I stumbled backwards at his words. Inherently, I knew they were true. Only Alpha’s could open a mind link within a pack, so it was at least true he was ancestral of the Ember Pack elders.
“How? Who are you? Our Alpha had no offspring.”
Ibolted in my house out of the sudden rain, breathless and awestruck by what had become. I said a silent prayer as I crept up the stairs, begging the Moon Goddess not to wake my mother. I made it to my room without stirring her and quickly peeled off my wet clothes, pulling on the softest flannel pajamas I owned and burying my exhausted body into the well awaited warmth of my bed.
I heard the blood rush in my ears as soon as the Alpha's hand met mine, my body became numb and I counted my breaths, trying to leave my mind open as a vessel to contact my pack. Since Beta Friendrich's death we rarely comminucated through the mind link anymore. It was mainly used in emergency situations or to announce the arrival of visiitors. I could almost hear the sound of the door opening, rusty and creaking in my mind. Before long Alpha Rhode's voiuce rang out, clear through the routes and tunnels of the link, visiting every pack member."My name is Alpha Rhodes, I hereby lay claim to this pack. The Ember Pack will now be joined with the former Kronos and Genesis packs of the West. Any and all questions will be answered in person this evening. Theo Martin will explain the details."I felt the snap as my mind link became my own, now with the murmerings of nervous pack members across the entirety of the town. I swallowed hard, before speaking "Al
The sound of my alarm blaring stirred me out of bed, and I sluggishly pulled myself from the comfort of my blankets to silence it. I was exhausted, my whole body yearned for rest. It had been alert and on edge for twodays now, having been battered unwieldingly by the rapid changes around us. "Don't expect it to stop anytime soon!" Sage warned me, but I knew she was right. Something told me that this would be the first of many days in a row spent training under the guidance of the new Alpha, and my already sore muscles were about to be beaten to submission.I stumbled to the bathroom, hastily brushing my teeth and pulling my thick hair into a bun at the top of my head, securing it with a thin elastic headband and several bobby pins. While I was physically fit enough, I was by no means athletic and my stomach turned thinking about the battering I was to endure. I slipped into a pair of tight wrestling shorts I had bought ages agoto wear when I wore a dr
I had hoped to make it to the car and hope without being caught by Mains or my mother, but Goddess knows I could never be so lucky. She stuck her head out the door toward the back parking lot the minute I walked up to the car, her voice clear and warning across the lot,"Not so fast, young lady. I expect a report!"I sighed, and followed suit, not wanting to play victim to the same wrath I'd felt the day before. My mother swooped on me in the doorway, peppering me with questions about the turnout and the training, asking if I'd learned anything about our new neighbours from the West."Whoa, Mom, slow down!" I laughed, amused at her antics. Ignoring her huff, I patted her arm, "I'm spent. Maybe a seat and a cup of tea?""Fine! But then you're telling me everything!" She said, wagging her finger at me before disappearing to her office to get a cup of tea ready. I made my way over to a soft little nook in the front
As quickly as I noticed it Rhodes had pulled his hand away and I willed the furious blush to subside from my cheeks. As someone flicked on the lights, the room started to clear, chatter about the movie and ongoing pack programs lingering in the air. I looked towards Alpha Rhodes, but he didn't meet my gaze. My head was swimming, confused with thoughts of confusion and longing for this strange new Alpha. I barely knew him, knew so little of his story but I couldn't deny the magnetic pull I had to him.Beta Gideon mentioned something about reviewing border lines before patrol to the Alpha and he nodded, leaving the room with the last of the warriors as the credits finished rolling across the screen. I collected my thoughts, swallowing hard as the dark room filled with light, willing the blush forming on my cheeks to subside before Torrance or her mother noticed. They chattered away, talking plot points and sequels, before Leona turned to me, "Would you like to stay a litt
While I'd slept in some, I nearly shot out of bed the next morning, full of excited nerves shooting through me like live wires. I was nearly tipping over with excitement to begin combat training today, to learn how to move my body on the offensive, to become a weapon in protection of my pack. I had never thought about it before yesterday, the physical classes we took in our towns small high school were lacklustre and unenthusiastic. Our pack had resigned in the past decade to allow the elements to act as our main line of defence. Sage had always urged me to seek training once I turned 18, had always been teething at the bit to unleash the furious side of her and use her given talent, but I'd never given in. I had always perceived myself as a small meek girl, incapable of this level of power but in only one assessment I was shown my potential. I love a challenge.The clock read just after noon, meaning I had plenty of time to get ready for training and relax a bit. My mind
