The Hybrid Beta (#4 of the Denali pack)

The direction

Mason came walking over with two plastic bags filled with all sorts of snacks. It would probably keep the man fed for two hours and then he would be hungry again. We followed the body builder outside as he walked past the building into the woods, or swamp in this case. We walked over a small wooden bridge, which led to another building. This one looked newer and far better maintained than the previous one we had been in just a few minutes ago. The body builder opened the door, letting me and Mason in. Inside was a desk and two men. Behind the desk sat one, who I presumed to be the Alpha. The other one looked to be comfortable where he was at, so he had to be the Beta. Most wolves got nervous being around an Alpha. I never understood why people found Kai so intimidating back home. The man had a heart of gold, in my opinion.

“Good afternoon.” I nodded at both men, trying to lighten the mood. The Alpha and Beta stood up as the Alpha reached his hand towards me.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of welcoming the new Beta and Gamma of the Denali pack? I do hope you bring good news. Why is the Alpha not with you?” He asked, eyeing from me to Mason and back at me.

“The Alpha and his mate are expecting their first pup, therefore he is not travelling with us at the moment.” I nodded, smiling as I heard my own words. The fact that Kai and Sienna were going to have a pup still amazed me. But I knew those two would make amazing parents once that little rascal would make his debut. Kai had given me the news through a mind link, I don’t think I had ever heard the man’s thoughts so happy as they did that day.

“Well, make sure to congratulate the Alpha and Luna on my behalf. Now, what can I help you with today?” I bit my bottom lip, trying to find the right way to ask about this.

“We are looking for a pack who houses wizards or witches, a pack who lives by the sea. Do you know of such a pack nearby?” The Alpha sat back behind his desk as he looked over at his Beta before locking eyes with me again.

“Why do you ask this?” I sighed once again.

*They know more, you can tell* Mason linked at me.

I am not a fool.

I can see it clear as day.

“I ask this because I am looking for my former pack. I was taken from my pack as a child. I am now searching for them. I would like to know if my parents are still alive, or if I have any relatives alive. All I remember is the beach, water and… a wizard who lived in the pack.” I bit the inside of my cheek. I didn’t want to tell them about my own father being a wizard, they didn’t look like complete morons. If they knew my father was a wizard, they would know that I had magical powers myself. As I had learned first hand, people got kidnapped for that specific reason alone, just so they could use their magical powers. The last thing I wanted, was for my family to get in danger because I went out looking for them. The Alpha nodded as he opened a drawer in his desk and took out a map. He opened it as he waved at me and Mason to step closer. He took a pen and started tracing stuff on the map.

“We are the only remaining pack in the everglades. Swamps are not the ideal surroundings for wolves, so most packs have moved up. There is another pack at the Myakka river state park. It is not located at the beach, but I think, being in your wolf form, the beach is maybe thirty minutes away. It could be that you remember running towards the beach as a child? I don’t know anything about them housing wizards or witches. The pack is called the Voda pack. Their Alpha is Brandon. Don’t mess with him because he is ruthless. And don’t tell him I sent you there. We are not on good terms. You can see this as a present for your new Alpha. If I need a favor in the future, I will remember this day.”

I nodded as I took the map from him, not being too sure how I felt about that. I nodded as I thanked the Alpha for his time, and we would hear or see each other again in the future.

I really hoped not.

We said our goodbyes as we left, closing the door behind us as the body builder walked us back to our car.

*Ok, so Myakka river state park it is, I guess?* Mason linked me as he was already opening a chocolate bar, which I saw had almost melted completely in the Florida heat.

*Yup* I linked back.

*Let’s go and have a look at that Voda pack* We made it back to our car, seeing Ava was still sleeping. So I decided to get in the front so I wouldn’t wake her up. I looked at the map while I was setting up the coordinates on the GPS system.

“It’s still a three-hour drive, we won’t make it there before dinner. Maybe it’s better if we look for a place to stay and then go and check out that pack in the morning?” Mason asked me while my eyes were still focused on the screen. I knew he was right, but somehow, my insides were pulling me towards that pack. I needed to find answers, and I really hoped I could find something back there. I looked back, watching Ava sleep. My mate was exhausted. We had been driving and walking for a week straight. She needed her rest. So I agreed with Mason, we would find a place to sleep, get some rest and start back tomorrow morning, fresh and hopefully with a filled stomach.

We made it to Venice, which was one of the towns located right next to the state park. We found a motel and parked the car in the far back, so it wouldn’t be in a place where everyone could see it. Mason looked at me, his hands still on the wheel.

“Do you want to go or should I?” I shrugged, already opening the door.

“My turn bro, I’ll be right back.” I stepped out and walked towards the motel, trying to look as casual as I could. Looking at the tourists, wearing sunglasses and shorts, I was fitting right in. I walked to the backside of the motel, seeing they also had rooms there. I searched for the ones that were more secluded. As I found one, I laid my hand on the doorknob, focusing for a minute as I whispered out a spell, before hearing the soffest –click- as the door opened for me. I opened the door and peaked my head inside, hoping to not see any luggage or people sleeping, or doing something else.

BINGO!

I stepped in and took the ‘do not disturb’ door hanger, placing it on the doorknob on the outside as I linked at Mason.

*You guys can come, I’m already in.* Before I tried the next room, doing the exact same thing. Mason’s mother, Emily, had learned us a thing or two, when it came to using spells, some of them came in very handy right now. Although I knew she wasn't teaching us to open doors and locks for breaking into motel rooms and spending the night for free. I placed my hand on the second doorknob, hearing it click again as I opened the door, a smile spreading across my face as I looked inside.

*Mason, me and Ava are sleeping alone tonight.*