Summary: Having been considered the ‘baby’ of the pack, Colby wanted nothing more than to prove himself. But what happens when he gets caught up in a mess that might just make things much worse for him and his pack?

Warnings: Anal, D/s, HJ, Oral, M/M, WIP

Note: Some may recognize this story from AFF. I decided to post this here as well, and this chapter and the ones to come, will be the very small edited chapters. I made VERY small edits here, and I know it needs more. Slowly, I will fix what I can, I promise.

Beta: This chapter was beta'd by someone (yes!) and so I want to thank her for taking the time to fix the mistakes/errors this chapter had. I really appreciate it! Thanks, Nightmare Wolf :)

Anonymous review replies:

Lerene: I know you're not technically anonymous, but since I didn't have time to reply to you, I thought I'd put it here :) if that's fine with you? lol. I'm glad you're very curious, that's one of my goals in reeling in readers ;) And thank you for the review (both of them!) Seems this story just isn't very popular... :/ I hardly got any reviews. But I'm happy I got at least some :)

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The Pack’s Baby

Chapter Four: Costly Decisions

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There was once a time around the age of ten when Colby experienced his first real scare concerning his pack. It had been a time during the full moon, him and his pack were all in the woods, enjoying the leafy ground and wind that caressed their snouts as they ran and hunted. Because of his natural small stature, as well as age, he was smaller then; and equally as protective as the Alpha amongst the pack.

They all made sure Colby stayed in the middle, away from any and all danger, and never was he allowed to go near an animal unless it was dead first. Colby had always hated how they treated him, even if he knew they were just being their usual overprotective selves.

At that time though, Colby didn’t think anything wrong with wandering a little ways from the group; having jumped at the first opportunity when all was distracted. He wandered past them on quiet padded feet, tongue lolling in happiness at having achieved such a thing. He made sure he sniffed the ground and air, checking for safety and leaving a track so that he could make his way back. But what he didn’t take into account was the fact that he’d run into someone else. And this someone wasn’t a wolf he knew of.

Colby remembered staring into the golden-eyed wolf with his whole frame shaking like a leaf. The wolf was huge, broad and very dangerous and it’s teeth were set in a snarl, eyes glaring. Colby stayed frozen in the spot as he trembled even more. The wolf that was as golden-furred as it’s eyes; circled the small pup, eyeing him in both hunger and hate.

That was the very first wolf Colby ever saw that was so lethal looking. He had always admired seeing wolves, the different colors of pelts and eyes, and sizes. They were a wonderment to him; this one wasn’t even close. It was so very scary to be faced with. And when the wolf finally lunged at Colby; it’s eyes set on the small wolf’s throat, Colby barely even had time to flinch before another furry wolf was in front of him, allowing himself to take what Colby would’ve received. Alex — who wasn’t yet a beta, but was quickly learning to be one soon — saved Colby from any harm.

Alex though, was injured pretty badly. It took both Darren and the Alpha to defeat the golden wolf, and in the end Colby wasn’t even allowed near the area as they finished him off. Only a loud yip was heard; one filled in complete agony, before it all went quiet. The wolf, Colby learned later, was a rogue.

The danger Colby was faced with for that one single moment, and the danger Alex and even Darren and Roden faced afterward due to Colby’s immature behavior, left the boy in constant worry if any and all danger ever occurred. That was possibly one of the main reasons why Colby left Ashlin’s encounter from the group. Yes, he did want to be seen as an equal and revealing that would make them too overprotective; but most of all, he knew they wouldn’t leave it alone. They would find Ashlin and only cause more problems and dangers. He didn’t want them harmed.

When Colby first heard the male wolf warn his parents of the immediate danger, Colby thought of that one time, and not even a moment later, he was already rushing straight for the backyard, ignoring Anna’s calls to stay there with his parents and pups. He knew what would happen if he stayed. He’d be hidden away with the pups while one of his parents stayed and watched over them until there wasn’t any sign of danger. He wouldn’t stay hidden like a puppy; he was an adult now.

