5 A Pointless Mating

James clenched his jaw, "Do I have a choice?"

"No. But I want Brooke to be in good hands. I know you are an honourable Lycan and I know you would never hurt her. But will you defend her as your mate?"

"Why should I?" He asked, "She is a weak, pathetic human!"

To his surprise Ga-Beta chuckled, "Oh, man. You are weaker than her. You were there, you saw her, you know a sliver of what she experienced-"

"Yeah, being beaten and malnourished," James cut him off, "Any Lycan could survive that. This is why she is not mean to be a Lycan's mate, much less a Beta's mate-"

"You apologize for those words or I'll cut them out of you." The Lycan across from him stood up, his claws extended and his eyes furious.

James bowed his head in submission even though his heart was still pounding with anger, "Sorry, Beta." He bit out, "But why would Alpha choose me? Many other Lycans lost their mates. Why not choose one of them to be her mate?"

The new Beta relaxed his stance and his claws retracted, "Because being a Gamma, the Pack will have some respect for you. You will have power over them and that's what Alpha wants. He knows the Pack's thoughts about her and he trusts you."

James nodded even though he was still bitter about Alpha's choice, "And why choose me as Gamma?"

"Alpha recognizes what you've done for the Pack and he trusts you. He can see your leadership, in your time as head hunter. And you are strong in your ability."

Beta sat and he watched the carpet for awhile and the room became quiet, "Wouldn't you like to understand her a little before you decide to hate her?" Beta asked.

'No.' James answered in his head but sighed and said, "Sure." Even though he'd already made up his mind about her.

"She shouldn't be alive for one, she's more important than you'll ever know and she deserves your respect."

The only thing that James derived from his words were questions, "Why?" He asked.

"Ask her." Beta said and James clenched his jaw. How could he ask her? Why would he ask her?

He scoffed, "No. I won't ask her. She's never earned my respect, why should I give it to her?"

Beta watched him silently then sighed, "Fine. She will earn it in time, but promise me you'll look after her. Raphael-" He swallowed, "Raphael would've wanted her safe. I know that you loathe weakness and you'll soon believe my words when I tell you that she is anything but." He stood and said, "We should probably head back up."

James nodded and rose to follow him but halted when the shorter Lycan stopped in front of him and turned to face him, "You were there when it happened. Why don't you have any respect after what she went through? You scoff when she says Alpha's name. I'll scoff when you say she's weak."

Then he stalked out the door. James looked down at the grey carpet. His memory went back to when he and the previous Beta had rescued his mate, the human. The scent of her blood had been so strong that he'd been unable to sense the Elf in time. He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw when he remembered Beta's order, -Get her out of here!-

He heaved a sigh and followed after the new Beta. The one who'd replaced the one who had died because of him. His chest became painfully hollow when he thought of how many lives had been lost because of him.

With leadened feet he walked up the stairs and heard the human talking to Alpha in a whisper, "He died."

'Who died? Beta?' He rolled his eyes. Was she that dense or was she in shock?

Upon entering the now silent room Beta cleared his throat and the human looked up, her skin had grown a few shades paler and her heart and breathing rate had increased. 'Was she that upset?' He questioned, unsure if it was because of discovering the her mate had died five months ago, or about her and… and him.

"Come in." Alpha said," His eyes trained on James, "Do you accept the position of Gamma?"

"Yes, Alpha." He answered, his thoughts still in turmoil.

"Do you accept Brooke as your mate?"

James's eyes involuntarily closed and he answered with his teeth gritted, "Yes, Alpha."

Alpha nodded, "You can come back tonight and sign the marriage certificate."

The human left first, her steps rigid and her eyes closing every few seconds as if wincing. He sighed and ignored it and instead focused on the guilt, anger and self hatred at what he'd done. He was replacing Lilla wasn't he? No. No, he wasn't.

As he left through the front gates he shifted and ran to his home. Soon to be his old home.

The wind blew past his fur, the cold snow rushing past his feet and sides. When he reached his front door he opened the door and opened the fridge to grab a beer.

After putting some pants on he slumped on the flannel lazyboy in his living room. Taking a swig from the beer his head began to spin from the emotions coursing through him.

He was betraying her. He closed his eyes and pictured her blue ones frozen in pain and horror. He groaned and gulped at the feelings that threatened to choke him.

Hours passed and he stayed in the same seat, he'd long since finished his beer and his thoughts refused to move from the bitter feelings that enveloped him.

Looking at the time he realized that it was time to sign the marriage certificate. Marriage didn't matter, he and his mate had never married. It was a mark and not a piece of paper that signified a relationship. The Pack knew that but he would follow Alpha's orders, no matter how pointless they were.