Strange

Bran's POV

"Alpha, we should do something about this issue now and right here. We can't cross our fingers and watch our pups die just like that." A council member is finally speaking after several seconds of murmuring between them. I watch in silence, not because I'm weak or because I don't know what to say, but because I can't seem to figure out where all these are coming from.

"We've always respected you and your decisions since you were chosen to be our Alpha, but your silence in this issue is painting another picture." His gaze returns to the other council members like he is asking for their permission to proceed, and they nod, giving him the go-ahead to speak.

"We can't help but think that there's something you have done wrong to bring us this calamity. Selene is angry at us for something done wrong. If not, why would our sacrifices not have been accepted by the moon goddess after a series of attempts, and she keeps on striking us with death and rogue attacks?" I look into space, my thoughts spiralling. If only they knew there's more. I thought.

About a week ago, we were attacked by rogues, which claimed the lives of some of my men on patrol during that time. And now we're battling with the dying of pups a few minutes after they were born.

"Why are you silent Alpha Bran? Are you just going to sit there and watch us all die one after the other? We received information yesterday that some rogues are planning to attack us soon. Unfortunately, these are not just any kind of rogues; they attack with so much rage like we are in the custody of something that belongs to them.

"Say something, man; I know you're confused as everyone else here, but man, you can't keep silent about this." My beta, William whispers in my ears.

"Uhmmn," I clear my throat in an attempt to speak halting the murmurs. "Greg," I call the Pack's head soldier. "Tighten the security in all entrances and exits of the pack and increase the numbers of men on patrol daily. I'll contact the healers and tell them to double their research on how to cure the strange disease, killing our pups." I say, flinging my hands dismissively, signalling Greg gets to work immediately.

The elders are adjusting uncomfortably in their seats as if they are expecting something more than what I've just said.

But honestly, I wish I could do more, but how can you fight against a force you don't even recognize? I don't have anything that belongs to the rogues. I have never had an encounter with any rogue, and since I became the Alpha, we have never been attacked this way. Something is wrong somewhere but I can't seem to figure it out. I notice the elders won't stop examining my eyes, they are probably looking for a loophole.

Something to hold me as an irresponsible Alpha, but I won't give them the chance. "This meeting is over," I order, leaving while their murmurs erupt behind me.

"You know you didn't have to dismiss them like that. You should have been more gentle. You, as an Alpha, should understand their plight." My beta rants, trying to catch up with me on the stairs. If he was just anyone, he would have been face down by now begging me to spare his life, but I can't, and he knows. That's the grace he's enjoying.

Turning to face him and stopping him in his tracks, I say, "I'm trying here, and you know it. What else are they expecting from me? Bow my head for the rouges to cut off?"

"That's not what I meant and you knew it. We just have to be gentle with those old folks, Bran. They are elders. You don't have to allow your anger to get the best of you." William knows me more than I know myself, and with his gaze, I already understand his concern, even when he's not saying it. He knows what no one has noticed about me lately. He knows something else is eating me up aside from the Pack's ordeal.

"I'll be gentle next time." I surrender finally, letting him win so I can have my peace and retreat to my room.

"Heh, hey, hey, my love, what are you guys arguing about? The pack ordeal, I guess, That will be sorted; you don't need to get all worked up because of it." Bella, my heavily pregnant mate speaks, strolling to us. My heart skips at her sight. Williams excuses seeing Bella approaching. I don't know what it is with those two; they don't get along no matter how hard I try to make them.

How can my beta not approve of my Luna? Williams is still of the opinion that I shouldn't have decided to marry Bella so fast, but what choice do I have? I needed a Luna and I can't keep waiting for the intervention of Selene in locating my second chance mate since I rejected Talia.

Bella's bump is one in a million of my worries right now. Aside from the fact that her pregnancy came so fast that I could not even process it, she is in her last stage, and we should be expecting her pup anytime from now. What happens if this same disease affects him? Of all I am experiencing right now, Fabian has to keep mute on me.

"Are you there Fabian? Say something..., make a movement or a tickle... something to tell me you're alive." I whisper, but nothing. All I'm getting from my wolf is silence...total silence. My wolf has been quiet for a long time now and I'm beginning to think it's no more living. Is there something I've done wrong?

To think that I'm mostly ignored wherever I try to speak with him, baffles me. Only Williams knows about this, and this is why I have been avoiding hunting for some time now. How do I explain my inability to shift when my wolf is nowhere to be found? I miss Fabian so much, and I need him more than ever now, just come out already.

A commotion erupts from outside which catches my attention. Rushing out and standing face to face with a strange figure.