- Nathan -
- Dad! Dad! – I stormed into my house and started searching desperately through the house.
I left school as soon as it was over. I'm worried about Caleb and the twins, they left very quickly and look distressed. I didn't need to smell their scent to know they were worried and scared they were because I am feeling the same. As soon as they heard the name Fowler, they started acting differently and more... carefully. Hunters never enter our territory, it's part of the agreement we have. Whenever they wish to meet, we gather at a place away from here, to avoid worrying the pack. However, this time they just appeared out of nowhere.
- Dad! – I shout louder this time, entering my father's studio.
My father is there all right, but to my surprise, he isn't alone. My mom, Jeremiah, Duke, and two other men are present. They are hunters, no doubt about it. They are having a meeting and I just ran straight into it.
- Nathan not now. – my mother scolds, gesturing me to leave.
- No, please. We're already done, let the boy stay. – one hunter said. He has a short beard and blondish hair. – So, this is your kid right? – he asks my father.
- Yes... - he looks at me with pride. – Let me introduce you. Nate, son, come here. – he said and I obeyed entering the room. - Nate this is Chris and Martin, gentlemen this is my son Nathan. – he introduced me.
- It's a pleasure to meet you. – I greet, extending my hand cordially.
- Likewise, good to finally meet the alpha's son. – Chris accepts the handshake firmly. The same went for the other hunter.
- You know, your father speaks wonder of you. I hope we can get along. – he says nicely.
- Of course. –
- You know, my daughter is going to assist to your school, maybe you can show her the school and introduce her around. – Chris adds.
- Oh, yeah. Dakota, right? I met her today at lunch along with some other. She seems nice. – I recall her from River High. Now that I think of it, they do look somewhat alike.
- Yeah, that's her. I'm glad you two already met. Well, either way. We won't take any more of your time Mr. and Mrs. Bryce. – he directs to my parents.
- No problem and we'll be sure to notify you of any information. – my father says.
- Okay we should get going, nice meeting you Nathan. – he says goodbye to my parents and the rest of the wolf's presents and left.
It took me some time to realize that I was in a room full of very upset wolves angry at me for barging in unannounced. Their glares are chilling to the bone, especially my mother's look. Ever since the rogues arrived in the summer, she's upset all the time.
- Nathan, son. You can't bust in like that. – my father states calmly. He's not upset, though.
- I'm sorry. I didn't think... - my mother sighs dramatically. – It won't happen again. – I assured.
- What is it? – he asks.
- I just wanted to see if you could explain a little more about why hunters are here. – I explained respectfully.
- Why do you think they're here. For the rogues! Why else would they be here? – my mother scolds upset.
- Darling... - my father tries easing her but to no success.
- Don't darling me. I told you it was a mistake to allow rogues to stay, but you didn't listen and now hunters are here; in our home! – she exclaims distressed.
Everyone in the room shifted uncomfortably at the couple's argument, me included. Seeing mom angry is a very frightening situation. She changes completely and it looks like she's ready to kill you any second. Despite her exploding in anger, my father remains peaceful.
- We already discussed this. I couldn't say no. Besides, it's too late to do it anyway. Let's handle the present situation rather than discuss past decisions. – he said firmly.
- What situation? – I inquire.
- Scouts were spotted lurking around. We are not sure from which pack yet. Hunters captured two of them. We need to fortify the town. Make sure no one is meddling in and out. – my father said out loud.
- We could increase the number of night patrols. – Duke, the third in command, suggested.
- That would only provide help during the night. - my mother pointed out.
- Perhaps we could send scouts of our own. You know, for extra security. Scouts will remain further and won't try getting too close if we have wolves out there guarding. – I suggested. They all stared at me astonished, not expecting me to speak.
- That's not a bad idea. – Jeremiah agreed. – If we send scouts in groups of two, they are more likely to scare off any possible wolf. – he added.
- Okay. – my father accepted. – Make it happen. –
- What are we going to do about the rogues? – my mother spat those last words.
- Nothing. They are doing their part, there's no need to interfere. – my father said making my mom roll her eyes. - Very well, you are dismissed. – my father said, causing everyone to leave.
