The fight soon ended with Sage pomping his right hand up in the air in celebration. He had received rousing applause from the pack. Just like them, he was visibly relieved that he had finally recorded his first victory over the hard-to-beat Aurora, who managed a wry smile while still being laid on the floor. To Sage, nothing was sweeter than beating her right in front of the rest, especially before the foul-mouthed Derrick, who had talked down on his chances of being a swordsman. At least, he had proven to them that he could fight with swords made by mortals. Before he could say, Jack Robinson, he was already on the floor, writhing in pain. Everything had happened so fast, such that it looked more like a supernatural sucker punch. The applause had given way to chucklings from the pack. "Rule number three," Aurora began, picking up their sword, "Never celebrate a victory too soon while your enemy still breathes. "You're still their alpha," she whispered to him, referring to the pack,
While Sage patiently waited for Aurora to finish cooking, he suddenly sensed someone jabbing into his thoughts and instantly, he opened his mind link for the person. "You should check on Alpha Cowell, right now, Alpha," Beta Rae conceded to him and Sage knew something might have gone wrong. He sprang up hurriedly and was about to tell Aurora that he needed to see the Alpha but since he knew she was tired and might get worried, he decided to leave and return later. He carefully left the chamber and made his way to the Alpha's chamber. He couldn't tell why his heart was racing but he decided to be calm with it. He got to Alpha Cowell's chamber and stood unnoticed by the door as he helplessly heard him cough long and hard. His mind drifted to the research he had carried out about the Alpha's illness. He did not need to be a doctor to know that every passing day of his hardheartedness brought him closer to death. His heart hurt remembering that. Every senior wolf of the Lock Heart
After speaking harshly to Alpha Cowell, Sage angrily stormed out of his chamber, even unconsciously hitting his dazzled father on his way out. He now understood better why his father had spoken to him in such anger. Just like his supernatural powers, the Alpha's heart was a no-go zone. When he had his mind made up on a matter of interest, he seemed to lock his heart and have the key thrown away, far from where any mortal could find it. "What is so beautiful about death that has appealed to the Alpha's heart?" he thought to himself as he walked down to his chamber. Rae had returned with the pack from their hunting expedition. "Have you seen Aurora?" he hastily asked him, still reeling. "Oh, yes, she should be in your chamber. She was looking for you everywhere. Where have you been, Sage?" he asked, surprised by his countenance. It didn't look like he had a smile on him. "I'll see you later," he just walked away, leaving Rae rotting on the spot, concerned. He got in and met Aurora
He just couldn't sleep, his eyes as open as daylight. The more he tried to close them, the more they refused to. "I feel lonely, even when you are around. That's because you have been acting strange to me lately. Sage, do you love me?" Her voice had played in his head for the umpteenth time. The more he tried to downplay what she had said, the more worried and restless he was. He was worried that his refusal to tell her what he was keeping away from her was beginning to affect their relationship and that there was nothing he could do about it. "Damn it!" he cursed. Just then, Aurora walked in, looking a lot calmer than she was a few minutes ago. She sat by the edge of the bed, looking directly at him. He looked away. …and then she began… "I know you think I'm stubborn and that I am probably too naive to understand what…" "Oh, no, Aurora, you are not naive and I will never think of you as one," he cut in. "Then what is it?!" "You won't understand, at least, not now. My love_"
"I have no idea. I feel the same thing you feel. Fuck!" Sage replied, as confused as she was. He was more concerned that he had no explanation for what was happening to them. That didn't bode well for him as the heir Alpha of the Lock Heart Pack. Luckily, only Aurora was there. "Could it be that_" "Wait!" he cut in, moving closer to her. He placed his right hand on the area where he had his heartbeat and paid attention to whatever only he heard and understood. Aurora, meanwhile, looked on in silence, hoping that he came up with an explanation for what was happening to them. He felt uneasy as he listened. Not that he was a stranger to mind links, but this one seemed a tad unfamiliar to that of the Lock Heart Pack. He hoped it wasn't another pack trying to manipulate and pit them against each other. "I think I know who it is," he said, heaving a sigh of relief. "Who?" she asked, curious. "It's Rae," he replied, searching his locker for something. He knew that the story didn't make
"Focus, Sage, focus!" Aurora shouted at Sage who kept leaping at the rogues. "Just follow my lead and you all will be fine," she told other shifters that seemed to be retreating. "Their leader is mine," Sage's mind linked them as he broke the line and attacked anyone who crossed his path with such fury. He only had his eyes on one prize. "Attack!" Aurora barked, going after the rogues. Even as she attacked them, she had her eyes on Sage, watching out for him to ensure he was not in some sort of danger. The fight soon ended, and most of the rogues were taken down, while those who managed to escape did so with varying degrees of injury. "I told you he's mine; let him be," Sage mind linked Derrick, interrupting him as he made to shift. "What do you need him alive for?" he asked, surprised. "As a bait Derrick." "Are you fine?" Aurora requested when she got beside Sage. Not saying a word to her, Sage turned his attention to the rogues that stayed lying on the ground, writhing in p
