John

After that fantastic date last Saturday, we're just chilling on the couch at the play room.

I know this block from leaving the compound alone put a damp on our relationship and it sucks, but at least we get to see each other. I would die if I wasn't allowed to see Rosalyn. And though it's not an ideal date for a high school student, it's certainly better than the alternative.

Yes, we could be out there having a wonderful outdoor date like Emmett's having right now with his mate at the falls. And we certainly deserve one! But better to be here alone than over there chaperoned. Even though uncle Felix checked on us from time to time, this is really nice.

"Are you okay?" - She asked as she noticed me pensive.

"Yes, I am. I was just thinking about Emmett's date. It must be crazy to have to explain all this to a human!" - I told her. It's not exactly the truth, but it's passable.

"I know, right? It's mad!" - She exclaimed, wide eyed.

"Yeah, I don't want my mate to be human! I think I rather face a guy mate than a human one!" - I joked.

"No, that's a lie, Goddess. Just kidding, don't mate me with a guy if you're listening!" - I croaked.

"That's not how it works, silly! She mates you at birth, not when you're a teenager!" - She corrected me with a laughter.

"Really? Then why didn't you..." - I trailed off. She scowled.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up!" - I apologized, looking at her.

"It's okay. It's a fair question. And I don't know why. Or will I ever know." - She grimaced.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything!" - I sounded remorseful.

"John, it's fine! It's normal for a werewolf to wonder who their mate is! It's only the person you're gonna spend the rest of your life with! It's okay to be curious about it!" - She explained with a sad smile.

"I know, I just don't want you to feel sad thinking you are unmateable!" - I said and she laughed at my words.

"Thanks, I don't. I'm sure he's out there! But I'm not in any hurry! Even If I find my mate tomorrow, it wouldn't change anything! Emm already found his. He's ascending! It's fine, I made my peace with it more than a month ago!" - She told me, trying for a smile.

"I know. But you are allowed to be sad about it!" - I felt for her.

"I've been sad enough! Now, it's on with the future and new plans!" - She pondered, positively.

"Excellent! But for now, let's enjoy ourselves before uncle Felix interrupts us!" - I snickered.

We kiss for 5 minutes on the clock before Uncle Felix called us for dinner.

"Wait! What?!" - Rosalyn gasped. We all did!

Emmett came back and told us about his date. He spoke about the conversation they had and everything they did.

"Yes, I told her everything! I mean, I had to!" - Emm said while he ate.

"I can't believe you just stripped naked in front of her like that!" - I gasped, blushing.

"Cousin, we shower together. She already seen me naked! Plus, it's not like you're that innocent, your little stunt with my sister almost put me off going to the falls ever again!" - He rebuked, annoyed.

"I'm sorry!" - I croaked, looking down in shame.

"Don't be sorry, John! He's an idiot! And did she run?" - Rosalyn snickered.

"No, thankfully she even pet my wolf." - He bragged.

"Great, son. At least, it's all in the open!" - Uncle Dan said.

"Oh and when we're walking back the trail, she kissed me!" - He casually said it.

"What? She kissed you? I can't believe it! Already?" - Rosalyn gasped.

"I know, right? I was shocked too! - He smirked.

"Good one, bro!" - I cheered him on.

"However, she did say she's not giving up New York." - Emm said in a somber tone.

"Uncle, what happens if Emmett's mate goes to another State? I mean, with his ascension?" - I questioned him, intrigued. All eyes turned on uncle Dan. Literally!

"I have no idea, nephew, that has never happened before. But I imagine I'd have to talk to the Council about it. I mean, we can't have an Alpha who's constantly with his mind away."

"It was already incredibly difficult for Nate to bare your mom's absence while she's on college. And she studied 5 hours away from here. Can you imagine if she was in another State?" - Uncle Dan pondered.

"No, I don't. I have no idea how my dad got trough it!" - I said with a deep somber voice.

"With a lot of love for your mom, John. Love and respect for your mate. But unfortunately, that wasn't the same option I had, not that I regret being here in any way!" - Uncle Felix told me.

"Hopefully, I can change her mind until April. I mean, it's only September!" - Emm said.

"Hope to Goddess!" - Uncle Dan stated, cheerfully.

Not long after dinner, I said goodbye to my girlfriend and went home.

When I got there, my parents were watching TV. Matt had already went to sleep.

"Hi, mom. Hi, dad." - I greeted them as I entered.

"Hi, son. How was your day?" - Mom asked, looking at me from the couch.

"It was nice, you know, we just stayed inside mostly. But I'm trying to be positive about it!" - I spoke in a saddened tone.

"Good for you, son." - Dad said with a smile.

"But it was Emmett who had the best day, he told his mate the truth!" - I announced it.

"Really?! How did she take?" - Mom asked, excitedly.

"I think she took it well. He showed her his wolf. They even kissed at one point!" - I told them.

