Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Gracia’s POV

“You can’t tell me that!” I refused to believe the report they brought to me.

“I spoke with my father yesterday and he was hail and hearty. What are you trying to say?” I shook my head in disbelief.

I knew my father to be a very strong man, and all of a sudden his health was failing and he wouldn’t be able to lead the pack again.

“That’s absurd!” I screamed at Stella’s face because she was the one that brought the report to me.

She knew better than anyone how I would react in such a situation.

“I want to see my father, right now.” I informed her strictly and she lowered her head to the ground.

“I’m sorry, my lady but the elders are already holding a dismissal meeting in the main hall. You need to be there.” she urged me sadly and I sighed heavily.

“Seriously? They have the guts!” I cried out in anger.

I never knew they could be so anxious and impatient to claim my father’s position. The smile they waved at him and friendly discussions were all false.

“Too bad.” I sneered because I was never going to let them have my father’s pack under my watch.

It was something he fought for throughout his youth, he used his sweat and strength to build this pack that was lurking in harmony. I can’t afford to cast it off to strangers.

“Let’s go.” I shoved Stella away, giving her no room to lead me as I headed towards the main hall.

The entire hall was in uproar as everyone had their own decision and suggestion as to who would claim the throne. They were agitating and also quarreling.

“The Lady of Honour is here!” Stella announced my presence and I cleared my throat as I walked up to the front. I didn’t get closer to the throne but I stood somewhere that everyone could see me.

“Lady of Honour.” they bowed in unison and I waved my hand at them.

“My father is sick and everyone is abolished to pray, how come there is pressure here?” I asked vividly in an annoying tone, acting as though I had no idea what they were talking about.

“Our apologies, my lady but the pack’s safety is at stake. The throne cannot be empty for one day.” one of the Betas cried out and I smirked.

“He is sick and not dead!” I spat at his face.

“My father is alive and is only having a bed rest, why is everyone so anxious and can’t wait for his order?” I questioned them in contempt and they all lowered their faces in shame, I assumed they felt guilty.

“But….” another tried to speak but I interrupted him notwithstanding.

“Since my father is alive, there is no room to discuss the ‘ new’ leadership.” I paused.

“We must wait for his return; thus, this meeting is adjourned and has come to an end.” I said seriously as I crossed my hand at my back.

“My lady…” Stella's eyes urged me to leave. I obeyed her because she was my spirit beast and somehow has control over me.

 We left the main room and I rushed to my father’s chamber. It has been years since I heard he fell sick. I wondered what startled him so.

“Dad.” I called out as soon as his servant ushered me in, my mother was sitting beside him but she stood up immediately she saw me.

His eyes were closed and he wasn’t active like he used to.

“Mum, what happened to father?” I asked sadly with curiosity lancing in my weak eyes.

“We went hunting yesterday but he fell off a branch and broke his waist. The physician said he will be fine.” she assured me with a warm smile, I sighed heavily and turned to my father.

“Why did he climb? Has he forgotten he is now an old man?” I scolded him for no reason as tears gathered around my eyelids, it hurt to see my father lying down as though he was dead. I was scared for some reason.

“I think it’s my fault.” I turned to my mother who started sobbing all of a sudden, I left his side and rushed over to her.

“Mother…” I called out to her softly, as I embraced her partly.

“I told him I wanted the rowan flower so I could beautify our bedroom, it was too far from his reach but he didn’t fail to bring it down for me…. that was how he broke his waist.” she broke out in tears and I patted her back gently.

“I know how deep father loves you, it’s not your fault mum.” I tried to convince her rather than break her heart.

I knew how deeply my parents were in love with each other, even when he married a second wife out of his context, she stood by him till the end. They loved each other and were destined mates.

Father would do anything to please mother, that was why I never spoke rudely at her concerning the situation.

“As long as he can wake up, I will be fine.” I smiled at her and she nodded her head.

“My lady…!” Stella called me anxiously and I turned around, I saw my father’s eyes blinking and my heart throbbed.

“Father..” he was waking up and my mother looked delighted, we rushed towards him as he fully opened his eyes.

“Sweetheart.” my mother cupped his face with her hand as a small smile spread on her lips.

“I’m sorry for making you cry, my Luna.” my father apologized in a whispering tone.

“Father, how are you feeling?” I questioned anxiously, staring at him, he narrowed his gaze at me.

“My pony.” he smiled warmly, beckoning for me to come forward.

“Father…” I was so happy to see him again, at least he wasn’t going to die.

“What are you doing here?” That was the next question he asked me, I exchanged weird stares with my mother and Stella.

“What do you mean, father? I’m worried about you.” I said.

“But, you are not supposed to be here….” he said, looking at me coldly.

I wondered why my father wasn’t pleased with my presence.

“Why? Where should I be if not with you?” I questioned sadly as fear started enveloping my heart. He knew how I had loved him for being my best father.

“Because you are the new Alpha of Wind Pack.” he said vividly.

“What?” My mouth hung in the air, I was shocked.