Jack

I stared at my uncle waiting anxiously for the response. Tyler did the same with his dad. Everyone wanted to know what the Council replied. It took them a minute to start speaking they're so gobsmacked.

"The Elder Council has decided that it needs further assessments into Mr. Stonehold and Mr. Burke to decide which candidate is more suitable for the Alpha position and therefore requires additional time to rule on this matter." - Uncle Gus read out loud the e-mail. I gasped at this.

"What? Are you kidding me?" - I shouted at him, nervously.

Tyler grinned wide. I wanted to punch the smile off his face but I would never give him the satisfaction.

"How did this happen?" - I was blown away, this is so unreal I could barely grasp at it. I thought I had it in the bag.

"I don't know, Jack. But there's more." - Uncle Gus replied. My jaw dropped to the floor.

"More?" - Tyler asked, curiosity dripping from his tone.

"Yes, Jack will have to undergo assessments by the pack Delta and by me before the Council decides." - Mr. Burke announced it. Tyler's grin grew widely at this. Now, I really want to punch him.

"So, not only I don't get Alpha. But the person who is in charge of making my assessment is the same one that wants another person to ascend. How is this fair? Did you bribe the Council, Mr. Burke?" - I was beside myself. I couldn't hold it in. The look of shock and horror on Sarah and Tyler's faces surprised me the most, though I don't particularly know why.

"Jack, apologize to the Alpha. This is not how we do things!" - Uncle Gus spoke before anyone  else could.

"How uncle? How is this fair? If it's up to him I'll never be Alpha! They might as well book Tyler's ascension now!" - I retorted loudly. This is the angrier I've ever been, not counting my parents' situation.

"Apologize now!" - Gus insisted, his eyes were glowing with anger.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Burke." - I said sheepishly, looking down.

"It's Alpha!" - Tyler interjected.

"What?" - I turned to him puzzled.

"You keep calling my dad Mr. Burke. It's Alpha Burke as he is the Alpha." - Tyler elaborated, sounding and looking pissed at me.

"Calm down, son. In Jack's eyes his father is still the Alpha. I understand why he doesn't address me as that and I hold no grudge. No, I didn't bribe the Council. For one, I don't have the money. All my bank statements and tax returns are available at the Council's office for verification. What I do have though is nearly two decades of working on behalf of this pack, which is why the Council is taking my word on this matter, despite what you may think." - Mr. Burke stated clear and calmly. He never raised his voice.

I stared at him in disbelief, though I couldn't tell if he's an excellent liar or he's telling the truth. Honestly, I don't know what's worse at this point.

"Can we go now, uncle Gus?" - I pleaded, sounding defeated.

"Before we go, you should know that you're starting an internship with Alpha Burke and both you and Tyler are to go under assessment by the Delta." - He informed me in a matter of fact tone. Delta is the head of the warriors. He is chosen by the Beta to be their leader. But the Delta, like everyone else, answers to the Alpha.

"Well, I would have to train under Alpha Burke anyway. So it's fine." - I concede. Honestly, after all this news, I'm just tired. I only wish I could wipe Tyler's grin with my clenched fists.

"Tyler also has to do the same internship, just so you know. You'll be together with me." - Mr. Burke informed me, serenely.

"Great! Can't wait for the glowing report you're writing about me." - I snickered.

"Tyler, it goes without saying that if you touch a hair on my nephew's head you won't ascend to anything, much less Alpha." - Uncle Gus glared at him, who shifted uncomfortably on his seat. Finally wiping his smug grin off of him.

"Yes, I know Mr. Gutierrez." - Tyler replied looking down in shame.

"Thank you for the dinner, Alpha. It was remarkable." - Uncle Gus said, looking at Mr. Burke.

"You're most welcomed!" - He replied with a wide grin.

"See you after school, Jack. You're gonna have to take the bus here or drive to school. Whichever you guys think it's best." - Mr. Burke said, still grinning.

Aunt Lidia exchanged pleasantries with Mrs. Burke before we left. I looked at Sarah who was as confused by all of this as me, which actually was nice for some weird reason. I hope we do get to go on that date. I need a win to be honest.

The whole drive back was uncomfortable. My uncle looked dissatisfied, vexed, frustrated. Probably all the feelings that were coursing trough my veins right now. How the fuck did it happen? How that psycho has any chance at being Alpha? Seriously, what the fuck!?

