Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Chapter 7 - Carter

The delicate little she-wolf assigned to take care of us seemed like she was a nervous little thing. On edge. It it quite peculiar. Watching her near walk into at least three different doors and walls on the walk to her Alpha’s office alone was quite intriguing. As wolves we were meant to have a decent sense of direction, but this young thing seemed to lack any of that. In fact I was certain she couldn't find herself when looking in a mirror…

I knew I was not the only one noticing her strange behaviour because the chuckles of amusement from my Beta and Gamma who were walking alongside me were far from discreet. The flushed colour upon Mari's cheeks told me that she had heard them too. Not that it was my issue. If she did not wish to be embarassed, then I suggest she learn how to act like a normal person when in company.

She had managed to get us to her Alpha in one piece, which was becoming suprising in itself, and also not filling me with much hope for the remainder of our visit, considering they had stated this girl was due to be assisting us. If this was an example of that I had a feeling we would be more of an assistance to her...

“Ah Alpha Carter. “ The deep voice of Alpha Aaron boomed as we stepped inside of his office. A lavishly decorated large room. Much more than was needed for a simple Alpha office. But this Alpha was known for being over the top. This pack was well off, hence us wanting to gain a business arrangement with them. Our pack could benefit greatly in doing so. But, as I looked across to the Alpha I was only irritated by him.

Why the old fucker could not come and meet us himself was beyond me. Because as we stood inside of his office it appeared to me he was sitting at his desk doing little but enjoying a coffee with his feet up. Hardly strenous work, and hardly busy like it was implied. Was this his way of showing us we were below him perhaps? I find myself questioning. I may have to keep an eye on them...

“We had been waiting your arrival, so it is good to see you. I hope young Mari has been taking care of you.” He smiled toward the she-wolf that had walked us from the entrance of his packhouse. Young? Nothing like patronising the girl. She was likely in her mid-twenties. A couple of years younger than me, and a fair few years younger than the Alpha here, but calling her young made her sound like a simple little girl.

“Hardly call it taking care of us when she had walked us from the front door of your packhouse to your office. I am unsure why you did not meet us yourself in all honesty.” I said coldy, simply speaking my mind like I so often did, earning myself a glare form my own Beta. I did not care if I was being rude. We were here for business dealings, not pleasantries. I say things how I see things. If Alpha Aaron did not like it, then we may have a few issues.

“Indeed.” Another man, I assume the Beta, gave a dark look in the direction of Mari. “Was this your fault? Not trying hard enough I see, Mari. Disappointing.” He all but hissed in her direction, taking me by surprise. My criticism had been aimed toward the Alpha yet this man had twisted it so it was one made at her?

“I brought them to the office, may I be dismissed now?” Mari whispered.

“No.” The same man snapped. “You are to remain here for the meeting. Assist the Alpha and his men in any way necessary.” His eyes all but burned into the girl, and she stepped back to lean agaisnt the wall in what looked like a bid to disappear. But she nodded in agreement. I may be a strict Alpha. Known for it, in fact. More so since losing my mate, but ruthless treatment of Omegas irritated me. They deserved the same standard of life as any other pack member. Was this what was going on here? I am unable to stop myself pondering… Was this she-wolf simply shy and unsure of how to react to criticism? Or simply respond to others? Or was there more to it?

“Alpha, Beta, Gamma, please do take a seat.” Alpha Aaron interrupted my wandering mind as he motioned to the large table set up in preparation for a meeting. “Beta Kian was just about to leave.” He signalled to the rather rude gentleman. So he had been the Beta. One who already I was unsure of.

I sat myself down, just as Mari begun stumbling toward the coffee machine. She was clumsy. That was clear to see. I found irritation bubbling in my veins. She would be out of my offices if this was my pack. I see both Hudson and Sonny smirking in amusement at her awkwardness. “Can I get you men a drink?” She whispered, sounding so scared, anyone would think we were about to eat her!

“Speak up.” I snapped, hating the terrified little girl act. If she was to be working with us she would need to toughen up. I saw her eyes widen in fear. What the hell is wrong with this one? She looked like every little thing scares her.

Instead of responding Mari nodded and awaited our replies. We placed our requests, and soon enough the uncomfortable she-wolf was making her way to the desk with an aura of discomfort. Only as she edged her way closer to us did I note the way the tray within her hands rattled dangerously, and Hudson smiled knowingly across at me. ‘They are going everywhere, you know that right?’ He linked. And as I saw the unease on the girls face, concentration etched on her delicate features, I knew he was likely right.

I pushed my chair swiftly back, snatching the tray from her hands the moment I was standing. “Let me take that before you pour them on someone and do some damage.” I said coldly, and once again her eyes filled with fear at the sound of my voice. But once more, rather than attempt to defend herself the feeble she-wolf simply nodded. Stepping back she slipped from the room with no further word.

‘The Big Bad wolf strikes again?’ Sonny, my pack Gamma chuckled as he linked. ‘You lasted all of about half an hour before making someone cry. Well done.’

I gave him a cold glare as I passed him his drink. Had I made her cry? Was that where the omega had rushed away to? Well if she was not capable of dealing with pressure then she should not be working in such a setting. Simple as that. I was not about to tolerate such issues…