CHAPTER 4

From the outside of the house, it looks old, but elegant. Though it’s built not to attract too much attention from the packs and to blend in with the rest of the werewolves’ houses to protect the fortress from outsiders, it is still one of the well-built houses in the territory.

“How’s the hunt?” a lovely woman with her long dark wavy hair inquired the moment she laid eyes on her son.

Tyr just kissed her head gently as his usual greeting. “Had captured more newborns than the last full moon.”

The woman, a beauty that’s enthralling and exquisite despite the menacing aura around her, watched her son sit in front of her on their porch and gave him a sweet smile.

“It must have been hard. Rogues need to stop exploiting humans into turning them into our kinds. If this continues, we won’t have any other choice but to eliminate those infecting them.” Her voice was of commanding demeanor, just as the alpha she is.

“Marcus is starting to let young wolves join the hunt. Newborns are dangerous, even stronger than these trainees. I’ve been against the idea of involving the trainees into the hunt earlier than they are expected to join. If they are not ready, we will lose them to the rogues.” Tyr said in his serious tone, trying to deliver his message across his mother, the luna of their pack.

Morrigan proudly looked at her son, as if watching her kid confidently performed well in what he does. Pride glistened in her golden eyes.

“I’m sure Marcus thought about it too. But you also have to understand that to be able to protect thousands of our kinds, we will have to suffer loses first. You’re doing an excellent job in guiding and protecting the trainees. The council, for sure, can see that.” she commended.

Tyr subtly heaved a sigh. For the past couple of years, he had been trying to convince Marcus and the council to stop sending young wolves during their hunt. Aside from the still developing skills in fighting, Tyr believes that these trainees should also be in their priority of hierarchy to protect as they are their future armies and guardians. However, the number of newborns is increasing every full moon which forced the council to reinforce.

“It is still not worth the sacrifice. These are teens. They are still enduring the full moon shift and they have to go out there to hunt newborns.” with a hint of frustration in his voice, Tyr answered.

Morrigan faintly smiled, feeling proud yet again for such leadership her son exhibits.

“You’re still young, too, Tyr. But you go out there to patrol the forest even when it’s not full moon. You also blend in with humans to investigate and protect them. But then again, what do I expect from a kid like you who insisted to start his training at the age of seven when you were supposed to enjoy your innocence.” she said chuckling.

“I had to. I needed to.” Tyr should be proud of it, however, thinking about the reason why he was so eager to prove himself worthy, made his statement faint and weak.

Morrigan gently put her hand on Tyr’s shoulder, passing that invisible energy to her son every time they speak about this kind of stuff. She always knows what weighs on her son’s mind.

“You’re meant to do it. The pack is starting to see how great the future leadership will be under your command. Don’t let your print outweigh your fate. You are meant to be great, Tyr. I hope you always remember that.” She fondly smiled at him as a reassurance not from a queen, but from a mother.

“Thank you… mom.”

Despite him questioning his half mark, Tyr is relieved to have the guidance and support of his mother. His father might not outright say it, but the alpha of Moon Stone has always had high expectations of him being the next alpha of their pack.

-xx-

The holidays went by fast as it usually does every year. People enjoy the warmth being shared inside their homes amidst the freezing weather and snow starting to paint the town in white. The town lit up with the festive lights on every street, and taverns filled up with people socializing and celebrating. It wasn’t that much in Moon Valley than in Tilbury, but clearly, holiday season was being traditionally commemorated the same.

Before they know it, they already welcomed a new year, expecting another year of plans accomplished. And for Zane, he was getting closer to go to the big city, Astrea. With another year added in his life, he had never been so focused on his life plans for his family.

“Happy birthday!”

The greeting made in perfect chorus surprised Zane when he arrived home from doing some errands Esme disguised him to do so they could pull off their surprise.

Party poppers bursting confetti on him startled the celebrant, along with the popping sound of champaign bottle. Faces with bright gleams congratulated Zane for his twentieth birthday and his best friend, Keira, put on a party hat on him.

“Happy birthday to you~” The classic birthday song started to fill the house in different pitches and tones of voices singing together.

Keira, who’s now holding her homemade cake for her best friend with the help of Esme, stood in front of Zane and made the celebrant blow on his candle after making sure he had his wishes made.

A round of applause ended the surprise and every person in the house made their way to Zane to give their personal birthday greetings.

“I’m getting old for surprises guys. But thank you!” Zane announced as he kissed his mom and Keira, and gave his dad a hug along with Theo.

