The Confused Alpha

Chapter 7 Ben

I think I need coffee. I think to myself as I stare at the 30 boxes of books that need to be sorted and cataloged. I don’t even remember ordering so many of these. I sigh because I get like this often. I just can’t say no to books. Then they all come at once and it’s like Christmas but having to work for it. I open up the first box and start pulling books out. This is going to take all day. I hear the bell for the front door ding. I yell that I’ll be just a minute. If I can get this first box knocked out that will be helpful for later.

Walking out to the front of the store I see two men. I apologize for the wait and introduce myself. They are both taller then me. Built strong too. Both are wolves. I think one may even be a alpha! How fun! I see the taller of the too take Deep breath in and then sneezes. “What are you?” He asks with confusion written all over his face. I can’t help the big wide grin that takes over. “Fae!” I respond happily. It’s always exciting when I meet other species.

“Wow. I have never met your kind before.” “We tend to keep to ourselves so that’s not to surprising. Was there something specific your looking for?” I ask. I love helping others find books. Every book is a new fun adventure and everyone should experience them! “Yes actually. I’m looking for a book called Dreki. We didn’t have it in our pack library and it was not in the campus library either. So I think it may be difficult to find.” He says. I nod my head at that. Packs normally keep a pretty extensive supernatural library as does the local college. Hmmm Dreki. I know that one.

“Dreki. That’s dragon history if I recall. Correct?” I ask because I want to be sure I’m think of the correct tome. “Yes. We are researching dragons. We couldn’t find much on them. But we did find a reference to that particular book. Any others that you can recommend would be greatly appreciated as well.” He informs me. That’s an odd subject to just decide to research. But it is going to be a difficult one I believe. “Hmmm let me see I have a few that may help. I don’t think many are in print anymore and that’s probably the issue you ran into. I don’t have Dreki. However I may know someone who might have it in their private collection. May I ask why you are researching dragons? It’s just an odd subject as many don’t believe they ever actually existed.” I can’t help but ask.

They turn to each other. Seeming to have a silent conversation. The alpha clears his throat then says “I met one recently. So I wanted to know more about his species.” My eyes widen at that. Because even though I know the species does exists. For these wolves to have just run into one and meet is unbelievable. “You met a dragon? Your sure? Absolutely sure about his species type?” I ask because i need to be sure. He nods his head. “Yes I’m absolutely sure.” I bite my lip and think. I need to understand why they’re looking into dragons before I’m able to help them. There’s a reason dragons stay hidden after all. “Why exactly do you want to research his species?”

“If I tell you. I need you to keep it to yourself. It’s going to get out soon anyway. But it is important that it stays a secret as long as possible.” The alpha tells me. I take a minute to think about what he says. But ultimately I need to know. “I agree. As long as it doesn’t bring harm to anyone.” I say. “No it won’t harm anyone. The dragon I met. He’s my mate.” He says. My jaw drops and i freeze. Yes I need to help him then. Not only are there very few dragon left but they are so removed from the rest of the world that it has been centuries since I have heard of one finding his mate. This is Glorious! I take off to the books shelf’s that I know reference dragons. It’s not much but maybe it will help this wolf. I yell at the wolves “We need that book. I have some that may help. But Dreki will be a complete history of the species. You have no idea how rare or special this matting is.” I try to explain to him. Though I doubt he understands yet.

“Is there any other copies of Dreki other then this private collection?” He asks me. It is a very good question. “There was only ever three copies made I believe. One the dragons council had, one their king. The third is the one in this private collection and I’m not sure where the collector had acquired it from. But I have these four books here and I can get a message to the collector. I can’t promise he will approve the request but if you give permission for me to share why. That can go a long way.” I explain.

I know for a fact that Asa will deny my request if I can not share why it is needed. Plus Asa will need to know about this dragon that’s apparently just wondering around. I don’t understand why he’s not in hiding. “Can he be trusted? This can not get out before I’m ready. I’m Alpha heir. An alpha heir who is mated to a non wolf who is also a man.” He tells me. Yes I can see why he would be concerned and confused by those facts. But he’ll learn in time that the goddess does not make mistakes. Until then I will help. “Yes I believe he can be trusted. He may have information that can help as well.” I inform them. Asa will not betray them. That I can promise. “Then yes you have my permission.”

