The Small Whisperer

POV: JACKSON

"Alpha, there's a rogue attack at the borders," my Delta, Sam, communicated through our mind link.

"Gather some warriors and head out; I'm on my way," I replied, stepping out of my office.

These relentless rogues never seem to learn. Each one that has dared to attack my pack has met a grim end-death. I refuse to let another rogue attack threaten my pack, not this time.

Changing into my wolf form, I raced towards the borders. My wolf, JJ, is a massive grey beast. I sprinted swiftly until I reached the frontline. My warriors were already engaged, snapping necks and killing rogues as instructed. There would be no mercy shown today.

The scent of rogue blood permeated the air, and I wrinkled my nose in disgust. Without a moment's hesitation, I sank my teeth into the gut of one who lunged at me, ending its life instantly. There was no room for games. I seized another rogue by the neck and tore it from its body. With fierce determination, I pinned down yet another, viciously biting into its face. The blood splattered onto my fur, igniting a primal rage within me. I would kill them all!

Moments later, the battlefield was silent-every last rogue lay dead. Once the chaos subsided, I was provided with clothes and shifted back into my human form. Grabbing a bottle from my Delta, I rinsed away the blood that stained my lips and body.

"Strengthen our security patrols. Increase the number of warriors stationed at the border; this marks the fourth rogue attack we've faced this month. I want this to end," I declare, frustration evident in my voice. Following that last incident, we had a brief reprieve from rogue attacks, but they resumed last month. We cannot afford for history to repeat itself.

"Understood, alpha," the head warrior responded before departing with his team. They are crucial to our pack's safety, and any lapse in their vigilance could jeopardize us all. That's why I've decided to extend their training sessions and acquire additional weapons.

"I've contacted the neighboring packs to see if they've been facing similar rogue threats, but they all reported nothing. It appears that our pack is the only one currently under attack," Sam informed me. I turned to him, noting that at 29, he is three years my senior. Yet, he shows me unwavering respect and follows my lead. After all, I am his alpha and physically stronger, but I ensure my authority doesn't overshadow the respect I hold for every member of the pack.

Sam stands at 5'9", sporting tanned skin and black hair. He is mated to Evelyn, our nursery teacher, an Omega. Together, they have a son named Blake, who is eight years old and also an Omega.

After three challenging years of trying for a baby, marked by multiple heartbreaking miscarriages, including a tragic loss that left Evelyn unable to conceive, they chose to adopt Blake two years later.

Their joy was evident, and I couldn't be happier for them. Sam is not just a pack member; he's one of my closest friends, and we've shared countless memories growing up together.

"I can't quite grasp why these attacks keep happening. Are they gearing up for something significant? If that's the case, why send them out in small groups when they're bound to face certain death?" I remarked to Sam.

"Instead of wiping them all out, why not capture one and extract information? We could use interrogation methods until they reveal what's really happening," Sam suggested.

Honestly, I hadn't considered that approach. The mere presence of rogues ignited a desire in me to send them back to the moon goddess.

"That's a solid plan. Just remind me when the next attack occurs," I replied as I continued on my way.

"Of course, Alpha," Sam acknowledged.

As I walked toward my home, pack members greeted me warmly. This house, built by my ancestors, has been the residence of all past Alphas. It carries the weight of tradition. My parents passed away eight years ago in a tragic plane crash while returning from an international conference in Mexico. My older sister had accompanied them but stayed behind to manage other meetings. The loss was heartbreaking, and she struggled to return for a year due to her fear of flying.

I had to navigate this journey alone. Just two months after their passing, I was sworn in as the Alpha of the New Moon pack at the age of 18. It was an entirely new experience for me. I had been involved in the pack's affairs during my father's lifetime, but I never anticipated having to shoulder the responsibilities alone so soon after taking the oath.

I managed everything pretty well with my mate, Anto, by my side. I first met her when I was just 19, and that day remains one of the highlights of my life. We welcomed our son, Tom, into the world that same year, and now he's 7 years old.

Tragically, I lost Anto when Tom was just 3, during a sudden attack by rogues. It occurred at night, and she sacrificed herself to protect our son. That event transformed me. For months, I couldn't muster a smile; I became distant and cold, finding joy only in my son's presence. My hatred for rogues grew deep, and I took them down on sight.

