Ronin

The alarm clock's blare jolted me awake, and I hastily turned it off. As my eyes fluttered open, I noticed a presence in my bed. Casting the covers aside, I recognized the person from last night. Once I was ready for the day, a meeting with my father, his beta, my beta, and the pack elders awaited to address the recent rogue attacks. Returning from the bathroom to dress, I found the girl still there. I informed her that while last night was enjoyable, it had to end there. She left in a huff, hurling a few choice words behind. Preparing myself, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the night before.

I traversed the lengthy corridor and descended four flights of stairs to the kitchen. Clara was bustling about the stove, preparing eggs, bacon, pancakes, sausage, and homemade grits. She had been my caretaker since infancy. I cherished her as though she were my own mother.

"Good morning, young alpha. How are you today?" she greeted.

I responded with a broad smile and a peck on her cheek.

"I'm doing quite well, and you?"

I sneakily snatched a sausage link and savored it.

"I'm fine. Your father and beta went to the office. Eat some breakfast before you join them; it seems today will be eventful." She passed me a heaping plate. Gratefully, I sat down at the counter and began to eat.

I finished eating and left the kitchen, heading for my father's office and the impending meeting.

"You should've waited for your mate, dude," Jax shouted after me, but I kept walking, ignoring him as I headed to the office.

I saw my dad sitting at his desk with his Beta across from him.

"Son," he greeted me, and I nodded.

It was just after 3 p.m. when we started wrapping things up. We spent five hours reviewing new patrol routes due to increased rogue activity. We also have new plans to strengthen the alarm systems and training. Jax will oversee building a new training schedule that will be stronger, longer, and more intense.

I will be doing more patrols with the warriors and the Beta and Alpha. I will be taking over Alpha of the pack soon, so I must be involved in every detail of the pack. Unfortunately, I still have much to learn, but I have a good handle on things.

I left the office with Jax and headed to the kitchen to get something to drink. As I opened the fridge to grab a bottle of water, soft hands wrapped around my waist.

"Hey Ronin,” I smiled at the sultry voice and slowly spun to find Missy, a small blond-headed wolf I occasionally spend time with. She’s one of my favorites, but that's my secret.

"Hey, Missy,” I wrap my arms around her waist and lean down to kiss her when Gina enters the room.

"You are such a fucking pig!" I rolled my eyes, released my arms from around Missy, and pushed her behind me.

"What do you want, Gina?" I squared off and stared at her.

"I can't believe I trusted you, believed you. You're such a f**king man whore!" She screamed and turned to leave.

I wasted no time in grabbing her arm with anger and authority.