Howling at the Moons

CH 3: Protecting the Omega (Part 1)

NARRATOR'S POV

After that first pack meeting where Wayo displayed his fledgling gift so spectacularly, Wayo's dad gave an Alpha Command to compel secrecy of Wayo's Omega status outside the pack. He knew he wouldn't be able to keep the secret locked up forever, but this command would give the pack and Wayo time to adjust to this revelation and prepare for possible trouble.

While activities looked relatively normal from outside the pack lands, inside the pack, things were changing quickly. Advanced security systems were purchased and installed everywhere, and the guards and warriors of the pack were pressed to new standards of strength and endurance.

There was also one major adjustment Wayo's father felt required to make for him, that was the permanent addition of a personal guard / protector to his daily life.

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Ming's and Wayo's parents were very close friends and Ming's dad was the pack Beta. Ming was just a bit older than Wayo, about 6 months.

In the past, Ming would often drag Wayo away from his responsibilities to come and play games with the other kids. Ming was funny, loud, and rambunctious. He made friends easily, but he also had a serious and competitive side that few people saw.

His father had started his training very early as well. It was always expected he would become Wayo's Beta when Wayo took over the pack, however with Wayo's Omega status revealed, plans had to be adjusted a bit.

Two days after the pack meeting about Wayo, the Alpha called Ming and his father into his office for a conference.

FLASHBACK – MING'S POV

My father nodded his head to the two guards in front of the Alpha's office door. The guard on the left quickly knocked on the door and announced, "Beta Daichapanya and his son, to see you Alpha." A muffled, "enter", was heard and my father opened the door. We walked in, shutting the door behind us.

The Alpha motioned to the two chairs in front of his desk, offering for us to sit. I was nervous and not sure why I was here. I'd never been called into a conference with the Alpha before and my stomach was churning with nervousness. When I had asked my father why the Alpha wanted to see us, he just said, "have patience."

The Alpha glanced at my father, then turned his gaze to me. I started to squirm in my seat the longer he stared at me. Glancing over at my father, I realized he was also staring at me. It felt like I was being weighed and measured inside and out. Their combined scrutiny was hard to handle.

Without taking his eyes off me, Alpha Panitchayasawad asked my father, "Is he ready?"

What does that mean? Am I ready for what?

My father looked back at our Alpha and answered with "I trained him, didn't I?" I just grimaced. Wow dad, talk about being humble.

"I would need the changes to be made immediately, you know the situation we're in", the Alpha said.

"I know", my dad answered. "His mother and I have prepared ourselves. It's not like he's going far."

If they were going to talk in code, I'm not sure why they asked me here. I was still confused about what I was supposed to be ready for, and what in the world did my parents need to prepare themselves for?

My father looked over at me again, calculating. "He's still young, but he's already on par or better than quite a few of the adult warriors. We can step up his training to be able to meet your added requirements and the new standards, but I'm confident he will exceed your expectations." Now I'm stunned, was that a compliment about me, from my father to the Alpha?

Wait, and what was this about stepped up training. Not more training, I inwardly groaned.

The Alpha turned to me asking, "What are your thoughts about this Mingkwan? I know it's sudden, but this isn't something you can turn away from once you accept the position. The requirements might change over the years, but it will be a lifelong position. Even after Wayo finds his mate, he will still need you. So, feel free to tell me your concerns or ask any questions you might have."

Through this entire statement I just stared at the Alpha in confusion, when he stops I turn to face my dad, "Dad, I don't understand..."

"Alpha, I haven't explained your request to my son yet. But, I'm sure he will..."

Wayo's dad interrupts demanding, "What do you mean you haven't spoken to your son about his yet?" Clearly, he is upset and only getting angrier by the minute.

"His mother and I have discussed the situation, and we believe it's the best choice for Ming, Wayo, and the pack", my father states this opinion boldly, but I can see our Alpha is not going to accept it.

The Alpha turns to me gruffly asking, "Boy, do you have any idea of why you are here?"

"No, sir."

Alpha Panitchayasawad then turns to my father and says, "I think this is one of the few times I have ever felt disappointed in you, my friend. You are dismissed from this meeting Beta Daichapanya." He then turns to me and adds, "You will stay here to finish our discussion."

I glanced at my father and he looked... stricken is the best word I can find for it. But nonetheless he stands, throws one last glance my way, and leaves the room.

Quiet reigns over the office. Neither of us speaks before the Alpha releases a strong sigh and mumbles, "this is not the way I thought this meeting would go..." He looks me over one more time before staring me straight in the eyes and stating, "I will now tell you why you are here and explain my request."

09.01.2017

Edited:  01.27.2018   10:06 am  US CST