* Alpha Zero *
I pace back and forth creating the noise in the wooden tiled floor of the Langston Palace, the warriors guarding the door stayed silent. My eyes look around as Alpha King Vincent sat still with his father Jack in the couch. We arrived in the palace yesterday for the coronation of the new Alpha King thinking that my Luna will not have the baby out until next month but something happened later while we were supposed to be sleeping.
My Luna just went into labor and suffer a few complications when our baby refuse to come out. We desperately need a blood donation however there is no match from our warriors, I know from a long time that our blood is not match something which rarely happens to mated wolves. But I am that unfortunate Alpha who's blood is not match with his mate. Until young Alpha Xander of the West volunteers to try and help us, to our great surprise his blood matches with her.
"How long before they finish? They've been there for hours!"
I was not able to hide the annoyance in my voice when I ask the question. The warriors standing in front of the close room look at each other before looking down in the floor, they don't know how to answer me as I am groaning deep inside and they could feel my anger. Jack gestured his hand to get my attention, he is suggesting that I sit on the couch next to him.
"Please Alpha Zero, have a seat and take something to drink. Jasmin will be fine Maleficus assured us. You should trust him and let us wait for them to come out."
My feet took me to the couch near him and I took a sit. "I could have stayed inside but the old man wouldn't let me."
I gritted my teeth when he insisted I get out because of the female doctors who got distracted by my presence inside the room. He needs their assistance for they have to get Alpha Xander treated and check his condition while he donates blood to my Luna.
Alpha King Vincent cleared his throat while looking at me, I admire his calmness and confidence while accepting the crown as the new Alpha King. Just like his father, the blood of an Alpha King runs through their veins. These two powerful wolves are here to support me yet I am still in a state of panic.
"You should be keeping yourself together Alpha Zero, soon your baby will come out and she wouldn't be happy looking at you like this."
His eyes rested on my messy hair and the sweat in my neckline which begins to dry and leaves a mark on the clothes that I'm wearing. I am worried as hell with my Luna and my child that I know my facial expression told everything. My eyes meet his and I let out a deep breath, Alpha King Vincent change a lot when he got declared as the Alpha King.
He became more confident and his energy rises, he's nothing like the young wolf who's asking me to teach him years ago. There is silence for a while in the waiting area, which is only bothered by the glass and the ice that Jack poured for himself.
We all waited for minutes which later turned into hours until the doorknob moved and the warriors waiting in front of the door make way for someone from the inside.
"Congratulations Alpha Zero! Your baby girl is healthy! And Luna Jasmin is safe!”
Maleficus came out with a cheerful voice that broke the silence in the waiting area. My heart screamed in triumph as I got up from the couch and meet him.
"How's my Luna? Let me in!"
As he moves to the side, Alpha Xander meets me with a smile on his face.
"They are both fine Alpha Zero, congratulations!"
I look at him straight in the eyes, the young Alpha is our savior for today my baby and my Luna's life were put in danger and they may not have survived if not for him. My emotions flooded as I grab both his shoulders and pulled him close to me for a tight hug.
"I am grateful for your help Alpha Xander, I owe you the lives of my daughter and my Luna. Tell me if there is anything you need from the Cold Mountain pack, and I will grant you whatever you want."
His hands move to remove my arms slowly. "Alpha Zero, please do not be obliged I am happy to help the Luna of the Cold mountain pack and you. Right now I am getting all the help bestowed by the Alpha King so there is no need for you to worry about this matter."
I shook my head deliberately, this is a matter of life and death for me. I owe him this much and I will repay him no matter what.
"You don't have to think about it today Alpha Xander. It could be a year from now or even a decade more, my debt to you is larger than the vast lands of the North and I will give you whatever you needed."
He bows his head to me in agreement as he makes way so that I could enter the room. My feet took long strides into the bed where Luna Jasmin is lying.
"My love, are you alright?"
Her pale face last night has now slowly returned its pinkish glow. She looks at me and smiled. "We have a beautiful baby girl, my love, I am very happy! We are so blessed by the Moon Goddess."
I bend down to kiss her softly on the forehead, noticing the presence of Alpha King Vincent and his father who directly went straight into the baby crib where two of the female pack doctors are busy fixing the sheets and our baby inside.
