The Lion and his Emancipated Mate

Restless Wolf Pt. 1

Almost four years Later

Alpha Lucas Lyons was tired of being alone to run his pack. I longed for my mate and Luna. My last friend left without a mate was my Beta, Dylan Frost. He was twenty-four years old. My friend Alpha Eric Conners had been my oldest friend without a mate, and he’d found his six months ago. Now, Eric had a beautiful family.

Eric finding his mate at thirty-two years old gave me hope that even though I was twenty-six, my mate was still out there. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t hear my Beta enter the room. Dylan cleared his throat. I offered, “Hi, Dylan.” Dylan nodded, “Lucas, Red Run’s school burned down. They don’t have time to rebuild in time for the school year. Don’t worry. The beta Blood activated and we found a solution for the kiddos. Half of the kids will be coming to our territory to go to school here.” He handed me the list.

I glanced at it, “Most of them appear to be werewolves from our allies pack.” Dylan nodded, “The pack will need to know there are a few that aren’t werewolves on the list. They can’t be as open as they are used to in school with their natures now. I don’t know how they even got so lucky to go to school with no humans. I think it’s us, Lucas. We brought in a pup baby boom when we took over, and they reap the benefits. Now, they will have to do what we did in high school. I feel vindicated. They have it so easy and they don’t even know.” I laughed, “Call a pack meeting. I’ll make the announcement.” Dylan snorted, “I did that before I came in here. You’d be lost without me.” He was an excellent Beta. He was a big kid, and his humor came in handy often.

Dylan passed by Christy on his way out. He rolled his eyes and shut the door. I sighed. Dylan hated Christy. She was my friend with benefits. For some reason, my Beta couldn’t stand her. He was now convinced she enchanted me, since it had been proven Claudia Harden had enchanted Eric. Dylan kept threatening to call Eric’s mate to see if Christy had enchanted me too. I shook those thoughts off.

I smiled, “Christy, this is a pleasant surprise.” She smiled, “I live in your pack and seeing me is a pleasant surprise, Lucas?” She leaned down to give me a kiss. My wolf, Dominic, grumbled, “Can’t we kick her to the curb? I don’t like her.” I sighed linking him, “Dominic, she’s a pack member.” He growled, “We don’t have to f**k her because she’s a pack member.” I inwardly groaned.

I asked Christy, “What can I do for you? I’ve got a pack meeting to get to.” She was surprised by my abruptness. She stumbled, “Oh well, I thought maybe we could mess around tonight.” I wouldn’t have minded but my wolf was being a pest. I declined, “Not tonight, sorry Christy.” She smiled sadly, “I understand. Things have been tense lately. I still can’t believe Claudia turned out to be such a b***h. We used to have a lot of fun; you, me, Eric, and Claudia.” I nodded, “We did. Maybe we will be able to go on double dates with Eric and Haley now.” Christy sighed, “Sure, it’s not the same though. I hear she’s only nineteen.” I laughed, “She’s wise beyond her years. She will be twenty soon anyway. Eric is throwing her a surprise birthday party because she’s never had one.”

Christy raised an eyebrow, asking, “So, you really do like Eric’s mate?” I laughed, “I’ve told everyone I like her.” Christy nodded, “Yes, but I know how much you and Eric enjoyed an occasional roll in the sheets. Probably like no one else understands it. Now, that won’t happen.” I nodded, “I have nothing but respect for Eric, you know that. Our relationship just won’t have that physical aspect anymore, and that’s fine. It was more about comforting each other being the oldest Alpha’s without mates. I’m happy for both of them. Just as he will be happy for me when I find my mate.”

Christy nodded then offered, “You know, I would be your Luna if you needed me to.” I sighed, “You know that, my Luna will be my mate.” She sighed, “I know that’s what you want. I’m just saying if you don’t find her, I’d help you. You can have a chosen Luna.” I nodded.

Dominic growled in my head. He snarled, “Friends with benefits my ass! She’s using us! She just wants to be the Luna.” I growled back, “She likes us. She always has.” Dominic was still pissed, “She will be mean to our mate when we meet her.” I growled, “No, she won’t. She will be happy for us.” Dominic snorted, “Mark my words, she will be a b***h. Be ready when I say I told you so. She better not make mate run away from us or I WILL kill her.” I rolled my eyes at my obstinate wolf.

