Chapter Two: Atlas

I came home last night to surprise my parents. They didn’t know I was graduating early and my mother was mad when she found out she missed the ceremony, but to be honest, I’m glad I didn’t have anyone there. I’m not one for big events or accolades, so graduating without people there to cheer me on was nice. I get enough of that here and I wanted just a few more days without the people and large celebrations.

I forgot it was the beginning of the Mating Season until my mother happily reminded me. She has been waiting for me to find a mate for years, but I’ve refused to settle down until I was done with training, so I skipped the season until now.

I could have skipped the dance tonight because no one knew I was home, but I would humor my mother and go. Her face lit up when I told her I was going. What I didn’t expect was to see little Eleanor all grown up. I forgot that she would have been about eighteen now.

I grew up with her brother Henry and Finn, but Eleanor kept to herself. She was quiet and didn’t bother us, so I didn’t get to know her well. I know everyone calls her Ellie, but I always liked her actual name. She has grown into her looks. The last time I saw her, she was fifteen and awkward.

“You’re home early,” my father stated when I closed the front door.

“I went to make an appearance.”

“Did you talk to anyone?”

“I caught up with Eleanor James.”

“Gamma Lawerence’s daughter?”

I shook my head yes. “She didn’t want to be there. I think we need to change the age of those that are expected to take part. Eighteen is young to settle down.”

“Nonsense. I met your mother at eighteen and mated shortly after meeting her and everything worked out. A lot of wolves mate at eighteen.”

“I know, but we should think about. Some of these girls have children right away and they put their goals on hold because of it.”

“Family is important,” my father said sharply.

“I agree, but shouldn’t we have to get the chance to experience life first?”

“You’re an alpha. You don’t have that luxury. You need to produce an heir as soon as possible. You’re lucky that you’ve been away for your training, or you would have already been mated with a child or two.”

Of course, my father would take the tradition over rationality. “I’m still young and able to produce an heir. You don’t have to worry.”

“Your mother and I are hoping you find someone to mate with this season so I can retire and hand everything over to you.”

“I shouldn’t have to be mated to be alpha.”

“No, but it’s for the best. I won’t turn it over to you until you’re mated.”

“We can discuss this more in the morning. I’m going to bed.”

If I continued to discuss this with him, we would end up arguing and I don’t want that to happen. I’ve only been home for less than two days and this was not a good way to start my homecoming.

***

I was up and out the door early avoiding my parents and I wanted to get some training in down at the train facility and I enjoy using the gym when everyone else is asleep because I don’t get bothered as much and I can use whatever I want without having to think about if someone wants to use at the same time as me.

When I walked into the training room, I realized I wasn’t the only one there. Eleanor and her friend were by the treadmills. I know it sounds weird that we have them, but we like to train on our human side too and some of us prefer running on the treadmills. I started my training over by her.

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” I said as I got on the treadmill.

“Ben and I come here every morning. It helps energize me for the day, especially when I’m dreading it. Oh, this is Bennett Olsen and Ben this….”

“I know who Atlas is.” His tone was short and a little annoyed.

“Sorry, he isn’t in a good mood today.”

“Not everyone holds a conversation while running,” I joked.

“I can when I’m at this pace. If I go fast, I can’t do anything but breathe and run.”

I didn’t respond back. I let us run in silence and for the next twenty minutes, I felt like a stupid high school boy stealing glances at the girl he is crushing on. I don’t know why Eleanor has caught my attention, but I can’t get her out of my head.

Once she was done running, me and the other guy stopped our run, too.

“You don’t have to stop because we are,” Ben stated.

“I’m going to the boxing bag, so I’m not stopping because you’re leaving. It was nice having someone to talk to for a bit,” I said, while looking at Eleanor.

“Are you going to be at the lunch picnic later? If so, you’re more than welcome to set with me and Ben. We’ll probably be with Henry and Finn, too.”

I gave her a smile. “I’d like that. Thanks for the invite.”

“No problem. I figured you would want some familiar faces since you just got home after being away for a while.”

It was nice of her to think about me and I like she invited me to join her, but I really need to reconnect with my friends, like Justin and Luke. They’re going to kill me for not telling them I’m home. They’re both mated, so they didn’t make an appearance last night. I actually think all my old friends are mated, or at least dating the one they are going to mate with. Which means I’m going to be the awkward third wheel. Maybe I should fix that. I don’t have to mate right away.

***

“I thought you considered us friends?” Luke stated. We were walking back from his house to the picnic.

Everyone was out and about. The pack grounds were busy and the landscape and weather is perfect for today’s lunch outside.

“If I told you, you would have told Missy and Missy would have told my mother.”

“It’s not my fault they get along.”

“I’m convinced she’s the only one that can replace me in my family.”

“Speaking of family, Missy and I are finally expecting.”

“That’s great man!” I said while patting his back.

Luke was grinning from ear to ear and I could tell he was genuinely happy. He didn’t want pups until he met Missy, he actually didn’t want to settle down until he met Missy.

“A celebration is order. We are going to have a few drinks once the season ends.”

“How was the first night of the season for you?” Luke asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. “It was a normal day. I appeared at the dance and that was it.”

“Did you find anyone interesting?”

I shrugged my shoulders again. Maybe, I’m not sure. I’ll get back to you on that.

I didn’t want to tell him I had my eyes on Eleanor. Luke also grew up with Henry and Finn, but he is probably way closer than I am. I was more of just being in the same circle as them and while we talk and keep in touch, Luke has the better relationship with them and of course he’ll tell Missy who will then tell my mother.

“Not to sound like your father, but you really should find someone.”

“You sound like my father and don’t start preaching about finding love and having a family.”

Luke put his hands up in defense. “I was just saying.”

We approached the area where the picnic was being held and pack members were already eating and conversing with each other. The weird thing about mating season is for some it’s about finally asking the one they have liked for years. There is this magical force of confidence that comes out. For others, it’s about meeting people you normally wouldn’t. For example, later this week we are hosting an end of mating season celebration and the two packs on our boarders will join us to give us once last chance to find someone. This is how my father met my mother. The packs take turn hosting this celebration and this year it’s our turn.

I finally spot Eleanor and right now she’s sitting alone on a blanket with a book.

“Do you mind if we catch up later?” I asked Luke.

“No, I promised to bring some food back for Missy. Come over tonight if you have time.”

I nodded and jogged over to where Eleanor was sitting.

“What are you reading?”

“Nothing that you would find interesting.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I made sure she could hear the joking in my voice.

“It’s a romance novel and I don’t think you would like it.”

I took a seat next to her. “I might surprise you.”

“Ok, name one romance author.”

“Hmm, does Willa Max count?”

“Lucky guess,” she mumbled.

I couldn’t help but like making her flustered or proving her wrong.

“Are you doing anything later?”

“No, just this.”

“Would you like to go to dinner with me?”

She glanced down at her book and her cheeks turned to pick and for the first time my wolf butted in by letting me know he finds her cute when she blushes.

“I’m flattered that you asked me, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t think you should waste your time with me. There are other females out here that are a better fit.”

“But I’m not asking them. I’m asking you, and it’s only dinner. It can be as friends, if that makes you feel better.”

“If you sure, then ok.”

I gave her a friendly smile, and I was about to tell her I would pick her up at six when someone let out a terrifying scream.