My heartbeat pounded faster, I wanted to see her. We have waited years for our first heir to be conceived and now she is here!
"Go on love, I know you wanted so much to see our baby. She is so beautiful, she got all your traits from the color of her hair and skin to her eyes."
Jasmin spoke proudly. My eyes could not see our baby as she is being covered by both Alpha King Vincent and Jack. I squeezed Luna's hand and let my legs walk slowly, I feel the blood in my veins rising as the crib is now in front of me.
"How is my baby?"
My voice came out as a whisper but all of them hears it as they turned around and look at me. "Congratulations Alpha Zero, she looks amazing! You are so blessed with your firstborn!"
Alpha King Vincent exclaimed with a hint of envy in his voice. I know he also wanted to hear the good news from his Luna Queen.
"Let me get a closer look at her!"
I hold the crib and bend down to look at the sleeping angel who is covered with white sheets her eyelashes flatter as she sleeps and the breathing in her chest is like rhythm to my ears. Her pale white skin and red delicate lips are the first things I notice.
"I cannot hold her like this."
My hand moves to let a finger feel the softness of her cheeks. They feel like a feather to the touch, my dirty clothes, and my shabby appearance are now a problem for me. I badly needed to get cleaned up first before I can carry my baby.
"It's alright Alpha Zero, you can get a shower while the Palace doctors watch our little angel in her sleep. Please be assured that she is safe as well as your Luna."
Alpha King Vincent sounded convincing, just like reading my worried thoughts. I took a glance back at my Luna who is now sleeping peacefully and the female pack doctor beside her who bows to me. The other doctors are beside my baby in the crib with Alpha King Vincent and his father who can't take their eyes off my baby.
"Thank you Alpha King Vincent and Jack. We have to show our deepest gratitude to the Royal pack doctors and Maleficus as well for taking good care of my Luna and the first heir to the Cold mountain pack."
I bow my head a little which earned a tiny protest in Alpha King Vincent's throat.
"Do not think about it Alpha Zero. We are happy to assist you anytime, our pack rejoices with yours! Congratulations once again."
Jack nodded to me as I finally took a step back and let myself out of the room to get cleaned up in another guest room. Today is very special, it marks the day of my first born child in the world. I hope the Moon Goddess will continue to bless us and perhaps our next heir is a son. My footsteps are very light, I was worried that my Luna almost did not make it but thanks to the young Alpha of the West.
He is reliable despite his young age. Alpha King Vincent is also fond of him, it makes me wonder how I could repay him one day. I owe him the life of my firstborn child.
* Nelika * "Are you ready for school sweetheart?" My mother smiled at me while looking at the red and white checkered skirt that I am wearing, it is paired with a white long sleeve top and a necktie similar to my skirt. I hate wearing my skirt, but I can't do anything about it. The excitement I felt in going back to school for the first time after a long vacation is gone when I put on the skirt. My lips pouted and I pulled the skirt up. "Mom, can I removed this and wear those pants instead." The smile on my mother's face faded and she shook her head. "No! It's the rules of the school sweetie we must follow. And you only wear skirts when going to school so what's the matter?" "But isn't Daddy make the rules?" Her hand took the brush on top of the small table in my room. "Yes, Daddy makes the rules for the pack, however for the children in school, it is the school principal. You are a girl my love and skirts are for girls so you cannot wear those pants all the time." I stomp my f
* Nelika *My footsteps are as light as a feather when I ran down the stairs and greeted everyone on the table. I could hear the rattling of spoons and forks from the kitchen, perhaps it's what woke me up on this beautiful morning. I slept well and I would have stayed longer in bed if it were not for the weekend training today."Good morning everybody!"My mother smiles as she look at me on my training suit ready for the day. Today is Saturday and I don't have to go to school. My father glances at me from sitting on his chair and sipping at his coffee. I move forward to kiss my mother on the cheeks and then my father who raise and eye brow."You wake up late sweetheart, and I thought you are excited for the training today."I grinned at him showing a deep dimple in my left cheek. "Sorry Dad, I was tired at school yesterday and slept too much."I glance around looking for my Aunt Ayah. She said she will come for breakfast today so we could go together for training. Aside from Loki, I h
