chapter two

-five years later-

Standing on his wooden porch, Logan looked around with his arms crossed, eyes analyzing the members of his pack. As the Alpha, he had the responsibility to watch out for his pack, to observe the members of his pack and the area around them, making sure each individual was safe, doing their work and following pack law. The sun had only began to rise moments ago, signalling it was time for the children to begin to wake up and learn from the pack mentors- which are members of the pack that have volunteered to teach the younger generation about hunting, ancestors, pack law and other information they will need as they grew older.

Logan's pack was not overly populated, but despite their lack in numbers, they are known across all other packs and by some, even feared. Logan liked that fact, even if no one had actually claimed to be fearful of him, he could see, deep within their eyes and the way sweat would slowly drip from their foreheads, slight trembles and fist clenching was also an indication of anxiety. Logan took all these signs of fear with satisfaction as he resisted the urge to smirk. Within his pack, there are only five mentors, all female. Once male children were old enough to learn to hunt, adult males would teach them in small groups, starting off with simple animals such as hare, squirrels, then as time progressed they would begin to hunt bears and deers, whereas the female mentors only taught the children about transformation, their pack ancestors, pack law and mating. Learning how to speak, walk and other things were taught by the parents or through books. Recently Logan had urged members of his pack that were mated to reproduce more cubs due to their lack in numbers, though Logan knew he could not force the matter, however if they wished to keep the pack strong, numbers were needed. Though despite this, there was one good advantage to not having many members in his pack. They could remain hidden without being disturbed and it was easier for Logan to keep track of his pack, especially since on the outside of the forest they lived in was a village. A village that belonged to humans. Logan's pack was deep within the forest, past the borders of which humans were allowed to go due to their agreement that has been kept for many generations. Humans knew of the werewolves existence, just as much as werewolves knew of theirs, however the hostility and hatred has never diminished and as far as Logan concerned, it would remain that way.

Since Logan was Alpha of the pack, he had a duty to keep order and at times that meant making some of the women that spoke back to him, submit, by intimidating them with either a simple glare or stern word. Despite the dominants feeling like they should fight back and defend their mate, they were torn between their protectiveness and loyalty of their Alpha and so would stay back but remain standing, unflinching. Everyone knew their place.

Over the past five years, rogue wolves have joined together to form their own pack, their identity however was unknown. Such situations were uncommon, but did happen. Logan despised rogue wolves. They are werewolves that decided to leave their packs, who were exiled or were born into that world, it disgusted Logan because not only did rogues hate humans and hunt animals to feed themselves, they also attacked fellow werewolves and killed them. It was uncommon a rogue would find their mate because they decided to remain alone, and so the fact some have joined together, to form their own pack, made Logan feel anxious and often felt wary when men would go out to hunt. It was a necessary risk, they had to feed, and the women were unable to hunt for themselves, their mates had to take the risk, but due to this, Logan had made the rule only a certain amount of men could hunt at a time and only for a certain amount of time. For their safety.

The children of the Silverback pack named the rogues the "Mist demons". At first Logan thought this was amusing and didnt quite understand why the children of pack called the rogues this name, but then he understood when his pack partner, Luka Greywater, explained to him, "The children hear them at night. When they are trying to sleep Logan. You must have heard howling. They are haunted bu nightmares that plague their minds, some have even lost parents to these rogues. The name demon fits the bastards. Mist...we both know why." Logan knew too well as to why the name mist was used, it was an old werewolves tale, that if you wondered into the woods, during a full moon late at night, when the mist was at its thickest, you are said to never return, that something hides in the mist. Waiting. Logan knew it was a mere tale to scare the children from going deep into the forest at late hours, it wasnt uncommon that the young ones would want to go on an adventure and see whats out there, some have even wished to cross the border, to dare venture into human territory. Such situations Logan had dealt with.

Being Alpha, Logan most of the time kept to himself and observed from the shadows or within his cabin. He was rarely seen in public like he is today, apart from when he held pack meetings. He was known for being quiet, always hiding in his cabin, but little did his pack know, he was always watching.

