Scott Hunter, a 27-year-old alpha and skilled warrior, had just finished a long day of shopping for supplies in the city. As the head warrior, Beta and second in command of the Silver Creek Pack, led by his close friend, 25-year-old Joseph Grayson, Scott was always on call to protect his pack. But when he wasn't on duty, he loved to work on his passion project - woodworking. He had a new project in mind and was excited to get started.

As he walked through the bustling streets back to his van, Scott's mind wandered here and there. He had been so focused on his duties as head warrior that he hadn't allowed himself time for personal relationships or even considered finding a mate. Besides, with the sudden spike in rogue werewolves wandering around the pack borders and the forest, Scott has to be on his guard, now more than ever.

His pack mates often joked that he was too busy being the pack's protector to have a love life, but deep down, Scott knew it was more than that. He was waiting for something, or someone, to shake him out of his routine. He was waiting for the Moon Goddess' gift for him, his perfect match — his fated mate and on this day, it seemed his wait would finally come to an end.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the city, as Scott turned a corner and caught the mouthwatering scent: "Mate." His heart raced with anticipation as he followed the scent trail, weaving through the bustling crowds until he reached a narrow alleyway tucked away from the main thoroughfare.

The alley was a stark contrast to the lively streets, cloaked in shadows and mystery. The air was tinged with the metallic scent of old blood and the musty odor of neglect. Scott's instincts went on high alert as he scanned the alley, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of a figure huddled in a corner.

There, curled up in a ball of misery, was a little omega. His clothes were dirty, his hair disheveled, and a few bruises marred his skin, signs of his ordeal being out in the elements. Scott observed the omega — he couldn't have been out on the streets for more than a month, but he'd been out there long enough for the effects to become visible on him though.

The omega looked weak and tired and Scott felt his heart clench. How had Scott missed him before? He had very nearly walked away from his mate obliviously. Scoff felt ashamed of himself. As a Beta, and even just as a werewolf, he was supposed to be aware of his surroundings at all times. A whimper brought Scott's attention back to the omega who looked to be in a bad condition, though, and Scott immediately threw all his questions aside and rushed to pick up his precious little mate.

As he lifted the omega into his arms, he felt an overwhelming surge of protectiveness and possessiveness. He cradled the omega close, taking in his delicate features and the long black hair that framed his face. The omega's piercing blue eyes flickered open, and Scott's heart skipped a beat as their gazes met.

"Sammy?" the omega whispered, his voice weak and raspy.

Scott's brow furrowed in confusion. "No, I'm Scott. You're safe now, little one," he replied, trying to reassure the omega.

But the omega's eyes clouded, and he struggled and cried in Scott's arms. "No...no...Sammy..."

Scott's heart ached at the omega's distress. He didn't know what was going on, but he knew he had to help his mate. He gently rocked the omega back and forth, trying to calm him down. The omega's scent was intoxicating, and Scott couldn't help but feel a deep connection to him.

"Don't worry, little one. I'm here for you. You're safe now."

The omega took a deep breath of Scott's scent and that seemed to help relax him. "Mate?"

"Yes, it's me, your mate," Scott whispered.

"Mate...mate...my mate... mine..." he mumbled.

As the omega's struggles weakened and his cries softened, Scott knew he had to get him medical attention. He quickly made his way to his truck and hurriedly drove back to the pack lands, praying that his mate would be okay.

As they arrived at the Silver Creek Pack's clinic, Scott rushed through the doors of the small building, calling out for the pack's healer and doctor, Elara. Being a warrior, he had been to the infirmary many times before for all sorts of injuries, but never with a mate in tow. The clinic was a cozy, welcoming space filled with the scent of herbs and medicine, the perfect blend of modern and old medicine.

Elara, a wise and kind omega, and a few of her assistants quickly responded to Scott's call. She took one look at the omega in his arms and ushered them into one of the quiet room, reserved for pack members in need of more urgent care. The medical staff quickly responded, and soon the omega was surrounded by doctors and nurses. Scott was forced to let go of his mate, but he refused to leave his side.

"Scott, can you tell me what happened?" Elara asked, her voice soft and gentle. "How did he end up in such a bad state?"

Scott shook his head. "I don't know. I was just walking by and I found him in an alley. He didn't say much... he called me Sammy...I don't know who that is, but I know he's my mate."

Elara's expression was sympathetic. "Let's get him settled and I'll do what I can to help him."

As Elara worked on his mate, Scott couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility. He had found him, and now it was his duty to protect and care for him.

After what felt like an eternity, Elara finally came over to Scott. "He's stable for now, but he needs rest and care. I'll need to monitor him closely to determine the extent of his injuries."

"What's going on?" Scott asked one of the doctors. "Any idea what's wrong with him?"

Elara's expression was grim. "He's been through a lot, Scott. He's malnourished, dehydrated, and has multiple injuries that seem to be healing rather slowly, though there's nothing that seems to be life threatening. Still, we're going to do everything we can to help him."

Scott's heart broke at the thought of his mate suffering. He felt a surge of anger towards whoever had hurt him.

The doctor nodded sympathetically. "We'll do everything we can to help him. But we need to know more about his past. If you're his mate, you may be the only one who can help him heal."

Scott nodded, determination in his heart. He would do whatever it took to help his mate recover and uncover the truth about his past.

As the medical staff worked on his mate, Scott couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility. He had found him, and now it was his duty to protect and care for him.

After what felt like an eternity, the Elara finally came over to Scott. "We've stabilized him for now, but he needs rest and care. We'll need to run some tests to determine the extent of his injuries."

Scott nodded, his mind racing with questions. Who was this omega? What had happened to him? And who was Sammy, the mate he kept calling out for?

As he sat beside his mate's bed, Scott knew one thing for sure - he would do everything in his power to help his mate heal and uncover the truth about his past.

Elara gently ushered Scott away from the bed. "Go, Scott. Go clean up and let us tend to your mate. We'll take good care of him, I promise."

Scott hesitated, not wanting to leave his mate's side, but Elara's firm tone and reassuring smile convinced him to nod and step out of the room.

As he walked down the hallway, he was met by his friend Joseph, who was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "Hey, man. How's it going?"

Scott shook his head. "I don't know, Joey. I found this omega in an alley, and...and I think he's my mate."

Joey nodded his head in understanding. "Yeah I heard, Mike told me," he said, referring to one of the staff that attended to the omega in his immediate arrival.

Scott filled Joey in on what had happened, adding more details here and there, and Joey's expression turned serious. "Well then it looks like we need to find out more about this omega, who he was, who this Sammy was, where he came from, and how he ended up all bruised up in that alley."

Scott nodded vigorously. "I know, right? I feel like I'm going crazy not knowing what's going on."

Joey clapped him on the back. "Don't worry, buddy. We'll get to the bottom of it. I'll start asking around, see if anyone knows anything. You go take care of yourself and your mate. We'll figure this out together."

Scott felt a wave of gratitude towards Joey. He knew he could count on his friend to help him uncover the truth.

"Thanks, Joey. I owe you one."

Joey grinned. "You don't owe me anything, Scott. That's what friends are for."

With a nod, Scott continued on his way to clean up, feeling a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in hours. He knew that with Joey's help, he would uncover the truth about his mysterious mate and do everything in his power to protect and care for him.