Kris’s POV
You would think that as children of the Alpha, we would have had an easy childhood. But the truth is, it was far from sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows.
Our dad was strict, a stoic Alpha. Every bit a man’s man. He didn’t like to be seen as weak. It truly pissed him off that our mother was a kind and gentle soul that didn’t like violence.
She was an amazing mother. She was always giving us affection and playing with us. Telling us stories, singing us songs. Nothing was too much trouble for her. They may have been small things, but they were the world to us. We hung onto everything she said and did. She would tell us every night that being our mom was a blessing, and that she wouldn’t change anything about her life. Because then she wouldn’t have us.
We knew our dad wasn’t the best mate for her, even from a young age. He made her so unhappy. Deeply unhappy. He didn’t treat her as well as he should have. He didn’t physically abuse her, but he let her know frequently she wasn’t what he expected for ‘his mate.’
It was common to see her with tears in her eyes after being with our dad. But she never said anything negative about him. Now all we have are the memories she left us with.
Our pack was attacked. The wolf less and the vulnerable were taken to protective shelters. Most of the warriors went to the major fight, with a few protecting the shelters. I didn’t see what happened. I was at the back with the other kids. But someone told my brother and I that the rogues killed the warriors and made it into the shelter.
To buy time until help arrived, our mom, the Luna of River Valley Pack. Sacrificed herself to save others. Mom was no fighter. But she and a few others stalled the rogues long enough for help to arrive.
It was only after she was gone did our jerk of a father finally realized what an amazing person she was and how her gentleness pleased him. But by that time, it was too late. Dad got bitter and angry when he realized this. He felt that he should have been stronger to keep her safe.
I bet if you asked any pack member, they would say she was far too good for him.
Nathan and I would sing her songs and read her books to each other, just trying to keep her memory alive. It was all we had. We often cried ourselves to sleep thinking about her. We could only aspire to be as special and loving as her when we grew up. She was undeniably someone special, and we both knew it.
My name is Kristen Steel, everyone calls me Kris. my older twin brother Nathan and I, are 17 years old, and we are the best of friends. No matter what, we always had each other’s backs. Our plan was for it to stay that way. We may be non-identical twins, but at the end of the day, we are family, bound by blood.
We have grown into remarkable and compassionate adults. We hope our mom would be proud of us. But we couldn’t let Dad see that side of us. He would see it as a weakness.
Our dad had warriors train us from a young age, but he forbade us to fight. He didn’t want us to be weak once we received our wolves. He would say ‘a strong human gets a strong wolf.’
When we were younger, on top of our regular schooling, he would also have tutors come and give us extra classes on pack history and diplomacy. We barely had a chance to be children.
Nathan is the future Alpha of the River Valley Pack. I am expected to be the future Luna to another pack. Our dad doesn’t want us to be seen as weak idiots, as that would look bad on him. It was always about his image, and how others perceived him. Both me and Nathan hated him for that. He never once saw us as his children or the young adults we were becoming.
When we started high school, we started making friends. Nathan had the type of friends that could help him lead and guide the pack. They were all like-minded and loyal to him. A lot of the girls throw themselves at them, acting like idiots. It was fun watching them, trying to get his attention. They didn’t stand a chance. Both me and Nathan planned on saving ourselves for our fated mate. Just like our mom did.
My friends were quite adventurous and a little mischievous. I am not saying we were a bad influence on each other, but we didn’t mind getting into a bit of trouble. They also became my female companions for me. I got to learn the more feminine ways my dad couldn’t teach me.
He would let me have sleepovers at their houses, which is where I learned about how to do my hair and make-up. He would allow me to go shopping with their moms for clothes and shoes. Dad offered to put me on courses or have his Beta take me, but that wouldn’t be the same.
Our wolves appeared on our 16th birthday. Nathan’s wolf was pure black fur named Ezra. Whereas mine was a pure white wolf named Siren. She is gorgeous, smart, and bigger than most females.
Other than being beautiful, the other thing that is special about Siren is that she is fast. Faster than Ezra, and faster than any wolf in the pack. Ezra was strong, a lot stronger than Siren. Dad believed it was because we were physically strong and had good genetics that we were blessed. I think Siren has the better skill.