My mom stormed off to the kitchen. Whichever reason my mom has to be angry, I'm sure it's a good one. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so adamant about rogues. My father has a big discussion up ahead. I was about to leave when he called me.
- Nathan wait, you too Jeremiah. – he said, making old wolf and I stay. – How's Nate's training coming off? – he asked the Beta in command.
- It's been slow, but pretty good. He just learned to control his scent, so that's progress. – he responded. His tone was a little embarrassed. Perhaps my fathers expected better progress.
- Really? That's good. What about combat and all the rest? – he asked.
- Combat training has been fairly easy as well as history and information. He falls short on wolf abilities, though. – Jeremiah explained.
- It's understandable, just make sure he's ready to fight. It's okay if he can't learn to lie or heal on command. I'd rather be sure he can survive an attack. –
- An attack, dad what are you talking about? – I asked concerned. He's never been this serious before.
- Just in case, nothing is wrong, don't worry. But with rogues and hunters around I'd rather be cautious. – he assured calmly. I nodded. – How do you feel? – he asked.
- Weird. It's very hard to understand these abilities, and even more to control them. – I replied truthfully.
- It's okay son, I don't expect you to master them from one day to another. That's why Jeremiah is teaching you. –
- Thanks dad, but I was hoping maybe you could teach me. – I suggested lightly.
- You know I want to, but I'm busy and Jeremiah is a great teacher. We learned together. – he explained.
- Okay. – I accepted, looking down.
I feel a little letdown. I shouldn't though, I know he's doing his best. He's a great dad and alpha, but sometimes I feel putting the pack first means leaving us behind. It's dumb, but I can't help but feel this way. Jeremiah is good, but it is hard to understand him sometimes. Wait, now that I remember I did ask Caleb to teach me, maybe I should ask permission.
– Actually, maybe Caleb could teach me as well. – I said.
- Caleb? – my father asks dumbfounded. – Who is Caleb? – he asked.
- I brought him home a couple of days ago. He's one of the wolves from the Lawrence pack. – I reminded him.
- Oh, Caleb. Do you want a rogue to teach you? I don't think I can get him to do it... -
- There is no need, I already asked him and he's okay with it. I just want to check with you. He helped me understand scent control, he's a great teacher. Not to despise Jeremiah's lessons. – I clarified, not wanting to make Jeremiah feel less.
- Nathan, I don't think it's a good idea. – Jeremiah protested.
- Why not? –
- Because Nathan has barely started training. I don't think he should be asking a rogue for help. –
- Jeremiah chill, rogues already think themselves stronger. – he countered.
He does have a point though. I feel ashamed for being so weak. I never considered training before and now that the situation has come, I regret it. I shouldn't be so fresh in this, not at my age! I'm almost 18 years old. Any rogue has more experience than me, even the kids.
- Still, the situation is tense enough with the Lazarus pack. - the beta added.
- And I doubt it would get any worst by one of them teaching my son. – my dad insisted. Jeremiah was about to protest but my father spoke again. – Come on Jeremiah, he'll do just fine. Besides if that kid is helping out, I don't see why not. –
- Okay, but he still must assist with his lessons with me. – Jeremiah agreed stubbornly.
- Great, hey dad... I was wondering if maybe we could go out for a run one of these days. You know, like old times. – I told my father excitedly.
When I was little, well, littler, my father and I went on a routine run under the moon. We used to do it every Saturday night when both of us were free. It's been a while since we've gone, probably three years. I don't remember why we stopped, but it's never too late to retake it.
- Yeah sure, just not now. How about I get back to you on that? – he suggested nicely, and I nodded.
Iknow what that means, it won't happen any time soon. Goddess, I hate this, somuch trouble recently and I feel so useless. I can't help my father and even ifI could he'd rather have me training. I should focus on that then, with Caleb'shelp I'll catch up with the pack in no time. I just hope hunters didn't scarethem enough to quit school, although if I were them, I probably would.
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Picture of Nathan (Nathans father / Current Alpha) at the top.