He was amazed at how fast she killed up to seven rogues up in a blink of an eye. He shrugged, after all, Aurora was the leader of the pack fighters. Watching her chest rise and fall as she tried to catch her breath, he decided it was time for them to head to the cottage. “Clean this up. We are about to head out,” he mind linked his beta. With a small nod he directed at Rae, he took Aurora hand, leading her to where they had packed the vehicle. She sat quietly in the car, pondering over what had happened in the last hours. “My love, is something the matter?” Sage questioned, glancing briefly at her before focusing on the road. “Not at all. Just wondering why the rogues have being attacking frequently these day,” she muttered but that was far from the truth and he knew better than to believe her. He knew how bad their relationship has been unstable and he wished he could explain it to her. It was for her own benefit but he knew Aurora too well by now she would oppose the idea. He cou
"Get the cottage decorated, and dinner ready," Sage mind linked Rae. He has decided to pave his way into her heart with dinner since she didn’t want to forgive him after countless apologies and little compliments whenever she had given him a chance to move close to her without moving away. He opted to do little things even though it was just dinner at the cottage.He knew it was best if they didn’t head back there. He had confirmed from Rea through the mind link that they weren’t through and he didn’t want anything to ruin his surprise which would have been an obstacle to her forgiveness. Going for a run was the best way he could stall her so he offered the overture to her, "Why don’t we go for a run?" he smiled nervously, afraid she wasn’t going to agree to the idea and end up deciding they head back.Looking at him skeptically, she tried to figure out what he was up to. She made it clear she hadn’t forgiven him. Didn’t he get the message? Or the silent treatment didn’t work their tr
Sage's vehicle sped down the winding road, leaving the Pack's grounds behind. His mind raced as he drove his way out of the Pack, heading for the city to meet the Seer. His soul was vexed as he drove aggressively. He had never wished for something as such. He has never wished that he would end up venturing around to find a way in claiming his mate. All his life, he thought things were going smoothly for him. Once he couldn't find his mate outside the Pack, he thought maybe returning would make it easier which eventually did but on the other way round, it wasn't too pleasing. He found his mate but he couldn't claim her, wasn't that a disaster for him. However, he had tried his best not to be challenged by it. As a philosophy, he knew there would be issues of life so he needed to be calm. He has learnt that things could change from a terrible situation to a solvable state so he wasn't at all bothered. Challenges helped to change one's mind but when was it going to become easy for him?
Sage stood in his office, his mind made up. He would leave for the mystic world tonight and nothing was going to stop him.Rae stood before him, his eyes still filled with concern. "Alpha, are you still certain?" He questioned for the hundredth time but Sage wasn't going to be reluctant to answer him. He knew how worried his Beta would be so there was nothing to be upset about. "Yes," Sage replied, his hoarse voice filling the room. "I must do this, Rae. For the Pack's future."Rae hummed. “You mean your future?” He retorted and Sage threw him a glare. Rae sure doesn't know what he was saying. If he and the Pack lose Aurora, wouldn't it be a great demise? “Both your Alpha and your Luna are your future, right?” He stated and moved to the standing wardrobe in his office to pick out a shirt. Thank goodness he has some clothes in the office. How was he going to face Aurora if he was to return back and dress up? Rae nodded, understanding what he actually meant by his words. "I'll start
Sage stormed into his office as he found the switch on the wall to light the place. Everywhere was silent and the only sound that could be heard was that of a ticking clock on the wall. He staggered his way to his chair located in the middle of his office and slumped himself down into it, his elbows on his desk, head in his hands as the weight of his actions bore down on him like a physical force.The memory of Aurora's shocked face when he threw her across the room kept flashing into his thoughts. The way her eyes, once full of love and trust held fear and disappointment . His heart ached as his mind replayed the scene in vivid detail. He was frustrated. Furious. Downcasted. He had never intended to hurt her that way after promising her he would protect her for his entire life yet, who could believe he would end up disappointing her. His wolf's strength had taken over, betraying his gentle intentions and he wished she would understand the reason why he had to flare up but he knew it
