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ANGER, NO RAGE, COURSED under Derrick’s flesh as he bumped into Hugo, the Chief of Police. A low growl left Derrick’s chest before he managed to hold it in. Hugo narrowed his eyes but didn’t dare meet Derrick’s gaze. Derrick clenched his fists at his side, showing how he itched for a fight.
“The Mayor will see you now.” Maria’s secretary, Kate’s soft voice met the pair. Hugo lifted his nose and walked away from Derrick. For a moment, he stood there, his wolf wanted out and to be next to Maria. His wolf also wanted to rip Hugo to pieces and show Maria his strength.
“Can I get you something?” Kate stared at his chest.
“When will Maria leave today?”
“We close at five, Sir.” Kate glanced at her desk then back at his chest.
“Thank you.” Derrick turned and walked out of the building. He had until then to figure out a way to convince Maria they should complete the bond. Three fucking days! If she doesn’t complete the bond I’ll lose everything. Derrick rolled his shoulders and glanced around, taking in the crisp January air.
He climbed into his modest truck and headed toward Paden’s house to check up on her. His rage still simmered with his wolf pacing in the back of his head. He shoved the truck into park when he reached the young female’s house. Her mate, Mason, died for the pack soon after Paden found out she was pregnant and Derrick made a promise to Olsen, one of his seconds and the fallen mate to keep an eye on Paden.
“Good afternoon, Alpha.” Paden opened the door with her son, Mason Jr on her hip. The little boy struggled out of his mother’s grasp and shifted before he hit the ground. “Damn it Mason.” Paden hissed while the pup ran up to Derrick.
He had been dreaming about this kind of moment with his own kids since he became alpha. A family to come home to every day. Ever since his mother walked away after his father died, he had been alone. Being the alpha was already a lonely position and with no mate or kids, it made the job even harder. You could have a mate if you convince Maria it’s ok. Derrick stifled his growl when he picked up the pup.
“You know better than to shift in mom’s arms.” Derrick lifted the pup to meet his gaze. Mason whimpered while he tucked his tail between his legs. Derrick set him down and pointed to Paden. “Go apologize to your mother.” His alpha voice came out and Mason slunk away a few steps before running to his mother and licking her leg.
“Just don’t do it again.” Paden picked him up and looked at Derrick. “Is everything ok?”
“Fine. I have something I need you to do.” Derrick walked closer to her house, his anger returning with a vengeance. Mason wagged his tail against his mother’s body. Derrick wanted children so bad, at least four to run around his house. His mother had only wanted one, and being the lone child had made his house quiet when his mother left him. He didn’t blame her for leaving but deep inside, in a part he always pushed away, he wanted his mother back.
“Anything.” Paden opened the door and Derrick walked into her house. Derrick didn’t need more pack mates to know of his problems. The pack owned streets of houses together to make it easier for them to stay protected. There were only a few exceptions to the rules, like his house which sat on a few acres of land.
“I need you to keep an eye on the new mayor.” Derrick took in the messy living room, toys caught his attention and Paden moved to pick them up.
“Why?” Paden stopped cleaning and looked over at him. Her gaze fell when Derrick growled, there was a line his wolves weren’t allowed to cross and second guessing him topped the fucking list. She cleared her throat. “What do you want me to do?”
“Keep your distance but if something happens let me know.” Derrick shoved his hands through his hair as the image of Maria filled his mind. When they imprinted, images of bending her over the desk had been taking over every damn thought. His cock twitched from the mental images.
“Who is she?” Paden sat and Mason pushed his nose into Derrick’s leg.
“My mate.” Derrick didn’t feel like explaining what was going on with Maria. She would be his mate and that was all that mattered.
“Ok. There is a café across the street, I can get Mason to take a nap while I watch the building.”
“Good. Call me if there are any problems.” Derrick scratched Mason’s head and walked out. If Mason had still been alive, he would have had it all, a mate and kids. Derrick was envious of a dead man which ticked his wolf off even more. He climbed into his truck and drove to the edge of the city. If he didn’t already need to meet with the other fucking alpha, then he wouldn’t be here. Normally Olsen met with Zane but with Olsen gone he had to do it because his other second took on the pack complaints. Quickly he stripped and shifted into his wolf. A good long run would help clear his head before he met Zane.
After a few moments in his wolf form a plan hatched to convince Maria to be his, and before he realized where he was going the truck came back into view. Zane leaned against his pickup and appeared calm despite being in Derrick’s territory.
“Let’s make this quick. I have other shit to do.” Derrick shifted and walked toward Zane. He waited to pull on his clothes and stood naked with Zane. His wolf wanted to see Maria making it hard to focus. Scanning the surroundings before he inched closer to the other alpha, his wolf lurched forward to take back control but Derrick shoved him back. He talked to Zane about their packs and maintaining the peace, all the while working to keep his damn wolf from pacing in his mind.
“Damn I need to go meet with the uptight witch elder. That bitch hates my guts and I have no clue why.” Zane shook his head. Derrick didn’t envy him one fucking bit. Once Zane shifted and left, Derrick pulled on his clothes then climbed into his truck. He had a few stops to make, but he would see his little mate soon.