As soon as Colby made it outside, he stopped and calmed his breathing from practically running out there, and scanned the whole backyard, examining what was unfolding. Various wolves — the majority being in their wolf form and not human form — surrounded the back yard, sniffing at the air and trees, some growling and pacing. From what he could tell, all were from his allied pack’s, none unfamiliar. Alex could be seen standing just in front of Roden, his silver-grey fur standing up in agitation as his eyes roved every inch of the trees, studying, calculating. The other two Alpha’s were with Roden as well, while their beta’s did the same. Colby knew that they were both standing guard of the Alpha’s and scanning for any danger their eyes might see.

Calming his fast beating heart, Colby walked carefully toward his Alpha, making sure his head was tilted further toward the ground then usually, his eyes staying on the grassy yard — showing his complete submission to all the werewolves out there so that they wouldn’t think him a threat. Although when you're in your wolf form and understand like your human side, you still have a wolf side that can sometimes be uncontrollable in certain situations; mostly ones that feel threatened or angry. Colby really didn’t feel like being attacked by a wolf at the moment, so he made sure he did exactly what his Alpha had told him; submit.

When he finally reached the Alpha’s, Colby made sure to lower his head even more, awaiting for whenever they noticed or were ready to address the boy and ask what he wanted. Colby was prepared to wait for a long time, seeing how they were in a deep conversation that he wasn’t privy to, but heard with clear detail, but that didn’t happen. His Alpha noticed him right away, and Colby could sense his anger from a mile away — if he was that far from him that is.

“Why are you over here?” The question came from Roden’s gritted teeth as he lifted a hand and grabbed Colby’s blond locks in a fist; tugging his hair so that the boy looked up at him.

“You’re supposed to be in the hideaway with the other pups; safe and out of harms way.”

“I’m not a pup anymore!” He wasn’t. He was officially eighteen now, and so he was considered an adult. He wasn’t supposed to go hide at the sign of danger, he was supposed to stand and fight — to help.

Roden’s dark glare made Colby balk for a moment, but only for a moment. It wasn’t long before the small boy squared his shoulders determinedly like he did toward Ashlin that one time, and stared evenly at his Alpha. Roden sighed. “Colby, you’re a pup as long as I say so. Now go back inside until this is handled,” he gruffly demanded of the boy.

Colby opened his mouth, about to demand ‘no’ to his Alpha, when Darren interrupted. “The others are forming groups, Alpha’s,” he said, addressing the three Alpha’s. "We’re all going to see if there’s any of them out there still, or if their smell will give us some clues as to who they are and why they were here.”

“How long will it take?” His parent’s Alpha, Edmund Kerr asked.

“An hour tops. So far we’re able to pinpoint that they were at most a mile or so from the house. And what we’ve been able to tell so far is that there were at least over twenty.”

All three Alpha’s nodded their heads. Roden was the one to speak next. “I want the groups to be chosen wisely. We can’t afford any mistakes; send out half the strong ones and leave half here, we have pups to guard, we can’t afford an ambush.”

Darren nodded, his face impassive and so military-like that Colby was reminded of the fact that Darren was in war many times, he knew how to handle dire situations. Sparing Colby a stern glance, Darren went off toward the wolves to explain what was said, and then he began to make the groups.

Colby felt his stomach tighten as he saw Marcus amongst one of the groups, as well as his father. Darren would most likely go as well. Biting his lip in worry, Colby looked pleadingly up at his Alpha. “Please let me go.” He knew the answer before Roden even uttered it aloud, but he was hoping that it would be different. He had to go and make sure his pack members were all right. He wanted to go.

“No.” It was firm; a demand.

Colby felt his eyes burn when he heard this, and so he gripped Roden’s dress shirt in his hands, pleading with wide eyes. “Please, Alpha. I have to go. I can’t just stand here waiting to see if they’ll be fine or not! Marcus and Darren . . .” If he lost them, he didn’t know what he’d do. He loved all his pack members — except Nadine, of course — so losing one would be like ripping a piece of his heart out. He couldn’t live with that.

Roden’s eyes held firm though, and Colby could see a small glimmer of guilt in his eyes; for not being able to allow him to go, and for being too overprotective of the small boy, no doubt. “I’m sorry little one. Go back inside.”

Colby felt his heart sink a little. After a few moments of disappointment, the anger set in. Glaring up at the Alpha with heated blue eyes, Colby growled, “I’m staying right here then.”

