CHAPTER 010

I stood before the pack elders as they sat in circle, my heart weighed heavy with so much burden and concern.

"I don't understand why they attacked us," I said, trying to keep my emotions in check. "The were winning, and yet they just...left." I exclaimed as I paced my steps.

Elder Davis face was etched with frustration.

"It doesn't make sense, the Alpha is right They had the upper hand, but they retreated without claiming their victory." He exclaimed as the other members nodded in agreement.

I nodded, feeling a surge of anxiety. " That's true and that's what worries me. What were they trying to achieve, and where are they from? " I responded as I paced through and fore.

"Do you think it's a sign of something more, Alpha Bryan? Something bigger?" Elder Maria's voice trembled as she spoke in a low tone.

"Honestly I don't know, but we need to be prepared for anything, that may come again. " I hesitated to reply being unsure of what to say to the questions of the elders raised.

Elder Thorne gaze met mine as he exclaimed "Are you sure we're not overreacting to this attack? Maybe it was just a random attack from our enemies, more over this isn't the first nor the last." He contributed to the discuss as we all kept racing in thoughts.

I felt a flash of defensiveness, but pushed it aside. "I don't think so, Thorne. Something feels off and ever since the existence of the Viking pack we all know such has never been witnessed."

"We trust your instincts, Alpha. What's our next move?"

Elder Maria gentle voice echoed again as silence erupted the meeting and other elders nodded in agreement to her question.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "Firstly, We need to gather more information by sending scouts out there to gather intel on the rogue and which pack they come from. Let's see if we can uncover their motives and where about."

As the meeting adjourned, I couldn't shake off the feeling of fear and pain for the loss of the pack. What were the rogues planning? And why did they leave us with more questions than answers? My thoughts questioned yet with no answer.

***

I'm still trying to process everything that happened. Words rumbled in my head as I sat in my office.

"Who's there." I echoed on hearing a knock by the door.

"It's Sylvia" she responded walking into my office.

I couldn't bare the weight of my heart as I sat pondering and literally sweating.

"Hey last night was really a big ache to the pack, but I'm glad you survived. " Sylvia exclaimed as she walked more closer. " How was the meeting with the elders. "

"During the meeting with the pack elders, I couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility for our fallen pack members." I exclaimed to Sylvia as she sat beside opposite me by the edge of my desk.

" Everyone is shock and many seek answers, but you need rest." She consoled but wasn't enough to ease my mind off the devastation of last night. "By the way I can to let you know Ivar is still alive, just slightly injured. "

"Sylvia thank you for all you do, but I need my members to survive please heal those who can be healed. " I pleaded as I held both hands of her staring into her eye. I could feel my heart beat second after another.

She smiled, with no words as she stood to her feet and exited.

I kept thinking about what I could have done differently. The thoughts of how elders were just as puzzled as I was, and how our discussion only led to more uncertainty kept replaying in my head. As I spined gentle on my office seat.

I stood for a while pacing through and fore my office with my hands crossed against each other. My mind is raced as I kept trying to piece together the reasons behind the attack and the sudden withdrawal.

It almost seemed like they were trying to send a message, but then not sure what it was.

I felt a deep sadness for our pack members who were taken from us. Their families were grieving, and I could sense their pain and grievance.

I would have love to reassure them that we'll get through this, but I'm not even sure what "this" was. I thought to myself as I paced my study .

I am Alpha Bryan I must be determined to find answers, to protect our pack and prevent anything like this from happening again. But for now, I'm left with only questions and a sense of unease.

***

I and my beta stood by the window as we watched the pack recover from their loss, it's been a week already. "I was worried, that I would have lost you in battle. " I blurted out to my beta as he stood right beside me. He looked strong and fully recovered.

"If I died in battle I still would be glad I died fighting for you. " He replied as Shrivers rain down my spine as his words pleased me.

We exited, heading out to the sick bar to check up those warriors who had been badly wounded and still recovering.

" The Alpha is here. "a maiden announced as the all cleared passage for I and my beta. We surveyed round each sick bed as we assured each warrior safety and survival.

My heart broke down as I surveyed round, seeing the young ones badly injured and my warriors fighting for their life.

"Can we step out for a minute. " I said to Ivar as my voice betrayed me, tears rolled down my cheek. I wiped it immediately cause I needed to be the strong hearted for my pack.

"You seem bothered. Still concerning the attack right? " Ivar exclaimed as we stepped out of the sick bar.

"I can't stop thinking about it, even though some elders think it's a normal attack from our enemies, but I'm worried and confused. " I responded as Ivar stared quite lost I doubted he understood me.

" What makes this attack different from other attacks we've encountered? " He questioned for a while but silence enveloped a while as we stood.

I could feel my thoughts clashing against each other, I couldn't explain my self over and over cause finding a solution was what mattered I rumbled.

" We have to trace and find out every single Intel about the rouges that's what matters now. " I responded patting Ivar on the shoulder as I headed for the pack house .