Despite my grief, I was determined to be there for Tom. I refused to be an absent father and raised him in ways that would make Anto proud.

"Daddy!" Tom shouted as he rushed over for a hug. I had just bathed at home to wash away all the remnants of that awful blood before picking him up from school. His hair was a patchwork of colors-blonde on one side and black on the other. The blonde came from me, while the black was inherited from Anto.

"How's my boy?" I asked, wrapping him in a tight embrace.

"I'm good, Daddy! I made a new friend," he replied, subtly signaling he wanted to be set down. I obliged, and he dashed off to introduce me to a boy he had been dragging along. I recognized him immediately; he was Blake, Sam's son.

"Daddy, meet Blakey! He's my new friend!" Tom exclaimed, bouncing with excitement.

"Hey Blake, how are you?" I asked, crouching down to his level.

"I'm good, sir," he replied shyly, looking adorable. I playfully tousled his hair before standing back up.

"Daddy, can Blakey come over for a sleepover on Saturday?" Tom asked, giving me his most irresistible puppy dog eyes. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"We'll need to check with his parents first, Tom," I replied.

"Good afternoon, Alpha," came Evelyn's voice from behind me.

"Good afternoon, Evelyn. Are you finished for the day?" I inquired.

"Not quite. I'm just here to pick him up," she explained, and Blake rushed over, wrapping his arms around her.

"Would it be alright if Blake joins us for a sleepover with Tom on Saturday?" I asked.

"Oh, that sounds perfectly fine," she said with a smile.

"Yayyy!" Tom and Blake cheered, their hands clasped together as they bounced with excitement. Evelyn and I shared a laugh.

"Alright then, see you later. Goodbye, Blake," I waved to them as they left.

Once I got home, as usual, I felt a pang of sadness at Anto's absence. The house felt too empty without her. I tried to shake off that feeling; I didn't want to let it show in front of my son.

I helped Tom take his shower and then gave him some snacks while I started dinner. Although we had a whole team of chefs, I enjoyed cooking for my son. I had picked up a few recipes from Anto and hoped to pass them on to Tom one day.

After dinner, I changed into matching pajamas with Tom, a little tradition we had that I cherished.

Tom took out his homework, while I still had some tasks ahead of me. I suggested he complete his assignments in my study. I dove into my work. After two hours, I wrapped up my tasks and noticed Tom had dozed off on the sofa.

Gently, I lifted him and tucked him into bed, then settled down beside him. Sometimes, we share the same room at night. I was determined to prevent any repeats of the past. My commitment to protect my son was unwavering.

I kissed his cheek and pulled the covers over us both. In that moment, it was just the two of us, and I felt a deep sense of contentment being with him.

POV: JACKSON

The blaring alarm jolts me awake from my slumber. I glance over at Tom, who stirs briefly before drifting back off to sleep. I can't fathom how he remains undisturbed by the noise. Rubbing my eyes, I sit up and check the clock-it reads ten minutes past six. I'm certain the warriors are already up and gearing up for their morning training session.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed and make my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and splash some water on my face. Then, I head to the kitchen, where I find the cook and maid already busy with their tasks. I only have one cook and one maid at my place, in contrast to the bustling general pack house.

Cynthia, our cook, is a middle-aged woman we affectionately call Aunt Cee. She was a close friend of my mother before her passing. The maid, a young woman named Bethany-though we simply call her Beth-is mated to the head warrior and shares a good relationship with Aunt Cee. I had been looking for someone to assist with house chores and asked Aunt Cee for help. She suggested Beth, assuring me of her trustworthiness.

"Good morning, Alpha Jackson," Beth greeted me as she continued her work.

"Morning, Beth," I replied, making my way into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Aunt Cee," I said, grabbing a can of water and downing it in one go.

"Good morning, dear! Off to the training ground?" she asked, to which I nodded, my blonde hair bouncing lightly on my shoulders.

"Tom is still sleeping. What's on the breakfast menu?" I asked.

"You know how much Tom loves cereals on Fridays, so that's what he'll have," she replied, and I nodded in agreement. "What about you? What do you feel like for breakfast?" she asked.

