CHAPTER 4

Damien's POV

As I approached my car, my eyes fell upon the reflection in the window – a magnificent creature that I knew was now a part of me. A black wolf stood before me, sleek and powerful, its fur glistening under the moonlight. Two distinct white spots adorned each side of its abdomen, like silent companions in the darkness. A single grey patch on its forehead added an air of mystery to its already enchanting presence.

I couldn't help but admire the wolf before me. Its form exuded strength, grace, and an untamed beauty that resonated deep within me. The wolf's eyes, a brilliant shade of amber, held a certain wisdom and understanding, as if it had been waiting for me all along.

"Hey" I whispered, my voice carrying a mix of awe and wonder. This was my wolf, a part of me that I had never known before.

Finally, there was someone I could hold on to. Someone to talk to, someone to fill the void in me.

A gentle breeze softly rustled the leaves around me. As I observed I noticed the wolf's ears twitching, attuned to every sound in the forest. It was an invigorating sensation as if I could perceive the world through the heightened senses of the wolf.

For what felt like an eternity a genuine smile finally graced my face. My heart, which had been cold and longing for long now flickered with a hint of warmth. The presence of the wolf brought a glimmer of hope reminding me that in the midst of darkness there is still beauty in this world.

"I think I'll name you Echo " I whispered gently while gazing into those amber eyes that seemed to hold a universe of understanding through the glass. The name resonated with memories that echoed from my past. Also held promise for a start. Echo would be my companion and friend who would stand by me through any challenges that lay ahead.

Echo nodded as if acknowledging the significance behind its given name.. As we stood together under the sky in that open clearing a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose filled the void within my heart.

I softly murmured, "Echo, welcome to my life" I whispered audibly. However at that moment it seemed as if the entire world had changed. I was no longer solitary.

But I noticed something strange about Echo. All the while I spoke, he wasn't responding to me. He kept silent.

My words seemed to vanish into thin air, met with silence from Echo. He was not happy, he was not running around. He was just standing there on his limbs.

Panic gripped me – was my wolf unable to hear me? A strange fear clutched at my heart. I had hoped for companionship, a confidant in this new form, yet my wolf's silence left me disturbed. Was he deaf?

As doubt started to seep in, I felt the urge to shift back to my human form, to try and make sense of what was happening.

With a deep inhale, I embraced the transformation, feeling the fur recede and the powerful changes reverse. It pained me very much. But not like the first time. Besides, my mind was up.

Soon, I stood before my wolf, once again in my human state, my heart pounding with uncertainty.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in my mind – a voice that wasn't mine. "I've been here all along, Damien," the voice said. It was Echo, my wolf. My heart leaped with relief – he could hear me, speak to me. But his words took a surprising turn.

His voice sounded cold and had a sombre feel.

"I'm happy to be your wolf, Damien. But your heart is heavy, burdened by darkness and sorrow. Until you find happiness within yourself, my voice will remain muted, at least most times. Your pain has woven a cloak of coldness around me too." Echo's words struck me like a lightning bolt, the truth of his words tore through my soul.

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. The moon's pale light illuminated my anguish, reflecting the truth back at me. The Moon Goddess had granted me a wolf that mirrored the state of my heart – broken, full of regret, and shrouded in darkness.

I sank to the ground, my emotions overwhelming me. Echo's words were a wake-up call, a cruel yet necessary reminder of the path I had chosen to walk. My parents' actions had cast a shadow over my life, turning me into a bitter and vengeful person.

As I contemplated the weight of Echo's words, I began to consider returning to Mason. Perhaps he could offer some guidance, shed light on what had transpired. My wolf's presence was a gift, a chance at redemption, and I couldn't let it go to waste.

Quickly, I shifted back into my human form fully. Standing up, I brushed the dirt off my black jeans and wore them on.

Echo was right – it was time to confront my demons and find a way to heal my wounded heart.

I got to my car and hopped into my seat. My body was sore. It felt very heavy.

*******************

It was a long drive back to the pack house. I wondered what my father would do or say when he saw me. Not that I cared anyway. He never really cared about me.

Getting to the city, everywhere was already dark. Everyone must have slept. Well, except the security agencies who were stationed on every corner.

I finally got to the pack house. “Welcome home Echo.” I said with a bit of joy in my heart. I was eager to show my wolf to Mason.

But Echo remained silent. He only whimpered in my head.

I quickly went into the house and headed straight to uncle Mason’s room. My father had requested for his brother to stay with us in the house.