The only reason Logan was outside his cabin today was because he was waiting on the arrival of his pack partner. Luka and he had been friends since they were cubs, mere children. Logan didnt talk to many other children when little, his father considered having friends as a waste of time and he should spend the majority of his time learning to hunt and getting stronger. But Luka insisted on being his friend. Logan had disliked Luka at first and wanted nothing more than for him to simple piss off, Logan told him as much too. Luka was the opposite to Logan, he was hyper, bubbly and always wanted to go on an adventure, much like the children Logan found an annoyance that wanted to enter human territory. But being the future Alpha, Logan had been raised to not be as carefree, at times, Logan resented his father for this, but her thanked him to, because he knew to be a great respected Alpha, you had to be sensible, responsible and mature. Luka was infuriating. He would always try to make Logan 'lighten up'. He still had that carefree attitude now. But Logan wouldnt have him any other way. Though he would be damned if he told that to Luka. Logan soon learned he would never rid himself of Luka, no matter how harsh or brutal or cold he was to the boy...Luka merely bounced back, happy as ever. He was the opposite appearance wise to Logan as well. When children Luka was beyond skinny, a stick in Logan's eyes. He had messy curly black hair that was forever knotted, though Logan had to admit Luka had the most capturing emerald eyes. He was pale, despite always being in the sun during summer, the boy forever remained sickly white, whereas Logan was more tanned, his eyes an unusual blue that some thought was grey or the colour of the ocean. He had blonde hair that he kept short but was soft, it was neat. Logan had more muscle than Luka as well.

But now, both at eighteen, their appearance hadnt changed much, except their height and muscle. Luka stood at 6 foot whereas Logan stood at 6'2. Despite all this however Logan couldnt ask for a better pack partner, the man had stood by him through many hard times. A pack partner was seen as a leader but lesser than the Alpha, if Logan needed assistance, Luka was his man to help and informed him of any issues in the pack.

"Logan! Snap out of it!" Said pack partner was now slapping Logan in the face, trying to get his attention. Logan didnt even realise he had zoned out. Shaking his head, Logan glared darkly at Luka and batted his hand away. Luka grinned.

"Do you live to irritate me?" Logan asked tiredly as he rubbed his temple.

"Everyday you ask me the same question." Luka said whilst laughing and patted Logan on the shoulder.

"That's because you give me a reason to and have yet to stop."

"Aww dont be so cruel." Luka playfully pouted then laughed again when Logan rolled his eyes in mock annoyance, "On a serious note...you know you love me."

"That's not serious."

"It is to me." Luka's grinned widened.

Sighing Logan turned to walk back into his cabin, he had already formed a headache.

Grabbing Logan by the shoulder and turning him back around, Luka held his hands up in surrender, "Right right, Mr grumpy, on an actual serious note, three men were able to find a baby deer in the forest and managed to kill it, along with a hare. The mother got away however, one of their mates is preparing the meat now, we are waiting for the others to return with their own finds. Darcy claimed he saw three of our men chasing down two male deers. Hopefully it will be enough to catch and kill them. We need the fucking food."

Logan listened intently, and when Luka was finished, he nodded, "Tell the men well done, better than yesterday." They had returned with merely two rabbits.

Nodding, Luka swallowed, "They have been out most of the night, no signs of any rogues. Its just like...they literally disappear Logan. It's as though...they find us. We don't find them."

"I know." Logan said absently, gazing towards the forest, "How is Esme?"

Smiling, Luka grabbed a strong around his neck that had a piece of wood cut into a heart on it. Esme had made it for him, saying it would protect him on his hunts. "She is fine." Esme had been a rogue wolf that had come seeking help and for a pack that would take her in, she was a rogue that had been born into that world, however she was not part of the rogues in their forest and had traveled from very far away, but in the opposite direction to where the human village was. As soon as Esme had entered pack territory, Luka had smelt that she was his submissive. Logan remembered that day all too well. From the start Logan believed Luka was far too soft on his submissive, she was slightly rebellious and could sometimes have a mouth on her which Logan could tell irritated Luka. As the dominant, Logan believed Luka needed to make his authority more clear. However despite this, Esme was a lovely woman and her attitude was mainly down to how she has lived her life.