The full moon shone brightly over the Grand Oak, where the Pack elders had gathered including Beta Craig, Sage's father who sat among them, his face showing years of leadership. Everyone looked serious, knowing the meeting was important having heard from Rae why it was organized.Sage stood up straight, looking around at everyone. His eyes met Aurora's, and she gave him a supportive glance from the edge of the clearing. He then began to speak. "Thank you all for coming," Sage began as always, his voice clear and strong. "Tonight, we will discuss our Pack's security. Recent attacks and advice from neighboring Packs emphasize the need for vigilance.” The elders nodded in agreement, their expressions grave. "Though, we've been able to create a certain way to block them from going in but to ensure the Pack's deep safety, we need to do more which is why I have called everyone to come and suggest the best way we can do it better.” Elder Thompson spoke first. “I love the way you do call us
|Two days Later|A knock came on the chamber’s door and Aurora, who was busy arranging the room rushed to answer though she already smelt Rae's scent. She carefully opened the door and Rae with his big smile on his face greeted her. “Good Morning, Luna,” he lowered his head as usual. Aurora tapped his shoulder, ushering him into the chamber. “Morning, come in dear.”Rae entered as she closed the door behind. Then he turned to face her. “I came to see the Alpha. A message came in and it's urgent,” he relayed and Aurora nodded, stretching her hands to the sofa for him to take his seat as she made her way into the room to meet Sage who was still fast asleep. She sighed seeing his tired look. She didn't want to complain and yes, she would resist herself from doing that but how could she possibly let him know that he was an Alpha and he mustn't break down. It would be a very terrible thing to have happened. The former Alpha was sick which was why he had to vacate his seat and now Sage w
It was very late that evening and Sage had just finished his training with Fennick when the rain started pouring out heavily. They both rushed out of the field and made their way into the Pack's house. Once they were in, Sage turned to Fennick. “Have dinner with us,” he proposed and he nodded as they both trotted towards the Pack dining room. Aurora has already mind linked him to invite him as she has prepared enough. The guards pulled the dining room open and Sage took the lead. He roamed his eyes around to see maids already arranging their meals on a large ergonomic table and the aroma of roasted meats filling the room. They got to the table and Sage took the crown seat while Fennick took his seat beside him. The large door was pulled open again and Rae entered, rushing towards them. Once he got to the table, he lowered his head in greetings. “Good evening, Alpha, Fennick.” He greeted and also took his seats at the right hand side of the table. “You're joining us for dinner tonigh
Sage was more determined than ever. He was ready to master his skills to break the curse that stopped him from fully making Aurora his. She and her mother have said theirs, the Seer has also confirmed it but was he ready to make it slide just like that? Was he ready to lose his mate all because of a curse she knew nothing about? No! He was never going to let it be. Even if it takes ages, he would definitely get to the root of what was happening. Each morning, Sage trained alone and by evening, he would train with Fennick. If Fennick wasn't available, he would ask his mate to do it herself. He practiced his strength, speed, strategy each passing day and he was getting better day by day, surprising even his teachers that they always wondered why he was so adamant and determined to train on the Combat skills that weren't really useful.Everyone shifts into their wolves when it comes to fighting except for guards that train with skills so it was bothersome to see an Alpha ready to master
Sora's eyes locked onto Sage's, her voice barely above a whisper. "An evil sorcerer cast a spell on her because of her mother's wrongdoing," Sora started, her face turning all gloomy instantly. Someone could tell that she was deeply hurt by what happened to Aurora. She added. “My innocent granddaughter knew nothing about the agreement both the witch and her mother had but she's the one suffering from it,” she countered, her gaze lowered to the cup of coffee she was holding. Sage's grip on his cup tightened as she said those words to him. Aurora's mother? Having a deal with a Sorcerer? "I don't understand, Sora. What exactly did her mother do and what bargain did she have with a sorcerer?" Sage asked, his tone urgent.Sora's expression turned grave. "I don't know what happened exactly between them but all I can say is that the sorcerer believed that she was betrayed by Octavia, Aurora's mother,” she relayed. “But I’m sorry, I can't tell you more than this,” she concluded, trying not t
Days passed, and Aurora's hopes for Sage's progress were met with caution. She had no idea what he was up to but she decided to be patient with him. He wasn't someone who could act rashly but the fact that he wasn’t letting her know anything was what was getting at her yet, she chose to be calm for the meantime since she could feel the pressure of responsibility pulling on him so much. She knew he had to stand tall at that moment and also build his confidence to achieve his goals. Meanwhile, Sage started his training with Fennick, making sure he was pushing himself off limits. Luckily, under the watchful eye of his new mentor, Sage learned to harness his strength and agility. His movements became fluid and strong. He mastered the basics skills better and was moving into the next phase. "Fennick, I need to learn more," Sage would always say, his eyes locked onto his new mentor."You're progressing, Alpha. But there's much to learn," Fennick answered. Their training sessions were str