A Thousand Ways

Luke 2

I stepped out of the car, parking the jeep on the side of the lodge. The building was mainly wood, with two stories meeting the tops of the trees. The scent of pine filled my nose, and I glanced around at the smaller buildings around the lodge, designed the same way as the main one. 

My father owned the lodge, it had been passed down generations through my family. Even with the beautiful entrance and nice rooms, we weren't exactly "popular with humans."

But that was mainly because we didn't want it to be. Technically, the place didn't exist. I swung open the front door, glancing around inside after taking off my shoes. It had been a while, and I was glad to be back. Well, as happy as I could be.

"Alpha?" Three voices asked as they rounded the corner to face me. Three women in simple clothes stood happily in a row facing me, staring with enthusiasm. "How was it?" The middle woman asked, careful not to meet me directly in the eyes. 

"Waste of my time," I said, hoping they would get the irritated tone I implied in my voice. 

"Is there anything you need?" The smaller of the three asked, and I briefly nodded.

"Please get my belongings and set them outside of my door. It shouldn't be locked." I sighed and they rushed off, slipping on shoes and out the door. I heard it shut with a click, and made my way to my father's office. My father's voice came from inside even before I reached the door.

"Come in." I opened it, stepping inside to a room that was rather messy. He desk sat in front of a large window, papers sat over in desk and in unorganized filing cabinets. My old man's fading hair and smiling face embraced me with a hug. He slapped my back happily. After pulling back he rested one hand on my shoulder and looked at me with pride written on his face.

"Look at you! My son! Now you're the same height as me." He said, showing me with a hand that went from the tops of both our heads. I guess it was true. "Look at how you've grown! A real man." 

He noticed my face probably not lighting up in happiness, and leaned back, hand still sitting on my shoulder. "Did you find her?"

I shook my head. "Completely a waste of two years of my life." I hissed. 

My father squeezed my shoulder before releasing his hand. "I understand. But don't worry. I'm sure she would not pair you with someone you would never know. As long as you keep trying, they will come." He said with confidence. 

I almost laughed. "Sure they will."

"I'm not joking, have faith Luke." I almost rolled my eyes, but immediately caught myself. 

"Okay," I said, taking a step toward the door. 

"Oh and by the way you're brother should be here any minute." My father said, walking back and sitting down with a huff. "Make sure to tell him you're home." He said, picking up a pen.

I made my way to the door, finding the several bags sitting against the wall. I picked them up, opening my door to find an almost empty room. A bed, closet, and desk sat with a few books. The room had been clean, bed made, but still, the room felt eerie and cold. I had been absent for two years, but the room gave off the same feeling when I left.

Empty. It had always been empty and that is why I left. That is why I went in search of a mate for two years of my life. And they had been wasted. 

I through my bag of clothes near my closet, I would unpack them another time. Instead, I picked up the suitcase of things I had collected. I had planned, maybe to give them to my mate. Maybe she would like them when I met her. I would wrap them and surprise her, she would be happy and come home to here, raise a family and be happy. Together.