<span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A few moments alone did nothing to quell the frustration and anxiety bubbling up within.  He knew he shouldn't be agitated, but seeing his mate freely touch someone else when he always kept him at a distance made him feel...unworthy.  Feeling eyes on him and finding the source didn't help.  Marco had been the one he had expected to be named beta.  The man had been training his entire life for it, where as Preston wasn't meant to be part of the hierarchy in <i>this </i>pack and he knew no one knew what training he had gone through because it was in the past and he no longer mentioned it.  Besides, if they knew, they would treat him differently, he was sure.<br/>
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It had been a surprise that he had found his mate in Jaymus.  He'd seen the man as a pup when he'd been over at Cyrus' house.  He never really spoke to the younger man before, but then, he'd never really spoken much to anyone.  Cyrus had understood that and never expected much more from the silent wolf, but he'd been an ear to the soon to be alpha about the pup his father seemed to favor over him.  He understood.  He'd give anything to have his father's approval, for the man to be proud of him but that was impossible now.  He did envy his friend a bit in that regard, but Cyrus was his closest and dearest friend and he wouldn't change that for the world.<br/>
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He had met Jaymus many times over at his friend's house though, but it never clicked that he was his mate until the four of them were officially meeting up after Cyrus's father was stepping down and their roles had been announced.  He'd been leaning against the wall in the pack house, behind and just to the left of Cyrus who was seated.  His arms had been crossed.  He wasn't nervous, though he felt out of place.  They had earned their roles and he had been gifted his.<br/>
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He'd heard the door open and close, and even knowing who it was, he still looked up.  He'd met Jaymus before, had expected the man to be a know it all and for the two of them to never get along.  The man was talented and he knew it so he expected a smug bastard walking in behind the Luna.  What he didn't expect was for his world to narrow till it was just the man.  It was as if there was no other wolf, alpha or luna around.  All that mattered was Jaymus.  He wasn't sure how long he had stared, but he knew he was staring.  Eventually, he got it together, or was forced to get it together when Cyrus elbowed him hard.  It didn't get any smoother for him there.  He fumbled to find Jaymus a seat and over the younger wolf's shoulder had sent Cyrus a panicked glance.  The smirk on the future alpha's face didn't bode well for him, but they had both been content to keep it quiet for now.  When he finally had had the nerve to confront Jaymus about it, after weeks of no sign from the other man, he'd found out that Jaymus wanted time before he settled down.  A rock had settled in his chest, but he'd accepted it because it was what his mate had wanted.<br/>
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When he felt eyes on him at the party, it didn't feel like his mate's.  It felt angry and when he turned he saw the dark haired tattooed wolf, Marco, staring at him.  He kind of felt guilty and bad for the man.  Preston had unintentionally taken his job.  The job Marco had trained his entire life for and most likely would be better suited for if the man didn't have a bad attitude.  He didn't mind being glared at, but when he saw the glare turn on the alpha, he could feel his hackles rise and a low growl deep in his throat though he managed to keep it silent.  Would be beta or not, Preston knew he'd have to keep an eye on him and watch the alpha's back.<br/>
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He heard the individual conversations stop as all eyes turned to the Alpha and Luna.  The two were getting ready to run and Jaymus was already beside them so he tossed his drink in the trash and ran up to take his place behind and just to the left of the alpha.  He'd barely made it to his side before the two new leaders of the pack had taken off, shifting in mid air and he was quick to follow them.  <br/>
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Every time his four paws hit the ground felt a bit surreal.  He wasn't sure why as this had been the only place he'd ever shifted, but he assumed it was because his old pack had lived in the snowy peaks of the mountain.  His wolf expected to feel snow every time but was mildly amused at the soft grass that tickled them instead.  He kept up easily, casting a glance into the woods and over his shoulder both looking for threats and maintain a visual on the rest of the pack.  </span>