It was decided then that Colby would wait with the Alpha, who, despite the boy’s aura of anger toward him, still kept a protective and loving arm across his shoulders, forever protecting him even if the boy hated him at the moment.

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The groups of wolves all returned without a single scratch or hair out of place. The only thing they discovered was the smell of one of their enemy packs, though the Alpha’s wouldn’t tell any who they were; they kept that to themselves. Colby was so very glad when he saw Marcus and Darren — and even his father — come back unscathed, and so, he ran toward them and hugged them so tightly that it took a nip at his neck to let him off. After that, Colby laid on the grass, Marcus laying next to him with his tongue lolling from the exertion not too long ago, and happily content as the small boy ran his fingers over the brown fur. Darren had to go and report to the Alpha, so the most he spared the small runt was a few licks on his palm before he changed back into his human form and slipped on his dress pants and then went to report to the Alpha’s.

Not even a full hour later, all the wolves were now in human skin, inside the house and just enjoying one another’s company. The scare was out of mind for now, no threat on the horizon for the night; so as the Alpha’s had a meeting privately of the affairs, the others hung out around the home, talking. The pups were all in bed by now, and some of the pack members had already left due to being so tired or having busy days the next day. Colby sat in a secluded corner in the kitchen, staring outside through the back patio glass doors, thinking.

It was dumb of him to even think that the Alpha would have allowed Colby to go out there and search for wolves and scents. He was smaller and weaker than the adults — that much he could very warily admit — but he couldn’t help but wish that he could’ve experienced that. There was no way he would be able to though. He needed the Alpha’s permission to even change into wolf form when it wasn’t a full moon, due to the reason that only the Alpha could control it. There was also the fact that Colby needed to be at least a mile within the Alpha for him to stay as a wolf. When you hadn’t yet become ‘one’ with your wolf, you were practically held within iron-cuffs, not allowed to change unless the Alpha allows you — unless of course if was the full moon — or not allowed to stay in your form if you’re too far from your Alpha.

That was one reason why Colby wished he had gone through his ‘one’ already, but he doubted he’d go through it anytime soon. Only the Alpha, Alex, Darren and Marcus were the ones that had reached their ‘one’. They were all able to transform into a wolf whenever they desired. Alex, Darren and Marcus were all able to last as long as they wished in their wolf-form when so far away from the Alpha. They had those liberties and freedom; Colby envied that and wished for it.

But they didn’t even go further than a mile or so anyway, in their search. Colby still could have gone, and stayed in his wolf-form if the Alpha had allowed it. But of course, he didn’t. The small boy couldn’t help but blame the Alpha for not letting him go. If he didn’t see Colby as some weak little puppy, then he would have been fine with it. At least he knew if Holden had asked, he would have let him go with the others.

It was unfair.

Sighing in aggravation and wishing that his party would be over and he could go home, Colby stood up, leaning his forehead against the glass as he stared forlornly in the empty backyard. It was at the moment when Colby was contemplating just walking home on his own — to which he’d get in serious trouble if he did — when a sudden movement outside caught his eye. Carefully watching the spot he saw the movement, he held his breath as he waited; but nothing happened.

Colby sighed again, thinking that he was just tired and his mind was playing tricks on him, so he was getting ready to turn around and head toward the living room to lay on the floor or something when his eye caught a figure.

Ashlin’s figure.

Colby’s breath stopped as he blinked a few times to see if he was just seeing things — and when the familiar enemy beta still stood there — Colby gulped. Ashlin was standing just in the area where the woods began, staring directly at Colby with bright eyes. Then, when the beta saw that the small boy had his attention, he smirked, placing his long index finger to his lips with a warning of, “Sh”; with his other hand he beckoned the boy with a flick toward the trees.

Colby stood there with his mouth open wide. What should he do? He wondered as he watched the beta’s face become impatient when the boy still stood shock-stilled. A part of him knew that he should go and tell someone that one of their enemies were on their property, especially since the whole ordeal that had just occurred not too long ago, but —

Colby opened the door, slipping out as quietly as he could. He didn’t know why he was going toward danger, possibly putting not only himself but the other pack’s in harms way. But he just couldn’t say anything. What if Ashlin meant no harm, and they ended up killing him? He couldn’t live with that on his conscious. Ashlin hadn’t done anything to warrant Colby uneasy and unsafe. They had come to an agreement that they weren’t enemies since they didn’t know one another, just their pack’s. But that wasn’t the only reason why he didn’t tell anyone Ashlin was there. He felt worried that if they captured Ashlin then they’d interrogate him. What if Ashlin said he had met the boy only a little under a week beforehand? They’d all blame him if Ashlin had something to do with tonight. Roden would be angry at the boy as well, thinking that he couldn’t trust him.