"I'm not particular, Aunt. You choose. I'll enjoy whatever you whip up," I said as I made my way to the door.

"Alright then," she said, returning to her tasks. Leaving Tom in their care was tough, but over the years, I've learned to trust them. Bethany always ensures that Tom is ready for school and has a good meal before heading out.

The cool breeze brushed against my skin, causing me to shiver slightly. The morning air was still crisp. The training ground wasn't far from my home, and as I walked past the pack house, I looked at it. It was designed for warriors and provided a place for pack members, especially struggling or unmated wolves, to eat and rest during breakfast and dinner. The cooks were already bustling about, preparing meals.

Upon arriving at the training ground, I felt a sense of approval as I observed the training session in full swing. With the recent surge in rogue attacks, the intensity of our training had ramped up. We weren't a small pack; we numbered in the thousands.

New members often joined us thanks to our unique system. We didn't adhere to traditional werewolf hierarchies; omegas were free to pursue any roles they desired. Everyone had to work hard to earn their place, whether they were Alphas, Betas, or Omegas.

Eli, our head warrior, acknowledged me with a nod, which I returned before he continued directing the warriors. He was exceptional at his role. Normally, I train alongside my Beta, Chris, but he wasn't around today. That thought reminded me.

"Eli," I called, gesturing for him to approach. "Do you know when Chris will be back? Wasn't he supposed to return this morning?"

Chris is not just my Beta; he's my closest friend-no, scratch that, he's my brother. At 6'2", I'm just a bit taller than his 6-foot frame. With his striking black hair and dark eyes, he has been by my side since we were five years old. I still remember when he famously declared he'd rather munch on sand than call me Alpha Jackson. I was furious at the time, but our playful bickering became the foundation of our lifelong friendship.

He's happily mated to Lynn, his childhood sweetheart, making him one lucky guy. They have a charming five-year-old daughter named Lily, who is the sweetest little girl.

"Yes, he was supposed to return this morning, but he called to say he ran into some issues. He mentioned that everything is sorted out now, and he should be back by noon," Eli replied.

Chris had gone to neighboring packs to recruit volunteers for my pack, a yearly tradition of ours aimed at finding unmated wolves, warriors, and more. This time, our primary goal was to enlist warriors.

"Why didn't he inform me? That fool! Well, it's no big deal," I said. Eli nodded and returned to his training. I took the time to evaluate the techniques, weapons, and combat skills of some of the younger warriors. Three hours later, the morning training session wrapped up, and everyone headed to the pack house for breakfast while I made my way home.

POV: SAINT

"Isn't it a pity?" A voice drifted from behind me as I made my way home. The meeting regarding my mother and me had just wrapped up, and we were finally leaving.

"What do you mean?" I glanced back at the man.

"Nobody's had the chance to enjoy that delightful, curvy figure of yours." He grinned, a playful glint in his eye. He appeared to be in his late 40s.

Fury surged within me, and I clenched my fists tightly. Without another word, I dashed toward my house.

"I cant stand this stupid pack! Why can't they just let us go and find our happiness?" I muttered while hastily packing my bag.

"The situation has been settled, Saint. Let's just gather our things quickly before they come up with another issue," my mother said, carrying out some bags.

I let out a heavy sigh. This despicable pack. I had always dreamed of becoming a warrior, ready to defend my mother and my future family, but this pack only confines omegas to roles like cooks, cleaners, and daycare providers. I had raised my voice about omega rights, but it fell on deaf ears.

Some Alphas even claimed my lack of conformity to omega expectations was why I hadn't found a mate yet, despite being 22. That was simply untrue. I would find my mate when the goddess deemed it right, not because of their nonsensical justifications.

That's why I eagerly anticipated the annual volunteer mission with the New Moon pack. I had heard wonderful things about their system, and I was truly excited. However, my stubborn alpha was making a scene about letting me go, insisting that I was valuable to the pack. That was just another falsehood. I refused to accept the pack's mistreatment of Omegas, which left me struggling to find work. It was a terrible situation.

Fortunately, the Beta of the New Moon pack, I believe his name is Chris, advocated fiercely on my behalf, emphasizing that it was my choice to leave. The Alpha eventually relented. We finished packing and were simply waiting for the Beta to arrive. I stood beside my mom, wrapping my arms around her in comfort.