* Alpha Xander *"Good morning Alpha Xander! A pleasant day, we have an invitation that arrives early this morning!"The excitement in Beta Alex's voice had me stop myself from doing another push-up on the concrete floor of my spacious room. I rose to my feet and took the white towel from a bar close to me. I use it to wipe the sweat all over my face down to my neck and my chest. Almost half of my bedroom is occupied with gym equipment not to mention the ones on my bedroom's balcony."What invitation? From and from who? Did you check the sender?"I assume another party from one of my acquaintances in the city or the Alpha of another region."Of course your majesty! It is an important invitation coming from the Alpha King."My movements stop. Alpha King Vincent send us an invitation. I wonder what's the occasion that he has to formally send it in a fancy card which is now in Alex's hand. He looks at it and reads the written message on the small card."Oh well, when would that be?"I am
* Nelika *The pink and white dress that my mother chooses fitted me well. Fit on the top and flared at the bottom making me feel like a different person. When I look at myself in the huge mirror, I can't recognize the lady who looks back at me. I pouted and find a tiny pink rubber which I can tie my hair. It makes me feel weak like a girl who is lost and is trying to find a way back.My dress has no sleeves showing my arms which are still in need of muscle. I pulled my hair up and then tied my hair in a ponytail, it look better than letting it down. I look for my shoes in the box which I haven't opened yet. I open the box and pulled out a white shoes with two inch heel! Oh my Gosh! Why did mom brought me something like these? It also has a pointed toe and I don't think it would make me comfortable.I put it down and open the dressing room, all my shoes are below the hanged dresses. They were all rubber shoes or sports shoes, few sandals and few with heels that I never wore. Not one o
* Nelika *The woman's eyes are half closed with her mouth slightly open and a moan of someone who's in between pain and pleasure is coming from her. I couldn't turn my gaze away as I watch the broad back of the man pulling her up against the wall, her dress pulled up showing her long skinny legs in pointed high heels. My feet is glued to the ground and I couldn't move as I stood there watching. Is he hurting her? What am I supposed to do?I gather all my strength and opened my mouth as it seems the situation needs to be explained. "Excuse me?"They stopped and all of a sudden the woman open her eyes and she was put down by him that I lost her sight then her feet landed on the ground and the man towered above her. Covering her away from my gaze."Who is it? Shit someone is here!"She uttered with annoyance which made me wonder. Then the man slowly turn his head sideways, the sculpted view of his face is beautiful with a nose so high and his lips that mocks me. His long lashes are visi
* Nelika *Five years have passed, my friend Walter and I have enjoyed our days in high school. He has already change a lot, when he finally shifted and got his wolf form. I think all my classmates are, except for me who is still waiting. Girls are also started talking about boys and dating, however, I remain the same. I am grateful only that I could wear the clothes I've been wanting to wear everyday. No more skirts or dresses."Nelika, sweetie. Your father is waiting for you downstairs. Today is weekend isn't it? Are you not going to train with the warriors."I pulled the sheets down from covering my face and yawned. "Good morning mom, I will get a quick shower now and head downstairs. Please tell dad to wait for me."My mother stood in front of the bed while I get down slowly."Are you alright sweetie? Is there something wrong?”She sounded worried moving towards me and putting her hand on top of my forehead. I don't have a fever if that is what she's trying to find out."I am not
* Nelika *He stood taller than me like most of the people I know. I guess the Moon Goddess did not gifted me with a tall appearance as for now I only stood five foot two and according to my Aunt, I could only grow another inch or two and that's it. Jason on the other hand is now five foot ten. Who knows how tall he could be a few years from now?"Don't worry Princess, I will go easy on you because your father is watching."The smile on his face is annoying, I keep my mouth shut when Aunt Ayah moves to the center and stands as our referee. She gave a warning look on her face and that is for me to take this matter seriously."Alright guys! It's three out of five, whoever landed his back on the ground more than two times will lose the fight. No cheating, only use hand-on-hand combat because Nelika has no wolf form yet. Understood?"I look back at my father and Beta Loki sitting on a bench. "Understood Aunt Ayah."Jason nodded and stand in his defense. My Aunt move back but she spoke in
