The Alpha's Burden

Alpha Zack POV I had waited years to find my fated mate. At thirty-two I was considered the age that I should have selected a chosen mate. The Elders in my Pack – the Red Moon Pack - knew better than to push me to take a chosen mate. Many females had been paraded in front of me over the years, but something always held me back. I knew she was out there. I just needed patience. So here I was, once again getting ready for another Mates Gala. This year it was being hosted at the Oak Pack. It would take a few hours for us to arrive, but I had a group of wolves to travel with. Their excitement at the potential in finding their mates were contagious. It was the same feeling I had experienced when I first starting to go to Galas. And then over time I wondered if my fated mate had died before I had found her. But would the Moon Goddess be that cruel not to provide a second chance mate? I had to believe and trust that there was someone for me. Someone who would love me and I would love them, just as they were. I finish packing my suitcase and head downstairs, leaving my suite. I could not help that moment of hope that washed over me, hoping I would be bringing my fated mate home with me on this trip. I wondered what she would be like. Would she be shy? Would she be a go getter? Would she be sassy? I could accept a sassy woman. Someone so sassy we always ended up in bed, sharing that passion. I had not been without female companionship over the years, but I had always been honest. I was waiting for my fated mate rather than taking a chosen mate. My last female companion took things a little too seriously. I had to cut ties with her as she had her sights set on becoming my Luna. And she had the attention of the Elders. Stepping out in the crisp air of the morning I see my Pack members who would be joining me at the Gala, all waiting eager to get on the road. I smile at everyone, “I see we are all here,” I comment as they all cheer at me finally arriving. I look to my Beta, Connor, and smirk, “Sure you do not want to come with us?” I tease him. Connor was five years younger than me and had not found his mate yet. He was less inclined to go searching for her, and figured if she was meant to be found, she would find him. Connor shakes his head, “Nope, I am good here. Lots to keep me busy,” he says with a chuckle. I knew he meant more than the running of the Pack. His latest fling was very demanding and if he was not careful, she would quickly become his chosen mate. I had cautioned him, but he figured he knew what he was doing. Opening my door, I nod to the warriors who were travelling with me, “Let’s go,” I say as the warriors enter my vehicle. The others enter the remaining black SUVs that are waiting to transport everyone to the Oak Point Pack. There is one SUV ahead of me, with warriors in it, then my SUV, and those remaining SUVs behind us. We make a couple stops for comfort breaks along the way before arriving early afternoon. The Gala would take place later today. I had Alpha meetings to attend shortly so I stopped into the hotel to get everyone checked in before continuing to my meetings. I took two warriors with me, leaving the rest to ensure our Pack members did not unintentionally get into any trouble. As we approach the Oak Point Pack, I can see how they got their name. The Oaks surrounding their territory are stunning. And their forests are rich with lots of running paths I can already see. I would love the time to get a run in before the Mates Gala, but I doubted that would happen. Getting clearance to enter the Pack territory we slowly drive down the main road. I see lots of activity around the grounds. You can feel the excitement in the air. Being host to a Mates Gala is a lot of responsibility. It takes a lot of preparation for the event as well as the security. Having so many Packs in one place, with Alphas and Lunas, makes Galas a key target by Rogues. Fortunately, Rogue activity has been low, owing to the strong alliance we have among our Packs. Only allied Packs are invited to the Mates Gala. As we arrive at the Pack house, I see the Alpha and Luna of the Oak Point Pack waiting on the stairs to greet us. Stopping the vehicle, I exit along with my warriors. One warrior will stay with the vehicle and the other – my lead warrior - will join me at the meeting. Moving up the stairs I shake hands with our hosts and introduce my warrior. To the right is a young Omega who is waiting to take us to the meeting room. I smile at her and follow her as I take in the surroundings of the Pack house. It is certainly beautifully decorated, but not as big as our Pack house. We were a bigger Pack – the biggest in our alliance – and so our space was bigger. I would have brought my Gamma with me on this trip, but his mate just had their first pup and he needed to be home to support her in these early days. As I am walking through the halls, I catch a slight scent that attracts my attention. I sniff some more trying to get an idea where it is coming from, but it is very faint, and I realize it is fading quickly. “What was that?” I ask my wolf, Ken. “I think it could have been mate,” Ken replies excitedly. I feel a sense of excitement as I continue walking towards the meeting room hoping to catch a stronger scent. But I don’t. Entering the meeting room, I see the other Alphas have already gathered. Immediately following me are our hosts. Those Alphas who have their Lunas bring their Lunas with them to the meetings. Otherwise, the Alpha will bring a guest of their choosing. “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the annual Mates Gala meeting,” Alpha Seth, of the Oak Point Pack says. We all acknowledge the Alpha and sit down to discuss security for our Pack members. We discuss any pressing issues, and finally end with a discussion surrounding the Pack members we have brought with us. How many are looking for mates, how many are attending as mated chaperones, and those of us among the Alphas hoping to find our mates. Once everyone is satisfied with the discussions, we all take our leave to get ready for the evening’s Gala. I cannot help but sniff my way out of the Pack house, once again catching the faint scent of what I hope is my mate.