Chp 2 Pt. 1 - The Palmetto Wolves

Thierry

I have watched Davina grow up throughout the years and have been around her whole life. She considers me somewhat of an uncle and I consider her my niece. I have wolves surrounding her should something go wrong. Some of my best warriors work at the Ortiz restaurant. I have even placed wolves at the university as professors, students or even security guards. The Smith twins, Daniel and Daniela, are my best and most fierce warriors. If someone took on one of the twins they wouldn’t stand a chance but together those two are deadly. Only my son Mark could only best them if they don’t fight together, though I have caught him letting Daniela win. I am happy for my son.

I do hope Daniela turns out to me his mate. The night we lost Davina’s parents still haunts me. Probably always will. I failed in protecting them but I would not fail their daughter. I insisted they flee but Lux was too proud to run and wanted to ensure everyone else was evacuated before leaving himself. Celestia refused to leave her mate’s side. We were outnumbers and unprepared for the surprise attack. No one expected to be betrayed by my own brother, Thomas which makes me feel even more like shit because I trusted him with everything. I have spent the last fifteens years trying to track that son of a bitch down to make him pay.

After the meeting with Daniel and Isla I returned to my pack territory and called for a council meeting. After talking to Mark on the phone I message Keila and Derek to be present as well. They will need to start sitting in on these meetings since I am going to have Derek start his alpha training. The elders of the pack fully support in protecting the last silver dragon. They know what it means should Davina be killed. Dragons would cease to exist. Slowly dragons would start losing their magical powers and die off.

The rogues are trying to make dragons extinct. That’s my guess anyway. Shifters will lose their ability to transform and witches and warlocks would lose their powers. We cannot allow that to happen. I feel bad but a lot is riding on Davina’s shoulders and she doesn’t even know it. I’ll need to let Daniel know about her visit at the lake. She’s too trusting and I don’t like this lone wolf stalking Davina. I don’t like having a wolf near my territory that I cannot control. It’s unsettling. I can hear lots of conversation coming from the conference room but it quickly dies down as soon as I enter the room and I get straight to the point.

“Good evening elders. I called this meeting as the time we have feared is going to be soon upon us. Davina’s mark is slowly fading and we believe her memories are slowly coming back to her. She has been having dreams and has drawn pictures of her mother. As the mark fades, more of her powers will slip through and the rogues will be able to sense it. Her memories will slowly return and she will end up with questions we will have to answer.” I show them all the picture Isla sent me. It is definitely an exact sketch of Celestia.

“How is this possible? She shouldn’t be able to come into her powers until she is eighteen,” asks elder Richard.

“I don’t know. Typically silver dragons do come into their powers and ability to shift when they reach the age of eighteen. The warlocks are not sure why she is showing signs early. Though we have our suspicions,” I state. “Mark I have informed the warriors that work at the restaurant and on campus to be on high alert. Gather the rest of your warriors and create a schedule. We need someone watching her 24/7.” Mark may be only seventeen but none of my warriors have bested him. He definitely is the strongest besides Derek. Mark didn’t want to go off to college so I gave him the job of warrior trainer and he has far exceed my expectations. I am damn proud of the boy.

“Consider it done dad but don’t you think she sense she is being watched?” Mark asks.

“Daniela alerted me about the lone wolf who is a second year at the college. Mark and Daniela saw him at the lake with Davina earlier today. He has been visiting the restaurant regularly for the last two years and has recently taken an interest in Davina. I don’t think this is a coincidence and I want to be cautious. I don’t like having this lone wolf following Davina around,” I inform everyone.

“Who is this lone wolf Alpha,” elder Conrad asks.

“His name is Enzo Black. I have been aware of his presence since he started attending college but he wasn’t showing interest in Davina when he first arrived. He has kept to himself and has shown no interest in joining the pack. He also doesn’t appear to be hanging around any rogues we’ve seen. Mark have someone dig up his history. I want to know where he comes from, who his parents are, hell even his shoe size. I want to know everything. I’m sure he is aware of our pack presence and wants to keep his distance. So we need to have a wolf near her at all times.”

“I’ll get Carter on it immediately father. He is our best investigator. But wouldn’t it make the rogues more suspicious of who Davina is if we start having wolves following her all the time. We know they are watching our every move and already assume who she is but wouldn’t this confirm it,” Mark replies. He has good instincts.

“Yes, but I’d rather take that risk than have her get attacked with no guards around. Another thing I want to inform y’all is I will begin Derek’s alpha training immediately.” The elders start muttering among themselves before Derek speaks up.

“Not that I am ungrateful for the opportunity father but why now? I thought I wouldn’t start that training until I am twenty,” asks Derek. I feel bad we did have a deal he could attend two years of college before we had to begin his training, but that is now off the table. He can take classes online if he still wishes to get a degree.

“Derek, there is going to be a war coming up. It could be tomorrow, it could be two years from now, I don’t know. I don’t plan on going anywhere but should the worst happen to me our pack needs to continue to have a leader. So your training will begin now,” I reply.

“Understood father, I won’t let you down,” he says.

“Keila, continue working closely with Bryson. We will need as many pack doctors as we can get to be prepared for attacks. I suspect the rogues will strike soon. It could be weeks or even years but it’s definitely going to happen. We need to expect they will attack at any moment,” I tell Keila, my eldest child and only daughter. She could’ve been the next alpha but chose to be a doctor instead, handing it down to Derek.

“Don’t worry father, I’m ready,” Keila replies. “Also father, I figured now would be the time to bring this up since everyone has gathered. I found my mate. It’s Owen Meadows.” I try to hide my annoyance with a fake smile. This is my baby girl we’re talking about and she goes and mates with Derek’s immature friend. I only hope he will wisen up now that he is mated to Keila.

“Congratulations Keila,” say the elders in unison. I try regaining my composure so I don’t sound angry. She is happy and I won’t ruin the moment for her.

“Guess I’ll need to be having a talk with Owen,” I state. I am happy for her but she is my only little girl.

“Be nice daddy. He’s really great I promise,” Keila begs.

“I can be nice and still ensure he treats my baby girl right,” I reassure her. She rolls her eyes and smiles at me. I can’t help but chuckle a little.

“Does anyone have any questions or concerns? If so we need to address them now,” I state to the group. I am ready for this meeting to be over.

Elder Carole speaks up and I try not to roll my eyes. “If your son is going to be going through the alpha training process, might we also start holding gatherings to find his Luna?” I was hoping to not have to address this now but she is right. A pack is strongest when the alpha has found his luna.

“Give me a year to work with the boy on his alpha training and how to run the family business. After a year we will begin holding the gathers to find his Luna. I don’t see a reason to rush on that front right now. Derek does that plan seem fair to you?” I need Derek to start making decisions on his own since he is going to be taking over.

“That plan works for me father. I understand the duties of an alpha,” Derek says with confidence. I know he will make a fine alpha as long as he quits the drinking.

“Anything else that needs to be discussed,” I ask. I scan around the room. There appears to be a collective heads nodding no around the room. “Alright then, thank you all for coming. Have a good night. Derek your training starts first thing tomorrow morning 8am. Do not be late. I need to tell you about the war, Day of Sorrow and the silver dragons so you understand what we are up against. This will also help prepare you for future battles that lie ahead.”

“Yes sir,” he replies.

After that, everyone files out of the room retiring for the night. No sooner had the meeting ended there was a knock on my office door. By the smell I could tell it was my mate. She smells of caramel and eucalyptus. My favorite smells. I smile.