“No one’s too old to blow their birthday candles, my son.” Seth, his father, commented.

Zane just gave his father a smile and their simple party started. Every year, Zane celebrates his special day with only the people closest to him – his parents, his best friend Keira, and his college friend Theo. Most often than not, their other friends would just greet him once the school semester starts. So, it is always intimate on the day of his birthday.

“Now, let me have my cake. I wonder what it is this year.” Zane said, eyeing his best friend and mother while slicing a piece of cake.

Last year, Keira baked him a Dundee cake since Zane loves almonds. And from the looks of it, his best friend went for a more traditional and classic flavor for his cake and made him a Victoria sponge cake decorated with fresh strawberries around.

Everyone watched Zane have a first bite of his cake and Keira especially waited for his feedback.

“Hmm… this is great.” he sincerely complimented.

This immediately put a proud smile on Keira’s face before she helped herself get everyone a slice as well.

“Keira did some effort for this. Of course, it will taste good.” Esme remarked, enjoying her own slice of cake.

“When will I ever get a personally baked cake from you for my birthday then?” Theo said with his voice coated in sarcasm.

“Don’t worry. I’ll buy your cake again next time.” Keira’s response made everyone laugh.

After the chitchats, few drinks, and Keira dancing here and there, it was time for Keira and Theo to go home as it was already past dinner. They both said their farewells to the Lewis and headed towards the door.

“Happy birthday again, man.” Theo greeted one last time as they approached the door.

“Thank you for coming as always.” Zane replied.

“You don’t have to walk me home, Zane. I’ll be with Theo.” Keira informed her best friend when the guy was about to step out of the house, too.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Of course! Theo can walk me home. Right?” Keira turned her head to Theo and smiled.

“Yeah, sure! Let’s go then.” Theo answered.

After saying goodbye, Keira and Theo started walking away and while on their way to Keira’s house, Theo asked her.

“Did something happen between you two?” The curiosity filled Theo’s voice.

“What? No. Why would you think that?” Keira nonchalantly brushed off.

“I mean, Zane always takes you home. Always.” Theo gave the lady a questioning look while maintaining his teasing smile.

Keira just playfully rolled her eyes on him. “You’re thinking too much. I just want him to spend time with Seth and Esme. Plus, you’re here. You never really walk me home anyway.”

“Because you’re always with Zane. So, I don’t think you’ll need another one to do it.” Theo casually replied, shrugging his shoulders from the cold temperature.

“But you can still walk me home with Zane.” the lady mindlessly suggested.

“I thought you want to be alone with Zane, so I don’t want to intervene.” Theo pointed out which made the lady halt on her feet, giving her friend a busted look.

“T-That’s not true.” she tried to deny.

“You’re obvious Keira. You don’t have to deny it from me. We’ve been friends for three years.” Theo chuckled.

“How come you knew and he’s not?” Keira unconsciously pouted which made her friend laugh out loud.

“You’ve been friends for too long. Maybe some things don’t look anything special to him now because you always do it.” His words came in like a knock at Keira, making senses out of her.

“You’re probably right.” she admitted.

“Of course, I am! You like Zane.” Theo casually blurted out which made Keira’s eyes almost popped out.

The lady frantically covered her friend’s mouth and looked around for people who might’ve heard him. Neighborhood in Tilbury almost knew each other. So, someone they know from school might hear them.

“Don’t just say it out loud.” Keira hissed him which Theo found cute and chuckled under her gloves.

“Fine. I won’t.”

Keira sighed in relief and jokingly stomped her feet as they started to walk again. Theo sadly smiled after confirming his assumption on Keira and Zane, but he shrugged whatever uninvited feelings to seep in and walked his friend to her home.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, Zane helped his mother clean the living room after spending another special day with them.

“I’ve always wanted to ask this, but…” Zane paused for a second before looking at his mother who is now washing the dishes. “…how did you know that this day was my birthday? Or is it because it was the day you found me on your doorstep?”

Esme looked at Zane and answered, “You are our blessing when we found you. And I felt like I gave birth to you that day, so we will always remember this day close to our hearts. That’s why it’s your birthday today.”

Zane contently smiled and helped her mother with the dishes. “Thank you for giving me a family and I can call home.”

“Guess washing dishes is making you this sentimental. Go join your father for a drink.” Esme teased her son which made the guy chuckle and pecked on her head before returning to where his father was for a drink.