* Nelika *"Oh, I am so proud of you sweetie!"My mother rush towards me as soon as I get out of the car. Her arms wrap around me tightly then she kisses my cheeks which are still swollen."Ouch!""Oh, I am so sorry sweetie. Your face is swelling we need to get you something inside."Her hands gently caress my swollen lips and face. I fought hard not to scream in pain because my father approach us and greets her."Hello my love, how's your day going? Nelika made me feel so proud today."My father kisses her forehead while she smiled. "I bet she does, but we need to put some medicine on her face before it leaves a nasty scar."My father looks at me amused. "It's not going to scar, don't worry sweetheart."We all walk inside the Alpha mansion, with my dad humming to himself. It somehow eases the pain I feel when I think about how happy I made my father is today. My mother took me to my bedroom and made me sit in the tub of the bathroom before scanning through the medicine cabinet inside
* Nelika *Roses of different colours neatly covered each side of the aisle with a white soft carpet while I walk slowly in tune to the music playing in the air. My knees tremble in a three-inch white high heels but my father stood beside me holding my elbow for support. The big dome is crowded with important members from the Cold Mountain pack and the Western pack wolves including the Royal pack with the presence of Alpha King Jack who is present in the ceremony.It feels like forever waiting for this day to happen as both Alpha Xander and Alpha Zero, my father decided the day to hold our wedding. The sadness from the loss of our warrior and his mother has subsided in anticipation of our event. I am thankful that somehow Alpha Xander, overcome the sorrow of her death. My parents are there to help us and I did all I can to care for him and be aware of his fragile feelings, and then finally this day came."Relax sweetheart, we have been waiting for a long time to witness you in this ce
* Alpha Xander *My mother returned to dust just like the rest of the wolves whose lives has ended after the fight, and I stood there with so much regret. As I look back to when she was still alive and with me, I tell myself that I should not have let her go. I wasn't even aware that the enemies have gotten to her first. She was far from me, and I thought that she would be safer out there but now I realized how wrong I was and it is too late.The warriors have left me all alone to myself when I shed a tear of regret. There are so many ifs that my mind could only think of right now because it's too late. But my life has to go on being the Alpha of the West."Alpha Xander?"The lead warrior guarding the far Northern borders has taken my attention away from my mother and her ashes inside a porcelain jar that I am holding."Speak.""The Alpha of the North is approaching the borders, sir. I assume that you are aware of his visit today?"I stiffined and close my eyes before letting out a he
* Nelika *After I passed out and fell into a deep sleep I didn't know what happened. However, I trusted him, Alpha Xander will win the fight and I also felt the presence of my warriors from the North. They came to help the wolves of the West. My father would not let anything bad happened to me, I know he was worried about us. He sent an army to help us, I am sure that if I wake up, I would be in the safety of Alpha Xander's bed."Luna Nelika! Are you awake?"I brought my hand to rub my face and blink as I heard the words coming from Beta Alex."Alpha, she is awake!"Beta Alex is talking to him in the mind link. Alpha Xander, I thought that when I opened my eyes it is him who would greet me and check if I have a serious injury from the recent attack."He said that you should eat something Luna, he will be back soon."My whole body felt like I run a thousand miles on foot. I feel tired, but I am glad that the wound on my shoulders and my side have healed."Beta Alex? For how long was I
* Nelika *Her eyes pierce through me as she charges forward and raises her sharp claws and then I felt her made a swift move. It happened so fast that I just blink my eyes and then the pain in my neck cause me to cough and choke out with my own blood. My heart is bursting out inside my chest as I realized that she has cut out my throat and I am bathing in my own fresh blood. Is this the end for me?"Nelika!?"Yet from somewhere in the dark, I can hear his voice shouting my name. The desperation and the worry that he felt while I am fighting to grasp for air to come in inside my lungs. I wanted to live, he is coming."Nelika I'm here please stay with me..."The words came into my hearing even with my eyes already close as I am awake in the darkness of my surroundings. I felt the strong force coming from Alpha Xander beside me and the other wolf who cause my pain. I feel him using his power against her and the noise of the wolves around the Western pack. She is strong to be able to fi
