Chapter 3

Charlie

Pic of Eli

I laid in bed, staring at the ceiling as my brain replayed what happened earlier today. Kit was one hell of a kisser. I could only imagine what else he can do with that body. I groaned as I felt my lower region tighten at my thoughts.

I'd already jacked off three times since Kit left, I don't think my poor little friend could handle any more.

Well apparently he can if he's getting happy. I scoffed at my conscience and rolled over, fixing my blankets so I was in a cocoon of warmth. And while I tried to coax myself to sleep, I found my brain not willing to shut off.

I was too happy.

My mate wasn't the douche I thought he was—it was just his wolf—and Allister might be coming home tomorrow. They were currently having a meeting with Nikolai and Lysander about what was going down, and while I really wanted to be a part of the meeting, I was told to stay in my room. Apparently Bryce and Jordan knew what happened between me and Kit earlier and they deemed it unsafe for us to be in the same room.

But I was bored out of my mind and tired of being in my room.

Hey dad? I called out through my mind-link, hoping my Dad hadn't shut his off for the meeting. I waited for a while to see if he would answer, but after a couple of minutes I gave up and decided to call it an early night.

"Charlie!" I heard someone yell and sat up immediately as soon as my door slammed open, revealing my Dad and Mom, who both looked out of breath as they walked over to my bed.

"Yes?" I asked, confused as to why they just burst into my room. They both looked at each other before jumping on top of me, my Dad hugging me tightly while my mom rained kisses on me. "Guys! He—Hey!" I tried to call out to make them stop, but they continued to shower me with affections and I found it hard to breath.

"GUYS!" I yelled and they both stopped, to pull back and look at me. "What the hell?" I chuckled and my mom frowned.

"We were so worried," She sighed. "You wouldn't come out of your room and I wanted so badly to come up here and talk to you, but your father said to give you space and let you handle it like a man." I turned to give my Dad an unimpressed look and he shrugged his shoulders.

"I figured if you needed us you would come and find us," He admitted and I couldn't find it in me to be upset at them. I knew my parents loved me, so the fact that they didn't come to find me when I was upset didn't hurt. They were trying to raise me to be independent and handle my problems on my own.

Wait. I found myself frowning as I realized I literally sat in my room for two days because Kit was an asshole. I sighed and shook my head.

"I'm bored," I said and looked at them, waiting for an answer. Or at least a solution to this boredom because I was straight up losing my mind. My mom looked my dad, and he narrowed his eyes, making me assume they were talking through their mating link.

"God dammit Erin!" He snapped and my mom rolled her eyes. "You heard the Alpha. Charlie isn't allowed—"

"Noel." My mom said firmly.

"Erin," He responded back in the same tone and she squinted her eyes, folding her arms across her chest and leaning in to look at him like he was a spec of dirt on something.

"You're taking him with you." She stated and he shook his head.

"No."

"Yes."

"No Erin."

"You will, or so help me I will cut the sex off like that," She threatened and snapped her fingers. I blanched at the information I just heard. Soooo did not want to think about my parents being...intimate.

"Babe, I want to, trust me. He's finally going to leave his room, but Bryce's orders are there for a reason. I'd rather not sit through a meeting with the potential of my son being mated right in front of me."

"We'll see about that." She snapped, and I was suddenly grabbed by my arm and dragged from the room. My dad was yelling for my mom to stop, but she ignored him, holding her head up high as she marched to the conference room with me in tow. As we got closer, I noticed my wolf was having a hard time keeping himself together. He could smell Kit's wolf and it was sending him into a frenzy, which in turn was going to make me horny as fuck.

Dammit. This was a bad idea.

"Mom, I don't think I should go—" I never got to finish my thoughts though because my mom was already slamming open the doors to the meeting room. I watched with wide eyes, as Bryce sighed, Nikolai smacked his forehead with his hand, Lysander rolled his eyes and Jordan looked completely unimpressed. There were two men in the room I didn't recognized, but instead of looking bothered like everyone else, they looked amused.

"Erin, while I love you to death, Bryce gave us an order," Nikolai sighed and Erin snorted.

"He's not my Alpha yet," I was completely expecting Bryce to get angry at my mom's comment, but instead he raised an eyebrow, looking at her amused. "Besides, Charlie is like a brother to Allister. He has just as much of a right to be a part of this rescue mission."

"No!" Kit growled and everyone looked at him in shock.

"Kit—" I started to tell him to calm down, but he was speaking before I could finish.