"We have been talking about cubs again. But I think Esme wants to wait till next summer to try for cubs, so they are not born near or during winter time."

Logan nodded and then turned back to his cabin.

"Hey, Logan." Luka said when Logan opened the door.

Looking back to Luka, Logan raised an eyebrow expectantly.

"It's clear your mate isnt part of our pack, you can't smell or sense her-"

"I dont want to discuss this Luka."

"But-"

"Silence." Logan commanded and felt satisfied when Luka closed his mouth, It is not your place to talk to me about this. Go do your duties Luka."

Luka winced at Logan's harsh but did as he was told and turned his back on Logan instantly and walked away without another word.

Gritting his teeth, Logan stepped into his cabin and slammed the door.

xxxx

"Luka?" Esme questioned when Luka stormed into their cabin, his eyes blazing and cheeks flushed. Glancing at Esme who was sat on the floor by the fireplace, Luka rubbed his eyes in irritation.

"It's nothing."

"Clearly that's a lie..." Esme said softly and stood from her sitting position but didnt make a move towards Luka, who was tense, his muscles strained, "Please what is it?"

"I told you," Luka snapped, locking eyes with Esme who flinched slightly at his harsh tone, "Its nothing."

Biting her lip, Esme walked over to Luka, thankfully he chose to not move. Once in front of Luka, Esme looked up to her mate and analysed his face. For only an eighteen year old, his eyes showed age and knowledge, pain and suffering that Esme had yet to understand. She herself carried the burden of pain.

"Is it the Alpha?" Esme sighed knowingly when Luka's eyes flickered to the floor. If she hadnt been watching his eyes, the movement would have been unnoticeable. "What happened?"

"Nothing that concerns you." Moving around Esme, Luka walked briskly into the small kitchen of his cabin. Leaning against one of the wooden counters he had carved only days ago, Luka tensed once more when he felt a small hand on his shoulder.

"Luka if its troubling you, it concerns me-"

"No. It does not!" Turning around, Luka gazed down at Esme and raised an eyebrow when she crossed her arms, "Uncross your arms and stop being stubborn." Luka said through gritted teeth as he rubbed his temples.

"Tell me-"

"Esme!" Luka snapped, causing Esme to silence immediately. A pang of guilt formed in Luka's chest but enough was enough, he hated being interrogated, especially by his own submissive, "I will not be told what to do by my own mate. My submissive. Esme i am very lenient, even you must admit, but even I have my limits," Sighing Luka looked at Esme softly and laid his hands on her shoulders, "As your dominant, I am telling you to leave the issue. It was a mere spat between me and Logan, nothing that concerns anyone else. Understand?"

Opening her mouth to protest, Esme decided it was best not to and closed it again, meekly nodding.

"Good now that the matter is settled, "Letting go of Esme, Luka bent to kiss her on the forehead and then made his way to the stairs, "I am going to get some rest...I have been up most of the night waiting for the men to return. Since its my turn to go hunting tonight I'll need the energy." With that, Luka turned his back on Esme and went upstairs. At the sound of a door being slammed, Esme looked to the ceiling and sighed. Only the Alpha could make her mate this frustrated, he was normally so calm and passive, despite being a dominant. He rarely ever snapped at her. Taking one last glance upstairs, Esme made a decision and left the cabin.

xxxx

After a few moments of being inside the cabin, Logan sighed, his headache beginning to cease. Walking towards his fireplace, he woke up the fire. As he stared into the flames from his crouched position, his eyes flickered to a drawing above the fireplace. A drawing he had done when little, of his mother. His father had a portrait he had gotten drawn for him upstairs, in a room that Logan had locked so nobody could enter it. The drawing he had done of his mother held fine detail, he had even managed to capture the sadness and pain she held in the depths of her eyes. Sometimes Logan despised his talent for drawing. His mother loved it and had a pencil carved and crafted for him. His father hadnt appreciated his talent and said it was a waste of time.