My chest tightened at the thought of my mate running away from me. I closed my link with Dominic. I told Christy, “I appreciate the sentiment, but you know the Luna position will always be for my mate. Let’s get to the pack meeting.” She nodded sadly. We walked out to the pack gathered on the lawn. I left Christy in the crowd.

I stepped up to the platform. I spoke, “Now, I’m sure rumors have been running rampant today about school this year. Red Run’s high school burning down means their students will be split up among the closest high schools. Most students coming here to our district are from our ally, Red Run’s, pack; however, there are names we don’t recognize. Beta Dylan spoke with Beta McAlister. We do have some humans coming with our fellow wolves.” I heard groans. I continued, “I know that means you can’t openly talk about werewolf activities like you’re used to. I do NOT want to hear about any bullying of those humans. I want you to act like the young men and women you are. Do you understand?” They all nodded. I added, “Punishments for any calls I get about any disturbances with our allied pack, or humans will be dealt with harshly. You are dismissed.” They all dispersed quickly.

I smiled listening to their small talk. Surprisingly, they were mostly excited about the neighboring pack coming in. Especially the pack members about to turn eighteen. Their chances of finding their mate easily just increased. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. I’d been waiting for my mate for so long.

Dylan came up beside me. He sighed, “Those jerks have no idea how lucky they will be when they find their mate at eighteen. If my brother just finds his, I will be so happy for him. Then I SHALL find some way to get him. Eric’s mate is a fairy. Fairies like pranks, ergo… I’ll collude with her for an epic prank.” I nodded, “Not all of them will find their mates.” He nodded, “Ugh. I’m becoming bitter. It’s not good for everyone to have bitter Dylan running around. I should be used to it. We’ve seen it time and time again. I keep waiting for Haley to come to her senses and choose me over Eric.” I laughed, “Eric would actually kill you. You two joke, but that would do you in, Dylan. I won’t be able to stop him, he’s fiercely protective of her.”

Dylan laughed, “As he should be. She’s a gem. The Beta’s love her. She’s hilarious. I can’t believe Eric doesn’t have people catering to her every need.” I laughed again, “Oh believe me, he caters to her needs just fine. They just had a pack baby boom because of how satisfactorily he caters to her needs.” Dylan laughed, “That’s actually pretty funny. Seventy-five pups. Maybe we should have them go for a romp in our forest.” I snorted, “I’ll be sure to suggest it, and let them know it was your idea.” Dylan smiled, “Hey anything that gets her in our territory. He’s a lucky prick.” Lucas smiled, “He waited for her for fourteen years. I’m happy for him. It really does give me hope that my mate is coming, I was starting to think I’d never find her. I honestly thought that Eric had the right idea taking a non-werewolf bride for pups.”

Dylan snorted, “He waited for fourteen years for perfection. Let’s also pretend we didn’t know he liked her the WHOLE time. He did. We know he did. He was always twitterpated with news about the fairy princess. I had a bet going she was his. I won in case you were curious. Then he just happens to organize a treaty for his bride who turns out to be his mate. The kicker is not only the princess of the fairy’s but the Hackura. Not even I saw that twist coming. PRICK! Just admit it, he sucks. Just a little bit. Come on, for me just this once.” I smiled, “I really can’t feel anything but happiness for him. He’s a good man, and he loves her.” Dylan laughed, “What’s not to love? Hell, I love her!” I groaned, “You really need to cut that out.”

A voice came from behind us, “You do. My brother is not rational about my sister in law.” I turned and smiled greeting, “Jackson, what brings you here?” Jackson glanced at Dylan, “Eric wanted me to remind you about Haley’s party in two weeks. I was in the neighborhood and heard about Red Run’s school randomly catching fire and burning down. I know the principal at your school is a werewolf, if they need more buses to get kids here; or if they need another school to bus kids to ours is open.” I nodded, “I will pass along the word. Thank you, Jackson. We are looking forward to Haley’s party.”

Jackson looked at Dylan then back to me. He asked, “We?” I smiled, “Dylan’s coming with me.” Jackson groaned, “Just be careful. Ever since his confrontation with the Hackura men who tried to take Haley; Eric is on edge.” Dylan and I both gaped at him. Dylan snorted, “I am texting Beta Caleb immediately asking where my memo on that is. I can’t believe I don’t know what he’s talking about.” I asked, “Hackura confrontation?” Jackson laughed, “Yes, it ended with a glorious Haley rant about what the f**k the friend zone is. She doesn’t think she friend zoned anyone because they were not friends.”