Dad often went to Alpha meetings around the country, taking Nathan with him. He occasionally took me along with them. I figured out quickly though that it was because some of the other Alpha’s had sons of a similar age to me. It made me feel like a prize cow he was flaunting around.
I would disappear for hours on end, working in the Alpha’s Garden or going swimming if they had a lake. Trying to burn off some of my anger and frustration. Nathan understood. Dad didn’t have a clue. Or if he did, he said nothing.
As our 18th birthday approached, I asked Dad if I could leave the pack house and have my place. I told him I would need to learn some homely duties and learn how to be independent. I didn’t know which pack I would end up living in and I couldn’t depend on others to do everything for me.
I presented it to him as a chance for me to learn. I mentioned to him that my future mate might want to live separately from the pack. That I would struggle as I had no domestic expertise. My mate may see me as weak.
He thought about it for a while and eventually said yes. He couldn’t say no. I would be useless around the house if I lived alone with my mate. Dad didn’t like the thought of his daughter not being able to do anything. It would reflect badly on him. What I didn’t say was that I couldn’t wait to be away from him. It would also give somewhere for Nathan to go to if Dad became too much. As well as having somewhere I could be myself with my friends.
I got my house keys a few days before my birthday. My friends Isabelle, Lacie, and Erin helped me move in. I had the realization that I had been living in the pack house my entire life after everyone left. I was always surrounded by people. Now I was on my own, I felt lonely. I assigned Nathan a bedroom. I hardly ever spent time away from Nathan. It’s scary what you miss when it’s gone.
Kris’s POV “Are you nervous?” Nathan asked me. It’s nearly midnight. We decided to spend the evening together, alone at my house. “Nothing to be nervous about. I have the best brother and an amazing wolf.” “And a dad you can almost tolerate,” he says, finishing my sentence. We both laugh, but he’s not wrong. Once we turn 18, our wolves can establish a mental connection with the pack. They will also have the chance to recognize their mate. Their soul mate. But the truth is, neither me nor Nathan are that interested. Yes, finding our perfect soul mate is important. Having our fated mate by our side will make us stronger. But what is the rush? We are barely adults. It’s a lifelong commitment, being marked. We want to enjoy a bit of life before it becomes too serious. Dad has already increased the pressure on Nathan to become Alpha. He wants him to take over in the next few months. Surely that is enough pressure for him already? Our birthday came and went. The onl
Siren’s POV I sprinted to the edge of the forest, getting there before Ezra. Wolves were fighting fiercely in the center of the field. Noah, my dad’s wolf, was among them. He was easy to spot, as he was taller than the rest of the wolves in our pack. This also made him a target. The border patrol obviously discovered the attack and alerted Dad. Dad would have sent a message to sound the alarm while making his way to the border, ready to fight. Dead wolves surrounded him, probably members of the border patrol. They are fast and observant, but not strong. That is why we have warriors. Although we have our differences, he always taught us that an Alpha leads. They do not hide behind their warriors like cowards. I have never seen him back down from a fight, verbally or physically. I can honestly say that it’s the one thing everyone in this pack respects that about him. More rogues are running from the forest. I must be one of the first ones to arrive, as there aren’t man
Nathan’s POV I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I mean I could. But I couldn’t believe it. Dad must have acted so quickly. We only had that argument a few days ago. He must have submitted the paperwork that day. What a total douche! I still wouldn’t wish him dead. But what a damned douche. “We have to talk,” I tell Kris as we leave the pack house. Council Member Clayton has made it very clear I am never to be the Alpha of the River Valley Pack. I want Kris to know that I will support her in her role as Alpha. If it’s not me, then there is no better alternative than Kris. I feel bad for my friends. They have been preparing for the day I became Alpha. They have practically been preparing for the positions of Beta and Gamma. “Yes, we certainly do.” She answers me. “Can we discuss it after Emily has gone to bed? I think this is a conversation we need to have.” I asked Kris. She nods her head at me and grabs my hand. “We can do anything as long as we stick to