"I refuse to let him go! I will not risk him getting hurt or—" He never finished his sentence, but I think everyone in the room knew what he was going to say judging from the solemn looks on their faces. Our eyes met, and I could see the pain and hurt swimming through his green eyes.

What happened in your past Kit? I thought to myself.

"While my Beta's points are valid considering what he's gone through, I can't say that I can deny your suggestion," Bryce stated and Kit looked like he was about to lose it. "Kit, Charlie's mother has a point. I'm sure if Andromeda was kidnapped, you would be rushing to help find her."

"This is different!" He roared and everyone looked to the ground when Bryce's eyes turned dark and he slowly rose to his feet. No matter your position, you never go against an Alpha's orders.

"I think you need to leave and cool down." Bryce said coldly and Kit looked at him in disbelief.

"I'm fine as long as my mate is not put in harm's way." Kit defended himself, but he was only digging his hole deeper.

"Are you defying me Kit? You're my beta and best friend, but I never pegged you to be the rebellious type." Bryce chuckled darkly and Kit bowed his head.

"Sorry Alpha. I'll wait outside." And without another word, Kit left the room. I watched him go, my wolf scratching and begging for me to go after him. Bryce wouldn't allow it though, and neither would my parents. So I was stuck with having to sit down and listen to the battle plan.

"What did you find Nixon?" Bryce asked and one of the mystery men, the one with long brown hair, and some scruff around his jaw, cleared his throat.

"They're about fifty miles north of here, in a clearing outside of some woods. They have him in a tent. The whole camp is actually just a bunch of tents, but King's is in the center and the biggest one. From what we saw, King hardly leaves. Only to attend to any disturbances or go hunting, which we noticed was once in the morning, around eight, and then again at night around ten. We tried to get a look inside the tent, but it is heavily guarded, about six wolves."

Bryce nodded his head while rubbing his chin, "Six? That's not bad. I was expecting more." Nixon pursed his lips. There was something else.

"They aren't unarmed." Nixon stated and everyone looked at him in confusion. "They have guns. And big one at that. I haven't seen many, but from the movies I've watched with Julian, they looked like assault rifles."

"How the hell did a bunch of rouges get assault rifles?" Lysander snapped and everyone looked just as shocked as him. Bryce was silent as he thought, but I noticed everyone else was as well. This wasn't going to be an easy battle. We didn't have the resources to get weapons on such short notice, and knowing these rouges, they don't have normal bullets.

"I have an idea," Nikolai spoke up and we all looked at him, eager to hear what he had to say. "I have some connections that could get us some military-grade weapons. I'll try to get them here today, and we'll immediately start training on them." Everyone seemed to agree with the idea, but Bryce was staring at Nikolai.

"There's more to it," He stated and sadly, Nikolai nodded.

"If I can't get my connections to help, we need a back-up plan. And the only thing I can think of is sending in a few warriors to take out their armory before we attack."

And once again, everyone was silent.

This wasn't an easy decision though. Both options left us extremely vulnerable. If we got the guns, there may be some members who won't pick up on shooting in time, and if we take out the armory, there is the high chance of them still having guns in their tents.

"I'll go in and take out all the guns," Nixon's brother, Julian, announced as he stared me down. I looked at him confused. Did he just read my thoughts?

"I did. I'm a part of the mind-link, and you don't know how to shut yours off. But Charlie is thinking very logically." Julian admitted and I could see the smile forming on my dad's lips. "Let's say we—actually, Charlie. You tell them." I froze when I felt everyone staring at me. Shit, this was bad. I can't do this! I just think in my head and keep it to myself!

"Uh..." I started and shifted uncomfortable. "Well—you see," I stopped myself and took a deep breath. I can do this. I know I can.

"We get the guns, yeah? But who's to say some members don't pick up on shooting them quick enough? That's members we could be losing easily. And then what happens if we take out the armory, and they have weapons in their tents? We think we have the act of surprise, when in reality, they do."

"Which is why I said I would go in while the team is blowing up the armory, and get rid of all the guns," Julian concluded and Nixon, Jordan and Drake all nodded their heads.

"Julian is very quick and quiet on his feet," Jordan admitted and the other two made sounds of agreement. Nikolai was quiet as he thought about it before he nodded.

"Alright, this sounds good. Tyrion is still not giving me an answer, so I think we're going to be without his help in this fight, but it shouldn't be a problem. We'll leave early in the morning, have everyone in their positions ten to eight and when King and his group leave, we strike. One group takes out the armory while Julian hurries in and gets the guns. The rest of us pick off any stragglers left." Everyone voiced their agreements to the plan and Nikolai clapped his hands together.

