The King and I
Alex gave me a lot to think about during our dance. He first corrected my assumptions about Sophie and Godric. Then he showed me how important the ring I wore was to his brother. The only gift he has ever given is to me. As always, a simple conversation with Alex set me straight.
As soon as the song was over, I decided I was all partied out. I was full of ‘Happy Birthdays’ and well wishes. The day ended perfectly.
As I turned towards the house, Alex grabbed my arm. “Where are you going?”
“It’s getting late,” I said feeling a bit nostalgic. It was a night just like this that I met both Alex and Godric. And just when I tried to retreat to my room, Alex stopped me in the same manner.
“You can’t go to bed just yet. We haven’t even had cake.”
“Cake?”
As if on cue, the crowd parted, making way for Anna to walk through holding a triple chocolate cake. The same cake my dad would make for m
The First Time The next morning, my body felt compelled to run. I craved the wind against my skin. The sun had barely risen and after last night’s party, I knew not many wolves would be out. Early morning was always the perfect time to run. To my surprise, the house was very active for this early in the morning. Servants were running up the stairs with books in their hands and elders following behind them. I don’t think I have ever seen this many people in the house at one time. My ears perked as I watched them pass me on the stairs. One elder gave me weird look that I couldn’t place. The voices of several men were shouting from the floor above, where the Alphas office was held. Exactly where the servants and elders were all headed. The yelling was so loud and from so many different people that I could not decipher what they were saying. But I could tell from the harsh tones, it must have been bad. I stalled on
Getting Settled Security guards were surrounding the Alpha's gate when I approached the house. One of them grabbed a walkie-talkie and said, “She’s here Alpha.” I didn’t have to look around to know they were talking about me. They all moved to the side to let me by. I could feel their glares on me as I passed with my head held low. I took from Annas comment that Godric may have made a big deal about me missing. I promised him months ago, that I would only run near the inner perimeter. I broke that promise today. I wondered what kind of hysteria he caused during my absence. But I didn’t want to see him if he was mad. My need to see him was now shrinking. All I needed to do was make it up the stairs and around the corner. And I would be in the clear. I entered the house, hoping to make a beeline to my room. But instead, I was greeted with that scent. That sweet scent. Only this time it was stronger than ev
Goodbye Alpha The celebration for the Alpha began promptly at five pm. A precession line began at the Alpha’s house and headed towards a riverbank by the bottom of the mountain. The entire pack marched in silence. The atmosphere was unlike any other. Yesterday, everyone was partying like there was no tomorrow. And now they were dressed in all black. With veils and shades on. And in their hand, carrying one single white flower. Miss Gillery designed a simple knee-high black dress for me with black flats. I kept my eyes to the ground as we continued our long path. My arms were entangled with Anna's as we walked together. I could not see her face but her sniffles were beginning to become louder. The tears flowing down everyone’s eyes began to wet the ground beneath our feet. Apart from the traditional all-black attire, the Alpha’s entire funeral was completely Viking style. I made sure to ask Anna later if this was a norma
The Next Luna I was surprised to see more people joining us upon our return from the burning of Alpha Kens body. Neighboring packs had come to pay their respect to his family. Most of them were not scheduled to arrive until tomorrow to attend Godric’s ceremony. But they decided to come early for the funeral. The procession line made its way to the dining hall, which was now dimly lit. The long table that always sat in the middle of the dining hall was broken down into many small tables. And a few extra tables were brought in to accommodate the guest. The tables were draped with black table clothes and a vase full of flowers was placed in the middle of each. Luna Ariel and her family were placed at the end of the hall to have a full view of everyone and everything. Godric, being the new Alpha sat in the middle. With his brother and new Beta sitting on one side and the old Luna sitting on the other side. A few reserved ta
There She Is We turned to see where the voice was coming from. Back by the swing stood a tall man. I didn’t recognize who it was because of the lack of light. But Godric knew exactly who it was. He moved his body in between me and the shadowy figure. When he finally came out from the shadow of the tree, I gripped onto Godric’s coat. “What are you doing here Evander?” Godric asked in a bitter tone. Evander was here. In the pack lands. He stood there with his hands in his pocket. Wearing a black button-down shirt, clip-on tie, and black jeans. It was the most informal attire I’ve seen since the funereal began. “I came to pay my respects to the late Alpha. Like everyone else here. Is that a problem?” “Is that all?” Godric asked. Evander walked a few steps closer to us. “And to check on my tribute. Of course. But I guess I don’t need to. You seem to be taking great care of her.” He said acknowledging
Why So Many Questions All it took was one male to grab a girl by the hand and everyone was on the dance floor. We honored Luna Ariel's request. The rest of the night was spent laughing, drinking, and dancing. Anna and I danced together until Alex joined us. He grabbed Anna's hand and twirled her around a few times. Her black a-line dress flared outward as her body turned. I stood back and enjoyed the scene. My eyes searched for Godric thinking I would get a chance to see his dance moves, but he was nowhere to be found. I imagined he was off trying to figure out how Evander got so close to us without a word from the guards. I didn't have to stand by myself much longer. Nick, the friendly pilot, approached me with his hand out. I willingly took it. He took one of my hands in his and place his other hand on my back. Nick was a good dancer. I thought we would enjoy the dance like everyone else, gawking at the other
The Forgotten Son “Who is Nick?” She asked me in return. “Why do you ask that?” “Shhh.” I placed my finger to my mouth letting her know to lower her voice. I did not want Alex to hear us. Speaking in a lower tone, I explained. “Because he was acting weird during our dance. Asking me questions about me and Godric.” I could have slapped myself. Besides Luna Ariel, I wasn’t sure who else knew that Godric and I were mated. But I knew he did not want anyone else to know. “You and Godric? What about you and Godric.” I looked at her seriously. Almost ashamed for not telling her sooner. “If I tell you something. I need you to keep it quiet.” I waited a few seconds before continuing to show her I was serious. “Godric and I are mated.” Her eyes grew big and she squealed loudly. “Why didn’t you tell me? I just knew your mate was close.” “Shhhh,” I told her again. “I promise I will tell you everything tomorr
The Ceremony My first Alpha Ascension Ceremony. Many years ago, when I was a little girl, my father told me about his first Alpha ascension ceremony. He said there is nothing like the rise of a new Alpha. It’s the moment when everyone gets to see who the Alpha really is. This male they watched grow up now becomes an Alpha. Who’s he going to be? How’s he going to act? Who will he trust? How will he lead all of his people? Will he be ruthless or kind? As we prepare for today’s ceremony, those are the questions running through everyone’s mind right now. What kind of leader will Godric be? The ceremony was going to be a formal event. The field to the side of the Alphas house where we gathered for all festivals had been transformed into something beautiful. Decorations started going up earlier that day. Red wisteria flowers were hung from the tree branches to dangle above our heads. Small garden lights were stuffed i