TRISTAN POV
waking up early was one of his routine, which he didn't intend to stop anytime soon because as the leader of his pack there are things he needs to sort out, patrolling the pack being one of them.
The morning mist still clung to the pine canopy as he strode through the clearing,his boots silence against the forest floors, eyes scanning the terrain alert to every sound, scent and shift in the wind.
He passed the warriors training ground, where young wolves sparred under the watchful gaze of the beta, their bodies slick with sweat, eyes filled with fire. A single nod from him sent them still, then training resumed with renew vigor. His presence commanded respect not by fear but by sheer force of will, he had earned his position not just through bloodline, but through battle, sacrifice and strategy.
He was not one to betray and be forgiven easily, he's strict when it comes to duties. He is feared in the werewolf world because of how ruthless he can be in battle which earned him the name "THE REAPER".
He pushed open the thick double doors of his office.the scent of aged wood, ink and dominance welcomed him like an old friend. sunlight spilled through the floor- length window, casting a golden hue across the dark oak desk covered in scrolls, maps and thick folders marked with urgent seals.
He moved behind the desk, his sharp eyes scanning the latest border reports. rogue sightings again near the eastern ridge. He growled low under his breath, a rumble that vibrated the room.
"beta Sam come to my office," he said in the pack mind link.
Moments later, the door opened and sam stepped in, bowing with a clenched fist to his chest. "Alpha."
He nodded once. "Rogues are testing our lands again. I want the southern patrol reinforced tonight. Rotate the night watch. And get the seer, if something's coming, I want to know before it crosses our borders."
"Yes, Alpha."
As sam turned to leave, his voice cut through the air once more.
"And tell the healer to prepare. If blood is spilled on my land, I want every warrior walking out of it alive."
The door shut with a soft thud.
Alone again, he leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin. The weight of the pack pressed against his shoulders—not a burden, but a vow. This office wasn't just a room. It was the heart of Blackridge. And as long as he sat in this chair, no threat would reach his people.
Not while he breathed.
six hours later
"Tristan you haven't eaten anything since morning come home and eat"
"mum I still have a lot of work to finish I can't come right now"
"did you think I was asking you?, no.. that's a command, get your ass here right now or I'll do it myself!"
He knew he couldn't argue with his mum, whenever she says something with a serious voice she actually meant it. he doesn't want to be dragged home by her that's going to affect his pride.
He arrived at his family home just in time for dinner, the gravel crunching softly under his boots. unlike the looming structure of the pack house, this house was warm.
The moment he opened the gate, he heard them- laughter, plates clinking, and the familiar bickering of siblings who knew no fear of an alpha's glare. the scent of grilled meat and fresh bread wafted the air, pulling a rare smile from his lips.
He stepped into the backyard.
" look who finally showed up," Lucy his elder sister, called out, one brow raised as she stood over a smoking grill.
"I was beginning to think you were going to ignore mum's threat"
"that's me actually planning my death," he said tugging off his jacket.
" mum actually went upstairs to get ready, she's planning on dragging your ass home," his younger brother James said with tea in his hands.
"then I'm glad I came early," he said getting relieved he didn't wait another minute before coming home.
"Ellen your son his back...," he heard his dad shout from the dinning room.
" you look tired son, hope everything is fine?"
"yh.. just some sightings of rogue in our pack territory"
"if you need my help I'm right here" his dad said while drinking some coffee.
He sat beside his dad while Lucy started serving them dinner.
"how are you doing my baby?" his mum said while also sitting with them.
"I'm doing fine just hungry" he said wanting his mum to let him start eating without asking more questions.
"ohh ok... there's lots of food, you can eat everything if you want,"she said missing the way her husband and second son glands in her direction.
"wait..what!, what about me honey?" his dad asked pretending to be offended.
"you need to diet, you are starting to have a pot belly"she said making them all to start laughing including Lucy who just joined them.
Dinner continued with loud laughter, second servings, and the occasional argument over who once set the backyard on fire. he barely spoke, but he listened. He watched. The ease in his siblings' movement and the little words his parents added to the conversation.
As the meal wound down, Lucy stood to clear plates. "You should go take a rest," she said softly, not looking at him.
"yh.. he looks very tired, go get some rest son," his mum also said while helping Lucy with the plates.
"good night guys,"he said going to his room.
while getting out of shower his phone buzzed— onces, twice and a familiar ringtone chimed through the room.
He glanced at the screen.
"Philip"
His mouth twitched into the ghost of a smile. Of course. Only Philip would call by this time and expect an answer.
As he stepped outside the porch he pressed the phone to his ear.
"why are you calling by this time?"
Philip's voice came through, rich with sarcasm and that ever-present grin. "You should be glad I called you.. you know, let's go out tonight,"
he sighed, but there was warmth beneath it. "Why do I answer your calls again?"
"because I'm the only one who can make your boring life an entertaining one,"
And just like that he smiled.
"I'm tired..I'm not going out today" he said getting ready for bed.
"you are definitely going to Miss a lot you know," Philip said trying to change his mind.
"nah..I'm good, have a good time without me," he said hanging up.
Four hours or so he heard his phone ringing for the third time, he was going to ignore it again but thought it would be better to answer so that he can go back to sleep.
"hello" he said with a sleeping voice.
"I found something interesting that you would like" Philip said.
"God!..what I'm I going to do with you?, you disturbed my sleep because of this," he asked getting annoyed and ready to hang up.
"just come to my pack tomorrow I have a gift for you...a beautiful and untame gift, I know you'll like it " Philip said making sure he heard every word he said.
"okay.. I'll be there and fuck you Philip," he said hanging up.
He switch off his phone so as not to get disturbed again before going to bed.