I awoke refreshed, my mind alert and buzzing. I'd fallen to sleep early after the exertion of the sparring training, even Mom had commented on how fast I was fading. I lay happily in the quiet, the only sound being the thump of my heartbeat and the light patter of rain on our cabin roof. I took my time getting out of bed and inching to the shower. I still worked at the library, but we'd worked it out that I had no set shift time, just that I was expected on my days free from training and in a drop-in basis. Mains was still hard at work reviewing the historical texts pulled from the old town hall ruins, and with the sudden influx in population size mom was kept on her toes serving new customers. She would need an extra set of hands if this traffic kept up, and I made a note to poke around the training grounds for any young wolf who may be interested.I turned on the shower to warm up while I examined my bruise on my back. The tape had held through the night, and where a
My mind was occupied all day with the information Mains and I had dug up, coupled with worry for his health. The coughing fits were getting more frequent and violent as time continued to pass, and I couldn't stop my brain from believing the worst. I pushed my worry aside as much as I could and focused my energy on preparing for the training session ahead of me.I dressed simply and warmly, a pair of striped leggings and a deep blue long sleeved athletic shirt, my usual uniform. I secured my hair in two thick braids, and pulled on my sneakers before beginning my new ritual run to the field. I drowned out the pounding thoughts of worry with the rush of blood pulsing through my body, focusing instead on each step and stride before me.Once I arrived at the field I claimed a seat on the bleachers and tried to engage in conversation with Torrance and Alex as they happily chattered about their day off and weekend plans. I kept zoning out into my own head, their voices be
The rest of the day milled on, dry and aching as I felt out in the space for my mate. I wanted nothing more than to be with him, surrounded by him and the electric heat that closed the space between us. I so longed for him, but the turmoil of my body and mind were not in harmony. Inwardly my thoughts were muddled, painful. Normally I would turn to my mom in times like these. I would spill my fears over her perfectly cooked eggs at the counter in our little cottage, the hot coffee and morning sunbeams washing away my dread. I thought now to the charred walls and burnt memories, our cottage another ruin in the wasteland my land has become. Even my beloved dock, steadfast and strong as it was, had become much to dangerous for me to sit alone and work through my maze of thoughts. I felt so alone under the weight of my life. What a way to spend your birthday. I thought of my friends, how I so desperately wanted to let them in and to celebrate. I had found my mate! He loved me too! I
As the strategy meeting came to a close and we all retreated to our preparation points I felt the calloused hand of Jonas meet my elbow, his low whisper in my ear."Alpha's chambers, now."His voice was gruff and bone chilling, the fear lingered on the back of my neck as I swallowed it down. Funny how I was not afraid of the battle ahead, but the scolding tone of my own packmate sent my senses into a fight or flight frenzy.As we walked through the wooden corridor towards the office I could pick up the residual hints of my mate's scent wafting in the air. Somehow that reminder of him, that hint of his once-before closeness worked magic in calming my nerves. Seeing his towering, chiseled frame as we broke the threshhold of his office even more so. His back was turned, he'd clearly been pacing, but the crease of his furrowed brow softened as our eyes met.This miniscule act of intimacy was enough to send Jonas back into a rage. His low, ne
The Pack House's Great Hall was a room rarely used. It was reserved for tactical meetings and the occasional party, but I couldn't remember the last time the wide oak doors were swung open, the room aired out and the curtains drawn. With all of our warriors and the visiting help we found ourselves with way too many ranks for any other room, so here we stood.I timed my entrance, not wanting to walk in with Rhodes, knowing I couldn't stop myself from standing too close, his scent intoxicating and the invisible strings tied around our souls straining to pull us back together. I was only a few feet away from him and yet I missed him. I yearned to be next to him, buried safe in his arms and drunk with love and comfort. But being with him had to wait. As blurred as our minds both were with the confirmation of our hunch, there were more important tasks at hand.I stepped over the threshhold, my eyes taking in the rows and rows of brave men and women we had gather