Kris’s POV We loaded our bags into the SUV the night before. We had to leave at an ungodly hour for the 9-hour journey to the Yellow Forest Pack. “That’s nine hours without stopping, Kris,” Rylee informs me. “Oh, goddess,” Lacie says, looking like someone just ate her last chocolate bar. She was no better in the morning when our alarms went off. Complaining about it being too early and that she needed her beauty sleep. “Stop being a princess.” Rylee told her, “At least you can sleep on the way.” She still looked unhappy, but it was her choice to come. We all offered to drive. But Rylee doesn’t trust any of us driving for any great distance. Telling us that our attention span was too short and that he wanted to get there in one piece. It was a long journey, but it was fun, and we stopped frequently for coffee. Eventually, we checked in with the border patrol at the Yellow Forest gates. They gave us directions to the pack house and off we drove. As we heade
Kris’s POV It was the middle of the night when we got back to the River Valley Pack. I wanted to go home. My home. Not the pack house. I wanted to be where my family was. I knew Nathan and Emily would be in bed. So I climbed on the couch and closed my eyes. Why are so many people obsessed with image and status? Are they afraid to be a strong, happy leader? That is how I want to be. That’s what Nathan did. I thought to myself as I drifted off. “Hey, Kris.” Nathan wakes me gently. I opened my eyes. It’s still dark. Nathan had put a lamp on before he came and sat beside me with a drink for both of us. I cuddled up to him and I told him about what happened. He hugs me. “The mate bond simply introduces you to your destined mate. It doesn’t make you fall in love with them.” He’s right. “I want you to be happy, Kris. Have everything in a mate that you desire. I’m glad he rejected you. I’m glad you accepted. You would never be happy with someone like him. I want you to be loved with
Rylee’s POV Kris locked herself in her old house with Nathan and Emily. She mind linked me and told me they were doing something important. When she eventually emerged, she had a well-worded letter. Which she planned on sending to every pack in the Wolf Kingdom. She also planned on sending one to the Wolf Council and the Palace. When I read the letter, it didn’t show the Wolf Council in a positive light. “They’re going to be pissed about this,” Dillon says while we’re stuffing letters into envelopes. “I don’t think Kris cares if they’re happy or not. The Wolf Council are the ones that have put her in this position. She is simply explaining to every Alpha in the Wolf Kingdom, why she wants an open invitation to visit their pack.” Kris decided to be honest about the situation the Wolf Council had put her in. I disagree with parts of Kris’s plan. Mainly sending me and one of her friends to the pack house while she goes snooping around the pack. It feels deceitful. But
Nathan’s POV Council Member Fredrick is due to arrive today. I plan on making his life difficult for the duration of his time here. “It’s disgusting what they are forcing Kris to do. It’s just wrong. Now they are sending someone to make sure she follows their stupid rules.” I ranted at Emily again. No doubt she is sick of hearing me going on about it. Despite everything, she just hands me a cupcake and kisses me. “Best mate ever,” I tell her just before I shove the cupcake in my mouth. Making her smile. I have been mind linked that the Council Member is the pack. “I have organized somewhere to stay for him,” Rylee tells me. “He’s going to be here a while and Kris won’t want him breathing down her neck.” “I hope it’s somewhere grubby,” I responded, still unhappy that he would be here watching my sister for over two years, reporting her movements back to the Wolf Council. Rylee snickers. “I have put him in that house next to the school. All those kid's day in
Kris’s POV “It’s still dark outside.” Lacie protests as we walk inside the pack house gym. “What do you expect, it’s 5 am?” Rylee says, laughing at her. The way she looks at him could curdle milk. Freddie recommended we take a picture of me holding a Sunday newspaper. He would send it to the Wolf Council later on that day. Then, on Monday, he would submit a report informing the Wolf Council that I had left that day. Effectively, I gain an extra day if he does it this way. “I know it’s early. But if we take a picture in an artificially lit room, Council Member Clayton won’t know what time of day it is.” Freddie answered her. “Now all of you start running. I need you to all make it look like you have been here for hours.” Erin, Lacie, and Isabelle. Start jogging on a treadmill. “Get that speed up. You need to be sweating.” Rylee barks at them as he takes off his top. “He is taking this way too seriously,” Isabelle says, loud and snappy. “No, he underst