Dylan roared with laughter then asked, “Is it any wonder I love her? She’s a gem and must be protected at all costs.” Jackson grabbed Dylan by his shirt, “Don’t make this a problem, Dylan. I like you; but no one will take Haley from my brother. You like to joke around, and we enjoy it too. Just not with this. Not right now. It’s too soon. I know you time your jokes, now isn’t the time.” Dylan nodded, “It’s just in good fun. I won’t take her from him. Simmer down. I merely worship the ground she walks on.” Jackson let him go. Dylan linked me, “Alpha super sensitive is making the mood go down. Dylan is out!” He took off running.

I offered, “He really doesn’t mean anything by it, Jackson.” Jackson looked at me, “I know he doesn’t. I know how much Dylan wants his mate. Eric’s just not in a joking mood about Haley right now.” I winced, “She won’t leave Eric, and we both know it.” Jackson nodded, “I know she won’t, but my brother might just hurt Dylan if he keeps this up. Dylan needs to find his mate so we can all chill out. I will not see my brother in the pain he was when Haley was taken from him ever again. I will kill anyone I see as a threat to my older brother’s happiness. As much as they mess with each other, I know Dylan feels the same way. He avoided Eric like the plague when Haley was taken for a reason.”

I nodded, “I understand. I am protective of Eric’s happiness too. Dylan is just a big kid at heart, he’s messing around.” Jackson nodded. He looked behind us then changed the subject, “You really need to kick Christy to the curb. She’s becoming Claudia levels of obsessed with you.” I looked over and saw her staring at us. She looked away as soon as she noticed us.

I asked, “You too, huh?” Jackson laughed, “Should I have my brother explain? You’d listen to him.” I smiled, “He wouldn’t. He likes Christy.” Jackson laughed, “Then my lovely sister in law needs to come to your rescue. She likes you. I think she feels very protective of you, as does my brother. If Haley came here and disliked Christy, Eric would side with her. He won’t make the same mistake he did with Claudia.” I groaned, “Well, Haley will probably never meet her. It’s not a serious thing with us, you know that.” Jackson smiled, “To you it’s not serious. I don’t think that’s true on her part” I nodded, “That’s… well true.” Jackson smiled, “Your mate is coming Lucas, just as Eric’s came.” Jackson left our lands leaving me with those words.

Dominic spoke to me, “Mate is near. I feel it.” I perked up, He added, “I just feel we are going to meet her soon. If I knew where she was, I’d take you to her. I’ve thought I’ve felt her near a few times, but I thought it was wishful thinking.” I asked, “How long, Dominic?” Dominic admitted, “A year.” A YEAR?! I sighed and went back to go do my paperwork. Could my mate have been this close this long?

The next few days passed by and soon the kids were in school. One of our warriors found his mate the first day of school from Red Run’s group. I walked into the pack house to greet her. When I walked in, I immediately smelled Jasmine. I asked Dylan, “Where is that amazing scent coming from?” Dylan frowned, “We need to get you into the pack doctor. Your super sniffer is on the fritz. I do not smell anything amazing. Don’t worry. I’m all over this.” I laughed and followed the scent.

I found some of the pack high school seniors in the kitchen and frowned. They all turned and greeted me happily, “Hi, Alpha!” One quickly asked, “What’s wrong?” I sighed, “I just smelled some jasmine and followed it here, but it’s faded.” They looked at each other, Chelsea Hanes said, “One of the non-werewolf transfers was here about an hour ago. She smells like jasmine” I asked, “Why was she here?”

Chelsea answered, “Oh, she was here because she’s my lab partner. We are supposed to be working closely together all year. She was cagey about her place, but if you want, I’ll meet with her there instead.” I shook my head. We’d had humans in here before. I told her, “No, it’s fine you can meet here.” Then I grew concerned.

I questioned, “She was cagey about where she lives? Do we need to look into that? My youth center has beds for those who need it. I wouldn’t want anyone to stay in a bad situation.” Chelsea sighed, “She was really nice, but she didn’t talk about it. I didn’t push, I’ll try to ask her. She’s sitting with us tomorrow at lunch. We will let you know if we think she’s in trouble.” I nodded and left the pack house with Dylan on my heels.