Rhodes drew in a sharp breath, almost a gasp. We stared at each other, in disbelief, drinking the moment. I felt myself being drawn to him, as if a thread was holding us together, pulling us nearer. The only thing I could see were his amber eyes, boring into mine, I swear I could hear the thump of our hearts beating in time, could feel the blood pulsating through my veins. It’s as if the whole world fell away and there was only him.“Come with me.” Rhodes said gruffly, “Now.” His eyes darkened and his voice was rough, he wrapped his calloused hand around my wrist, sparks emanating from his palm as he gently pulled me through the pack house corridors and towards his bedroom.Once we were alone he turned to me,“Is it? Are you…&rd
Sleep came easy, but rest was unrelenting. As soon as my eyes closed I was tormented by images of shadows draping themselves sickeningly across the swells of Stay's landing. Their menacing black grip grasped at our buildings, dragging them from the light and into the clutches of a ravenous night. Truth be told, I had expected the nightmares to come. I had expected the feeling of ice in my veins, of panic and cold sweats and fear as I lie between sleep and waking. In a way this prepared me for the mania that would come, the fear that would undoubtedly paralyse me where I stood. The shadows slunk along the stone pathways of my home, hissing as they slithered like indiscernible snakes around the structures of town. They singed the ground beneath them, the air around them growing thick and warm as the world burned. I felt myself gasping for air as the embers in the shadow's wake begain to flutter as the flames caught. Smoke was billowing all aro
Torrance’s bedroom was already emptier than I had expected. She’d gone ahead and wrestled all of her summer clothes, every tank top and sparkly sandal shoved into trunks and boxes. Her round, bubbly handwriting decorated the sides, little hearts dotting the i’s and swirling underlines cementing in that she was really leaving.“Don’t look so sad, Red. I’ll be back to visit!” She said, sticking out her bottom lip as she hugged me into her.“I can’t help it,” I said, trying to make my tone sound light even though it was weighed down with merciless grief, “you’re my best friend and you’re leaving me.”“I’m going with my mate!”“Why couldn’t you have mated with an orphan with no responsibilities that loves mountains? Maybe a geologist. A geologist would be happy here.”Torrance only rolled her eyes at my antics, her sparkling grin both
The next two weeks were here and gone in a blur, between training and studying and battening down the hatches I began to know myself in a whole new level of exhaustion. Muscles I didn't even know existed ached, I loaded up on more carbs than I even thought possible, I pushed myself past the limit and past the next one too. Even Sage, deep within me, panted for a rest.The promised week of rest could not come faster, I yearned for the days of easy patrol runs and light agility training. I hadn't run for leisure in weeks, and the feeling was sorely missed. I felt a lot of myself slipping. I hadn't been back to my pier since the day my mother left. I hadn't run for myself, I hadn't read a piece of broken poetry or breathed in the calming sense of nature. It felt like an eternity since I paused and felt the earth under my feet, since I felt the swimming thoughts in my mind clear. I felt like I was but a blur.Rhodes had pulled away, too, the pressure of the imp
I was no stranger to the falsified sense of peace that had graced our dinner table the evening before. Everything and everyone I loved shared in the final meal, my mother to my right and Alpha Rhodes seated at the head of the table to my left. Torrance and her newfound mate were cuddled up, sharing in hushed whispers as they got to know one another. Her parents looked on adoringly, and laughter and warmth radiated across the room. I was all but haunted by my conversation with Clarice, the promise of a new and unfamiliar future on the horizon. When morning came, everything would change.As the dawning light crept in the Alpha and I sighed. Neither of us had slept a wink, but we hadn’t shared a word either. It was as if we were both in denial of what was to come. As the frost settled and the cold winter air whipped around the pack house, the haunting whistles made soundtrack to our somber morning. We worked in tandem, handing each other
"Mate."Torrance replied, stepping out from behind me, her breathing heavy. They drifted towards each other weightlessly, almost as if on autopilot, They glided into one another's arms, holding each other at the elbows. Their conversation was hushed, in whispers, as the familiarity of their souls called out to their mate.Leona sighed, and I looked back at her beaming smile, her eyes brimming with tears and pride as she watched her daughter meeting her other half. I beamed, squeezing the Alpha's hand in excitement as I watched my best friend accept her new role. The daughter of a Beta now the mate of another. A Goddess perfect pairing.Moments passed, no one dare interrupt the fate's meeting. The duo seemed to hold the same regard for public forum, however, and they pulled apart to let the official meeting commence. Torrance stood nervously close to her new mate, their arms touching as she let the Alpha speak."Well! Even more now than b