An Alpha's Instinct

Chapter 5: No Time for It

Victor watches as Stella walks into the kitchen, Erin trailing behind her. He puts his arms behind his back, pinching his wrist. This isn't a dream.

Erin is in his home.

Erin, with the kind hazel eyes and hair as dark as the night sky during a new moon.

Erin, whose lips pout slightly in a smile when he rises to meet Victor's sassy challenges and flirty remarks.

Erin, who saw Victor practically naked and all sweaty, before having a door slammed in his face.

Victor clears his throat, a blush heating his cheeks. He walks back over to the cabinet and grabs a glass, filling it with water from the fridge. “Here, a clear moon." Victor slides the glass of water over to Erin on the island.

Erin's lips quirk up. “Thanks," he whispers. His Adam's apple bobs prominently under his skin as he sips the water. For working in a landscaping company, Victor notes Erin's skin is unusually pale. Victor's eyes trail down Erin's neck and across his collarbone before rising to stare at the spot behind his ear. A mark would show up so easily on his skin.

Stella raises her arm, patting Victor on the shoulder, causing him to jolt. Stella isn't looking at him, but her floral scent is turning sour. Feeling guilty, he focuses back on Erin's parents' introduction. They go by the names Natalie and John Storm and created Storm Landscaping in Black Hill.

Victor sees Erin twitch out of the corner of his eye after John mentions Storm Landscaping being developed 25 years ago. His eyes cloud, a question of confusion and slight betrayal written across his features. By the time Victor fully looks at him, the emotions are gone, replaced instead by bored indifference. His slender fingers are clasped together, his thumbs rubbing over and twiddling with his index fingers.

So, he both shows his emotions physically and is aware of those emotions. It's rare for someone to not just understand that there is a time and place for emotions, but also be able to control those emotions. Victor feels confused as his wolf swells with pride to Erin's display. Why does his wolf care that Erin is emotionally intellectual?

“Well, Storm Landscaping does seem very capable," Stella's clear laugh rings out. She straightens her back before moving toward the back door. “I'm sure I'll love whatever it is you come up with. Design isn't my strong suit, but I suppose everyone has that one flaw. Why don't I show you around the yard?"

“Oh yes, that'd be great," Natalie responds happily while John quickly finishes the glass of water Victor had given them when they first entered the kitchen. Erin looks toward Victor before moving around the island to do the same. In sync with his wolf's commands, Victor moves to follow him when Ben wanders into the kitchen. Ben's eyes widen as they land on Erin, flicking to Victor in shock before locking eyes with Stella.

Ben recovers quickly, the alluring green eyes he inherited from Stella cooling back into their usual empty, sunless forest. “Victor, the Harkin's have arrived."

“Oh, splendid!" Stella opens the door, ushering Natalie and John outside. She's always been close with Matt Harkin, Alpha of the Harkin pack, for as long as Victor could remember. “Victor, hun, why don't you go and greet them, hm?" Stella has that proud gleam on her face again, the one she wears when Victor does something that benefits the pack.

Victor glances toward Erin, his lips are turned down, eyes squinted at the corners to the point all Victor can see is gold. Erin huffs in resignation, eyes downcast and shoulders tensed. He doesn't meet Victor's eyes as he follows his parents outside.

“Yeah, sure." Victor smiles in acceptance while his wolf whines. He could never say no to Stella. Everything she does is for his benefit.

Stella beams, closing the door behind her. Victor watches out the door window as Erin walks away.

“Come on, dude," Ben pulls on Victor's arm, causing him to turn away from the door. They make their way to the front yard. There's nothing but dead grass and broken fence lines for at least half a mile. Even the deep green of the forest looks sad and depressing against the clear sunny sky.

“Do you think a wolf and a human can be fated mates?" Victor whispers, voice small and quiet. Ever since Victor first laid eyes on Erin at the party last week, he's been restless. His wolf has been screaming and howling, begging him to protect. But protect what? Erin? A human? It's unheard of.

Especially for the Black wolf.

Ben stuffs his hands into the pockets of his jeans, ears picking up on the sound of car engines. “I mean, not much is known about the Black wolf besides what's passed down through legend. Maybe this is just another one of the moon goddess' blessings."

“You mean another layer to her curse." Victor hisses.

Ben side-eyes Victor, face softening in pity before looking straight ahead again. There are other members of the pack strolling around, most of them discussing the upcoming Council Meeting. Others are by the fence line with bags of camping supplies, excitement evident by the huge smiles and tremulous voices. Packs tend to arrive with their supplies a few days before the meeting, the Lovelace ranch only big enough to shelter its' own pack, but it's common courtesy to provide extra blankets and equipment to those who'll be camping out on the fields. Especially to close-knit allied packs – they're the ones who arrive extra early for some mutual bonding, like the Harkin pack.

Ben takes a deep breath, voice low as he speaks, “As your beta, cousin, and best friend, I'm telling you to just let it go. For now, please. You don't have time for it. This is the first time the Lovelace pack has held a Council Meeting since you've taken over as Alpha. It's important that we look like a united and strong front. The other packs can't see any weakness or think even for a moment the Lovelace pack War left any gap in leadership 23 years ago."

Victor sighs, shoulders slumping forward. He can feel his own throat tightening up even more, “I know. You're right, I know. But I feel like there's a string pulling us together and my instincts are going haywire. I need to be close to him so I can smell him and touch him, but also far away to make sure the pack is safe for him."

“Look, I'm not saying there's no attraction there – Erin is a good-looking guy," Ben holds up his hands in defense as Victor turns to glare at him. “But, that could be all that it is. Your wolf is missing his mate, he's lonely, you're lonely, though I don't have the faintest idea how with me around." Ben smirks, mischief rolling across his face. Victor chuckles, shaking his head as the Harkin pack park their cars along the front fence line.

“All I'm saying is that it's natural. Projecting something onto someone you've just met who isn't part of your world is easy. So, don't stress and don't act on it. Focus, remember?" Ben holds his fist out toward Victor as they make their way down the driveway. Matt Harkin is getting out of the car, prowling toward them with arms open wide and a grin plastered across his face.

Victor bumps his fist against Ben, putting his best diplomatic alpha smile on. “Focus."