Hunted

Chapter Three

Cameron:

"Any sign of the new family yet?" Mitch asked.

Mitch, the son of his father's beta, was Cameron's best friend. There was no question that when the time came for Cam to take over the pack, Mitch would be his second in command.

"Nah, but it's still a little early," Cameron answered.

The meeting, held before the pack run, wasn't due to start for another fifteen minutes. Most of the pack showed up well before that for a chance to socialize beforehand. Being that they were new and didn't know anyone in the pack, Cam could understand why the Gallagher family wouldn't come early.

"It's too bad the daughter isn't the one who's our age," Mitch said with a sly smile. "What's her name again?"

"Lisa."

"Right, Lisa and what's her brother's name? Aaron? Andrew?"

"Adam."

"Yeah, Adam," Mitch repeated. "You know, since Lisa's out, maybe you'll get lucky and Adam will be your type."

Cameron darted his eyes around, hoping no one was close enough to pick up on that last bit of information. Mitch had known Cameron was gay long before Cameron admitted it to him, and he'd been cool with it.

"You need to relax," Mitch said. "It's not the big deal you think it is."

"It is for me. My family will flip if they know I'm..."

"Gay," Mitch finished helpfully.

"Shut-up," Cameron ordered.

Mitch just grinned. "How do you know?"

"How do I know what?" Cameron frowned.

"How do you know they'll flip?"

"Because it will mean I can't produce the next alpha heir."

Mitch rolled his eyes. "Dude, there are all kinds of ways around that thanks to the miracles of modern medicine."

Before Cameron could reply, a murmur rippled through the crowd. It was easy to spot the source. A young girl with long, blonde hair stood between an older couple that Cameron assumed were her parents. Though they were likely the new family, there was no sign of the son. Even from where he stood, Cameron could smell their nervousness at being the center of attention, and he felt bad for them.

A short whistle from his father had Cameron moving toward the sound with Mitch following. Colby and Carver also responded to the call.

"Is that the new family?" Carver asked when they all reached Knox's side.

As his beta, Mitch's father, Keith, already stood beside Knox.

"Part of them," Knox agreed. "It looks like they decided not to bring Adam."

Cameron did his best to keep the disappointment off his face, but he'd really been looking forward to meeting Adam.

Ignoring the curious looks they were getting, the new family approached their group.

"Jeff, I'm glad you and Fran could make it," Knox said, holding his hand out as the man and his family drew closer.

"Thank you, Alpha." Jeff gave Knox's hand a quick pump and then released it. "I'm sorry. I mean, Knox."

Knox smiled. "No need to apologize. I realize most pack alphas are more formal. It's nice to see you and your family again."

"Thank you."