Page 49 of Alpha Games
He chuckled as he pushed me away. “Whatever you say, Alpha.”
“I say your impatience is showing. What’s Ava going to think if you get excited this easily and nut too early?”
I jumped out of the way of his calf kick on instinct, rotating to counter with a punch before stopping myself. “Still slow.”
“We’re both getting old.” He grinned. “Maybe it is time to settle down.”
Agreed.My beast closed his eyes, ignoring Mattox’s antics.
“I’m happy for you,” I said as we walked. “Ava will make a good mate.”
Mattox looked to me from the corner of his eye. “I don’t know Aspen yet, but I’ve never seen you this happy. You of all shifters deserve to be the one to find your fated. We’re rooting for you and I won’t be mad if things don’t work out on the hunt tomorrow.”
“Aww.” I shoved him back a step, slightly annoyed that he doubted me. “Don’t go getting soft because of the coming rut. Keep those hormones in control.”
I pressed my lips into a thin line, ignoring his outraged growl, and maintained my air of authority as we came into camp where my pack had gathered to wait for orders.
*
The first team was already heading down the mountain to aid in the efforts to get Aspen’s grandfather away from Nuva Pack. They’d phone me once they got there in the morning and surrounded the territory before I gave Derek Nuva a call.
I’d much rather do this in person, but the matter was time sensitive and I was already stretched thin. He was getting off easy–for now.
The rest would come in a few weeks.
I squatted in the dirt, drawing a crude map for everyone who’d remained to see. “For the hunt, you’ll all move closer to the resort to wait for my return. I want teams at the parking lot corner here and near the gardens there, close enough to come to Ivan’s aid as he guards Aspen.”
“Who’s watching Fallon?” Jones chuckled from the back of the group.
“Whoever got the short stick.” Foster grabbed his shoulder, ruffling the top of his hair.
I ignored their jabs and returned my attention to the immediate issue. “I think we need to go ahead and get the unmated members of our pack out of here the day after tomorrow no matter what happens at the hunt. Staying till the end of the week pushes things too close to the season.”
“But what if something changes and there is no favor for winning? They do that on the show sometimes to shake things up,” Erickson said, standing with the group of younger shifters eager to climb the ranks in the pack. “We should be here until the end or at least until you and our Luna leave.”
“I agree,” Mattox didn’t look too happy with his statement. “We all stay here and see this through.”
“No.” I didn’t need to use an Alpha bark; my tone was commanding enough. “I need you home to get things set up for the run. Get my property ready, make sure it’s not a disaster from the going away party, start patrols in the woods, and work with the elders to organize a food schedule.”
Jenna nodded, moving to Mattox’s side. “We’ve still got to stock the freezers.”
“I don’t like this,” Mattox mumbled. His loyalties were torn and I knew it, but this was life with mating season upon us. He’d have to learn to adapt. As would I.
Beau stepped forward, clasping Mattox on the shoulder. “We’ll stay behind with the Alpha as long as it takes.” He looked to Foster and Jones who nodded in agreement. “Rumor has it you need to be home for this season anyway.”
“And if everything goes according to plan, I’ll be right behind you,” I assured my Beta. “Get everything ready so I can bring your new Luna home.”
“Fine.” Mattox sighed. “What are the rules for the hunt? The other packs out here are all over the forest. We don’t want another incident without someone to watch your back like what happened at the obstacle course.”
“We’re following local regulations. The southeast valleys are clearly marked. Only the Alphasare allowed in the boundaries.” I stood up straight. “There are rules.”
Mattox glared at me. “Which means you’re not going to let us break them.”
“Not this time.” I winked. “I already told you, if we’re doing this, my hands are going to be clean.”
*
I toweled off from the shower just as guest services rang the buzzer for the suite, dropping off the sunflower arrangement.