My dad had passed away five years ago, leaving my mom heartbroken. He succumbed to an illness that went undiagnosed until it was far too late. I adored my dad and aspired to be like him; he was a beta and a warrior within the pack. My mom was lonely, though she would never admit it, and that was clear to anyone who looked closely. I wanted to shield her and shower her with affection, but I couldn't replace the companionship of her mate. All I could do was hope she would find happiness in this new pack. When the Beta arrived, we set off towards our new home.

The New Moon pack was vast and stunning-definitely larger than my previous pack. We passed an array of impressive buildings and landmarks, making a mental note of ones I wanted to explore. Upon arrival, we found our new apartment. It wasn't just my mom and me accompanying the Beta; we were a group of twenty in total, including several from other packs.

"Make yourself comfortable here," the Beta said, pulling me from my thoughts. "Benard," he gestured to a man nearby, "will guide you to your rooms. Get settled, and we'll gather on Monday for your introduction and initiation into the pack." With that, he departed.

"Come with me," Benard instructed as he stepped inside. I couldn't help but wonder why he seemed so grumpy. He handed us the keys to our rooms and laid out some basic rules:

- We're not allowed to leave the apartment grounds until the initiation is complete.

- Meals will be served at 8 AM, 1 PM, and 6 PM.

There were other guidelines, but I focused on the essentials. My mom and I got ourselves settled in a two-bedroom apartment, with the living room and kitchen a bit distant from our sleeping quarters. Overall, it was satisfactory, and I felt a wave of relief at leaving my old pack behind.

I sincerely hoped to find my mate here. I had always yearned for someone to love and cherish me. Witnessing the deep affection between my parents growing up made me long for that kind of connection. A mate was what I truly desired.

POV: JACKSON

As I returned home from training, I noticed some unusual sounds coming from inside the house. It was already 10:15 AM, and typically, Aunt Cee and Beth would have finished their tasks by now and left. They had their own key, so they always locked the door behind them. I stepped inside, trying to catch a familiar scent but couldn't detect anything. When I entered the kitchen, I found my older sister, Samantha, busy stocking the fridge.

"Oh, it's just you," I remarked, grabbing a handful of grapes and popping them into my mouth.

"What do you mean, just me?" she replied, feigning offense. "Aren't you excited to see your big sister, hmm?"

"It's not that," I explained. "I didn't catch your scent, and I usually walk into a quiet house after training."

"Aww, was my little baby brother scared?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not scared of anyone."

"Alright, Mr. Big Bad Alpha," she chuckled. "I just came to replenish the supplies I got for you."

Samantha, my older sister and a beta, had long black hair that cascaded down to her waist, her striking silver eyes standing out beautifully. At 29, she was three years my senior and was mated to Joshua, an omega-a rare pairing since it usually tends to be the other way around.

My sister and her partner were unfazed by the challenges they faced; their love for one another was unwavering. Sadly, she encountered a tough situation while trying to conceive. Numerous pack doctors had examined her, yet none could provide a clear explanation for their plight. Some speculated it was due to Joshua being an omega, suggesting his sperm lacked the potency needed for Samantha to become pregnant.

Though their hearts were heavy, they found a way to navigate their sorrow. They chose not to adopt, believing their bond was enough for them.

"Are you doing okay?" I often check in with Samantha, wanting her to know that I'm here for her. I'm ready to support any choice she makes, especially since we both endured the loss of our parents on that fateful day.

"I'm fine, Jackson. You ask me this all the time. I promise, I'll let you know if something's bothering me," she replied, as she always did.

"Okay then. I'll just hop in the shower and get ready for work," I said, heading toward the stairs.

"I'm off now. I just stopped by to drop off what I picked up for you. Please say hi to my favorite nephew for me," she said, giving me a brief hug before leaving.

A familiar presence stormed into my office, and without even glancing up from the paperwork, I recognized it was Chris. He's the only one bold enough to do that.

"Back from your delightful vacation I asked, signing off on various financial decisions.

"Delightful? Hardly! I'm utterly drained. Hopping from one gathering to another is exhausting," he replied, stretching his arms. "I could really use a long snooze-like, a few days of sleep."

