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
A Dance to Remember The entire duration of the ceremony, my eyes were glued to Godric. It wasn't until the celebratory part of the night started that I noticed an increase in attendance. There were almost fifty more people than last night. More alphas, more Lunas, and more daughters willing to be married to the Alpha King. Once we gathered under the tent, the music started playing and food was brought out. Same as last night. Only this time, Alex and Godric were at a table by themselves. Constantly approached my Alpha’s wanting to discuss politics, borders, and marriages. I had no idea how much responsibility would gall on Godric once he officially became Alpha King. No wonder why his father started training him and Alex at a young age. If he did not, he may have been crushed under the weight of dealing with so much. With her status now lower, Luna Ariel was now seated with everyone else. I found her sitting at a
No More Words I watched as Sophie pushed her way through the crowd. My vision of her blurred as a hand was thrown into my face. “Let me help you up.” Godric was now kneeling down to help me to my feet. Once I was standing straight, I dusted off my dress while Godric searched me for injuries. His hands were all around me. “I’m okay Godric! I’m okay.” I said as I pushed his hands away. Everyone’s eyes were focused on the Alpha and me. I bowed excusing myself from the party. “I think I’ve had too much fun and embarrassment for tonight. And I still need to pack. Good night and see you in the morning.” I left the tent and headed for the house without waiting for a response. I didn’t even take time to say goodbye to Alex or Godric. I was halfway to the front door when I heard him approaching behind me. “I said goodnight Godric!” “And I’m sure he appreciated that.” I turned around to see Alex ap
Zaya POV“I won't go!!!” I shouted as I packed my bags. It was six in the morning and we were supposed to be in the car within twenty minutes ago.I was stalling, trying to get my point across.“We don’t need to visit the Black Woods pack.” “Yes, we do, Zaya.”“No…we don’t!” My voice was raised and I had no doubt we were waking the neighbors with our disagreement.He sighed loudly. “We cannot skip the Black Woods. Especially for the reason of simply not liking them.” He retorted.“Simple?” I questioned and then whisper shouted. “You think my reason is simple? He made my friend a rogue for being a victim. For defending herself.”He sighed again as if I was frustrating him. “I never said your reason was simple. It's no reason to cancel a visit.”“It is in my eyes.” I said while slowing my packing. In a more quieted voice, I said, “That man hurt our Audrey. What makes you think she wants to go back.”I was sure if she didn’t know now, she was going to know as soon as we hit the road.“I
Godric POVWe reassembled and began making our way to the next destination as if nothing had happened. But in this car, time had stopped. I could feel the surge of emotions coming from Zaya. She sat close to me, but her arms were wrapped tightly around her body as she continued to look out the window.“Are you okay?” I asked her.I could feel her vulnerability and anger. The mate bond was tearing at my heart.“Talk to me Zaya.”She shook her head as the tears filled the corner of her eyes. “I shouldn’t be mad or sad. I could only imagine how the rogue pack felt about when they….when he….I know they hate me.”“They don’t hate you. They hate us.”She turned to me just as a tear tumbled down her cheek. “They hate me. He didn’t call you names. He didn’t speak your name as if it tasted bitter on his tongue. Not like when he said my name.”She faced the window again.I had no words for her so I wrapped my arm around her back and drew her closer to me. She was exposed in ways she hadn’t b
Godric POVMy brother mind linked me to stay inside our vehicle. He was taking charge and keeping to the protocol we had gone over multiple times. I didn’t mind. There were only ten wolves I could see, and they seemed to be in a weakened state.I lowered my window to hear the conversation between him and their supposed leader. The one who stood closer to Alex. The one who crossed his arms to seem at ease as the others stood rigid.“State your business!” Alex shouted from a distance. One of his main rules was for everyone to stay at least twenty feet from any rogue we would come in contact with.Their leader huffed. “This is a public road. You state your business here.” He retorted.The male was a scrawny guy who stood with so much confidence. The others around him laughed as if he had told the joke of the year. But I didn’t see anything funny. All I could see were ten wolves looking to die.Sensing trouble in the air, I placed my hand on the handle of the door to exit the car. Then a
POV ZayaVisiting so many packs in such a short time had my mind overflowing. It was stuffed with the knowledge of the different cultures. And the many faces that came with that knowledge clouded my memories.I met five Alpha’s and four Luna’s. Alpha Christian was unmated, which is why he greeted us alone. I asked why he never took a chosen mate and he said he didn’t believe in anything the Moon Goddess did not gift him. I wasn’t sure how he remained Alpha without a Luna by his side.Many wolves believed that an Alpha needed a mate for the pack to survive. Strength through Unity is what they often require of an Alpha. Knowing that had me looking at Godric and wondering what would have happened if he had never come to get me. If he had never fought to be with me.Would I have heard of him taking a chosen mate? Maybe a political match? Maybe even making Sophia his Luna despite her attitude. She loved him and would have done anything to be his Luna. Not to mention her strength that was a
