The Hunter's Mate.

CHAPTER 3. BAD NEWS.

JAKE

After a great night’s sleep in my own bed, I showered and headed downstairs for breakfast. Ally was already there, stuffing her face. I smiled at the sight of her happily shovelling food into her mouth. It was important for a werewolf to have a healthy appetite. I grabbed myself some food and went and sat down next to her. “Hey, pup.” I said, nudging her arm gently. She grinned at me. “Do you want to go for a run later?” She asked. I nodded. “If you think that you can keep up.” I teased. She pouted at me and stuck out her tongue. I laughed and started eating.

Amie came in to refill one of the trays of food. She gave me a smile, which I returned. Ally sighed “You’re not still messing around with her, are you? You do know that she was seeing Ben the whole time that you were away? He was completely in love with her, but she dumped him and broke his heart just before you came home.” She said. I hadn’t known that. Ben was a friend and a damn good warrior. I would have to make sure that he knew that I hadn’t been aware of their relationship. I knew that Amie had a crush on me, but I hadn’t realised that she would go as far as ending a relationship. Maybe I should cool things with her. I didn’t want her getting unrealistic expectations.

After breakfast, I went up to dad’s office to see if he needed me to do anything today. Mum was in there when I entered, sat on dad’s lap. It looked as though she was comforting him. “Is everything OK?” I asked them. Mum looked over at me “We’ve just had some bad news, sweetie. The Silver Moon pack was attacked by hunters. Most of the pack was wiped out.” Silver Moon was a small pack, not that far away from us. Dad was good friends with the Alpha there. “Alpha Carson?” I enquired. Dad shook his head. “He didn’t make it. The whole Alpha family was wiped out. Even the children.” Hecsaid sadly. “The few pack members that survived will need new homes. I have offered sanctuary here for those who want it. Could you please make sure that we have homes ready for anyone who shows up.” He said. I nodded “Of course, dad, whatever you need.” I turned to my mum “In the light of this, maybe we should cancel tonight’s party.” I suggested. She looked at my dad for his thoughts on the matter. He shook his head. “No, tonight will go ahead as planned. No matter the circumstances, your achievements and your return home deserve celebrating, son. Besides, we won’t start getting newcomers until tomorrow. They are burying and honouring their dead today.” He told us firmly. I nodded and headed out to find Shaun. He could help me.

Shaun and I spent the next few hours with a small team, getting some of the empty properties on site ready for whoever turned up. We arranged for there to be food in the fridge and cupboards and fresh clean bedding in the rooms. These people had lost so much, the least that we could do was make them comfortable. After we were done, I went to find Ally to go for that run. I rounded a corner and almost crashed into Ben coming the other way. He looked at me and lowered his head. “Sorry.” He muttered and went to keep walking. I put my hand out to stop him, asking if he had a minute to talk. He nodded reluctantly, and we spent the next few minutes clearing the air. I explained that I hadn’t known about his relationship with Amie until Ally told me this morning. I assured him that if I had, then I wouldn’t have gone near her. His friendship was more important to me than s*x. He nodded. I could see that he was still hurting, but that he didn’t blame me. He asked me if I could please not sleep with her again. He told me that he was hoping that after she realised that she had no future with me, that she would go back to him. I gave him my word. I had already decided to cool off with her anyway. He left looking more relaxed.

ALLY

I was excited to go for a run with my big brother. I wanted to show him how fast Tara my wolf was. She was easily the fastest wolf in the pack, except for Jake, maybe. I was looking for him so that we could head out. He had mind linked me that he was done with preparing houses and would meet me outside. I was just heading to the dining room first to grab a bottle of water, but I stopped when I heard Amie laughing with one of the other omegas. She was talking about my brother and their hot night together last night. I almost gagged. That was definitely not something that I wanted to hear about. Sarah, the other girl joking called Amie a slut. Amie fake huffed as if she was annoyed. “How dare you speak to your future Luna like that.” She said in a mock haughty tone. They both laughed. “Seriously though, do you really think that Jake will make you his Luna? Surely he will wait for his mate.” Sarah said. “I have a plan, Mark my words I will be the Luna at his side.” Amie replied. I walked in to the room and they both fell silent. What was she up to?