Chapter 3: The Alpha

Kairo

I groaned as I sat down and watched my mother fussing around our living room, busy preparing for tomorrow's celebration. “Okay, grand piano over there. The Juliet Roses should be a little off-centered, yes. And no, no! Do not put on sage green curtains, I specifically said to bring out the cadmium green ones.” My mother hurriedly spoke while moving around our living room like a busy bee. 

“Mom, I told you that I didn’t want to have a grand party for my 18th birthday. And why did you have to call out all of the Northern packs when you know I never trust strangers?”

“Oh, loosen up Kai. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. It’s not everyday that my little baby is coming of age and finally becoming the next Alpha. And I called all of the Northern packs so there’s a higher chance that you can find your mate.” She chirpily responded.

“Mom, you know that I don’t need to find my mate when I already have—” I was interrupted by the sound of my father coming through the door. 

“Darling, I’m getting emotional. Our little Kai is finally growing up.” My mom said, leaning on my father and fakingly wiping the tears in her eyes. My dad only chuckled and listened to my mom’s drama.

I sighed and got up from the couch. “I’m going to the training room.” I entered the big white door in the basement of our house and let my eyes linger on the weapons on the table. I’ve been training hard in preparation for my coronation. I didn’t want anyone from the pack getting hurt. You see, that is my lifelong motto—The pack will always come first.

I carried a handgun and went over to the shooting range. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror of the training room as I walked over. Dark hair, tan skin, a sharp nose, and cold blue eyes stared back at me. I looked over to the target, cocked the gun, aimed it at the middle, and pulled the trigger.

Bullseye.

I smirked to myself and proceeded to shoot until the bullets of the gun ran out. I was about to fill up the cartridge with another set of bullets when I heard a familiar cough near the doorframe. It was Dalton, the pack’s incoming Delta, who was loosely holding the work phone on his left hand. 

“I knew you would be here.” He said while patting me on the back. “Spare some strength for the rest of us man. You’re already so strong but you train even harder than the newly recruited trainee warriors.”

I smirked to myself and gave him a once-over. “You need some training too, Dalt. You’ve been getting out of shape. What if your brother snatches up the Delta position?” I said, joking with him. He was one of the few people that I considered as my friend.

“Ouch man. That was a low blow. Let’s not bring up Dante in this conversation.” He said while chuckling. “I’m actually here to inform you that the council has called once again; and they’ve been getting more and more persistent each day.”

“What do they want now?”

“Same old, same old. Ever since you won last year’s Olympiads, they’ve been pestering you to join them in the junior council. Something about your strength being wasted in the pack.” He replied, while playing with the phone in his hand. “Why don’t you just give it a chance Kai? The council is notoriously known to be the strongest creatures of the land. You definitely fit inside that criteria. And besides, your talents would be honed even more if you join them.”

I sighed. “I’ve already rejected them, Dalt. And who will lead this pack if I go, hmm? You? I’ve already made up my mind. You know what my focus is, The pack—”

“always comes first. Yeah, yeah. You’ve been saying that since forever. I also think that the pack is important but would it really be a good choice if you reject the council? They’re the council man! It would be outrageous to get on their nerves. Do you remember that guy who badmouthed council-head Kamala? They freaking cut off his tongue and the tongues of all his family members!” 

I scoffed. “ Let’s see them cut my tongue if they can. And you know what? Let’s just stop talking about this. I’ve got this, Dalton. Don’t answer any calls from them anymore.”

“Okay, chill man. I also don’t want to get on your nerves. Let’s just talk about something else— like, your birthday maybe… Are you excited?” He said, looking at me with mocking eyes.

I sighed. “Mother’s taking it up the notch. I already told her that I did not want a grand celebration. It would only bring unnecessary attention to the pack, and others may take this chance to initiate their malicious intent.” 

“Have a little fun! I remember, when I turned 18, it was the most exhilarating night of my life. I thought that I wouldn't be able to find my mate so fast, but the moment that I met Desiree, it’s like everything made sense.” He said, nudging my shoulder. “I really can’t wait for the day that you find your mate, Kai. I want to see you struggling to get her attention.”

“That’s not going to happen anytime soon, Dalton. You know that I have— “ My words were cut off with the sound of the phone ringing in Dalton’s hand. I harshly took it from his hand and looked at the caller. It was yet another unknown number. I scrunched my forehead and pressed the “answer” button, 

“Alpha Kairo of the Blood Shadow pack speaking.”

A low chuckle was the only thing heard over the phone. I frowned and looked at the caller number once again. It seemed familiar. “Who’s calling?”

“It’s a pity that you still haven’t saved our number despite our past conversations, Alpha Kairo Huxley Ford.” The low voice responded. I let out a chuckle of disbelief. “I don’t usually save numbers from irrelevant people.” 

Another laugh came out from the caller, “You’ve got the guts, Alpha. This is exactly why the council has been inviting you to join our junior program for the past year.” 

“And I’ve already told you a hundred time since the past year. My answer is no. My pack’s matters are more important than your futile program.”

“This is going to be the last time that we’re going to offer you a position, Alpha Kairo. Do you know how many prestigious families have been begging and scrounging just so they could get their children in this so-called futile program? Are you aware of how big of an opportunity you’re letting loose because of your stubbornness? This is your last chance Mr. Ford. Come to the council before your coronation, and you’ll be bathing in power, money, and influence for all your life.”

My frown got deeper, ‘Listen here, don’t act like I’m the one at loss here. I know that my strength is something that you need in the council; and I definitely don’t need your help in flourishing. You better keep your promise. This better be the last time that you’re going to call.”

“Just make you won’t regret what’s going to come, Mr. Ford.”

“I won’t.”

“We’ll see.”