POV ZayaThe Tour to visit every pack under Godric’s reign began a few weeks after my third trimester. Evidence of my rounding belly was now noticeable beneath my clothing.We packed up a few SUVs and headed out first thing after breakfast. I would miss all of the smiling faces that lined up along the main roads leading to our borders to bid us farewell.Alex and Audrey traveled in the SUV behind us. The other vehicles carried nothing but guards and a few Elders. It was strange traveling like the president. Safely pawned from one set of guards to the next every few hours.When I saw the soldiers loaded into their respective cars, I kept wondering how all this would look to a human. Ten cars full of fighters traveling through major cities across North America. And then I realized, it wouldn’t look like anything at all.We drove around all the major metropolitan areas on the map to get to our first stop. I guess Alex wasn’t going to risk us drawing too much attention.On the way, we sto
Godric POVZaya was worried. And she had every right to be. If Mia’s attitude was any indication, Mason had a pack of wolves that hated the current Luna Queen.Who knows what will happen once the rogues find out that she is living happily and carrying the future King?“You know she could be carrying a girl.” Alex teased.“I know.”“I’m just saying, you keep referencing the baby as the future King. Like you are trying to will it so. That’s no how genetics works, brother.”“No, but I could hope.”He chuckled missing the dread behind my words. It’s not that I hoped the baby was a boy, it’s that I hoped he would actually be the next Alpha King. I hoped Zaya wouldn’t have to endure the pain that will follow we cannot make him so.“I think we should double the security team traveling with us. Just to be safe.”“You really are paranode.”“I’m Beta. I’m supposed to think of the things you do not.”I couldn’t argue with him there. It was what he trained for. To think of all the things that I n
Zaya POVAs soon as Godric entered our room, I started questioning him. My nerves had been bad since the moment he left the pack lands to meet with Mason and Mia.This would be his first time seeing Mason since the death of Evander and I was worried the meeting wouldn’t go well.What of it was a trap? What if they retaliated?Audrey kept me company the entire time, but still I remained anxious.“How was it?” I asked as soon as the bedroom door closed.He smiled slightly while approaching me. The smell of him quickly calmed my soul. He leaned down to kiss my cheek before answering.“It was okay.”“Just okay? What did you guys talk about? Were they hostile? Are there any signs of vengeance?I could tell from the look in his eyes, something happened.“Yes, it was okay. We talked about his new recruits. And the only thing hostile was Mia’s attitude.”I smirked. “Ah, yes. The infamous Mia.”I mentioned Mia while I was telling him about my life as the tribute. I told him that out of all the
Godric POVTensions ran high as the Elders debated Mason’s intentions. They held a meeting less than an hour after our return.Elder Grey yelled across the room. “We cannot assume they will start another war!”Elder Elias responded, “We cannot assume they will do nothing to avenge Evander.”One by one, they all started to shout over each other.“We’re talking about rogues here. They aren’t trained enough to lead a large-scale attack.”“You don’t need training to shift or carry a weapon.” Another said.Others agreed with him.“And you don’t need a sign from the Moon Goddess to know Alpha Mason is planning something.”Alex’s ears perked up at that comment.Elder John spoke up, “How are you going to defend the pack and we have yet to find out how Evander crossed our borders unprotected.”More whispers and more voices echoed in the room.The Elders were angry and impatient, but so was I. This unruly conduct wasn’t helping matters. Remembering my fathers words to keep the Elders in order,
POV Godric1 Month LaterIt took too long to get a response from Mason. He accepted the letters from the messengers that I sent to his territory, though he wouldn’t let them go past the border.I don’t blame him for being cautious, but I don’t appreciate my people not being able to gather any details.And I also don’t appreciate Mason’s lack of response. The first two letters, my people returned empty handed.The third letter, my people returned with a promise that he would call soon to talk.The elders were getting antsy and so was I. I expected a phone call within the week, but nothing.Then I realized, he was definitely stalling. He didn’t have a number to call. Every time we met with Evander, it was face to face. And agreeing to meet for the truce was done by letter.So I sent one last letter requesting him to meet on neutral ground today.We had much to discuss. The recent foot traffic from rogues was growing by the week and none of the surrounding Alpha’s were happy.Though none