Choices

"Choose your love. Love your choice."

― Thomas S. Monson

(Zander)

Walking out onto the porch, Zander looked up to the sky, and exhaled the breath he had been holding. It was getting cold out, the change in weather was slowly presenting itself, soon it would be fall. The leaves would start to change color and fade from the trees, falling swiftly to the ground. The flowers would wilt, and the days would turn into night quicker. Zander closed his eyes to the cooling air, the wind blew gently against his face, and he reveled in sweet caress. Things would never be the same, at this very moment events were starting to form and take shape. The screen door opened behind him and he knew that his Father had come outside, his ominous presence said everything, before he even opened his mouth. Zander held up his hand, "Save it, I know what you are going to say." He turned to slowly face his father. The man stood there silently, his hands in his pockets, he looked pensive.

"Zander, when your mother passed away, I thought I would never find love again-"

"And then you found Molly." Zander finished for him, "I know the story Dad. I also know that you can not make me mate with someone I do not want to mate with." He stated.

Tom shook his head, "You remind me so much of your mother, stubborn to the bone."

"I'm sure she would say I got that from you." He shot back with a small smile.

Letting out a sigh his father put a hand on Zanders shoulder. "You have time Zander, but you don't have much a choice. Samantha is an Alpha female, the first one in many years, she will be the perfect Luna for you. Your claim to the pack would be stronger and your pups would be strong to carry on after you."

"I am not going to claim her as my mate for convenience sake." He stated hotly. "I do not want to a mate at all, someone to complain when I come in late and someone who always wants my attention. I deal enough running the inner circle, I do not need it from some woman."

"Son, you are going to have to grow up at some point and start thinking about what is best for the Pack." Tom stated.

Zander bristled. "All I think about is the pack." He seethed.

"Like I said you have time, I am not stepping down any time soon, but while Samantha is in your den house, maybe take this time to get to know her. There is the possibility that you might end up liking her and that would make things a lot easier on you."

"Doubtful." He stated but let out a weary sigh, "I hear you and I will take your advice under consideration."

Tom looked at him warmly, "I know you will Zander, you always end up doing the right thing." He stood there a moment longer and the air grew tense.

Zander rolled his eyes, "Is there is more?" he asked.

"This thing with your sister-"

"Step-Sister." Zander clarified.

Tom took a breath, "Freya," he corrected, "This business with Freya is complicated, are you sure that you have the time to watch over her?"

Zander rand a hand over his face, did he have the time? No, probably not, but he would have to make the time. From the moment the words Omega were uttered, Zander knew that things were never going to be the same around there. Having an Omega in the pack was going to be an adjustment for everyone but he could not stand to see her banished and out wandering around by herself. The poor girl would not last a month by herself, if some rouge wolf did not find her first. In his heart he knew that he was doing the right thing by offering her a place in his den and to be a part of the pack as a healer. It would give her a sense of belonging and might eventually gain her the respect of the pack later. Zander was under no allusions that the Pack was just going to welcome her with open arms, but Freya was the kind of person that people took to naturally. It would take a little time but all she would have to do is flash that amazing smile in someone's direction and she would win them over. Zanders' heart sped up a little at the thought of Freya and he took a deep calming breath.

"She is family." He said simply, shrugging his shoulders, "I would do anything for her." And with those words he felt his blood shift. It was the truest thing he had said out loud in a long time and emotions that he usually kept buried deep inside flooded his body. Zander's throat suddenly felt raw and he cleared it subtly.

"I am relieved to hear you say that." His Father stated, "I know you guys haven't spent a lot of time together over the years but knowing your feel that way towards her makes me feel better about the situation because I see her as my own daughter."

A slight cringe worked its way through Zander's body but he shook it off. "I'll make the time to see to it that Freya comes to no harm."

"Alright son, well you should be getting home, you are going to have a busy day tomorrow with some new den guests arriving." Tom laughed a bit.

Zander groaned. "Yeah, I should probably go tell the guys."

"I'll bring Freya's stuff over and Molly will probably want to help her get settled in." he said smiling at his wife's name.

Zander nodded, "Of course, well I'll see you guys tomorrow." He replied waving bye to his dad Zander made his way to his car.