"Hey, at least you got a date out of it." - Tony snapped me out of my thoughts as we reached home. He's smiling at me.

"Yes, it's true, bro. At least one good thing came out of this shit show." - I spoke. Aunt Lidia glared at me. She doesn't like it when I curse, though I think this is the most accurate word.

I brushed my teeth and dropped in my bed, only removing my shirt and pants before it. Thank Goddess tomorrow is Saturday and I have a little break before my 'internship' starts. Not only that, I also have to face it together with Tyler. This should be good. Maybe he'll punch me again and I can ascend without a glitch. If only...

When I woke up the next morning, I texted Sarah just to make sure that I didn't dream any of that yesterday and we would indeed go on a date. She sent me a bunch of emoji in reply, so I guess I didn't. Not wanting to waste any time, I asked if I could take her some place today and she said yes. Honestly, it made my day.

Later in the morning, Tony and myself go downstairs for breakfast.

"Did you guys sleep okay?" - Aunt Lidia asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Yeah, mom. But Jack kept tossing and turning a little." - Tony replied, much to my surprise.

"Really? I slept great all things considered." - I said, looking at him surprised.

"Did you call grandpa?" - I asked Gus with an intrigued tone.

"Yes, I did. He said some of the Council members thought they owed to the Alpha to give his son another chance." - He replied in a sour tone.

"What about the actual Alpha? My dad? Don't they owe it to him too?" - I retorted, pissed off.

"Of course! But you know how it is... It's politics." - He muttered, sounding very displeased.

"Did you tell him about the irony of my ascension depending on Mr. Burke's evaluation?" - I smirked just before I stuffed my mouth with bacon and some eggs.

"Yes, of course. But it's a double edged sword, you know? If he trashes you in the report they'll know he's biased. So, it's not as simple as you'd might think." - He argued, which I got his point.

"And when is my Delta assessment?" - I asked curiously after a minute as I drank some coffee with milk.

"In two weeks, but you have to train with the pack warriors starting Monday. After you finish with the Alpha." - He informed me in a somber tone.

"Great! Can't wait! School, then more learning. Then just when you're tired, more physical activity." - I snickered, sounding tired already.

"This is why I trained you. We knew it wasn't going to come easy. Not as easily as it would if your father was here." - He said, which made me look down at the mention of my dad.

"Hey, it's not all bad news. There's a silver lining in all of this." - Gus said while placing a hand on my shoulder and smiling at me.

"Do you mean the date with Sarah?" - I asked not sure what the silver lining is.

Uncle Gus scoffed. Aunt Lidia giggled.

"No, I don't mean the date. Why do I care about a date? I'm talking about the fact that you're getting a new car." - He spoke and I gasped in shock. Tony's also gobsmacked.

"I'm getting a car? Finally! Yes!" - I cheered with a radiant smile and my hands in the air.

"Thank you, uncle! You're the best!" - I hugged him from my seat I'm so happy.

"How come he gets a car? What about mine?" - Tony protested, sulking.

"Because his car is being paid with his own money, not mine. His grandfather authorized. I'm just the one who'll go to the dealer shop to help Jack pick one." - Gus argued with a cheeky grin.

"Tony, even though it's my car, it's yours whenever you need it. What's mine is yours. You know that." - I told him with a hand on his shoulders for reassurance. He smiles softly at me.

Uncle Gus is my mom's older brother. And even though he and his mate took custody of me when I was 10, all the inheritance left by my dad is controlled by my granddad, the former Alpha. Fact uncle Gus was quick to inform me whenever I complained about money in my allowance.

He then informed me that my grandfather keeps us on a steady income, so there's no money to splurge. But that was never much of a problem for me. I wasn't exactly raised as a rich kid. So there isn't much difference between my parents to the Gutierrez in this regard.

But now I'm ecstatic. I'm getting my own car. Finally!

Later that day, we went to the car shop to pick out an used one for me to drive. Again, I'm not expecting anything fancy, but I don't really care. If it got wheels, I'm good. As long as it's not too old so it stays more in repair than on the road.

But I got lucky, we found a couped up old Porsche, red, convertible... A real gem. We left the dealer with me driving it. I freaking loved it.