Colby couldn’t even trust himself anymore.

With anxiousness swimming in his stomach, Colby walked toward where Ashlin stood, whatever bravery he might’ve held completely gone. He felt scared and was starting to regret his decision.

“Little Colby!” Ashlin said happily as soon as the small boy was within a few feet of him, staring unsurely into his green eyes. “You don’t have to be worried — I promise no harm will come to you.” His words didn’t sound so promising.

Colby still looked unsure. “If you say so.” His voice shook slightly so he cleared his throat hoping the other wouldn’t think it shook from fright. “What is it you want beta Ashlin?” He warily asked.

Ashlin’s smile brightened. “What, no hello? How are you? My am I disappointed in you, little Colby. Here I thought we were just becoming close friends — I mean, you did keep me a secret from your pack.”

Colby glared. “That wasn’t for you, and it wasn’t a secret. I just didn’t reveal to them that I talk— ”

“Yes, yes; same thing puppy.” He grinned. “But that’s not what I came to discuss.”

Feeling the trepidation swarming his frame whole, Colby asked, “What?”

Ashlin took a step toward the boy in answer, then another and another until he was directly in front of him, within only a few breaths away. “You’re so easily vulnerable. You come out here without any real thought, putting trust in me not to harm you when we’re enemies. It’s very brave.” He laughed out, then continued in a matter-of-fact voice, “But bravery, little Colby, isn’t always smart. One day you’ll realize that, I promise you. But I assure you, I’m going to use it to my advantage.”

With a confused tone, he asked, “What do you mean?”

Ashlin titled his head at the boy, smiling largely. “You my friend are going to come to a little agreement of sorts. And trust me when I say the outcome will be dire if you disagree.” He sounded so sure that Colby shivered with trepidation of exactly what ‘agreement’ and ‘outcome’ he was referring to.

Colby’s voice no doubt shook as he asked, “What sort of agreement?” Ashlin seemed to love hearing the boy’s voice shake, for his face brightened even more when he saw how truly scared Colby was starting to get. What a sick bastard, Colby thought; which was a surprise in itself, Colby rarely ever cursed. He knew that the situation was taking a toll on him. And it was all his fault too.

“I want you to get me some information. Information that I’ve been looking for for quite some time.” Colby’s face resembled confusion, waiting for the beta to elaborate. “The whereabouts of someone that your precious little Alpha knows of. But he won’t tell anyone and there’s no way I can get it without you, unfortunately. Believe me, I’ve tried to acquire it many times in the past. I’m sick of waiting, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Colby felt panicked, staring wide-eyed at the green eyes that were so heated now. “I can’t. I won’t be able to — ”

“You can. You, my little brave heart, have that Alpha of yours wrapped around your little finger. He’d do anything for you. He’d tell you anything, ” Ashlin said surely, holding Colby’s gaze to make the point across.

“You’re wrong.” He was. Roden rarely ever did what Colby wanted and asked for. If anything, Colby was wrapped around Roden’s finger. He did what Roden said — mostly — and he told him everything — sort of — right? Colby stared thoughtfully up at the large man, wondering if what he was saying was true. Would the Alpha tell him anything, and do anything if Colby asked? That thought was immediately banished when he remembered how he specifically asked for them not to go the birthday party, and then recently, when he asked if he could go out with the group to search. Ashlin was wrong.

“He will, I promise you that. It doesn’t take a genius to see how much Roden adores you. So answer me this, what would it take for you to agree?” He asked passionately with a hint of something Colby couldn’t quite pin-point.

“It won’t take anything,” Colby answered truthfully. “You’re asking me to go back on my Alpha’s trust, to use him for information. I won’t do it. I’m sorry beta Ashlin.” And he was, sort of. The man had frightened him, and was on the verge to possibly harm him since he wasn’t agreeing, but it just wasn’t right. He couldn’t betray his Alpha like that. Yes, he did withhold information at times, and on occasion not listen, but he loved Roden. He couldn’t and wouldn’t do that.