Though it came as no surprise to his mother, Logan was also fond of the piano, though it was not common knowledge. Many in the pack tended to have small events together, that consisted of music, singing and traditional pack dancing around the pack fire in the center of their territory. Logan was the only one who had a piano in possession, others had guitar, others had flutes and some preferred none at all. Logan knew nothing about how his family had come into possession of the piano, his mother use to play, but so did his grandma according to his mother. She never told him how or who gave them it, she only said it was his if he wanted it. That was another thing which was locked away in the same room as his fathers portrait. Something he wished to forget. Though the sounds of the piano he had created still invaded his dreams and thoughts, the urge to play never weakened.

Coughing awkwardly at his own thoughts, Logan stood up and straightened. About to reach for a book, Logan was stopped by a soft knock at his door. Raising an eyebrow, Logan walked to the door and opened it. He narrowed his eyes.

"What do you want Esme?" Logan snapped his eyes already filled with annoyance.

"I wanted to have a little chat," Esme said carefully, staring at the ground. Logan was still her Alpha, she had to show respect, "About Luka."

"Mhm. Haven't you best be heading back to him? If i recall his is your dominant, your mate. I highly doubt he knows you are here." Logan raised an eyebrow when Esme opened her mouth, she chose to not lie.

"No he doesnt...but I need to know why he's so upset," Esme said and raised he eyes to lock with Logan's, this was dangerous, considering her place. She had no right to meet his eyes.

"Respect girl." Logan growled his muscles tensing at being challenged.

"I...apologise. Alpha." Casting her eyes down once more, Esme tried to hold back her temper, "All i ask is to know what made my mate upset. He was very snappy towards me before, he isnt normally like that-"

"He's finally realised he is too soft on you then? Good man." Logan observed and smirked when Esme looked up startled, "Listen, the topic that irritated your mate is no concern of yours, he was sticking his nose where it wasnt wanted."

"He is your pack partner-"

"And i am your Alpha and will not tolerate your stubbornness, your dominant might be lenient on you, but i will not be and i will see to it he punishes you if you do not go. Now." It was a command and a threat, Esme knew.

Not raising her eyes, Esme nodded, "Yes Alpha." With that she turned and left, Logan watched her as she went, his eyes sharp. Once she was near her own cabin, Logan got ready to shut the door but stopped himself when he saw a few men from his pack return from. They carried two male deers and three rabbits. It seemed to have been a successful hunt this time, Logan couldnt help the smirk that appeared on his face. He watched as other members of his pack of all ages gawped at the meat the men carried with pride, their faces all lit up showing how happy and proud they were. Logan stepped outside his cabin and made his way towards the men as they placed the meat on the ground, the men put a fist to their hearts and bowed their heads slightly in greeting.

Logan nodded back, "Fellow hunters I congratulate you on a successful hunt, you have done the pack proud." At their Alpha's praise, the group of men bowed their heads once more in gratefulness.

"You may all continue." Logan turned on his heel, the little talking he did the better, he loathed public speaking, which was extremely ironic due to his Status as Alpha but he never complained. Once at his cabin, Logan turned to see the men carrying the meat again, preparing to skin the animals and take their fur for clothes and warmth, then the meat will be bare and ready to slice into and prepare for meals.

Entering the cabin once more, Logan shut the door, his hand still holding the handle even when it closed.

It was so quiet.

Looking around the room, Logan finally released the door and walked over to one of his bookcases and picked up the one he had reached for before he was disturbed. It wasnt an actual book however, it was his own hand written one, it had no cover, it was mere loose pages with words written with his own hand and carved pencil. It wasn't complete but it was a secret of his. A secret pleasure.

Even Alpha's have secrets.