C4 4

POV: Andrew

I walked into the Alpha's office after letting Alison know she'd be fine.

"Why are you late?" William asked with his usual coldness while I was still standing at the door.

"I was introducing Alison around," I replied.

"Okay. Is she going to start training today?"

"She has already started, and let me tell you, William, she's amazing," I said, smiling as I walked toward him. I saw him sniff the air and look at me intently.

"What is that smell? Where have you been?"

"What smell?"

"There is a strange scent on you. It’s not bad, but it’s unfamiliar."

"It must be Alison's scent," I said. He gestured for me to sit before returning to his papers. I sat across from him, still smiling.

"How long are you going to keep smiling?" he asked.

"You're really ruining my moment. I'm just so proud of my little sister."

"We have work to do. Look at these files," he said, handing me a folder. "These individuals want to join our pack. Some belong to other packs, and some have no specified origin. Check their backgrounds, and then we’ll see who we agree to let in."

"You know you have your own big office," he added as I opened the file.

"But I like sitting here with my friend," I replied, glancing back at his work.

He has been my friend since we were born in the same year. I know that what William went through was not easy, and the worst part is that he’s still going through it. He is so lonely; he doesn't allow anyone near his life except me. He is a wonderful Alpha who cares for his pack, and they are happy under his rule. I only hope that a time comes when he can find happiness and comfort.

*That time will never come,* William interrupted my thoughts.

*Hey, stop reading my mind!*

"Then turn off your telepathy," he replied, sounding annoyed. I usually leave it open when I'm with him; it's not like I have anything to hide.

I sat there working for hours until I heard a knock on the door. William called for them to enter, and Finn came forward.

"It's report time."

"Go ahead," William said, putting down his pen and focusing on Finn. Finn gave the daily report on the border guards, the warriors, and the training sessions.

"Good. Just take the necessary precautions. I don't want the Rogues coming anywhere near our territory."

"Understood, Alpha." Finn lowered his head respectfully.

"How is Alison doing?" I asked him once he finished his report.

"She’s doing well. I think you already know that," he replied, smiling.

"Yes, but where is she now? I forgot to check—did she eat?"

"Yes, she came with me during lunch, but I think she's the type who doesn't like crowds."

"Why?"

"She chose to sit by herself, even though she wasn't left alone for long. Sam approached her."

"Did he harass her? It’s good you told me; I’ll make sure he stays away from her," I cut him off.

"No need for that. Alison handled it and kicked him away from her table in five minutes." I started laughing. Of course, that was so like Alison.

"She is the type of person who doesn't like to mingle much. I hope you understand her."

"Of course. Well, Alpha, Beta, I'm heading out now." Finn walked out of the room. Before I could get back to work, there was another knock on the door, and one of the guards entered.

"Beta, I looked for you in your office, but you weren't there."

"I'm here. What's the matter?"

"There's a problem within the pack. Shall we go to your office so we don't disturb the Alpha?"

"It's okay, I'll find out either way," William told him.

"There has been an assault, and the victims are outside waiting to report it," the guard said to both of us.

"Bring them in," I said. He went outside and returned with three young men. They had wounds, but they were only superficial. As werewolves, we heal much faster than humans, so they would be fine in a few hours.

"What happened?" I asked them.

"Beta, we have been assaulted," one of them said.

"By whom?"

"I don't know who she is, but I think she's a new coach. I saw her standing with Finn during lunch."

He meant Alison.

"Where did this happen?" William asked, looking at him.

"Behind the Pack House," he replied.

I watched William’s eyes change, a sign that he was communicating with someone via telepathy.

"And what was the reason?" I asked them.

"There was no reason, Beta. We were just passing by and saw her there. We tried to get to know her, but she started attacking us." I started laughing at their completely unconvincing story.

*William, let me tell you one thing,* I sent to him telepathically. *Alison would never attack anyone without a compelling reason or unless they touched her first. They are lying.*

*I know. Do you think I'd believe a bunch of kids?* he answered me with a smirk. He must have a plan; I love it when he’s this sharp.

"I'll call Alison to come here." Since Alison doesn't belong to our pack, I couldn't reach her via telepathy, so I called her phone and asked her to come over, explaining the exact location.

"Well, you have five minutes to tell me the truth," William spoke, and they looked at each other nervously. "If you don't, there will be dire consequences that you won't like. But if you tell the truth now, I might reconsider or reduce your sentence."

"We are telling the truth," the leader replied.

"Your last chance," William warned them. Then we heard a knock, and the guard entered again.

"Beta, someone is here to see you."

"Let her in."

Alison walked into the office. She glanced at the three of them and let out a sarcastic laugh. But then she stopped—or rather, she froze in place—the moment her eyes met William’s.

I looked at William, who was staring at her with the same look of shock. I knew exactly what was happening. She was his mate. That was why he had asked about the scent on me; it was Alison’s scent from when I hugged her, and it had drawn him in.

Inside, I’m dancing with joy. My best friend deserves the absolute best, and I am certain that Alison is the right person for him.