Waiting For The Alpha

Chapter 22

Michael

THERE was something off about the man who just arrived. I have only seen my father in photographs and never in person and based on those photographs, Jonathan Carson looked so much like him, they could pass off as twins.

I watched as Melissa made her way to Jonathan, a cautious look on her face. The two started to talk in low voices and it was difficult for me to catch what they were saying. But they then looked in my direction. Jonathan's resemblance to my dead father was strikingly remarkable. After a few seconds of looking at me, he turned back to her sister and continued talking to her.

"I don't know why he is here. He left the pack years ago. He chose to be a lone wolf," Beta Vincent commented, making me look at him.

"How long ago was that?" I asked.

"Maybe five or six years ago? He and Alpha Joshua didn't exactly have a good relationship, but they are still family. Joshua let him go because it was what Jonathan wanted: to live as a free wolf. One that had no attachment to any pack or pack members."

"Any idea why he is back now?"

Beta Vincent shook his head. "None at all. I'm as surprised as anyone else here."

Wolves travel all the time, much like humans, so when there is a new wolf in a pack that's not recognized, it's usually brushed off as someone who is just exploring or passing by. I'm sure someone has already sensed his arrival in town, but just thought of the new wolf scent as a tourist. I guess no one recognized it was their former pack member.

"Melissa will know why he's here. They have a better relationship compared to the former Alpha's," Beta Vincent added.

I looked back at them and frowned when they weren't there anymore. I looked around the restaurant but they were nowhere to be seen. People have gone back to whatever they were doing and everything seemed normal again.

"They went outside," Amelia said.

I turned to Beta Vincent. "Is he any threat?"

"Not really. Actually, I'm not sure. He used to be a troublesome young man when he was still a part of the pack, but we all thought it was just because he didn't want to be a member of Cold Mountains. Right now, I'm just confused why he returned," he answered.

"Stay with Amelia. I'm going to follow them."

Amelia slipped her hand into mine before I could stand. I looked at her and she was wearing a troubled look on her face. Sighing, I removed her hand and looked directly into her eyes.

"I'm sorry but I have to see them. I'll come back. I promise," I told her and stood up.

I could feel her eyes on me when I walked away. A feeling of distress ran through me and I knew it was from Amelia. Giving up, I turned to face her and extended a hand. It was becoming harder and harder to resist her. Relief flooded her face and she took it with a tight grip.

The two of us made our way out of the restaurant through the front door. People's eyes followed us but I didn't mind them. I had a bigger fish to fry right now. When we were outside, I saw Melissa and Jonathan talking beside Melissa's car. She was looking rather angry by whatever Jonathan was telling her. They must have noticed our presence because the two of them looked in our direction.

I pulled Amelia with me towards the two. Their conversation ceased and they looked at us as we approached.

"So this is the new Alpha?" Jonathan asked in a curious voice as soon as we were in front of them.

I looked at Melissa. "Is there a problem here?"

"No," she answered. "This is my brother, Jonathan."