* Nelika *I stayed a while in the guest comfort room after a few minutes passed by of talking to Alpha Vincent. I walk towards the door and press my ear on the wooden barrier. Mrs. Harger is waiting outside for me, I can feel her. It seemed quiet, but all of a sudden she came knocking on the door that my eardrums almost burst out."Sweetie! Are you alright? It's been a while since you were there. Please answer me!"She sounded harsh and her patience is running out, gone is the sweet and gentle mother that she was when we first meet and she came back to the mansion. I bit my lips thinking twice if I should answer her. But I remember Alpha Xander said to stay inside and don't come out until he comes."Come out! Come out now! Nelika! I am ordering you to get out of there!"Her hands are now banging on the door so hard, that I could only think of asking myself for how long it's gonna hold."No! I want to stay here until Alpha Xander comes. He said that I should wait for him."Her respons
* Nelika *The noise outside has been really disturbing and it is making me worried. Wondering at the same time about Mrs. Harger and her actions so I run down the stairs and pull the door open expecting that the guards would give me a better explanation I also plan to get to the back house where Mrs. Clarins and Bella stayed. But the door knob refuses to turn open, it's locked from the inside. I look on top of the table and on the walls where there should be a spare key hanging but it is empty. Then I started opening drawers, searching the insides with my chest already thumping loudly I could hear myself."Come on! Where are those keys?"My eyes search everywhere but there is none. I opened the mind link to try and call for the guards but no one is responding to me. Then I heard the growls and howling of wolves fighting. Oh, my Moon Goddess of the West! I am certain that the enemies have pushed through the borders of the West. The howling of the warriors in the Western pack could no
* Alpha Xander *"You can all come to me at once! or you can attack one at a time, either way, none of you will get a hand on me!"They reply with a snarl and angry groan as I stood scornful with my eyes surveying them like prey. I am an Alpha and this rogues are no match against my power and strength. Fueled by my deep responsibility to protect the wolves of my pack and the mate that I have been waiting for all my life, I am not losing this fight tonight!"Mr. High and might Alpha? We admire your courage as expected however, we are not the one to fight you!"One of the rogues stated and then they all walk to the side and I was met with the strong presence of a wolf who just came. A wild and angry wolf with red eyes and a mouth showing long fangs and a scar on his neck. His wolf is bigger than the rest of the group. The rogue bows down as he walk slowly, not breaking eye contact with me."Oh! Are you the rogue leader who wishes to invade my pack?"I smirk and let out an angry growl. H
* Alpha Xander *"Alpha Xander!"At any moment, his head will be crushed by the strength of my hand but a loud voice coming from Beta Alex made me stop as his hand placed behind my back. I struggled hard to fight my inner demon wolf as I controlled my anger and let him drop to the ground. The rogue made a whimpering sound as his body touch the hard and rocky floor of the jail grounds."I think that he will not say anything Alpha, but we cannot kill him yet, please."I let out a harsh breath and groaned in frustration, I wanted to snap his neck and just be done with it. How dare this lowlife came around the nearest part of the border! I gritted my teeth and shot him a glare. Then our attention is disturbed by the howling of the warriors on the Eastern border."What the hell was that!?"I asked Beta Alex as he froze and meet my gaze. Then another howl coming from the Western borders echoed in the air. "Alpha Xander, I think that we are being attacked!"The voices of the warriors guardi
* Nelika *Having my mother-in-law inside the Alpha mansion isn't a bad thing, I keep telling myself that after the whole day passed by and we decided to retire in the rooms. I wonder what's keeping me up still, maybe the fact that Alpha Xander has not come home yet or that I am having thoughts about how to act with my mother-in-law around the house. If it was my mother, maybe Alpha Xander would feel the same as I am feeling tonight.All of a sudden a loud thud came from the direction of Mrs. Harger's room and echoed in the air. I get up from lying down in the bed and then quickly headed for my bedroom door right away, opening it and looking both ways. It was so quiet in the hallway, but I was sure that something had made a sound. It seems like a heavy object fell on the floor. It made me feel curious so I get out of my room mindful that I only have a night dress on.The warrior guards are outside the mansion near the gates so there is no reason to feel uncomfortable that someone migh