As soon as I got into the living area, I felt a sudden cold run through my skin. The whole house looked like a mess. The mansion was in chaos. Empty wine bottles were strewn across the floor like fallen soldiers. The grand chandelier that once glittered with splendour now hung askew, its crystals tinkling faintly. The furniture was displaced, cushions thrown carelessly. The remains of a once extravagant party lay in disarray. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat, a mix of revelry turned wild.

As I walked through the wreckage, a mix of relief and anger surged within me. Relief that I had missed this party, anger that my absence had driven them to such madness. They had expected me to be here, celebrating my impending role as the next Alpha. But I had chosen a different path.

Echo remained quiet in my mind, a silent witness to the aftermath. I couldn't help but feel a sense of vindication. This was the life I had rejected, the responsibilities I had cast aside. And now, standing in the midst of the chaos, I knew I had made the right choice.

I knocked on his uncle Mason’s door eagerly. But there was no reply. I knocked again and again, but there was still no answer. Was he working up late with my father? I couldn’t tell.

“Something’s wrong Damien. Go to your father’s office!” my wolf finally spoke, then remained silent again.

I quickly made my way downstairs to the door of my father’s office. Two of my father’s guards stood in front of the door. Their eyes were heavy. They were drowsy. Probably from too much alcohol.

“Hey man. You can't go in. Alpha Derek said no mala should go in there” one of the men said annoyingly. He was high.

“I guess you guys had too much to drink. What’s with the celebration? Is anyone getting married?”

Then, I quickly shifted and Echo used his paw to hit their heads. They both fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Thanks Ech"

"Don't even start. I'm not Ech. I'm Echo. I hate abbreviations." He said rudely.

I grabbed the handle of the door finally. My wolf kept feeling the urge to take protection.

"I smell danger, Damien. You sure you wanna go in? We could just turn back and forget about everyone we ever knew!" He said softly.

"No. I already promised uncle Mason. It's just one goodbye. Don't be so cold!" I said.

"Well, I'm you." He ended.

I finally pushed the door open. The room was dark.

"D.. Damien. Run. Run.." I heard a faint voice call out from one end of the room."

I managed to find my way to the light switch, and I pressed the button.

Suddenly…

'Thud..!' I felt a heavy blow on my face. My jaw cracked a little, but got back in shape.

I fell to the ground, waiting for my jaw to heal.

Before I could get up again, I got another 'THUD!" on my face. This time, blood came pouring from my mouth.

"Echo, what's happening?"

He didn't respond.

"Damien! Get up! You plan on running? You made me a fool today before all my pack. And for that, there will be consequences." That was my father's voice.

Before I could comprehend what was happening, I felt his claw tear my face, causing more blood to flow.

"Stop it! Stop it Derek! Are you…" Mason coughed.

I immediately sensed what happened. Or maybe, I was able to mindlink with uncle Mason.

"Damien. I know your wolf is in there. You have to stop your father before he makes another mistake. You're the new Alpha. Whether you want it or no!" Uncle Mason said.

I gently picked myself up from the ground.

When my vision was clear enough, I saw my father running towards the already wounded Beta.

"You have been a betrayer and have been feeding my son poison. And you want to live?" My father used his claw and dug it into uncle Mason's abdomen.

I saw blood gush out. I couldn't take it! It was time to fight! My uncle had been there for me, it was my turn.

"Echo. Now!" I tried shifting, but Echo wouldn't come out!

"What the fuck are you doing? Come on!" I tried and tried, but Echo refused to come out.

"Do you expect me to fight my Alpha? He's your Alpha and I cannot lay my hands on him. It's a rule!" Echo echoed.

"Fine, then, I'll do it myself."

I ran towards my dad and grabbing a stick from the banner stand that held the flag, I used it to hit him hard on his head!"

My father paused. He turned over to look at me.

"You fight your own father?"

"Yes. I will. And I'll do it again. You're a murderer. You killed your mother. You killed the love of my life. You don't deserve to live!" I screamed, tears gushing out of my eyes, non stop.

"Every fucking thing I did, I did it for you! I did it to secure our name, your name as the prospective Alpha. We all have secrets. This one is ours and you have to live with it! Do you think I was happy to see my mother die?" He roared at me!

"No! No. That's wrong. You were only after your selfish interest. You and mom. I would never be like you." Anger evolved me. I felt my eyeballs turn blue. As the pain came back, the memories of Clara, my father's face angered me more.

I began to scream as my fangs came out. My claws began to eject as well. Dark fur began growing all over my skin. Tail came out from my spine.

I forced Echo out! I was the Alpha, and I had the strength to do as I please. Tonight, I was going to get revenge!

My father gasped. He stepped back as he saw me shift.

"You… your wolf? He's… He's a Lycan Apex"