snarl, silently expressing my disapproval.
In one swift motion, I reach out and grasp the pup's back collar, pulling him towards me. The pup is taken off my back with a single, soft whimper. With a furrowed brow, I pinch the pup's nose, causing it to emit another piercing shriek of agony.
I can tell the pup is a child of one of the elders, but its parents don't seem to care about how roughly I handle it. Despite the unconventional time of night, they pay no mind to his absence from bed.
"Look, I don't want you treating your future Luna like that."
My voice comes out as a harsh whisper, and I can feel my heart racing in my chest. I already know and made up in my mind that Haven will be the town's Luna, her arrival heralded by the soft howling of wolves. Oblivious to my intentions, my mate has no clue that this is my intended course of action.
I can sense it deep in my core, and my instincts have never failed me before.
Ever.
Admitting it to myself brings a sense of closure.
"Show her some respect, just like you do with me. Actually, no. You better show her more respect than you show me, got it?"
In a display of disgust, the pup wrinkles its nose, indicating its strong aversion.
Twisting in the air, he pouts with an oddly adorable expression, crossing two pudgy arms across his chest. Filled with rage, the small pup furrows its brows and lets out an exasperated huff.
"No! I don't give a damn about respecting some human. They all suck and have a weird smell. Mom said they're the ones who ruin our plans to leave and always force us to go home early when we're in Westfall. They're only supposed to stay inside when the sun's shining!"
The kid's comment is spot-on, and I can't bring myself to get angry.
Then again, it isn't solely the human's fault - other factors contribute too.
Suppressing a loud growl, I struggle to forget the monster that is my father.
Westfall is suffering from the consequences of the cruel man's actions, resulting in numerous casualties and negative karma. I choose to stay silent, out of respect, knowing that the werewolf community in Westfall is oblivious to the horrors my father has committed.
They all see him as a father figure, their protector, and someone who is infallible.
He projects a persona that is the direct opposite of his authentic self.
"That was back then, but things have changed."
I continue swinging the pup from side to side, feeling its small body sway in my hands.
From my vantage point, Lydia's house comes into view, with its white picket fence and vibrant garden. We are already near, and I don't even notice the soft breeze rustling through the trees.
In addition, my eyes catch sight of the group of other werewolf men encircling the area. I scoff, disliking the way they are sniffing and leering at my mate as if she were an object.
"I really hope today doesn't happen again. You with me, pup? Why don't you go on home now with your tail tucked between your legs, 'kay?"
With an eye roll, the pup manages to bite his tongue and refrain from speaking.
I once more catch a whiff of my mate's anxious scent.
Carefully, I fling the pup to the side, grateful that one of the men encircling Lydia's house manages to catch it. I hear a small whimper, barely audible over the distant sounds of nature. I can only muster a limited amount of affection for a pup that doesn't belong to me.
Boldly, I extend my palm and place it firmly in the middle of my mate's back, waiting for her to signal her comfort before continuing.
"Everything okay?"
I can't help but be entranced by my mate's beauty as she glances in my direction.
I feel like the universe has conspired in my favor - luck is definitely on my side.