"He showed her his wolf in the second date? She's more mature than I was at her age!" - Mom croaked.

"Yes, mom, but he had the advantage that they've already seen each other naked in the locker room. I mean, it's not like you and dad the first time!" - I snickered.

"Why does Emmett shower with a girl?" - She asked but answered her own question. - "Oh, cause the school doesn't let her use the female locker room because she's trans!"

"Exactly. It must be awful for her!" - I spoke with a concerned tone.

"It does, indeed. I mean, the shit that she must've put up with from ignorant people!" - She remarked.

"Yeah. But hopefully she'll get through it with her mate's help!" - I said, trying to be positive.

"Hopefully, son." - Dad said.

"Goodnight, guys. I'll go to bed." - I said and went to my room. I mean, mine and Matt's.

The next morning, I wake up and dad wasn't there when I got downstairs. I found it strange since he doesn't work on Sundays.

"Mom, where's dad?" - I asked her, intrigued.

"Good morning to you too! Your dad had to leave in the middle of the night. He said something about an attack on the pack."- She said it so matter of fact you'd think it's an every day occurrence.

"What?! Is everything OK?" - I asked, worriedly.

"I don't know. He said not to worry." - She replied, curtly.

But I was worried! What kind of attack required the Beta of the pack to leave in the middle of the night?

Yes, he is the protector of the pack. But still... It must've been some attack if he isn't back by now. It's morning already!

I grabbed my cereal bowl and go to the table.

I had barely time to start chewing, when we heard the siren rings.

See, in a 120 years old pack compound, there're lots of contingency plans in place as they've learned through time how to be safe and take precautions.

For example, if we were visited by law enforcement, such as my granddad back in the day, there's a silent alarm that played in the entire compound that only werewolves could hear. You know, kinda like a dog whistle, to let us know about it and be alert.

There's also a second alarm, much more troublesome than the first one.

See, this alarm only sounded off in case of a massive attack on our pack. And our lives were in danger.

This one in particular hasn't been played in a long, long time.

In fact, the last time it sounded off was when my dad's parents were killed. He was 5 at the time.

That's why he was raised by the Huntingtons. Because he lost his parents in a coordinated attack on the pack. Which sounded a lot like what's happening now.

When you hear this alarm, you need to be aware of 2 things.

One, send your men to help in the defense, cause if they breached the compound, your family is fucked. Excuse the language. That doesn't apply to minors like me, of course.

Two, whoever stays in the house, lock your doors and grab your guns. Since we didn't have any guns in the house, I ran to lock all our doors and windows.

Matt didn't know what was happening, so he ran to mom and held her, startled.

Immediately, I thought about Rosalyn. Not that I would leave my mom and brother defenseless, of course not. Plus, by now all the pack house doors are locked like ours.

So, I kissed my mom who looked deeply worried as she too knew the story of my dad's family. But she tried to put on a brave face for us.

I went to my room and video chat Rosalyn.

"Hi, how are you doing? Do you know what's happening?" - I asked her clearly upset in my voice.

"Hi, John. We're fine, we're locked inside as you probably are too. My dad and aunt Denise had to leave in the middle of the night and haven't returned yet. Now, my uncles and the rest of the men left. I'm worried. They're saying we've been attacked!" - She told me, deeply distraught.

"Yes, that's what my dad told my mom too." - I replied, worriedly.

"I'm worried about him! You know, last time this happened..." - I spoke but couldn't finish the sentence.

"I know, baby. Don't worry! Your dad is a total bad ass. Emm and I are here at the Alpha's quarter with daddy. He is very much worried for dad!"

"I can relate. Well, stay safe. And please call me or text me with any news, no matter what, OK?" - I shot her a pleading look.

"Yes, of course, I will. You too. See you soon, hopefully. Bye." - She spoke and ended the call.

This is not how I planned to spend my Sunday. Not at all! From my room, I hear mom's phone ring and I rushed downstairs.

"What?!" - I asked her after she put her phone down. She looked wrecked.

"Son, you need to be strong for your brother, okay?" - She started and my heart sank.

"They need me to help treat the wounded as a lot of wolves have already been killed..." - She trailed off for a second. I could hear the distraught for her mate in her voice. Her heart was beating so fast you'd think it'd fly off her chest.

"And I need to help anyway I can as I'm the only doctor in the entire compound!" - She continued, very concerned.

"Please lock the door behind me and watch your brother." - She told me as she walked to the front door.

"There's food in the fridge if you or your brother get hungry." - She continued. She was so shaken, I could barely recognize my mom.

And then she left. And all I could think was I could lose both my parents. And I couldn't cope. I couldn't imagine. I couldn't fathom. I could only pray the Goddess would protect them.

And try to hold back the tears that keep falling from my face, so I don't scare my little brother. Any more than we're already frightened, I mean. And we were plenty! There's a lot for us to lose!

https://youtu.be/rY0WxgSXdEE