After finishing half bottle of scotch, Zane decided to let his parents rest for the night and didn’t forget to thank him for yet another special surprise for his birthday.

Every year on his birthday, Zane looks out his window where he can see the night sky showering the town with snowflakes. As if it’s his conscious habit to hold on his necklace while looking at the moon every night on his birthday. Along where his necklace hangs on his chest, is his very unusual birthmark. Unlike a normal mark, the color of his is somewhat red and spanning under his skin. Despite the quite bizarre and intrinsic appearance of his birthmark, touching and seeing the mark on his skin always put a proud smile on his face because he feels somehow special – maybe too special that his parents abandoned him almost freezing at the doorstep of strangers’ house.

-xx-

Finally, a new semester begun.

Streets damp of melted snow, fluffy clouds that’s of white and grey at the sky, and the mixed smell of pheromones from both alphas and omegas glazing the air greeted Zane and Keira as they strode across the street going to the university. Some were excited, and some were still in their vacation mode.

“Zane! Keira!” The familiar gleeful voice made their heads turn almost in sync and saw Theo running towards them.

“Hey! You’re early.” Keira joked.

“I don’t want to miss the joy of welcoming new faces.” Theo reasoned out and walked beside them.

Zane just shook his head while listening to the two sharing moments of their holiday break. And just like any other first days, they went straight to their classroom after catching up a little with their block mates.

An almost buzzing sound filled their room with students’ voices overlapping each other while reminiscing their vacation. Zane, Keira, and Theo sat at their usual seats while waiting for the bell to ring. Just a moment later, students settled down in their respective seats as the professor graced the podium.

“Control your excitement fellas, or I’m losing my sense of smell.” the middle-aged instructor greeted them with his humor.

Students chuckled because they could also smell the mixed pheromones in the air.

“Before you enjoy your first day slack, let me introduce you to your new block mates.”

The class instantly roared in exhilaration that the professor had to raise his right hand to stop them. He then looked to the door and signaled the transferees to come in.

Two tall students, broad shoulders, and eye-catching visuals adorned to the side of the podium, standing proudly to the entire class. The class cheered upon seeing the good-looking transferees, not just the ladies, but also the guys.

“Woah…” Theo gasped in awe that made Keira beside him jokingly slap his shoulder.

“Go ahead and introduce yourselves.”

“Hello! I’m Zeev Harvey. Nice to meet everyone.” Zeev said in his friendly tone.

“I’m Tyr Blake.” Tyr shortly introduced and a second silent followed before the class clapped for them once again.

But his eyes immediately caught a gaze intently pierced at him, and despite the mixture of scents in the room, Tyr could feel that familiar omega scent lingering in his nose. He glanced at Zeev and behind his cousin’s toothy grin, Tyr could read the affirmation from him. Bingo! They were in the right class.

Meanwhile, Zane’s brows marred at the sight of the transferees. Not just one, but both of them. His head automatically turned to Keira from his right side who looked clueless while joining the entire class cheer for the new faces. This made him intently gazed at them, especially Tyr who also locked his eyes on him.

“There are empty seats on the back. Take any seats you like.” the professor instructed.

In an elevated structure of the room, Zeev took the stairs first and went straight to the empty seat behind Keira, Theo, and Zane. Tyr just quietly followed and sat right behind Zane while Zeev sat behind Keira.

“Nice to meet you both, lad.” Theo showed his friendly welcoming to the two.

Zeev casually saluted at Theo and beamed before leaning towards Keira’s ear. “Hello.”

“O-Oh! Hi!” Keira was a bit startled by the warm air against her cheek and had to lean to Zane’s side to greet the new transferee.

Zane glared at Zeev and finally turned on his back to take a proper look at Tyr. He almost couldn’t smell both of them. Maybe it was the overcoating pheromones in the air. But even a subtle scent from them couldn’t be sniffed given the close distance. Zane calmed himself trying not to let out any negative scent that might alarm Keira. So, after the intent gaze he gave to Tyr, he let them have their peaceful first subject goes by.

The moment they stepped out the room after class, Zane whispered to Keira on their way to the door.

“Do you remember them?” His voice was faint and cautious.

“Who?” Keira asked.

“The transferees.”

Keira was about to look back, but Zane was quick to stop her. “Don’t look.”

His best friend gave him a knitted forehead. “No. It’s my first time seeing them. Why? Is there something wrong?”

Zane masked his worry with a smile and just shook his head.