Ashlin was quiet for a few moments before he spoke with a quiet and dangerous tone that froze the small boy on the spot. “Even if it endangers someone you love? What would Alex look like ripped into a million little pieces of fur and flesh, I wonder?” Ashlin cupped his chin, thinking of what he spoke of, Colby figured, with a sadistic smile.

Anger beyond anything imaginable enveloped Colby as he glared with hateful daggers at the muscular man before him. “You — ” But he wasn’t able to finish that sentence — whatever it was going to be — for the beta ended up lunging at the small boy and pushed him roughly up against the bark of a tall oak. His large hands wrapped around Colby’s upper arms, holding them pinned tightly.

“I will have that information, Colby. Even if I have to pluck the fur off every single person associated with you,” the beta growled, teeth baring dangerously close to his neck. “Alex, he’s strong but not as strong as I — if you’ve forgotten, I’ve been alive a lot longer; I’m easily as strong as any Alpha, so your beloved beta would be no match against me,” he hissed.

“Confident much?” Colby seethed, then yelped as the beta dug his nails into the boy’s arm, the claw-like nails ripping through the dress shirt and digging into flesh. It felt like Ashley was biting him again. It wasn’t unbearable or enough to really bleed, but it still hurt. At least they’d heal quick, his hand had healed only a little while after Ashley had bit him.

“Oh I am. And what about the others, little Colby? Marcus, Holden, Darren, even that Nadine girl you so loathe.”

Frozen and pale, Colby’s slack jaw formed barely whispered words of: “How do you know about — ”

“I do my homework, thoroughly,” Ashlin interrupted, grinning. “What about your other family, then? Your parent’s and their three little pups. I’ll do whatever I can to get that information,” he said with complete determination that scared him to almost death.

Colby couldn’t say anything back at that. His mind was filled with worry for the ones he loved. His pack, his family. Who knew what would happen to them if Ashlin attacked them. They were strong, but the beta was as old as the Alpha himself. He could very well be considered one with how high in status he was, and how strong he looked; and felt. Colby couldn’t even move an inch within the beta’s strong grasp. Would his pack and family even be a match against him? What would happen if Colby told them about Ashlin? Would they all team up and go after him, and some get hurt or possibly worse in the aftermath of it? Could he live with himself, he wondered as he stood on the verge of tears.

He didn’t want to cry — that was for the weak. But why did he feel like all he wanted to do was burst into tears and run into Roden’s or Alex’s chest like he did when he was a child?

“I’ll tell you what,” Ashlin finally spoke. Colby looked up suddenly, seeing that same sort of emotion he couldn’t pinpoint before. “I’ll give you five days. I’ll come and you’ll give me the answer I want, or you’ll see the first of your loved ones die. And you’ll blame nothing but yourself.”

Colby couldn’t even open his mouth; he just nodded, unable to trust his voice. And then, before he could even think to utter a sound, Ashlin buried his nose along the boy’s neck, sniffing deeply. He completely ignored Colby’s thrashing to get him off of him. He hated Ashlin. He threatened everyone he loved, was forcing Colby into an agreement he wanted nothing to be part of, and now, he was scenting so he’ll always recognize his smell! If he ever grew strong enough to go against the beta, he would surely kill him.

“Ugh,” Colby gagged. Only Roden or his pack was allowed to sniff at him, and they never did it because they were scenting him for future’s sake; they already knew what he smelled like. Shoving his fists one last time against the strong chest, Colby merely waited for him to be done. Ashlin chuckled, letting his neck free before his grip tightened around his arms, and then with barely an effort, tossed the small boy on the ground.

Colby ignored the pain from both physical and shame as he laid on the ground, glaring up at the dark-haired beta.

Ashlin’s smirk was mischievous and filled with dark promises. “See you later, little Colby.”

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Author note: you won't get chapter five for a few weeks. Also, over on AFF, you get the new chapter sooner, just a heads up. If the chapter takes longer than a few weeks then it's because I'm working on my other story at the moment (A Pack's Loyalties) I'm trying to get the 10th chapter finished and posted soon ;)