"Awesome. Now I don't have to call up Essie, because lord knows that woman would be constantly asking why I needed guns the whole time." My dad, Lysander and I all chuckled at him, while the other looked confused. That's right, they hadn't met Essie yet.

Well good for them. She was a hand-full. Just like her daughter.

I was ready to leave, actually getting up, when Bryce cleared his throat and I mentally groaned. "We need to make the teams before this meeting is adjourned." He announced, looking at me and I blushed. Darn this mind-link.

"Nixon will lead the armory group since he knows where it is," Bryce looked to Nikolai and Lysander for them to add members.

"Let's do Clint and Bolton. They're our strongest wolves and can take down anyone that tries to come at you guys." Lysander mentioned and Nikolai nodded his approval.

"We can do Jeremiah and John can handle the bomb to blow up the damn place." Jordan added and Bryce smiled at the conclusion we came to. I was just happy I could leave.

"I want everyone up and ready by five. I'll assign groups after we're all fueled and ready to leave. Then we head out and take these fuckers out." We all nodded in understanding and he excused us. I sighed in relief, this time out loud, and heard a chuckle to my right. I looked over and saw Nixon and Julian standing next to the desk. Julian was laughing at me, most likely from reading my thoughts, but his brother was just...staring. I looked away quickly and left the room. I was mentally headed back to my room, but my feet apparently had other plans as they led me to go find Kit.

I needed to talk to him.

No, what you need to do is stay away from him. You know good and well that if you two are alone you're gonna be bending over for him with the snap of his fingers. My subconscious reminded me bitterly and I couldn't find it in me to deny it.

Because it was true.

God, the things I wanted that man to do to me.

I groaned and ran a hand through my curls, hearing Kit's voice from the kitchen...followed by another one. I pulled up short, my brows furrowing together as I watched the two in front of me. Kit was talking, very angrily might I add, to a muscular man who looked just as angry. I quickly moved to the side, hiding myself in case anyone decided on showing up and blowing my cover. I peeked around the corner and frowned at how close the two were. The mystery man looked extremely upset now, but Kit looked like he wanted to be anywhere else except here.

"Kit please! You know that I'm the one for you!" The man pleaded and I held my breath as I waited for my mate to answer. I was going to assume that this was one of his old flings...but then again, they never were really that old. He only just stopped messing around a couple weeks ago.

"I told you once, and I'll say it again—I am mated. I have Charlie. There is no need to keep this going Eli. Following me around like a love-sick puppy is getting old." Well at least he denied him. That must mean something, right?

"Please!" Eli begged and I kinda felt bad for him...but not a lot because he was moving in on my man.

Stay in your lane Eli.

Stay in your lane.

"You're not even mated yet! You just know he's your mate, but you haven't completed the ritual so that means something! It means you're waiting on me—"

"No!" Kit roared and Eli looked scared. "It means I respect my mate and I'm going to wait for him to tell me he's ready. Eli, you should've known that I wasn't going to stay with you. I'm a player. I sleep around and kick you to the curb so I can find someone new."

"Then kick him to the curb!" Eli snapped and I curled my lip at him. This dude was seriously pissing me off, and I wasn't the only one.

Or so I thought.

I watched as Kit snapped and grabbed Eli by his collar; smashing them into the wall. I was expecting for him to yell or threaten the wolf, but instead, they stared at each other and I felt my stomach turning as I recognized the looks they were exchanging.

"Why aren't you with the other warriors?" They jumped apart as my dad appeared in the kitchen, pinning Kit with a deadly glare.

"Uh—I—um..." Eli began to stammer and my dad sneered at him.

"I'd hurry to the meeting before I have to tell your Alpha." My dad snapped and Eli quickly excused himself. My dad didn't take his eyes from Kit, however, as Eli left the room. He was furious, and I knew exactly why he was mad. In fact, I wanted to be mad too. But instead, I felt the familiar hug of betrayal and fought back a whine.

Son, please go find your mother. I heard my dad tell me softly through our separate mind link and I decided to leave instead of answering. I can't believe after everything, Kit still had the urge to mess around with other wolves. I mean, he didn't kiss Eli...that means something, right? No it doesn't. He definitely would have kissed him if my dad hadn't of walked in when he did. My mind flashed back to the look they were giving each other and my stomach twisted.

I really wanted to be alone.

But my dad told me to find my mom, so that's what I was going to do. I followed her scent up the stairs and towards one of the many family rooms in the house. Once I got to the archway, I stopped as I saw the majority of my family was also inside.