"Why not head home and catch some rest? There's no work until Monday," I suggested, recalling my own experiences from past annual missions.

"Yeah, but Lily would have my head. It's karaoke weekend, and you know how much she loves belting out tunes in her room," he lamented, resting his forehead on the table.

"Well, Tom has made a new buddy, Blake. You know Sam's son, right?" I said, and when he nodded, I continued, "They're supposed to have a sleepover at my place on Saturday, but I could start it earlier, from today until Sunday evening. Lily would have a blast with them."

"That sounds awesome! It'll just be Lynn and me at home," he replied with a broad grin. "Perfect."

"Just remember, it's meant for you to recharge, not to disrupt the pack members and me," I said, returning his smile.

"Sure, sure. That too," he said, waving his hands dismissively.

"Speaking of which, what kept you up at the last pack?" I inquired. The Alpha there was quite the jerk, and I hoped he hadn't given Chris a hard time.

"Oh, it wasn't really a big deal. The Alpha just didn't want an omega and his mom to leave. What's his name again? Saint," Chris replied.

At that, JJ's ears perked up. I couldn't help but ask him about his reaction.

"I can't say for sure; that name just excites me," he responded.

"What do you mean it excites you? It's just a name," I said, puzzled.

"You're asking too many questions. I already told you, I don't really know," he replied, shutting me out.

JJ had lost a part of himself when he lost his mate. He used to be bright and lively when Anto was still around. Since her passing, he seemed merely to exist. This was the first hint of excitement I'd seen in him since her death. I figured he must be feeling lonely without a mate to lean on, especially since Tom's wolf had yet to show itself. All his frustration was directed at rogues, which is why I find myself losing my patience when dealing with them.

"Is something bothering you? You've been quiet for a while," Chris said, pulling me back to the present.

"No, I'm alright. Just lost in thought. You should really get some rest, Chris. Please let Lynn know I'll be picking up Lily from school and taking her to my place. I'll arrange for someone to retrieve her belongings," I informed Chris.

"Thanks, man," he replied, standing up. "Enjoy your time with those little rascals," he said as he headed out. By "rascals," he was referring to our kids, and I couldn't agree more.

By 2 PM, I set out to collect the kids, who were buzzing with excitement for the sleepover. They were whispering and giggling about all the fun they planned to have. Once we arrived home, they took showers, and Lily slipped into a dress she had left here from a previous sleepover.

The doorbell rang, and I went to see who it was. Standing there were Evelyn and Blake. I had reached out to Sam to ask if Blake could stay with us from Friday to Sunday, and he had given the green light.

"Good afternoon, Sir," Blake greeted me shyly. "Hey Blake, how's it going?" I asked. "I'm good, Sir."

"Good afternoon, Alpha. I hope the kids won't be too much of a handful for you," Evelyn said.

"It's all good, Evelyn. The house could use a little liveliness now and then. Is this his bag?" I inquired, pointing at the bag she handed me.

"Yes, it has his clothes, toothbrush, and a few other essentials," she replied, and I nodded in understanding.

"If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. I know they can be quite a handful," she added, and I nodded again. "Take care, Alpha," she said as she walked away.

I brought Blake inside, and the moment Tom spotted him, he dashed over and enveloped him in a hug. "Blakey, you're here! Come on, let me introduce you to Lily, my other friend," Tom exclaimed, taking Blake's hand and encouraging him to follow. Blake happily obliged.

"Lily, Lily, this is Blakey, my new friend Tom announced.

Lily regarded Blake with curiosity, inspecting him with keen interest before leaning closer to Tom and whispering, "He's really cute," followed by a giggle. It wasn't much of a whisper, as I clearly heard her, and I had a feeling Blake did too.

Tom frowned slightly. "Yeah, but he's my friend. I want you to be friends with him only," he insisted, and I couldn't help but chuckle at their adorable interaction.

"Alright, nice to meet you, Blake," Lily said, extending her hand with a bright, beaming smile that showcased her shiny teeth.

Blake shook her hand, responding shyly, "Nice to meet you too, Lily."

"Come on, let's show you our toys!" Lily exclaimed, taking Blake's hand, while he grabbed Tom's, and together they hurried off to their playroom.

I let out a sigh, knowing this weekend was bound to be filled with noise and excitement.