Honestly, with everything that went on yesterday, this really made my day. Tony also loved our car. His smile was from ear to ear just as mine. And I would make its debut tonight on my date with Sarah.

When we got back to the house, we helped aunt Lidia with making lunch. I washed the vegetables, Tony chopped and peeled. Gus got to the seasoning. It's a nice family time.

Lunch is spectacular, though not as good as last night to be honest. But we're not professional cooks. Still, I would never have it any other way. There's no substitute for family as I'm forced to grapple with the loss of mine every single day.

It's late afternoon. I'm showered, dressed and ready to meet my mate. Future mate. I'm wearing a long sleeve white shirt, which hugged all my muscles and the six pack on my abdomen just right, jeans and a red sneakers to match my ride.

I kiss my aunt and uncle goodbye, wave Tony off and get into my car. My own car. Giggles.

"Hi, gorgeous!" - I greet her after she opened the door for me of the pack house.

She smiled, looking at me with her beautiful hazel eyes. She's wearing a shirt, blouse and a fitted skirt that accentuated her curves nicely.

"Good afternoon, Jack. How are you doing?" - She asked me, making my heart flutter. I gaped at her beauty, almost pinching myself to check if I'm not dreaming.

"I'm way much better now that I'm here with you." - I replied, flirting shamelessly.

She batted an eye to me, grinning at my words. I proceeded to shake her dad and brother's hands and greeted her mom with a peck on the cheek.

We made small talk for a minute, got an evil glare from Tyler almost as if it's on cue. Her dad was actually nice to me, but then again why wouldn't he be? He's got all the cards in his hands regarding the ascension. And it's not like he can avoid his daughter being mated to me.

Not long after, I introduce her to my new ride. She gasped at my fantastic wheels. She even went as far as saying at least I got a new car out of this whole ordeal.

I took advantage of my new vehicle and took her to an old drive in located in the deep south of the city. On the way, we got some food and drinks at a drive thru to get us set.

It's a cheap date, yes. But we live in a small town and I didn't want to take her to the mall. I wanted privacy to talk. Or whatever.

"Is this okay? Or did you want something fancier?" - I asked her after I take a gulp of my soda. I looked at her apprehensively for a second.

"It's perfect actually. I didn't want to go somewhere crowded where we couldn't hear ourselves." - She replied shining her perfect teeth at me. I grinned wide in response.

"My thoughts exactly." - I let out a sigh in relief.

We start eating the sandwiches I bought us. A film starts playing in front of us. Ironically enough, it's Twilight. I scoffed at the coincidence. I hate that film. No wolf is that big, not even me.

"How are your family after last night? To be honest, I feared you'd get mad at me for saying your dad bribed the Council. I mean, I saw the look on your face when I did." - I started, getting the awkward theme out of the way. I did feared she would retract her acceptance to my invitation. I'm actually surprised at her attitude.

"I was shocked that you asked that, yeah. But I would've reacted the exact same way you did. So, I couldn't judge you for that. But I wasn't pleased with you at that moment. I also know what this means for you and after what my brother did, I really thought all was lost to him, to be honest." - She replied in a sincere tone and I swooned.

"Your honesty is so refreshing. You're perfect to be my Luna. I mean, mate." - I stuttered a little. I was flustered at how perfect she really is for me.

"Let's not get carried away here. First you need to ascend for me to be a Luna." - She smirked. I let out a small chuckle at her words.

"I know that. And probably is gonna be an uphill battle now that it depends on your dad's assessment. But I don't wanna think about that now. I prefer to focus on us. Catch me up, what have you been up to since I left?" - I asked her with an affection that is palpable.

Sarah kept going on about her time since her dad became Alpha - even though she never used that word - until now, telling me all about school, friends and her own aspirations. It's great to have this time alone with her. Everything went fantastic.

She also asked me about my time away from the pack, very carefully not to touch upon any dark stuff. I told her about my training and how uncle Gus prepared me for one day returning here. We talked for hours. I had the best time with her and it was just what I needed, honest to Goddess.

When it was time for us to leave, I asked for a kiss and I got it. I melted under her luscious lips like there's no tomorrow. Between getting a car and kissing Sarah, this has been truly the perfect day.

https://youtu.be/zXYLMevMsd0

A|N: The calm before the storm. It's nice that he had this before the storm commences on the next chapter. *malefic laughter*

Love,

Léo.