My Uncle Nate and Aunt Hazel were lounging on one of the sofas. Uncle Nate had short blonde hair that is normally styled, but today was swept up in a beanie. My Aunt Hazel had brown hair with a lot of blonde highlights, which fell in thick wavy curls to the middle of her chest. Their daughter Isabelle, my cousin, inherited their hair color and her mom's curls, along with their stunning blue eyes. I was actually jealous of anyone who had a colorful eye because my eye color resembled shit.

And that was only on a good day.

My Uncle Nate was supposed to be Beta when Nikolai became Alpha, but our old Beta Tyler claimed he wasn't ready to give up the position yet. Nobody complained about it—which was strange to Allister and I, but my parents told me it had to do with my deceased grandparents, Ryder and Scarlet.

My eyes traveled to Tyler and his mate Luna. I remember when I first heard her name I was extremely confused and thought she was Nikolai's wife. See, normally in a werewolf society, the wife of the Alpha has the title of Luna. But seeing as Lysander would most likely rip the head off of anyone that referred to him as "Luna", the tradition didn't follow.

Tyler is one of the only few members with a face and body that belongs in the modeling industry. I mean, don't get me wrong, werewolves are extremely appealing to the eye, but Tyler took the cake when it came to looks in our Pack. His features were sharp and strong—hell, even his stare was strong. Except for now, because he was laughing at something my mom was saying. His wife Luna was just as stunning, if not more. She had long wavy chestnut brown hair and deep caramel eyes. Their genes obviously passed on to their daughter Navaeh—who was off walking the runways in Paris Fashion Week.

Then there was my Alpha and his mate—Nikolai and Lysander. Nikolai used to look very feminine when he was younger—judging from the pictures I've seen. Now, he had more masculine features, but still looked a little baby faced. But where he lacked, his mate Lysander picked up for him. Out of the couple I loved Nikolai's eyes. One was a light gold color, while the other was a sea foam green. He was normally shaved and kept, but since Allister left, he had started growing out his facial hair, leaving him with a thick scruff. Lysander, however, never let his facial hair show. In fact, I don't think he can grow a beard because now that I think about it, I've never seen him with any type of hair on his face.

But Lysander didn't need a beard to look intimidating. His multiple tattoos did that for him. He had two full sleeves that reached his fingertips, and his left leg was also filled to the floor with various tattoos. The last I saw, he was working on a big piece on his right thigh, but I hadn't seen it yet.

"Can I see you're tattoo when it's done?" I asked, catching everyone by surprise. I sometimes had no filter, but lately I hadn't been talking so much, so I was guessing they were all shocked I had said something. Lysander looked lost for words and cleared his throat.

"Uh...yeah. Sure. I think my next appointment is in three weeks." He told me and Nikolai rolled his mismatched eyes.

"Our son is missing and you're off getting inked." He huffed. It was his mates turn to roll his eyes and sigh deeply.

"Look. You handle your stress and grief by keeping busy. I handle mine by getting tattoos. Why do you think I have so many?" Nikolai frowned at his mate and I figured it had something to do with their past. I know Lysander came from Italy, but was in Greece when he met Nikolai. I just didn't know why Lysander was in Greece.

"Why'd you come in here baby?" My mom asked, gaining everyone's attention and I frowned. I didn't really want to say why I was here, but then I realized that this was my family I was in front of. They weren't going to judge me.

"I saw Kit talking to some guy he used to...sleep with." I spat out the word like it was venom. "They were arguing and Kit was actually standing up for me, but then they started to look at each other with the same look all of you give your mates." I said lowly and Tyler let out a growl.

"Where's the shit at!? I'm gonna—"

"Calm it down dude. I handled it." My dad announced as he walked into the room. He came over to me and gave me a tight hug, and I gladly accepted it. When he let go, he looked at me with conflict swimming in his eyes.

"Charlie listen. I know what I'm about to ask you to do is going to be hurtful, but it needs to be done. You need to act like you never heard or saw what was going on with Kit and Eli, okay? I've talked to him and I've given him a warning. Now all that's left is to see if he actually listens to me."

"You're seriously going to put our son through more heartbreak?" My mom snapped and dad just sighed.

"It's his mate Erin. He can't just forget about him. As much as I hate to say it, Kit is trying his hardest to get in Charlie's good graces, but he's having some internal conflicts of his own."

"Internal conflicts? There aren't any—oh." My mom had started to yell, but stopped when something seemed to click in her head.

But I remained clueless.

Internal conflict? Was it that difficult to stay faithful to your mate!? You know what? Fuck Kit. If he wants to be an asshole, then he better be a good runner because he's going to have some chasing to do.