After I check out the books I suggested them for them. We traded phone numbers. That way i could get in touch with him when I hear from Asa. “I’ll reach out to him today. But it may be a few days before he gets back to me. He’s not a fan of technology so he is terrible at checking messages.” I tell him. Not liking technology is a understatement but dragons are even longer lived then fae and some don’t like change. Asa I believe is over 4,000 years old. He just can’t get used to cell phones. They thank me and leave.

I can’t help the giggles that erupt. A dragon finding his mate. I never thought I would see the day. I hurriedly lock up and flip the open sign to closed. I have much to do. I run behind the checkout counter and grab my cell phone. Scrolling through the contacts I find Asa and click call. Normally I would just write and mail a letter. But this is an emergency.

It rings five times and then goes to voicemail. “Asa this is Ben. Your favorite fae. I have something extremely important and time sensitive to tell you. O lord I may have to tell you in person. Call me back. But I’ll be dialing you again in five minutes. I’ll call every five minutes until you answer you old grump. It’s important.” I say as I hang up. I take a seat on the chair behind the counter and stare at the clock. At exactly five minutes later I redial Asa.

Five rings later Asa’s voicemail picks up again. “Asa damn it. Answer your phone.” I hang up again and go back to staring at the clock. Four more calls later while I’m waiting for another five minutes. My phone rings. I look to see who is calling and it’s him! Finally! “Asa it’s about time! You really need to do a better job of answering your calls.” I exclaim. I hear him sigh heavily. “What seems to be the big emergency Ben. Is the store ok?” He asks. “What the stores fine. But you need to make plans to travel to see me. Immediately!” I tell him. I’m bouncing in my seat at this point. “You know how dangerous that is Ben. Why can’t you tell me over the phone. Your the one who made me get the damn thing.” He grumps. He wouldn’t be grumpy if he knew why I was insisting. “No Asa you have to come. Be careful obviously. But you need to be here. You’ll need to bring the book Dreki with you as well.” I say.

He pauses at this. “The Dreki. Your sure?” “Yes. I’m sure. It’s important Asa i promise you that it is. I also promise that you need to come.” I plead. “Alright Ben I believe you. I can be there in a few days. Maybe less. I’ll come straight to the shop. Your still staying in the apartment above it. Correct?” My shoulders drop in relief. “Yes I am. I’ll make sure to get extra groceries.” I chuckle because the man can eat. Mostly meat. He wouldn’t appreciate my diet of fruit and veggies. He laughs with me. “I would appreciate that my friend. I’ll see you soon.” He says disconnecting.

Two dragons in the same area. It’s been to long since that’s happened. I wonder what clan this new dragon comes from. To not be hidden he’s either brave or stupid. I shake my head at that. Hopefully he’s keeping himself safe. I know most of the dragons personally. Although I’m closest to Asa. For this dragon to not have contacted me or come by my shop tells me it’s one of the ones I don’t know. How fun! Plus I friended the future alpha today! The current alpha was never friendly towards us non wolfs. Even when I tried to introduce myself when he claimed his pack. I’m glad to see the heir has better manners.

We’ll time to sort all those boxes. I still can not recall ordering them all. Those online auctions really draw you in. I walk into my storage room and start into the second box. It seems to be mostly antique books. All no longer printed. On the plus side the are in really great shape. It’s on the fifth box that I come across something truly interesting. There’s no name on the binding. Just a wolf carved into the old cracked leather. I sit back on my heels to get a better look at it. The carvings really beautiful. Very detailed work. I open the book carefully so I don’t tear the bindings. It’s written in a old language. Good thing I’m a old fae. This has to be at least 2,000-2,500 years old. Maybe older. Based on the language it was written in. Definitely before their councils were formed.

This is an interesting find indeed. I’m going to have to read this one. It may have something in it that can help my new friends. I flip through a few pages. Seeing it’s some historic chronicles. Interesting. I flip a few more and come across a story of a cross mating. It’s between a wolf and a vampire. It’s not the same as the alpha and dragon. But the story may help. Especially if the wolves council try to step in. A proven written history of it occurring in the past can definitely go a long way. Yes I will be reading this cover to cover.