A day off that was precisely what I needed. This alpha job ran me ragged, and I needed a day to relax and hang out with my friends. Darrel, Max, and Ethan were with me to play basketball before Max had to run training.

"Not everyone gets Labor Day off, babe," Max said to Darrel, kissing his cheek. They have been mated for three years, so hanging on each other was a typical sight.

"All I'm saying is that you work too hard," Darrel mutters back. "you should give the boys off training today and spend the day doing something fun, something you enjoy."

"so doing you," Ethan and I, avoiding the conversation, looked at each other and gagged.

"That would be impressive," Darrel mused, then looked at Ethan and me. "Oh hush, you two, you are simply jealous that you don't have this."

"Nope, that would be a false statement." Ethan grabbed the basketball and threw it at Darrel. "You see, mating ties you down. It makes you want to make someone else the center of your world, and I am far too selfish for that shit."

"We have noticed," I joked, grabbing the ball as we started our two on two. I partner with Ethan since Max and Darrel are always partners because of the mate. Ethan is cool, but he doesn't have the enhanced wolf senses or balance. On the upside, he is a nymph, so he has some nature magic to throw into the mix. We were on our way to winning when Ethan slammed into the ground like a sack of potatoes.

"Hold on," I shouted. "Dude, you good." We all start to zero in on him.

"My Tree," he gasped out. instantly, alpha mode kicks in

"Max, get the warriors ready and head towards the grove. I don't know what we face, but bring as many as possible. Darrel collects the older kids and non-fighters. I want you ready to assist with the wounded and refugees. Go," they start running, but before they get too far, I yell, "and find my beta."

"My tree, my family," Ethan gasps again and tries to get up."you stay here. I am going to fix this, buddy," I tell him. I mind-linked one of the pack medical team to come and take him to the triage area. One of the nurses runs up to me.

"I got him, Alpha. I will do everything I can," she says, taking my place supporting his weight. I shift and run to catch up with my pack to head out.Someone is going to pay for this, and they are going to suffer. No one hurts my friends and gets away with it.