I Claim Your Love novel Chapter 7

The Alpha had invited the entire village as it was a special occasion for the Knights. Not only was his only son turning sixteen but also he was now eligible to search for his mate. Unlike other wolves an Alpha wolf can recognize their mate at the age of sixteen and not the usual eighteen. Everyone seemed excited by the thought of having a new Luna in the pack.

Huge amount of wood and bales of straw were gathered in the centre of a large open ground. It was time for the festivities to begin. However Einar was still vexed at the disappearance of his soother. He looked around the cheerful faces of his fellow mates and other members of the pack among whom were some pretty girls who vied for his attention. They hoped for being the new Luna of the pack. But Einar did not care for any of them. His mind was clouded by thoughts of someone else. He was in such a sour mood that instead of being the merrymaker he could lash out his anger to anyone who approached him at that moment. Even Garrick was keeping his distances from a foul mood Einar.

He missed Callan.

He took it upon himself to know the whereabouts of the boy. He pushed his mind link to the head warrior hoping for some answers.

Hello Justus. Is everything alright with the security? Do you need my help?

Everything is perfect here Einar. You need not worry.

Have the guests arrived yet?

The chiefs of some villages have already arrived while the others are on their way. I have mind linked them all, they will be here soon.

Einar was finding it difficult to ask Justus about Callan. It was like asking a girl's father for his permission to court his daughter. This was weird for him. The awkwardness was there but the curiosity to see Callan was showing dominance now.

Could you please send Callan to the arsenal? I wanted to show the place to my friends. I want to make sure everything is organized.

Callan has not arrived yet. I will send Peter to do the job don't worry.

Einar did know that Callan was not present here but he wanted to assess the reason for it.

Actually I was insisting for Callan because he knows the place better; but if he does not want to do the job then its fine..

That's not the case Einar. Callan has been visiting his friends in the mountains and the human village. But he assured me that he would reach the Alpha house before the feast begins.

Einar knew exactly where the boy was and he hated it. It was his so called best friend who used to always stick with him. The boy spent almost all of his time with his friend when not in the alpha house. One could smell the were-bear all over Callan and that aggravated Einar. Just thinking about the boy with someone else was making his blood boil. His beast was restless and wanted out. Einar thought it would be best if he calms the beast and return for the celebrations later.

He was about to turn when he bumped into someone and clumsily fell on that person. Both of them were on the ground with their torsos kissing each other. Einar's mood saw a dramatic change; he was pleasantly content from within. He knew that only one person could bring these alterations in him.

It was Callan.

His hair was in disarray, his skin was pale and smooth while his eyes were staring at his culprit; at Einar. It was a perfect piquant situation for Einar. He could not help but stare at the alluring deep green eyes. He was perfect.

When Einar heard some commotion around he regained himself and quickly stood up. "Watch where your going Ashton. I hope your not blind." Einar spat with venom in his mouth and pain in his heart. On the other hand Callan could not believe that instead of apologizing the egoistic douche was blaming him.

"If I'm not wrong you bumped into me while I was on my way and not the other way around."

At this point a few people had already gathered around the two of them.

"Are you saying that it was my fault? That I purposely fell on you." Einar scowled.

Callan opened his mouth to revert but he looked around himself and saw people taking interest in their conversation. He did not wanted any disorder today; not on his birthday. He knew he was right but to avoid any conflict he lowered his head in submission.

"Exactly what I thought." Einar snorted.

Among the people surrounding them were Marden, Tusker, Richard and Aldous. These boys belonged to respected families of the Alpha village. Like many in the pack, they detested Callan for being a non-shifter and unlike the other pack members they were vocal about it. They were of the opinion that Callan should be banished from the pack as he was not one of them. They degraded Callan on every chance they got.

"You don't cease any opportunity to cause trouble. Do you Ashton?" The tall blonde boy with sharp features said.

"It's not his fault Tusker. He's a loner and therefore he wants all the attention to himself." Aldous said derisively.

"But he always gets away after putting our future Alpha in trouble. Remember the last time when Einar was confined in his room for a week. It was all thanks to this spastic." This time it was Richard's turn to speak.

Callan was agitated and equally pained at the offensive words used against him. Einar did sense Callan's dejection but he felt powerless at the moment. If he stood by Callan, people would doubt his motives and on the other hand if he hurts any of these boys, the pack could get suspicious of his behavior. His father would be angry and may even punish him.

He tried to pacify the situation. "It's aright Richard; the boy will not hurt me again. He knows better."

Einar hoped that the boys would understand and back off. Instead he saw hatred and mischief in their eyes when Marden spoke. "It may be alright for you but we won't let the offender go scot free. This guy has an enormous pride for supposedly being the 'best' in combats, that's the reason he considers everyone below him including our future Alpha. He thinks he can outsmart us. He needs to learn a lesson. He must apologize to Einar Traditionally." Marden spoke venomously ever so slow.

There was silence everywhere. Callan was shocked at the statement. A traditional apology was outright humiliation. It was a stab to his honor. Even if he wanted to he knew he should not do this as his conscience would never forgive him. He was shattered from within. He looked around for support but it was futile. The onlookers agreed with Marden in unison as for them the Alpha was their leader, he should be regarded with utmost respect. As a future alpha Einar should've been respected.

"I think you are blowing the matter out of proportion Marden. I have already apologized. What else can I do?" Callan pleaded his case.

"We have already told you what you must do. Mere uttering the words mean nothing, you should beg for forgiveness and endure it. Even Einar agrees with us." Aldous looked at Einar who was holding back his anger and frustration for what was going on. He wanted to save the boy badly but he was conscious enough and knew that every effort he makes towards the boy will garner suspicion from others. With a heavy heart Einar nodded and reluctantly agreed to the punishment.

"You are at fault here Callan. Just take your punishment and leave." Einar was ashamed for every word he said. He was in pain. He knew it was his fault but peer pressure around him was urging him to part ways with the boy.

Callan gritted his teeth and looked sideways. He did not want to show his teary eyed face to anyone. He reluctantly composed himself and with his head hung low, he moved in front of Einar. He then slowly was on his knees with his hands at the back; he bowed his spine and rubbed his nose on each shoe of Einar. He moved in such a gesture as if his motion was cleansing the dirt from Einar's shoes. He gritted his teeth and forcefully kissed his feet with pursed lips. This was a low blow for any man, wolf or not. At this moment Callan was shattered a million times. He valued his honor too much but it had been trampled cruelly by these inconsiderate people, especially the moron in front of him.