Dylan said, “The pack understands why wayward teens are your passion.” I winced. My sister ran away when she was sixteen. We caught up to many places where she had been staying, but we’d always just missed her. It broke my heart she was living that way. Most of the places we almost caught her at were run down. Or she was outside in the wild. I put out the word that my sister would never be a rogue, that she was a part of my pack always.

I admitted, “I miss her so much, Dylan. I just hope that help is being given to her, like I help the teens I see in need.” Dylan sighed, “You should ask Mr. gets everything he wants Alpha Prick to help look for her again. With Haley being so powerful, maybe they could find her.” I whispered, “I just wish I knew what she was running from.” Dylan sighed, “I know man, but maybe we can get closer to her with Haley on the case.” I nodded, “I’ll speak to Eric about it at Haley’s party.” Dylan gave me a look, “Ask him now. Lacy is on your mind for a reason.” Dylan left me alone to consider his advice.

I quickly decided he was right and dialed Eric’s number. Eric answered, “Hello, Lucas.” I greeted, “Hello, Eric.” Neither of us spoke for several moments. Eric’s concern came through in his tone when he asked, “What’s wrong?” I sighed, “Nothing I just heard about one of the new girls at school today. It brought up my feelings about Lacy.” Eric asked, “Is the girl having trouble?” I replied, “I don’t know. She was cagey about her home life. That’s not why I called though.”

Eric surmised, “You want Black Mountain to renew our search for Lacy. Not unlike you, I never stopped looking. The last lead I had was before Haley came into my life. I tracked Lacy down to a pack in California. I don’t know how she knows when we are coming. I didn’t even tell you we’d caught onto her. She fled before we got there. She’s not a rogue though. She never joins packs, but she stays with them. She just keeps leaving them when we find her.”

I hit the table yelling, “WHY? Dammit! Why is she running from me? From my parents!” Eric sighed, “I don’t know, Lucas. When we find her, because we will find her, we will ask her and get some answers.” I put my head into my hands. I asked, “Does Haley have any way of finding her? Can she pop to her?” Eric said, “I don’t know. I can ask her; I can’t believe I haven’t thought of that. Shit... She’s going to hit us both for not telling her about this.” I laughed, “You guys have had a lot going on.” Eric snorted, “Like that will matter to her. She’s on a mission to save the damn world. Be prepared for her to pop us to you and slap you or pull fairy hijinks.” I thanked him, “Thank you for asking her Eric.” Eric said, “I should’ve thought of it sooner. We will talk soon.” I hung up and desperately tried not to hope that Haley could find Lacy.

About an hour later, I looked up when I heard a pop. I stared astonished at Haley Conners. She looked pissed. My phone rang. I answered, “Hello.” Eric's voice came through in a growl, “I believe my mate is with you.” Haley glared at the phone. She retorted, “You bet your ass I am, Eric Conners. I will deal with you in a minute.” Eric growled, “I told you not to pop away from me.” Haley actually smiled but her tone stayed even, “You and my lion have explaining to do. It’s his turn.” She leaned over and hung up the phone.

My jaw dropped. I told her, “He’s going to know you hung up not me.” Haley smiled, “That he will. Let me tell you my lion, I bet my punishment is sexy and really fun. Don’t you dare tell him that either, I find his punishments to be fun and involve f*****g. That’s not the point. You are in trouble! Tell about your sister.”

I smiled asking, “You like it when Eric punishes you?” Haley’s smile broadened, “Yes, I really do. Now tell me about Lacy.” I smiled sadly, “She’s my baby sister. She’s eighteen now. She ran away when she was sixteen. All she left was a note saying goodbye. We’ve been trying to track her down, but she evades us at every turn. Somehow, she’s getting wind that we are coming.” Haley nodded, “I tried to pop to her and was thrown back. So, she has magical help.” I was stunned, “Are you serious?” Haley frowned, “I can’t lie, so yes. It could be fairy help, which would mean I could get around that s**t. With Aiden’ help. Then I’d just need some supplies for the charm. If it’s witch bitches… I’ll kick their asses. I’m going to think about it. I have an idea, but I’d have to tweak the charm. I need to speak to Aiden to see if he thinks it would work. Are there any other damn secrets you are hiding from me, my lion?”